STURGIS — The City of Sturgis is proud to recognize Craig Sanderson as one of the honorees during Military Appreciation Day at the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

For Sanderson, military service has never simply been a chapter of life - it has been a lifelong calling.

“I was born military,” Sanderson said with a smile. “I've been military all my life in some way, shape, or form.”

Born in Canton, South Dakota, Sanderson spent much of his childhood traveling the world as the son of a career Army serviceman and World War II veteran. His father's military assignments took the family from South Dakota to Washington state, Germany, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and North Dakota before eventually returning home to South Dakota. Those experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for service, patriotism, and the sacrifices made by military families.

After graduating from Canton High School in 1964, Sanderson briefly participated in Army ROTC before joining the South Dakota Army National Guard. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an Air Policeman. Stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, Sanderson was initially slated for deployment to Vietnam before receiving new orders to Strategic Air Command headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, where he helped protect one of the nation's most critical military installations during the Cold War.

His military experience would lay the foundation for a distinguished civilian career serving veterans. Following his Air Force service, Sanderson joined the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he spent more than four decades working on behalf of America's veterans. Over a 43½-year career, he served in several locations, including Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Iowa, Biloxi, Mississippi, and Sturgis, ultimately retiring in 2010 as Chief of Logistics.

Throughout his career, Sanderson remained committed to supporting those who answered the nation's call to serve.

“Veterans are America,” he said. “They answered the call. They served the country. I've been working with veterans all my life, and I don't know anything I don't like about them.”

Retirement did not slow his commitment to fellow veterans. Within months of leaving the VA, Sanderson became active with the Sturgis Honor Guard and the American Legion. Today, he serves as Commander of American Legion Post 33 and Co-Commander of the Sturgis Honor Guard.

Over the past 15 years, Sanderson has participated in more than 1,900 military funeral honors ceremonies throughout western South Dakota. Whether at Black Hills National Cemetery or small community cemeteries in towns such as Newell, Vale, White Owl, and Rochford, he and fellow Honor Guard members ensure veterans receive the respect they earned through their service.

When asked why he continues this work, Sanderson's answer is simple.

“It isn't a pleasure. It's an honor,” he said. “That's why we do it.”

Sanderson and his wife, Patricia, have built a family that includes three sons, daughters-in-law, and four granddaughters. Family remains at the center of his life, and he speaks proudly of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Despite a lifetime of service, Sanderson remains humble about being selected as a Military Appreciation Day honoree.

Like many veterans, his first reaction was to suggest someone else might be more deserving.

“Do I deserve the honor? No, give it to somebody else,” he said. “I don't need it.”

Yet those who know him would argue otherwise.

His military service, decades of work on behalf of veterans, leadership within the American Legion, and dedication to honoring fellow servicemembers have touched countless lives throughout South Dakota.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, Sanderson hopes the milestone inspires something he believes the country needs most.

“Unity,” he said. “Be proud of this country. Let's get together and accomplish something that's good for everybody.”

The City of Sturgis is honored to recognize Craig Sanderson for his lifetime of service to his nation, his fellow veterans, and his community during Military Appreciation Day at the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.