First Ever Secretary of Veterans Affairs Named

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Gov. Dennis Daugaard has named the South
Dakota Army National Guard's highest-ranking noncommissioned
officer as the state's first Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
     Larry Zimmerman will begin the role in February 2013, after he
completes his commitment as command sergeant major in the Army
National Guard.
     In a news release, Zimmerman, of Rapid City, said he was honored
to be selected for the position and looks forward to serving
veterans.
     Lt Gov. Matt Michels will serve as interim Secretary of Veterans
Affairs until 2013. Michels is a veteran of the United States Navy.
He is already the Governor's point-person on veterans' issues. The
lieutenant governor is a member of the American Legion and the
Veterans of Foreign Wars.