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The Need: Why South Dakota Veterans
South Dakota is home to nearly 60,000 veterans who are spread across vast farmland and wide-open ranch country. Veterans and their families deserve more than fragmented systems or one-size-fits-all programs designed for big cities. They deserve local, trusted support that reflects the culture and community of South Dakota.
Distance is the barrier.
Many veterans live hours away from the nearest VA or military resource.
Isolation is the risk.
Loneliness, food insecurity, and stigma weigh heavily in our small towns.
Fewer people, greater responsibility.
With fewer people in our entire state than in some cities, every neighbor matters.
Our Mission
Developing communities of care for veteran and military families in South Dakota.
Why Now
We’re at a turning point. The first generation of post-9/11 veterans is aging into new challenges, while today’s military families face higher costs, mental health struggles, and ongoing transitions. Without strong community infrastructure, too many fall through the cracks.
CAV is ready to meet this moment with solutions proven in our towns; solutions built by South Dakotans, for South Dakotans.
Programs Anchored in Local Culture and Care
Operation Chow Line
Meals, food pantries, and community gatherings in six rural cities where neighbors come together around the table.
Compass Corps
AmeriCorps-supported interns placed in colleges and clinics, helping veterans transition from military life to campus and career.
VetConnect SD
Our statewide referral and navigation backbone, uniting hospitals, providers, and community groups to ensure no wrong door for veterans.
Special Initiatives
Retreats for women veterans, peer-to-peer mentorship, and statewide conferences that blend professional training with direct support.
Who We Serve & Why It Matters
In South Dakota, veterans and their families face unique challenges shaped by distance, weather, and the realities of rural life. CAV exists to stand in the gap serving those who served us, while equipping small towns to become strongholds of support.
We serve:
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Veterans returning home to rural towns and farms, often miles from the nearest VA.
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Families adjusting to life after service, navigating transition together.
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Student veterans balancing classrooms and combat experiences.
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Military-connected women, too often overlooked in traditional veteran programs.
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Small communities eager to help, but lacking coordinated resources.
Corporate Sponsors and Collaborating Partners
Why CAV?
We are different because we are South Dakotans at our core. We know what it means to drive 100 miles for a doctor’s visit or to depend on your neighbor in a blizzard. Our roots run deep in this land, and our solutions are born from listening to the people who live here.
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Grassroots-built: Not from red tape, but from local voices, volunteers, and veterans themselves.
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Proven model: Our pilots — from Operation Chow Line to Compass Corps — have already connected thousands of veterans with meals, mentorship, and real support.
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Statewide backbone: With regional hubs and ambassadors in every county, we’re building infrastructure to last generations.
Praise for Our Work
John D.
“CAV's programs have made a significant impact on my overall well-being. The support and resources provided have truly made a difference in my life as a veteran.”
Michelle S.
“The sense of community and understanding within CAV's network is unparalleled. It's more than just a support system; it's a lifeline for veterans like me.”
Robert T.
“The dedication to uplifting veterans' lives is evident in every aspect of CAV's approach. It's been a transformative journey with CAV by my side.”
Join the Mission, Shape the Future
For Donors & Grantmakers
Your investment keeps veterans and families connected to food, healthcare, education, and hope in the places they already call home. Together, we can build a model for rural America that lasts long beyond today.
For Volunteers
Become the trusted neighbor every veteran deserves. From helping at an Operation Chow Line event to serving as an ambassador in your county, your involvement keeps this mission alive at the local level.
This is South Dakota. We take care of our own.
Join us in building the communities of care our veterans and families deserve.