The American Legion was founded on four pillars, the first being Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation.  The South Dakota American Legion has been served by a Department Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) Committee for several years.  However, during the 2018 state convention in Spearfish, SD, a resolution was put forth and approved to rename and restructure the Department VA&R Committee to a new and revitalized Department Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) Commission to better serve our veterans and their families.

The Department VA&R Commission consists of 8 members that include a Chairman, Vice Chairman and 6 members.  This commission meets twice annually, once by teleconference and once in-person to actively advocate for a number of veterans benefits and programs.

The Department VA&R Commission is comprised of Legionnaires that represent expertise in many areas that are crucial to the success of supporting our veterans such as County Veterans Service Officers, the South Dakota National Guard, and our Native American Tribes here in South Dakota.

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation must be an active pillar in all posts in our department.  We know all posts do great things in the area of VA&R and they have an opportunity to apply for the Department VA&R Award for Excellence to share their accomplishments.  This award application is available on our department website under forms.  The application deadline to State Headquarters is no later than May 1^st annually.  This award is outstanding recognition for the winning post and will be presented each year on stage at the state convention.

Include activities from April 30th of last year to May 1st of the current year.