This week, the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) recognized five of their partners for outstanding commitment, leadership, and dedication to serving veterans and their families.

The award ceremony was held in Sioux Falls during the Department’s annual veterans' benefits training conference for county and tribal veterans service officers (CTVSO).

“Providing quality and effective service to veterans and their dependents is, and always will be, our number one mission,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “Our staff and our county and tribal veterans service officers advise, counsel, and assist veterans and their families in receiving their rightful benefits. Our inspiration and direction comes from the rich history of American veterans and their unique contributions to our nation.”

TJ Thomas, veterans service officer for Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, and Sanborn Counties, was awarded the 2023 Veterans Service Officer of the Year award. He was honored for his excellent customer service, his dependability, his willingness to mentor new members of the team, and for completing tasks in a timely and accurate manner. Thomas’ offices serve over 1,800 veterans.   

Lisa Schenzel, veterans service officer for Union County, received the 2023 New County Veterans Service Officer of the Year award. Schenzel was recognized for her desire to grasp and utilize information to assist her veterans and for her outstanding ability to communicate with veterans and their families. Schenzel’s office serves over 1,200 veterans.

Kevin Bowen, SDDVA veterans field service officer for east central South Dakota, was awarded the SDDVA 2023 Outstanding Department Staffer of the Year award­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­. Bowen received this award for his cheerful attitude, his knowledge, his pride in helping veterans, and his willingness to always assist a coworker or CTVSO.

David Huntimer, SDDVA appeals and training manager, was named the 2023 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Outstanding Leader, Mentor, Advocate of the Year.  Huntimer was honored for promoting a culture of learning and understanding, and for his dependability and willingness to work hard.   

The Sioux Falls VA Regional Office was presented the 2023 SDDVA Partner of the Year Award. Our colleagues at the VA Regional Office share our values and have a legacy of cooperation, dedication, reliability, openness, accessibility, flexibility, and commitment.   

“These awards are a testament to the power and collaboration of great associates,” said Whitlock. “As long as we continue to work together and support each other, we will continue to do amazing things for our veterans.”

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and its partners assist South Dakota veterans in receiving over $1 billion in annual benefits. The Department’s mission is to provide comprehensive care to veterans and their families regarding healthcare, education, disability benefits, long-term care, and burial honors. Visit the Department online at: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov.