Online Veteran Service Office Resources
Veteran Service Offices are a resource created to assist servicemembers and veterans in applying for and getting the VA benefits they need and deserve. Veteran Service Offices, which are normally located at VA Regional Offices, VA Hospitals and Clinics, are operated by one of many military veterans service organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The counselors who work in these offices are referred to as either Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) or District Service Officers (DSOs). These counselors are committed to assisting you with the process of getting enrolled in the VA, filing claims, appeals and pursuing your hard-earned benefits and compensation. In the past it has been difficult for veterans to find their local VSO, however thanks to the VFW there is a new online resource to assist veterans who need the type of assistance only a truly dedicated VSO can provide. To find a VSO near you go to www.vfwserviceofficer.org and click on the resources link. Read more about the valuable services VSOs provide.

The National Archives now has a webpage where veterans can request a copy of their DD-214. A military veteran, or the next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military can use this webpage. The next of kin can be any of the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online website.

South Dakota Offers Bonus to Veterans
South Dakota veterans who legally resided within the state for at least six months before entering into the armed services are eligible for a bonus of up to $500 from the state. The bonus is available to servicemembers currently on active duty, or those who were honorably discharged following service between the dates of 1 Jan. 1993 through 10 Sept. 2001 and who were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Southwest Asia Service medal, Kosovo campaign medal or any other United States campaign or service medal awarded for participation in combat operations against hostile forces. All active duty personnel who served after 11 September 2001 (through a date to be determined) are eligible for the bonus. For an application form, write: SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 or call (605) 773-7251. Forms can also be requested via email from john.fette@state.sd.us. Be sure to include your name, street or PO Box number, city, state and zip code.