When was the Department established?
A brief history of the Department of Veterans Affairs begins with the State Legislature which called a special session in 1944 during World War II. It recognized the need for assistance to veterans and established the Division. From 1944 to 1973 it was known as the Department of Veterans Affairs. Then in 1973 through reorganization, it was changed to South Dakota Division of Veterans Affairs and placed under the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. In 2011 Governor Dennis Daugaard issued an executive order to create two departments - the South Dakota Department of the Military and the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
Where is the Department located and how many offices does it have?
The Department has two offices with a total staff of 18 employees. The Administrative Offic eis located in the Soldiers and Sailors War Memorial Building in Pierre. The Claims Office and is located in Sioux Falls. In addition there is one Veterans Field Officer who is stationed in Sturgis.
In conjunction with the Department, there exists an advisory and guidance board known as the Veterans Commission. The Commission consists of six members appointed by the Governor for six-year terms. This body normally meets three to four times a year. Another key element of the network is the County Veterans Service Office. Even though County Veterans Service Officers are county employees, they serve as an extension of the Department of Veterans Affairs and play an integral and important role in helping the Department carry out its goal of providing service to our veterans, their dependents and survivors.
What is the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Last but not least is the question "What is the Department of Veterans Affairs?" The Department of Veterans Affairs is an advocate of the veteran and the veteran's dependents and survivors. It is also a division of state government that exists to assist anyone in applying for veterans benefits in their claim against the Federal Government. Although we work closely with the Federal Government agency known as the Veterans Administration, we are not a part of that agency. The Department, by mutual agreement, services claims of individuals who have authorized the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans of World War I, Amvets, Order of Purple Hearts, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Inc., and The Retired Enlisted Association to represent them, and has members of the staff accredited to these organizations. The Department also assists the Disabled American Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America in some field work, but it does not have members accredited by these organizations. The Department's mission is SERVICE to all of our veterans, their dependents and/or survivors.
Should you need assistance or want information, please contact us at the addresses and phone numbers listed below:
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
Soldiers & Sailors Building
425 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre South Dakota 57501
(605) 773-4981
Claims Office
VA Regional Office 2501 West 22nd Street
PO Box 5046
Sioux Falls South Dakota 57117-5046
Phone: (605) 333-6869