PIERRE, S.D. -- Recognized for strong commitment and unending dedication to serving veterans and their families in South Dakota, county and tribal veterans’ service officers (VSO) and staff from the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs were recognized at an awards program Monday, Aug. 27, in Pierre.

The annual event, organized by the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, was held in conjunction with the veterans' benefits training conference for county and tribal VSOs from across the state.

"It is important to recognize individuals who provide outstanding service to our state’s veterans," said Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Steven Harding.   “Working together, we are successful in serving South Dakota’s veterans and their families.” 

Tom Gohn of Aberdeen  received the Jim Melgaard Award, which distinguishes Tom as the 2012 County Veteran Service Officer of the Year. As the VSO for Brown County, Tom was recognized for his outstanding commitment to veterans, dedication to detail in filing perfected claims and expertise in earning the trust of veterans.   When presented the award, Gohn recognized Kathy Schlecht, his assistant, as well, and stated  that it’s a team effort and he couldn’t complete his job without her expertise.

Gordon Richard of Redfield, representing Spink County, was awarded the 2012 Robert Lindblad Award.  He was cited for excellence in outreach programs and his communication efforts.

Mike Holzhauser of Brookings was presented the 2012 Les Mord Award.  Holzhauser, VSO for Brookings County, was cited for his excellence in education benefits for veterans. 

Jon Gohn of Sioux Falls was awarded the 2012 Glenn Green Advocacy Award­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­.   Gohn, veteran’s service officer for the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs claims office in Sioux Falls, was recognized for his ability to navigate claims and his commitment to veterans, as well as VSOs.

Former VSO’s Jerry Lolley (Meade County) and Charles Kentch (Lyman County) and assistant Karen Peck (Beadle County) were recognized by the County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers Association for their respective years of service to South Dakota’s veterans.

Deputy Secretary Harding said those who were honored at Monday’s conference exemplify the commitment that South Dakota’s VSOs and the department’s staff provide to veterans and their families.

“We serve as advocates for veterans and their dependents and survivors,” Harding said. “Our goal is to ensure that all South Dakota veterans and their families receive professional assistance, advocacy and counseling in a timely manner.”