The January, 2006 Citizen of the Month is an individual who shares his time and skills to a variety of groups. The Citizen of the Month award is presented to Mike Trykoski of Rapid City.

Mike, originally from Chicago, graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He joined the United States Air Force and was assigned to the 821st Communications Squadron at Ellsworth AFB where he supervised the operations of the Base Communications Center. At the end of his military career, he returned to the Chicago area and received a Masters in Business Administration fro Loyola University in 1974. He joined the Edison Electric Institute in Washington DC in 1978 and took early retirement in 1997. Mike formed his own consulting company, Rushmore Professional Services specializes in technical writing on electric utility issues primarily for the North American Electric Reliability Council.

Mike and his wife Mary, relocated to Rapid City in 1998 with their two children, David and Maria. Mike currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Utility Shareholders of South Dakota. He volunteers his time to the St. Martins Benedictine Monastery, Catholic Social Services and the Cornerstone Mission Store and facility. Mike keeps their computers and computer networks up and running and repairs incoming computers and electronic equipment at the Cornerstone Mission Store for resale.

Katie White Calf who nominated Mike states: “Mike is a real blessing to us at the Cornerstone Thrift Store and Mission. He donates his time, money and equipment to the needs of the store. He is available at the drop of a hat when we have needs or computer problems. He is a caring and selfless person who never asks for anything in return. Mike has donated a new tire for our van and a new printer for our store. We at the Cornerstone Thrift Store, feel Mike is a real asset to our community and worthy of the Citizen of the Month Award.”