The Sioux Falls Cosmopolitan Club presented Ron Mielke with its distinguished service award at a banquet on Oct. 16.
Ron, who has worked at TSP for more than 55 years – since January 1969 – was recognized for his extraordinary community service.
Here are a few excerpts from Ron’s biography that was read at the banquet.
- In a sense, Ron’s story is a tale of two careers: his 38-year military career and his 55-year (and counting) professional career as a mechanical engineer, CEO, principal, and project manager with TSP, Inc. These paths were distinct, yet mutually reinforcing.
- Many community causes are important to Ron. They include, but are not limited to, board membership and other leadership positions with the Sioux Falls Downtown Rotary Club, the Sioux Empire United Way, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Military Task Force, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, and the Sioux Falls Air Show.
- So, what does Ron want his legacy to be? Ron would say that he cares about people, that it is important to him to build relationships, not to burn bridges, and to give back. Ron would say that, in terms of his military service, it was a privilege to serve his country as long as he did. Recognizing that is what created in him the desire to give back.
The Sioux Falls Cosmopolitan Club was founded in 1925, and the organization aims to develop good citizenship and contribute through service.
For many years, it has been devoted to the fight against diabetes.
The SFCC has presented the distinguished service award since 1929.
