Veterans Court transforms lives with hope and support

During a recent government meeting, the Pennington County Commission addressed several key topics, including the addition of the Festival of Lights Parade to the agenda and a heartfelt recognition of local veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

The meeting commenced with a pledge of allegiance, followed by a discussion on the agenda. Commissioner Tollyhaney raised concerns about the legality of adding items without prior public notice, but Commission Manager clarified that it is permissible under open meetings laws. The commission unanimously approved the addition of the Festival of Lights Parade request to the agenda.

The focus then shifted to veterans' recognition, led by Barry Theiss, Director of Pennington County Human Services. Theiss highlighted the contributions of the Veterans Service Office, which has expanded its team to better serve the growing veteran population in the area. In 2024, the office submitted over 5,000 actionable forms to the Veterans Administration, resulting in more than $5.4 million in financial awards for veterans—an increase of over $1 million from the previous year.

Alexander Purcell, Assistant Director of the Veterans Service Office, emphasized the importance of their work and the positive impact of the Pennington County Veterans Treatment Court, which has been operational since 2016. Shane Coble, a graduate of the court, shared his personal journey of recovery and transformation, crediting the program for providing him with support and hope after facing significant challenges, including addiction and legal issues.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the service of veterans and the dedicated efforts of the Veterans Service Office team. The commission encouraged community members to participate in upcoming events, including a gathering for veterans on November 12, where they can enjoy refreshments and connect with service providers.