Veterans & Military Priorities
Veterans are our Priority
Ericka and I have over 60 years of combined military service. I served 5 years enlisted, including time in the South Dakota Air National Guard. Our children continue that legacy and serve today. We know firsthand the sacrifices demanded of service members, and we also know this truth:
America still doesn’t take care of its veterans the way they deserve.
It’s time to change that.
1. Grandfather All Combat Veterans Into 100% VA Disability Benefits
We are calling on the President of the United States, all 50 Governors, and federal lawmakers to automatically grandfather every combat veteran from every era—Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and all future conflicts—into the 100% VA Disability tier.
This action would give long-overdue support to those who carried the weight of war:
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A livable monthly income
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Stipends for dependents
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Full access to medical, dental, and vision care
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Priority appointments and zero-cost treatment
Our nation asked everything from these veterans. It’s time we give something back.
2. South Dakota Veterans Should Receive 100% Benefits
All South Dakota veterans—regardless of rating—should receive the same benefits currently granted only to 100% disabled veterans.
And if a veteran is rated 100%, they should pay no property taxes.
Not one dollar.
South Dakota can and should become the best state in the nation for veterans and their families.
3. Social Security Disability at Age 54 for 100% Disabled Veterans
I formally petitioned Senator Mike Rounds’ office to introduce legislation allowing 100% VA-disabled veterans to automatically qualify for Social Security Disability at age 54, provided they have met the standard 40-credit work requirement.
These men and women already paid the price. They shouldn’t have to fight another bureaucratic battle.
4. Freeze VA Disability Ratings From Ever Being Decreased
I wrote to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with two critical recommendations:
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A. No veteran should ever have their VA disability rating reduced — only increased.
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If a veteran’s condition worsens, their rating should rise.
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If it stabilizes, it should remain.
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It should never go backward.
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B. The VA should be allowed to write letters supporting a veteran’s Social Security claim.
The agencies should work together — not make veterans restart their stories from scratch.
5. A Challenge to Every Elected Leader: Use the VA System
To all veterans:
Wouldn’t you like to see the Governor, Lt. Governor, and other elected officials receiving their care in the VA system — right beside you?
We challenge our leaders to experience the system they oversee. Veterans deserve accountability, transparency, and leaders who understand the reality of VA care.
We Stand With Every Veteran, Every Branch, Every Era
Active Duty. National Guard. Reserve. Retired.
Combat veterans. Non-combat veterans.
Those still serving and those who hung up the uniform decades ago.
The promise we make to our service members must continue long after the uniform comes off.
South Dakota can lead the nation in keeping that promise.