STATEHOUSE (May 20, 2024) – State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) recently presented former State Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Shetler of the Indiana National Guard who lives in Goshen with a Heart of a Hoosier Award for his years of service.
Shetler served as the seventh Indiana National Guard command sergeant major and senior enlisted leader, and he has been in his current role since July 2020. In total, he has 38 years of service where he served in the Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Shetler truly embodies the definition of a heart of a Hoosier," said King, vice-chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "The work and dedication to state over the last 38 years is truly incredible. I'm grateful for his time and effort and wish him the best of luck in his retirement."
As CSM, Shetler serves as the principal enlisted advisor to the Indiana National Guard's adjutant general when it comes to solider and airman related matters. In total, they oversee the training of approximately 12,000 Hoosier guardsmen.
“Throughout his 38 years of distinguished military service, Command Sgt. Maj. Shetler has mentored and inspired all those who have worked around him to aim higher,” said Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard. “We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Shetler said his focus and goal as the senior enlisted leader is to provide leadership and guidance to ensure solider, airman and family readiness at a moment's notice. He is also responsible for carrying out policies and setting standards for performance, training and conduct of personnel. He serves as the primary mentor for noncommissioned officers of the state.
Shetler began his career in the United States Army in 1985. He deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2007 and to Kuwait for Operation Spartan Shield from 2019 to 2020. He graduated from the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy in 2006 and the Nominative Leader’s Course in 2017.
In 2022, King established her Heart of a Hoosier Award to recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals and local businesses that exemplify kindness, courage, thoughtfulness and transformative involvement in House District 49.
To nominate someone for a Heart of a Hoosier Award, visit King's website at in.gov/h49 and click on the "nominate" tab.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (left) honors former State Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Shetler (right) with a Heart of a Hoosier Award during his retirement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Umbarger Conference Center at Camp Atterbury. King recognized Shetler for his 38 years of honorable service.
