South Dakota Joining Forces Mission

To serve the veterans, military and family members in South Dakota and help them navigate the maze of programs and services to get them through the right door at the right time.

Throughout the years, the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs realized that a certain type of resource was necessary in our state, and we needed a program that fit the demand of our military and veteran constituents. South Dakota Joining Forces was developed to fill that void. Through this initiative, SDJF will not only explore the unique mental and behavioral health needs of veterans and their families, but strive to improve access to healthcare, education and housing. Essential to this mission is highlighting the supportive services and reducing the barriers to those services.

Executive Director Erin Bultje said "Through past wars and conflicts, we have been building the footings that are part of our history. Veterans, military and family members deserve an entity to help them locate the assistance they need. SDJF will take these footings and build the foundation block that will communicate, solidify, and create a network of resources for our 276,000 members of this exclusive club. This initiative has the capacity to give that large contingency a place to find resolution for information."

If you would like to be a SDJF Leader in your community, please submit a request through our contact us page and we will get in touch with you shortly.

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs has selected Erin Bultje to serve as the executive director of South Dakota Joining Forces (SDJF).

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs has selected Erin Bultje to serve as the executive director of South Dakota Joining Forces.