Greetings, our 57th Annual State Conference is in the books. For those of you that attended this year you surely had a great time. Mark Bauer and Don Hollis, the Conference Co-Chairs, did a great job coordinating all events. Their team also did a tremendous job with their respective parts of the conference. Our Association is in great shape, poised for another great year.
The Junior Officer Professional Development program is continuing to gain traction. We had over 40 young Officers attend this year’s events on Thursday night and Friday morning. Many of these Officers then stayed and attended the remainder of the conference. Gen (Ret.) Corbett was the keynote speaker on Friday night and did a superb job with these young officers. These events are a “win win” event and will only help the future of this organization.
We have a new slate of officers for the coming year. Mike Oster is your new President. Joe Jacobson is the 1st Vice President. Harvey Fitzgerald is the 2nd Vice President. Bryan Jacobson will be your Secretary and Kevin Miller will remain as your treasurer. Steve Siemonsma has done an outstanding job as your membership chair, but has turned those duties over to Steve Sewell. Todd Dressler is deploying with the 196th MEB so did not seek another term as Secretary. Todd also did a great job and I wish you well on your deployment.
As I look back on my year I can only say thanks to the men and women of the Air and Army National Guard. Our State Association is in great shape, but will always have room for improvement. I have no doubt in my mind that your new slate of officers will continue to move this organization forward. Thanks again for all the support you have shown me and the National Guard Association of South Dakota.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions or concerns you may have. I can be reached at email, todd.bartunek@us.army.mil
Todd L. Bartunek, President, NGASD
