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Dave Ressler, a Clifton Park National Guard Soldier and Afghan War veteran, promoted to sergeant major

Latham, NY (12/18/2025) — David Ressler, a Clifton Park resident and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major in the New York Army National Guard.

Ressler, who enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2004, was promoted during a December 18 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York, praised Ressler as an outstanding noncommissioned officer.

Shields, who commands the New York National Guard, served with Ressler in Afghanistan and Ressler served as his enlisted aid when Shields became a general officer.

"Making you a sergeant major will pay dividends for years to come," Shields said. "You are smart, fair, compassionate and caring."

"The New York Army National Guard is better because of you and our 11,891 Soldier will be better served because you are a senior leader," he added.

In his remarks, Ressler thanked his fellow Soldiers and his wife Kayla for her support over the years.

"No one gets here on their own," he said.' This journey has been built on support and guidance of countless individuals."

Ressler initially served in the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as an engineer and deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 as a member of the task force protective service detail.

After returning from deployment, he entered the Active Guard and Reserve program as a full time Soldier.

He has served in a variety of positions to include general's aide, readiness noncommissioned officer and platoon sergeant, and operations and personnel sergeant.

He has also deployed to Kuwait in 2020 with the 42nd Infantry Division and again in 2022 with the 369th Sustainment Brigade.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Noncommissioned officer's professional development ribbon.

He currently serves as the enlisted personnel manager for the New York Army National Guard and will be starting a new job as the chief human resources sergeant for the 42nd Infantry Division.

Media Attachments

Sgt. Major Davis Ressler, a Clifton Park resident, speaking during his promotion ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham on Dec. 18, 2025. Ressler, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2004, is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. ( U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt Col. Jean Marie Kratzer)

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