Veterans in Hughes, Stanley, and Sully Counties, See What’s Brewing!
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a “Coffee and Conversation” program in Pierre, SD. Working in partnership with Hughes/Stanley/Sully County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Janet Beck, the Department wants the opportunity to visit one-on-one with veterans and see what’s brewing!

Veterans in Clark County, See What’s Brewing!
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a “Coffee and Conversation” program in Pierre, SD. Working in partnership with Clark County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Darin Lewis, the Department wants the opportunity to visit one-on-one with veterans and see what’s brewing!


SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s September Column – Don’t Wait – Reach Out!
September is “Suicide Prevention Month.” It is a great opportunity for all of us to reach out and do our buddy checks!

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army PVT Frederic Schroeder
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony next month to honor U.S. Army Private Frederic Schroeder.


City of Sioux Falls Gifts Additional Land to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
The City of Sioux Falls recently bestowed an additional 14 acres of land to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. This land is adjacent to the original 60 acres the city gifted to the Department for the construction of a state veterans cemetery.


POW/MIA Recognition Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Friday, September 16, 2022, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to pay special honor to the Americans who have been prisoners of war, to those who remain missing in action, and to the families and friends of these valiant servicemembers.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army CPL Martin Fluegel
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony this month to honor U.S. Army Corporal Martin Fluegel.


SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s August Column – Serving Those Who Served
When our men and women return home after their tour of duty, we have the opportunity to show our gratitude by serving them. They must know that there are resources to help them. Veterans service officers provide a service, at no cost, to assist veterans in applying for benefits.

VETERANS ACTIVITIES AT THE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
In support of our veterans, military personnel, and their families, the South Dakota State Fair offers numerous events throughout the week honoring our heroes.


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, August 15, in Pierre.

Jeri Smith Receives 2022 SDDVA Outstanding Leader, Mentor, Advocate of the Year Award
Jeri Smith of Pierre has been named the 2022 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Outstanding Leader, Mentor, Advocate of the Year. Smith was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, August 15, in Pierre.

Lee Borries Named Outstanding Veterans Service Officer of the Year
Lee Borries of Rapid City has been named the 2022 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs “Outstanding Veterans Service Officer of the Year.” Borries was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, August 15, in Pierre.

Matt Pillar Receives 2022 SDDVA New Veteran Service Officer of the Year Award
Matt Pillar of Madison has been named the 2022 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs New Veterans Service Officer of the Year. Pillar was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, August 15, in Pierre.

Shannon Phillips Receives 2022 SDDVA Outstanding Department Staffer of the Year Award
Shannon Phillips of Hartford has been named the 2022 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Outstanding Department Staffer of the Year. Phillips was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, August 15, in Pierre.

Pierre Elks Lodge 1953 Receives SDDVA 2022 Partner of the Year Award
Pierre Elks Lodge 1953 has been named the 2022 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Partner of the Year. Lodge 1953 was recognized at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, August 15, in Pierre.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army Private August E. Otto Jr.
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony this month to honor U.S. Army Private August E. Otto, Jr.


Purple Heart Recognition Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Sunday, August 7, 2022, as “Purple Heart Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army Sergeant James Haider
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony next month to honor U.S. Army Sergeant James Haider.


SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army SSG Daniel Cuka
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony next month to honor U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Daniel Cuka.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s July Column – New Laws, Services, and Programs Impacting Veterans
Each year the Governor, South Dakota agencies, legislators, constituents, and lobbyists review, debate, and consider hundreds of legislative issues. During the 2022 legislative session, over six hundred legislative bills and resolutions were introduced, but not all were passed.