shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com November 21, 2017 • Page 11 For Many South Dakota Families, Weekly Column: True Patriots Every Day Is Veterans Day By Sen. John Thune For South Dakota families that have a loved one who is either currently serving in the military, has already hung up his or her uniform, or whose beloved sevicemember is no longer with us, every day is Veterans Day. These family members are proud of their mom or dad, son or daughter, and every day is an opportunity to celebrate and honor them. Speaking from personal experience, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about my dad and his service to the nation during World War II. And as the world has become increasingly complex and dangerous, I am reminded daily of the freedoms and security we enjoy because of the selfless service of our veterans across our state and nation. For folks without a family connection to a veteran or the military in general, the level of respect is no less. Veterans are an integral part of our community – they’re our colleagues, our friends, and our neighbors. No matter the connection, though, every November 11, we all pause to draw special attention to the service and sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform who have served or continue to serve here and around the world. While Veterans Day is a time for ceremonies and parades, it’s also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the sacrifice America’s war heroes have made over the generations and the contributions they’ve made to the strength of our democracy. It’s because of them that we’re still able to call America a beacon of hope and opportunity around the world. This year, for the first time ever, the president has designated the entire month of November as Veterans and Military Families Month. Following the president’s proclamation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin said, “Our veterans and military families are an important part of our lives throughout the year, and by focusing for the first time nationally on a whole month of activities nationwide for Veterans and Military Families Month, we can more fully celebrate and recognize their contributions to the nation.” I’m glad to see the administration is focused on this important issue. Particularly for me as a legislator, an important part of honoring America’s veterans is ensuring we’ve got their back when they leave the front lines of the battlefield and return home to potential challenges with furthering their education, finding a good-paying job, and staying healthy. This year alone, Congress has sent several critical bills to the president for his signature, including the “Forever GI Bill,” which expands veterans’ eligibility for GI Bill benefits. We also passed the VA Choice and Quality Employment Gov. Daugaard Appoints Guffin And Sly To Board Of Education Standards By Rep. Kristi Noem Every November, we set aside time to recognize those Act and the Veterans Apwho have acted on our behalf to protect freedom and peals Improvement and defend our liberties – those who have worn our nation’s Modernization Act, both uniform – who have earned the title “Patriot” and can call of which have been signed themselves a “United States Veteran.” into law. More than 72,000 veterans call South Dakota home. I’m especially happy Each has spent years serving so others could enjoy the to report that earlier this blessings of liberty that we celebrate in this country. As year, Secretary Shulkin a small token of gratitude for their sacrifices, our office quickly acted on my rehosted a Veterans Day Open House this year in Sioux quest to more prominently Falls. For a few hours, we sat down and talked with South feature the Veterans Crisis Dakota veterans over cookies and coffee, helping many Line on the VA’s website, navigate complicated federal programs, such as Social www.VA.gov. The line is Security and VA benefits. I’m incredibly grateful to those open 24 hours per day, who took the time to stop in, and I hope others recognize seven days per week, and our door is always open to you. veterans can reach out any In addition to helping veterans get the federal benefits time by texting 838255 or to which they’re entitled, I’ve been fighting to make sure calling 1-800-273-8255 and the promises made to veterans are kept. This summer, pressing one. I appreciate for instance, President Trump signed legislation I suphis responsiveness on this ported that aims to expand whistleblower protections important issue and will within the VA and streamline the process required to fire continue to engage with any VA employee. This is a critical step in improving VA him on issues impacting operations. South Dakota veterans. More recently, we worked with the president to give Let’s never forget the troops the largest pay raise in years and expand veterreasons why America ans’ access to education and workforce training. I’m glad has so much to celebrate both have been signed into law. and be thankful for, and Additionally, the House passed the Black Hills National let’s never compromise Cemetery Act, which I introduced. The legislation would in our collective effort to expand the Sturgis-area cemetery by 200 acres, ensuring ensure America’s veterans we keep this important promise to veterans for decades have the tools, resources, to come. I’m hopeful the Senate will take up the bill soon. support, and respect they This is all in addition to legislation we passed last need and deserve once Congress to increase mental health access for veterans their military service has and incentivize small businesses to hire those who have ended. served. There’s more work to do, however. I continue to fight to keep the Hot Springs VA open. There are changes that must be made to the VA CHOICE Program, which the House Veterans Affairs Committee is working very hard on. There is no way to fully compensate our veterans for the sacrifices they’ve made, but this November, I encourage you to take a moment and personally thank one of South Dakota’s 72,000 patriots and their families. There is a price to freedom, and we can never forget that. Snap Up a Deal in the Classifieds Call or go online to browse, buy or sell! PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has appointed Dr. Becky Guffin of Aberdeen and former Rep. Jacqueline Sly of Rapid City to the South Dakota Board of Education Standards. “Dr. Becky Guffin and Jacqueline Sly will bring a great deal of expertise to the Board of Education Standards,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Becky brings the perspective of a current practitioner as the superintendent of the Aberdeen School District. Jacqueline is a retired teacher and In Print and Online! past state legislator, whose work as co-chair of the Blue 665-5884 • www.missourivalleyshopper.com Ribbon Task Force helped to pass teacher pay legislation in 2016.” Dr. Becky Guffin began her career as a fifth grade teacher in Aberdeen in 1991, working her way up to superintendent in 2014. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Northern State University. She earned her educational specialist degree and doctorate from the University of South Dakota. She was named the 2010-11 South Dakota Curriculum Director of the Year and received the South Dakota Counseling Association E. Gordon Pulling Award in 2015. “I am very excited to serve as a member of the state Board of Education Standards,” said Guffin. “Throughout my career, I have had numerous experiences at the state and national level, which align well with the work of the board. I am honored to serve in this capacity and am looking forward to advocating for quality educational opportunities for all students.” Jacqueline Sly taught for 37 years throughout South Dakota. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary The Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and special education from Northern State University hosted a Ribbon Cutting for Chlotique, owned by Tami and her master’s in curriculum and instruction from Nielsen and Sydney Nielsen. Chlotique offers a wide variety Black Hills State University. Sly served in the South Daof woman’s clothing, ranging from size 0 – 22. They also kota House of Representatives from 2009 to 2016. During have a selection of gift-giving items. Stop by and see them! her last two terms, she was chair of the House Education Business hours are Monday: 11am-6pm, Tuesday through Committee. During her legislative terms, Sly also served Friday: 10am-7pm, Saturday: 10am-5pm and Sunday: as co-chair of the education committees for the Midwest Closed. For more information call 605-260-4999 or see the Legislative Conference and the Council of State Governwebsite www.chlotique.com. ments. “Public education has always been a part of my professional career,” said Sly. “Even though I have retired from classroom teaching, my desire for the success of young people is still important to me. This appointment will be an opportunity to continue serving.” Guffin’s appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2018. She will succeed Don Kirkegaard, who will be resigning SUNLIGHT WARMTH – radiant heat due to his appointment as penetrates evenly and directly into surfaces state Secretary of Educajust like sunlight. tion. 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