The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Chief Master Sergeant Dean L. Hillberg, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As Wing Commander, 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota Air National Guard, South Dakota, from 3 December 2013 to 31 December 2016. Chief Hillberg is the consummate professional who demands the highest standards, attention to detail, and excellence in Airmen under his authority. Chief Hillberg formalized a mentoring and sponsorship program which ensures every Airman in the Wing has an opportunity to receive performance feedback, create development opportunities, and reach each individual’s maximum potential. He also helped create and organize the “Rising 6 Council,” empowering junior enlisted to help provide direction, growth, and future opportunities for the enlisted force leading to overall wing and airmen success. With a last minute inspection change, Chief Hillberg’s guidance and leadership was instrumental during Air Combat Command’s Unit Effectiveness Inspection when the Wing received the first “Highly Effective” rating. Whether supporting the unit’s ongoing efforts to provide a 24/7 Aerospace Control Alert detachment in California for Operation NOBLE EAGLE, supporting a Theater Security Package deployment to the Republic of Korea, or individual mobilizations throughout the world, Chief Hillberg ensured Airmen were ready and highly trained for their mission and their families were supported during these critical times. He demands a unit safety conscious culture which certainly led to the Wing winning both the Major General John J. Pesch Safety Award and the South Dakota Safety Council “Award of Honor” for the fifth consecutive year. Chief Hillberg’s superior leadership directly contributed to the Wing receiving the National Guard Association of the United States Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque, presented to the Top 5 highest rated flying units in the Air National Guard. The culmination of Chief Hillberg’s passionate focus on mission accomplishment, steadfast dedication and exemplary leadership are absolutely reflected in the United States Air Force awarding the 114th Fighter Wing with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptional meritorious service in the performance of mission for the seventh time. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Chief Hillberg reflect great credit upon himself, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.