SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s September Column – Community Support
Thank you to our South Dakota communities for being both to veterans. Their lit candles light the pathways for our veterans and their mirror reflects aspiration for them to continue to succeed and supports them along their path.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army Air Force SGT William Christensen
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S. Army Air Force Combat Veteran Sergeant William Christensen.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army Air Corps CPT Elmer Rusch
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S. Army Air Corps Combat Veteran Captain Elmer Rusch.


POW/MIA RECOGNITION
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of Air Force Combat Veteran 1LT Herbert Lyman and Army Combat Veteran T/SGT James Lyman
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Air Force Combat Veteran 1LT Herbert Lyman and Army Combat Veteran Tech Sergeant James Lyman.


SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s August Column – No One Goes it Alone
During the past few weeks, I had the opportunity to network with our county and tribal veterans service officers (CTVSOs) and our staff. This afforded me the opportunity to hear about the challenges and roadblocks that our veterans are currently facing, especially with the ongoing events in the Middle East.


VETERANS DAY AT THE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
At 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 2, the South Dakota State Fair will host a “Salute to Veterans” program on the Northwestern Energy Freedom Stage. South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Greg Whitlock will serve as the keynote speaker.


Leaders Recognized for their Service to South Dakota's Veterans
County and tribal veterans’ service officers (CTVSO) and staff from the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) were recognized for their dedication to serving veterans and veterans’ families at an awards program Monday, Aug. 16, in Pierre.

Dan Cullen Named Outstanding Veterans Service Officer of the Year
Dan Cullen of Hot Springs has been named the 2021 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs “Outstanding Veterans Service Officer of the Year.” Cullen was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 16, in Pierre.

Jerry Lemme Receives 2021 SDDVA Outstanding Department Staffer of the Year Award
Jerry Lemme of Dell Rapids has been named the 2021 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Outstanding Department Staffer of the Year. Lemme was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 16, in Pierre.

Aaron Pollard Receives 2021 SDDVA Outstanding Leader, Mentor, Advocate of the Year Award
Aaron Pollard of Sioux Falls has been named the 2021 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Outstanding Leader, Mentor, Advocate of the Year. Pollard was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 16, in Pierre.

Todd Rose Receives 2021 SDDVA New Veteran Service Officer of the Year Award
Todd Rose of Watertown has been named the 2021 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs New Veterans Service Officer of the Year. Rose was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 16, in Pierre.

River Cities Public Transit Receives SDDVA 2021 Partner of the Year Award
River Cities Public Transit, based in Pierre, has been named the 2021 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Partner of the Year. RCPT was recognized at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 16, in Pierre.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of Air Force CPT Charles Lane, Jr
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Air Force Combat Veteran Captain Charles Lane, Jr.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of Army PVT Bruce Ruby
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Army Combat Veteran Private Bruce Ruby.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of Army PFC Robert Rand
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Army Combat Veteran Private First Class Robert Rand.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of Army PVT Richard Bertram
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Army Combat Veteran Private Richard Bertram.


Purple Heart Recognition Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, as “Purple Heart Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal.


VA Transforms Education Benefits for Veterans
There are a wide range of education benefits available to veterans, servicemembers, and their dependents. These programs include apprenticeship, on-the-job training, college degree and certificate programs, flight training, and correspondence courses.