My great grand parents were original settlers to Dakota Territory, proud to own their own farms, worked hard to raise their families and leave a better life for the next generation. My parents grew up during the Depression and WWII years, knowing the importance of responsibility and understanding what was fundamental in life. Integrity, honest work, humility, respect for others, and lending a helping hand are the values I learned at home and have lived by throughout my life. This is what I stand for today.

Born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Gale and Audrey Johnson, I was raised around my Grandmother, lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. In grade school, my family moved to Sioux Falls where my sister and I attended Jefferson, Edison schools and graduated from Washington High School.

Graduating from the University of South Dakota with a degree in English, History, Communications, and Secondary Education, I later earned a Master of Arts Degree from Webster University (St Louis, MO), in Acquisition and Materiel Management. I also graduated from the Army Command and Staff School and completed 20 additional courses in procurement management to be one of the first Army officers accepted into the newly formed Army Acquisition Corps.

Commissioned into the Army as a Second Lieutenant, I completed basic training in Alabama and Adjutant General School in Indiana followed by a career that moved me throughout the US and Germany. I was assigned to challenging positions from troop duty to Personnel Officer, Inspector General, Federal Contracting Officer, and Program Manager. I was accountable for people, funds, training, enforcement of laws and policies, and leading people to successful objectives. Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with 20 years of active duty, I worked at Coors Brewing Company in Golden, CO as a senior buyer and material manager. I returned to Sioux Falls to help my Mother while teaching part-time at Colorado Technical University and Southeast Technical Institute. I taught Logistics, Business, Business Law, writing and job skills classes. In time, I provided total care for her Mother.

As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), I help with Naturalization Ceremonies and am a representative on the Veterans Administration Volunteer Service Committee (VAVS). I am also a member of the South Dakota Rosemaling Association (SDRA) and editor of their newsletter, member of Kiwanis where we are hands-on helping kids, member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a member of the Military Officers of America Association (MOAA), in addition to being an active advocate for the military and veterans, and volunteer for various activities.