Daniel Howard Thrives as a National Guard Sergeant and Civilian Leader
Daniel Howard is an active sergeant in the Army National Guard– leading a team of soldiers in horizontal engineering duties, something he has trained for many years. Through levels of testing, education, and evaluations, Daniel has accomplished a great deal in his eight years.
“My military experience has shaped my identity and deepened my commitment to serving both my community and my country,” said Daniel.
Just as many service members do, Daniel also holds a full-time civilian job. Starting out as a residential installer, Daniel has worked his way up the ranks at BluePeak, a communications company providing Internet services across a multi-state region including South Dakota. After seven years at the company, Daniel is a field operations supervisor, managing technicians in the Northern Black Hills area.
A Synergistic Partnership
“There are many skills in my civilian job that I’ve honed in the National Guard, such as strong communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to work under pressure. My role at BluePeak mirrors my leadership responsibilities in the military,” explained Daniel.
BluePeak supports work-life balance with flexible work schedules as many companies do for their employees. However, the company has gone above and beyond by supporting employees that are military members. Thanks to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) through the United States Department of Defense, military member support by employers is becoming more and more accepted in business settings nationwide.
“We have several employees who have served while working for the company, and not all organizations provide the same level of benefits and support,” said Daniel. “This commitment to service takes a significant amount of stress off those of us who serve, allowing us to focus on our duties both in the military and at work.”
ESGR was established in 1972, and in 1994 the office defined its mission or promoting supportive work environments for service members and reservists through outreach, recognition, and education. The South Dakota National Guard has 4,200 soldiers which is only a small fraction of the military servicemen and women in the workforce. In 2023, the ESGR engaged 125,277 employers across all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Supporting soldiers in civilian roles is a mutual benefit, too. When employers look to find top-notch talent who have experience, professionalism, and understand the importance of responsibility, members of the Guard and Reserve are more than qualified candidates.
“The synergy between my military service and civilian career is significant. The discipline and adaptability I developed as a sergeant enhances my performance at work, while my civilian experiences provide valuable insights that I can exercise in my military duties,” said Daniel.
Not only do military employees have strong leadership skills being loyal, dedicated, and highly motivated—their values are strong, and a drive to make a positive change is just as prominent.
A Legacy of Service
Throughout his upbringing, Daniel heard stories about his father’s time in the U.S. Navy before starting a family, instilling a deep respect for service and duty. Once starting his own family,
Daniel wanted to make a difference and had a desire to create a better future for his kids, leading him to join the South Dakota Army National Guard.
“Looking ahead, I aspire to continue growing in both my military and civilian roles,” said Daniel. “I hope to inspire my children and others by showing them the value of service and dedication, just as my father did through his example.”
Service members carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian affairs, and contingency operations in the United States, as well as in many countries around the world. ESGR is strengthening the relationship between employers and members of the Guard and Reserve proving that support in their civilian lives helps them focus on their duties in the field.
“Being in the National Guard is a commitment; it’s drill every month (or bi-monthly) and annual training that takes two weeks at a time. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about losing my income to support my family because my employer supports military service means a lot,” said Daniel.
