SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s December Column – Peace on Earth

By Mitchell Now December 18, 2023 7:27 am

Peace on earth is a gift that generation after generation hopes to pass on to their kids and grandkids. South Dakota has a proud history of military service, and as we approach the holiday season, let us not forget the service to this country that has spanned generations. Let us not forget the families of current and past soldiers, as they also endured a great deal while their loved ones were deployed.

Together, let’s continue to work towards peace on earth. Our world is continuing to face great challenges, but now is the time to sit by the fireplace or the Christmas tree and thank God for all we have – to thank the men and women that have secured and protected our freedoms.

Christmas is a time of giving and sharing. It is by far my most favorite time of the year.
I love the lights, decorations, holiday sweets – mainly sugar cookies – family gatherings, playing board games, listening to Christmas carols, hot cocoa, watching Christmas movies, and giving back to others.

As I listen to the Twelve Days of Christmas, I can’t help but think about 12 great things that South Dakota has for our veterans.

There is no partridge in a pear tree, but there is one South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs with a mission to serve veterans and families. Providing quality and effective service to veterans and their dependents is, and always will be, our number one mission. This one great department has one State Veterans Home and one State Veterans Cemetery.

Two VA healthcare systems located on the east and west borders of South Dakota (Sioux Falls and Sturgis).

Three claims’ examiners serving in our Sioux Falls office. These claims examiners work tirelessly to ensure we are processing perfect claims. With their expertise, we can guarantee that claims are complete and submitted in a timely manner.

Four major providers furnishing free transportation to our veterans for their medical appointments (Disabled American Veterans, River Cities Public Transit, Prairie Hills Transit, and the VA).

Five veteran’s cemeteries – one state owned and four tribal (South Dakota Veterans Cemetery – Sioux Falls, Oglala Lakota Veterans Cemetery in Pine Ridge, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Sicangu Akicita Owicahe – White River, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Veterans Cemetery in Sisseton, and All Nations Veterans Cemetery in McLaughlin).

Although there are over 20 veterans service organizations in the state, there are six of them that have representation on the South Dakota Veterans Council. Those six are: American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America. The members of the service organizations serve as advocates and a political voice for our veterans.

South Dakota currently has seven South Dakota tribal veterans service officers located in Eagle Butte, Fort Thompson, Fort Yates, Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Sisseton, and Wagner.

There are eight Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in South Dakota for veterans to utilize for routine medical appointments in a more convenient location. CBOCs in South Dakota are in Aberdeen, Dakota Dunes, Pierre, Pine Ridge, Rapid City, Wagner, Watertown, and Winner.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis.

South Dakota has more than ten state benefits afforded to qualifying veterans including veterans’ bonus, free/reduced tuition, headstone setting reimbursements, veterans license plates, veterans’ identification on driver’s licenses, property tax exemptions, state park passes, discounted camping fees, hunting/fishing licenses, and military funeral honor reimbursements.

Collectively we have a state team of 11 subject matter experts that assist our veterans and train our county and tribal veterans service officers. There are six state veterans service officers located in our Sioux Falls Claims Office and five field service officers that travel all sixty-six counties and nine reservations.

South Dakota dedicates 12 bridges each year honoring fallen heroes who died in combat. To date, we have dedicated 41 state bridges honoring 44 heroes.

And if the stockings weren’t full enough with these 12, we have 55 county veterans service officers covering 66 counties. Like the tribal veterans service officers, these VSOs serve as the local contact person for our state’s veterans and their dependents, and they assist with making application for the various benefits programs that are available. They are our storefront.

Working together toward a positive future for our veterans and their families, we will ensure South Dakota continues to be a veteran friendly state.

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a new year of peace and happiness. As you and your family gather this holiday season, please keep our heroes, past, present, and future, in your hearts. God bless our veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors, and our troops that are currently serving in harm’s way. And may we as a nation always give them our very best.

Greg Whitlock, Secretary
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

Lifestyle

2 days ago

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits South Dakota Turkey Flocks

South Dakota is facing a major bird flu outbreak, with more than 135,000 turkeys destroyed at three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota has also reported cases, losing over 60,000 turkeys in commercial flocks. Agriculture officials stress that poultry products remain safe to eat despite the outbreak.

Government

2 days ago

AG Marty Jackley Launches Campaign for Congress

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has officially entered the race for Congress, launching his campaign in his hometown of Sturgis. Jackley, now in his fourth term as Attorney General, joins State Senator Casey Crabtree in the Republican primary to replace Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governor’s office. Highlighting his conservative record, Jackley says he will prioritize public safety, border security, economic growth, and accountability in Washington while continuing to serve as AG.

Crime

2 days ago

Huron Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Customers

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Huron contractor Julio Morales-Ortiz has been sentenced for defrauding seven customers out of more than $36,000. Morales-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Beadle County Circuit Court to theft by deception, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence, probation, and jail time.

Government

2 days ago

Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan

South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.

Government

2 days ago

Mitchell Plans Second Fire Station to Speed Up Response Times

Mitchell city officials are proposing a $2.5 million fire station on the north side of town to improve emergency response times and reduce insurance costs for residents. The station would be built near the old water treatment plant on Highway 37, with design work beginning in 2026 and an opening planned for 2027. City leaders say the new location will allow firefighters to reach the north side more quickly, while housing four firefighters who will share equipment with the current Public Safety building.