January 21, 2025

Instructor Andy Hoffmann Promoted to First Sergeant

Hoffmann at the promotion ceremony in Appleton, MN
1SG Hoffmann being pinned by Master Sergeant Ryan Erp
Master Sergeant Ryan Erp (left) shakes hands with Andrew Hoffmann after pinning his new rank during a promotion ceremony on January 11, 2025. Hoffmann officially assumed the duties of First Sergeant in the Minnesota National Guard. The ceremony honored his promotion, as well as the support of his family and fellow soldiers.

Andy Hoffmann, a Diesel Technology Instructor at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, was recently promoted from Sergeant First Class (SFC) to First Sergeant (1SG) in the Minnesota National Guard. With over 21 years of service, 1SG Hoffmann now takes on a broader leadership role, guiding soldiers' career development, mentoring future leaders, and supporting their families.

Enlisting at 17, Hoffmann was inspired by the National Guard’s response to natural disasters in SW Minnesota. His military career began as a mechanic and included a deployment to Kuwait and Iraq in 2009, where he was promoted to Team Leader. Rising through the ranks, he commanded larger units, developed soldiers, and gained extensive leadership experience.

1SG Hoffmann’s dual role as a National Guard leader and instructor at Minnesota West enables him to impart not only technical skills but also the values of discipline, resilience, and service. “Retention is a critical part of the job,” Hoffmann explains. “It’s about tapping into soldiers’ potential and fostering their success while helping them see the bigger picture.”

Hoffmann salutes to his proud grandfather, Lewis Miller
1SG Hoffmann pays tribute to his proud grandfather, Lewis Miller, who honorably served in the Navy during the Korean War.

In addition to deployments, 1SG Hoffmann has responded to state and national emergencies, including flood fights and the George Floyd riots, where his unit provided critical support. These experiences, along with his family’s shared commitment to service, embody the National Guard’s core values.

As 1SG Hoffmann takes on his new role, he reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead. “The demand for the National Guard continues to be high. The future of the Minnesota National Guard depends on developing professional and caring leaders who can inspire our Citizen-Soldiers to accomplish any mission in any environment.”

1SG Hoffmann’s promotion marks the next chapter in his journey as a mentor and leader, continuing to inspire both his students and Citizen-Soldiers to achieve their full potential while serving their communities.