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Major General (SD) Mark R. MorrellAdjutant GeneralMajor General Mark R. Morrell is the 23rd Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard. He serves as Commanding General for both the South Dakota Air and Army National Guard and guides the preparation of 4,200 Air and Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers and Airmen and 950 full-time Federal and State employees to respond in times of state or national emergency. General Morrell is responsible for federal and state mission readiness, assignment of leaders, recruiting, training, equipping, mobilization, facilities, and public relations. He is also responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all policies, plans, and programs affecting South Dakota Army and Air National Guard members. General Morrell serves on the Governor's cabinet as the principal advisor to the Governor on all matters involving use of the National Guard.
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Brigadier General David A. DaileyAssistant Adjutant General - ArmyBrigadier General David A. Dailey is Assistant Adjutant General-Army for the South Dakota National Guard. He assumed this position in May 2023. He assists the Adjutant General in leading the South Dakota Army National Guard and is responsible for the readiness, strategic planning, strength, and mobilization support for over 3,000 Soldiers. Brig Gen Dailey was commissioned in 1993 and has served in leadership roles at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. He has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.
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Brigadier General Cory J. KestelAssistant Adjutant General - Air GuardBrigadier General Cory J. Kestel is the Assistant Adjutant General – Air. He assumed this position in June 2024 and serves as chief advisor to The Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to South Dakota Air National Guard programs, policies, operations, training, and command and control for over 1,000 Airmen at Joe Foss Field. Brig Gen Kestel is a F-16 command pilot with over 3,200 hours. He has completed deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Freedoms Sentinel/Resolute Support, and Noble Eagle. | |
Brigadier General Wyatt E. HansenDirector Joint StaffBrigadier General Wyatt E. Hansen is assigned as the Director Joint Staff. He assumed the position in April 2025 and is responsible for the coordination of SDNG Army and Air staff who support state government agencies in planning, coordinating, and exercising response plans for state emergencies/disasters. Brig Gen Hansen’s other priorities include Homeland Defense, oversight of the South Dakota State Partnership Program with Suriname and the Counterdrug Program. Hansen has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
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Command Sergeant Major Marcus A. StaceySenior Enlisted LeaderCommand Sergeant Major Marcus A. Stacey assumed the role of State Senior Enlisted Leader in April 2023. The Senior Enlisted Leader is the senior noncommissioned officer in the South Dakota National Guard who reports directly to the Adjutant General on all matters pertaining to enlisted Soldiers and Airmen. Command Sgt Maj Stacey is responsible for the training, readiness, education, and leadership development for over 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen across the state. Stacey has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Chief Master Sergeant Andy L. AndersonState Command Chief Master SergeantCMSgt Andy L. Anderson is currently the State Command Chief for the State of South Dakota. In this role he is primary advisor to the Assistant Adjutant General for Air on all matters relating to the enlisted force that affect readiness, training, health of the force and enlisted professional development. |