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U.S. Defense Department recognizes Watertown’s Sea of Goodwill organization

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U.S. Defense Department recognizes Watertown’s Sea of Goodwill organization

February 2, 2022

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The United States Department of Defense has presented the prestigious Seven Seals Award to the Watertown Sea of Goodwill organization.

The award recognizes Sea of Goodwill for its initiative and dedication in ongoing efforts to support American servicemen and servicewomen in the area. That support includes sponsoring the annual public Veterans’/First Responders’ Appreciation Event as well as a call-line which offers assistance/referrals.

Randy Rakness and Steve Hauck, members of the Glacial Lakes Region SD Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR), nominated Sea of Goodwill for the award.

“Sea of Goodwill is so kind and willing to allow us to present awards at the annual First Responders’ Event,” said Rakness. “Sea of Goodwill is very good to ESGR. Mike Cartney, Connie Cutler, Jan DeBerg and the Watertown Sea of Goodwill are outstanding catalysts for ESGR mission accomplishment and support.

Placing ESGR on their board of directors, the Sea of Goodwill mission of ‘serving those who serve’ aligns wholly with the ESGR mission. Besides providing first-hand access to community business leaders and those providing other services to our military members, the Sea of Goodwill gets briefed on potential times when an individual should be referred to ESGR for assistance.”

“It is rare to see a Seven Seals award from ESGR,” commented Mike Cartney, Sea of Goodwill board chair. “We are deeply honored that they felt the Watertown Sea of Goodwill deserving of such recognition. “This is a clear indication of how Watertown as a whole supports their veterans both currently active and formerly serving.”

Sea of Goodwill was organized in 2012 with the help of the Watertown Area Community Foundation, the Watertown Police Department, Human Service Agency and other local organizations and volunteers. The group’s mission – to help connect veterans, service members, their families and employers to assistance and benefits.