SD National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Couser retires

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dakota Information Now) – Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Couser, Senior Enlisted Chief for the South Dakota Nationwide Guard, retired after 41 years of service.

He was honored with a retirement ceremony on April 1 on the Joint Pressure Headquarters on Camp Fast.

Couser had held this place since June 2019. He enlisted within the South Dakota Military Nationwide Guard in 1982 and joined Detachment 1, 740th Transportation Firm in Aberdeen, the place he was residing and dealing on the time. Command Sgt. Maj. Couser deployed to Iraq in 1990-1991 with the 740th Transportation Firm in help of Operation Desert Protect/Desert Storm. He deployed once more to Iraq in 2003-2004 with the 727th Transportation Firm in help of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He additionally accomplished extra excursions in Korea, Panama, Netherlands, and Egypt.

CSM Couser has held a number of key management positions throughout his 41 years of service. He was a platoon sergeant throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, senior upkeep supervisor, First Sgt for the 665th Upkeep Firm and because the Command Sgt. Maj. for the 881st Troop Command, 196th Regional Coaching Institute, and 109th Regional Assist Group.

”Thanks a lot for the chance to do that job,” Couser acknowledged. “I recognize how a lot Maj. Gen. Marlette has embraced and supported my household. I’ve been within the army for 71 p.c of my life, and I’ve developed some wonderful relationships alongside the way in which.”

”I’ve been very lucky to speak to Troopers and I really like listening to their tales; I’ve discovered a lot from them,” acknowledged Couser throughout his retirement speech. Couser has obtained a number of awards to incorporate the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Military Commendation Medal, Military Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Asia Kuwait Liberation Medal, Iraqi Marketing campaign Medal, International Struggle on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Fight Motion Badge. He was additionally awarded the Historic Order of Saint Christopher.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, South Dakota Nationwide Guard Adjutant Basic, introduced Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Couser with Legion of Benefit award for Couser’s 41 years of excellent service and dedication. Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette thanked Couser and his household for his or her service and dedication to the South Dakota Nationwide Guard and for supporting Pat throughout his army duties.

”I’ve a lot respect for what he [Couser] has carried out,” acknowledged Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, South Dakota Nationwide Guard Adjutant Basic. “Thanks and your loved ones to your service. You’ll by no means discover a greater cheerleader for our Troopers than you.”

CSM Couser is a 1983 graduate of Aberdeen Central HS. He has a bachelor’s diploma in agriculture from South Dakota State College and a grasp’s diploma in organizational management from the College of Texas at El Paso. He’s additionally a graduate of the US Military Sergeants Main Academy in Fort Bliss, TX (Resident course class 58). Previous to his choice because the Sr Enlisted Chief, CSM Couser was the upkeep store chief at FMS 8 in Brookings. Patrick and his spouse, Lori, have 5 youngsters, Amber, Alex, Adam, Ava, and Allyson. They dwell simply south of Brookings.

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