Good evening District 27. While attending the local county commissioner’s meeting today, I saw this poster displayed across from the county treasurer’s office of all the different vehicle license plates recognized by the State of South Dakota. Unfortunately, my 21 years of service to my country are not recognized by the State of South Dakota, though I was honorably discharged and awarded a flag at retirement (See posted DD-214 and photo of US flag sent to me upon separation).
I receive all the same Veteran’s benefits as any person who served in the Armed Services. Presently, members of the Uniformed Services are entitled to receive the same health care benefits through the VA or military treatment facility. They can receive access privileges to Base Exchanges (BX) and/or commissary, receive a college education through the GI Bill, fly on Space Available flights, and be buried in a national cemetery to name a few of the benefits afforded to active duty and veteran members of the Uniformed Services; however, the State of South Dakota refuses to acknowledge my service or my Veteran’s status.
In June 2017, I wrote a letter to my state legislators to work with the governor to extend Veteran’s benefits to not only armed forces personnel but also to those actively serving and to those veterans like me who served in the Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I wrote in my letter that it was time for South Dakota to recognize its Uniformed Services members. I reminded the three legislators that our service to our country had not been recognized in Pierre with either a monument or a flag flying at the State Capitol. Many Uniformed Services members have made many significant contributions to our country. I further mentioned in my letter that there are many active-duty Uniformed Services members and veterans who retired in South Dakota, me being one of them. I thought it was fitting to be recognized alongside many men and women of our Armed Services who worked with Unformed Services Personnel. I even provided examples of how Uniformed Service Personnel serve as America’s Health Responders and provided website links to educate our legislators about who we are. At the end of the day, it was all for naught. Not one of my three legislators took the time to acknowledge receipt of my letter or provide a written response.
In 2023, I submitted the same letter and wrote an email to persuade a legislator who serves on the State Veterans Affairs Committee, but again I received no response. I was assured that this person, a veteran, would get back to me. He never did. This was a big disappointment and left a bitter taste in my mouth about the process. It further told me that these legislators in Pierre do not care about their constituents within their district.
I realized at this point, that my efforts were futile and that the only way my voice could be heard was to run for office myself and to be the voice for these Veterans who are not recognized by our state. One should not have to run for office to be heard, but that is the sad reality of the state of our politics today.
If elected your state senator, I will be that voice that I never had when I had an issue that was important to me. I will be that voice that represents all of District 27. I may not have all the answers and we may not always agree on the issues, but I can assure you, as I have said previously, I will respond to your letters, phone calls, text messages, or emails when you have an issue that is brought to my attention. Not only is it appropriate, but also it is common courtesy to respond to someone who has taken the time to write their state legislator. Unlike the former legislators that I wrote back in 2017, who did not respond to me when I wrote them, I will take the time as your senator to respond to the issues that are important to you. God bless.
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