South Dakota Patriot Guard Riders

Honor Mission/Escort
March 20 & 21, 2026
Sioux Falls,SD

 The family of Major J. Mark Heisey, USMC (Ret.), with the assistance of the Marine Corp League, has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to honor Major Heisey with flags and participation in the escort to the Military Heritage Alliance to show our appreciation and respect for his service to his and our great Nation.  Mark enlisted in the United States Marine Corps which gave him the life he sought, providing an education that led him to become a trainer at Quantico early in his career.  After earning a master’s in business and finance, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.  After 22 years of service, Mark retired as a Major and relocated with his family to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Mark became active in the Marine Corps League Detachment 659 in Sioux Falls, serving in leadership roles.  He was also a member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Military Vets committee. (There is much more information in Major Heisey’s Obituary, found in the Obituary listings on Miller Funeral Home’s web site.)

Visitation will begin at 4:30 pm, with a Time of Remembrance starting at 6:00 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home (Southside Location) 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD. This will be “Flags Only”.  Paul Fiskum will be the R.C.I.C for this element of the mission.

A Celebration of Life and Military Rites will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:30 am at The South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, 1600 W. Russell St. Sioux Falls, SD, followed by a luncheon and additional visitation.  There is an Honor Escort, for Major Heisey, planned by the Marine Corps League Detachment 659 starting at Miller Funeral Home and proceeding to South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, 1600 W. Russell St. Sioux Falls, SD.

STAGE: 9:15 am, Saturday, March 21st at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD.  Flag up if you have a way to mount flags and DON’T BE LATE.  ***If you will not be riding or coming in the escort go to the Alliance by 10:00 am.

Flags will be placed at the Alliance and flags will be available to hold during the Celebration of Life and Military Rites

Paul Fiskum will be the lead Ride Captain, so if you have questions he’s your contact.