Staff Spotlight: The Army National Guard Captain

A desire to be a part of something bigger and a family history of serving and protecting. That’s where the South Dakota Army National Guard comes in. Meet Haley, MX Ops Manager at BHFCU and South Dakota Army National Guard Captain.

Growing up, Haley was no stranger to the armed forces. His dad spent three years as a private contractor training the Iraqi police. About a decade ago, he felt the need for something new. Haley’s older brother was already in the Army, and his younger brother had just finished Marine Corps boot camp.

“I found myself bored with life and felt like I needed to do my part,” shared Haley. “Being a part of something bigger than myself, like the Army National Guard fit the bill perfectly.”

Haley deployed for a year, as the Base Camp Mayor for Erbil Air Base in Iraq, a role that involved serving as a liaison between base tenants and the life support contract. Simply put, Haley was the go-to person for issue resolution. Helping thousands of tenants from more than a dozen different nations is no small feat, but those who have worked with Haley know it was the perfect fit.

“The most rewarding part of being a South Dakota Army National Guard member is the relationships I’ve built,” Haley explained. “During my deployment, I made life-long connections with members of several militaries from all around the world.”

While Haley’s service has taken him abroad, the Army National Guard also provides the unique opportunity to serve at home. This included when a tornado tore through Madison, South Dakota, in 2022. Haley’s unit was called upon to help the community during one of its darkest hours.

In his current role, Haley is the commander of an engineer company. He oversees the success of the other soldiers in his unit during their once-a-month drill weekends, ensuring they are ready to serve at any time. Haley and his fellow soldiers also attend a two-week annual training and complete other schooling and events throughout the year. His journey from a young recruit to a seasoned leader is a testament to the power of service.

“What began as a young kid combatting boredom turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Haley shared with a smile.