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. – 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.  

Smith joined the SDDVA team in 2015.  She manages SDDVA’s bonus program, military funeral honor reimbursement program, headstone setting fee reimbursement program, and provides accounting expertise for the Department.  

“Her sense of pride in assisting veterans and our partners, her reliability, ethics, teamwork, and passion are just a few of her outstanding qualities,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “She has a great sense of responsibility, ownership, and dependability, and is eager to assist our team in understanding the accounting program and process for submitting their paperwork timely and accurately.

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and its partners assist South Dakota veterans in receiving over $867 million 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 or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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