• This week, the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs kicked off one of the most aggressive outreach campaigns in the history of the Department - Operation RAV (Reaching All Veterans).
• We have dedicated 2014 as our year to reach all 75,000 South Dakota veterans.    The Department will work in concert and partnership with our County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers to locate all of our vet

erans.   
• How will this be accomplished? 
     • Hosting over 150 open houses and outreach events throughout the state. 
     • Having a booth set up at the Capitol during the 38 days of the South Dakota legislative session.
     • Calling veterans. 
• Operation RAV is one of the most exciting projects that have taken place in the past ten years.   We're going to take the time to talk to all our past and present heroes.  We have been at war for the past fourteen years and these events will provide veterans and their families the opportunity to meet with our Department staff and the County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers about programs, services and benefits.   
• Operation RAV is moving forward and our list of veterans is growing.   Watch for advertisements promoting the open houses in your community.   We encourage all veterans and their families and survivors to attend one of our open house events.
• Larry Zimmerman, Secretary
• South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs 
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