The South Dakota Army National Guard is pleased to announce CW4 Todd Dressler, of Rapid City, as the 2014 recipient of the CW4 Michael F. O’Connor award, naming him the SDARNG’s Warrant Officer of the Year.

The CW4 Michael F. O’Connor award was established to recognize the most outstanding warrant officer in the South Dakota Army National Guard. Selection is based on exceptional qualities of technical knowledge, leadership, dedication and initiative.

Dressler, who serves as the force integration/readiness officer in Joint Force Headquarters in Rapid City, was selected as the most exceptional warrant officer within JFHQ and competed against warrant officers from each of the SDARNG’s major commands.

“Having known Mike (Michael F. O’Connor, the warrant officer the annual award is named after), made winning the award really special,” said Dressler. “As a warrant officer, Mike was the epitome of the quiet professional.”

Dressler, who has served more than 30 years in the SDARNG, has worked as the state’s officer personnel manager and as the deputy director of human resources during his deployment to Afghanistan.

“Through CW4 Dressler’s hard work and technical expertise he has increased operational and administrative effectiveness resulting in the South Dakota National Guard ranking number one in personnel readiness in fiscal year 2013,” said Maj. Clint Sheppard, JFHQ detachment commander. “He is deserving of this award and will represent it well.”

Dressler also dedicates his time serving on the National Guard Association for South Dakota, where he most recently served as the organization’s president.

“He is exceptionally involved in his local community through volunteer work and youth mentorship,” said Shepherd. “As a member of South Canyon Lutheran Church, he volunteers as a confirmation guide and assists the church with their “Meals for the Hungry” program. He devotes time to assist youth hockey and baseball and is an active member of the Pinedale PTA.”

“CW4 Dressler is an exceptional role model and mentor for not only other warrant officers, but others in our organization and in our community,” said CW5 Darla Crown, SDNG state command chief warrant officer.”

Other warrant officers representing their major command for this year’s award competition were CW2 Travis Jorgenson, 109th Regional Support Group; CW2 Eric Borah, 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; and CW2 Ryan Mattfield, 196th Regiment (Regional Training Institute).

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Maj. Anthony Deiss at (605) 737-6721 or cell (605) 431- 8753, or e-mail ng.sd.sdarng.list.pao@mail.mil

High resolution photos are available at www.flikr.com/southdakotanationalguard