Valuing Veterans Every Day
Kraus-Anderson was honored to receive the 2025 Golden Eagle Award on Sept. 25, 2025 from the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC at their annual Celebrate Bismarck-Mandan event. In North Dakota, and in all states where we build communities, KA strives to support the critical work of military service members and support veterans. Scott Staudinger, KA Bismarck’s director of business development, reflected on this award, KA’s support for military members, and his own military experience that brought him here.
Staudinger is a National Board Member with the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR).
“I was the first North Dakotan ever to sit on the board of directors,” he said. “I served a total of 20 years, 9 active and the rest in the North Dakota National Guard. I was enlisted, then a senior non-commissioned officer, and finally a commissioned officer. I served during the first Gulf War and then again in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004 with the 82nd Airborne.”
He explained that KA’s history supporting military members like himself stretches back over 100 years.
According to Staudinger, “As one of the oldest and most respected commercial construction firms in the Upper Midwest, Kraus-Anderson’s story is deeply entwined with that of our military. After World War I our founder, J.L. Robinson, was one of the key civic leaders involved with building the Central Y.M.C.A. building in Minneapolis, supporting the physical and emotional needs of returning veterans. During World War II KA built troop barracks and defense projects, and after that war, began our long practice of hiring and supporting returning veterans.”
Today, KA’s staff includes numerous veterans, Guard and Reserve members, including many whose positions at KA were held for them during their deployment.
“Through the years our involvement has taken many forms, including fundraising support, hands-on activities, career outreach and employment. Reciprocally, employees deeply appreciate how KA honors their military service experience and obligations,” Staudinger said.
Current and recent KA support activities for veterans include: Tee it Up for the Troops golf fundraiser, Army Reserve Ambassador Program, Joint Services Career Fair, Service Member & Family Support Center and more. We’ve been proud to build and provide support to facilities serving and recognizing military service, including the Olympia Field VA Clinic in Oconomowoc, WI, Veterans Cemetery inPike Lake, MN, Veterans Memorial Arena Capital Improvements in West Fargo, ND and the Military Gallery Expansion at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck, ND.
KA is also a proud recipient of the Bronze Canteen, presented by the Duluth Region Honor Guard recognizing the team’s longtime service in the Duluth region.
CATEGORY: Construction