RAPID CITY, S.D. – Wyatt Hansen was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the South Dakota Army National Guard (SDNG) at a ceremony held on Camp Rapid..
“I am truly humbled and honored to stand before you today as this is not a milestone that I’ve reached alone. It is the result of peer guidance, enduring support, and collective efforts of outstanding SD Soldiers and Airmen,” said Hansen.
Brig. Gen. Wyatt Hansen began his military service when he enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1987 as a 13M, rocket artilleryman, with the 24th Infantry Division at Ft. Stewart, Georgia where he completed his first term and then began his service in the SDNG.
Hansen served nine years as an enlisted Soldier in the 109th En. Bn. and completed Officer Candidate School where he commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in 1996.
“I challenge all my leaders that at every stage of your career do not try to be a leader but be worthy of leadership. I offer that challenge to you again today, General Hansen; be worthy of leadership,” said SDNG Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Mark Morrell during the ceremony.
Hansen has served full-time in the SDARNG for over 25 years as the CFMO Plans & Programs Officer, G4 Logistics Management Officer, G3 Force Protection Officer, G5 State Partnership Program Officer, Administrative Officer for the 196th Regiment (RTI), Deputy State Personnel Officer, G1 Director of Personnel, J3/5/7 Director of Joint Operations and was recently assigned as the Director of Joint Staff.
“I am truly fortunate to be of the National Guard family culture that values people and the personal growth in their careers. Our service members are simply not personnel filling slots; they are South Dakotans connected to each other in our communities and to Maj. Gen. Morrell, thank you for your trust and clear expectations as the director joint staff,” said Hansen.
