Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson has recognized more than 60 Vietnam-era veterans so far this year, including eight in Hot Springs during the past week. Johnson noted that these individuals "answered the call to serve, and we owe them the gratitude they didn’t receive when they returned home after the Vietnam War."

Since 2019, Johnson says he has heard stories from over 1,100 veterans and plans to continue holding Vietnam Veteran Commemorative Ceremonies across South Dakota throughout the year. He encourages anyone who is a Vietnam-era veteran or knows one to submit nominations through his office website or by phone.

Mental and behavioral health remains a significant challenge in South Dakota’s schools and communities. The state is seeing mental health diagnoses and suicide rates above national averages among those under 20 years old. Community mental health centers are working to address these issues.

This week, Johnson convened a group of experts to discuss ways to better address behavioral health needs in South Dakota. He stated: "Our families, health care systems, schools, and communities must work together to tackle this issue. I look forward to continuing conversations on how we can improve the lives of our neighbors and loved ones."

Johnson also commented on public interest surrounding documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. He said: "The crimes Jeffrey Epstein was accused of are abhorrent and the public deserves to have answers." As a cosponsor of H.Res. 589, Johnson supports providing for the public release of certain documents related to the investigation of Epstein: "I believe all the Epstein documents that can be legally released should be released, with appropriate protections for the innocent."

Dusty Johnson has served as U.S. Representative for South Dakota’s at-large district since 2019, succeeding Kristi Noem in Congress (https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/about). Born in Pierre in 1976, he now lives in Mitchell (https://www.sdnewswatch.org/dusty-johnson-biography/). He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in 1999.