NEW LAWS TO BENEFIT SOUTH DAKOTA VETERANS
Veterans in South Dakota will have access to improved education benefits beginning July 1 thanks to the passage of House Bill 1069 during the 2020 legislative session.

70th Anniversary of the Korean War
“Let us collectively remember and honor our Korean War heroes who gave their all to protect the freedoms that we hold dear,” said Greg Whitlock, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “They faced difficult circumstances and demonstrated incredible bravery and determination seemingly against all odds.”


Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed June 27, 2020, as “Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day,” a day to reflect on the causes, symptoms and treatment of post- traumatic stress injuries.


SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s June Column – Taking Care of Our Heroes
Over the past four months we, as a nation, have been adjusting and trying to discover our new “norm.” The Coronavirus pandemic changed our lives in so many ways and forced us to meet challenges head-on and be creative and discover new potentials. I’m proud to say that our team at the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs stayed the course and continued our day-to-day operations in assisting our veterans and their families.


SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s May Column – Let Us Never Forget!
Let us all pause this Memorial Day to remember great and brave Americans – to recognize their valor and applaud the blessings their bravery has secured.


National Military Appreciation Month
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as “National Military Appreciation Month,” a time for all to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving, as well as their families.

National Military Appreciation Month
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as “National Military Appreciation Month,” a time for all to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving, as well as their families.


SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s April Column – We’re in This Together!
For many of us the month of April has challenged us, but being the resilient South Dakotans that we are, we have saddled up and are ready for the long ride. We took control of the reigns as we knew we were on this ride for the long haul. We stayed connected with those around us using many forms of social media and technology. We’ve shaped our character and we have found numerous ways to make each day meaningful.