For more information, contact: Audry Ricketts at 605-773-8242 or audry.ricketts@state.sd.us (South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs)

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA), in partnership with Kingsbury County Veterans Service Officer Louis Du Randt, invites all veterans, especially those from Kingsbury County,  to attend a special “Coffee and Conversation” event in De Smet. This gathering is part of the Department’s “What’s Brewing” program—an outreach effort to connect directly with veterans, hear their stories, and provide updates on services and benefits available to them.

Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Location: The Ward’s Store (127 Calumet Avenue SE) – De Smet, SD
Time: “What’s Brewing” conversation begins at 10:00 am (CT).

“The ‘What’s Brewing’ series serves as an important platform for meaningful conversations with our veterans,” said SDDVA Secretary Jeremiah Schneider. “These gatherings not only allow us to better understand the concerns and challenges veterans are facing, but also provide a forum to share updates on benefits, services, and resources available to them. It’s our duty as advocates to stay connected to their experiences and honor the sacrifices they’ve made in service to our country.”

Secretary Schneider, members of the SDDVA team, and CVSO Du Randt will be available to answer questions and provide information on a wide range of veterans’ benefits and services, including compensation, education, pensions, healthcare, burial benefits, the State Veterans Cemetery, and the State Veterans Home.

All veterans are encouraged to attend. For those unable to make it, the SDDVA remains just a call or click away. Reach the Department at 605.333.6869 or locate your county or tribal Veterans Service Officer at: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/veteransserviceofficers/locatevso.aspx

Let’s grab a cup and connect—because every veteran’s story matters.