Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Tribal Veterans Service Office
7 South Willow St. (TERO Bldg.)
P.O. Box 590
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Office Phone: (605) 964-3050
Office Fax: (605) 964-8375
Tyson Thompson, Director
Email: tyson.thompson@crstmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tysonjthompson
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to honor and support the warriors of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe by providing dedicated, culturally grounded services that ensure every Veteran receives the benefits, advocacy, and respect they have earned. We strive to strengthen our communities by uplifting our veterans and their families with integrity, compassion, and tribal values.
Services
​
The CRST VSO provides a wide range of services for tribal veterans, their dependents, and survivors, specializing in navigating VA benefits, claims, and appeals. Additional services include appointment transportation, VA healthcare enrollment, funeral assistance, treatment resources, homeownership navigation, and more. Below is a list of services:
- VA Disability Claims
- VA Pension Claims
- VA Travel Claims
- VA Healthcare Enrollment
- VA Treatment Enrollment
- Medical Appointment Transportation Arrangements
- Military Records Requests
- Funeral Assistance
- Military Honors
- Military Headstone/Markers
- Education Benefits
- Homeownership Benefits
- Justice Outreach
- SD VA Benefits
- Veterans Food Pantry (Link)
CRST Public Rentals
​
Veterans Tent: The veterans tent is available for the CRST public to rent for special occasions or celebratory events if available. The one-time cost of rent is an up-front fee of $500.00. Three days maximum per rental. Set-up and transportation not included. Requires at least a forklift or skid steer to lift tent container. Renters are liable for any and all damage/missing items when returned.
Veterans Building: The veterans building in Eagle Butte, SD is available for the CRST public to rent for special occasions or celebratory events if available. The one-time cost of rent is an up-front fee of $100.00. $50.00 is returned to the renter if cleaned after use. Renters are liable for any and all damage upon inspection.
National American Indian Veterans
Mission: To serve, support, and advocate for American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Native Samoan veterans of the United States Armed Forces honoring service, preserving traditions, and strengthening our Native nations.
Mandate: In 2024, NAIV was granted a Congressional Charter, a rare and prestigious mandate to advocate for and support our nation's first warriors. This empowers us to organize and to fight for the benefits and recognition our veterans have earned.
Membership: Once eligibility is verified and membership is paid, you will be recognized as a full member. This is your opportunity to be a founding member of our national movement and help build the future of Native veteran support. By joining NAIV, you become part of a national community of warriors who honor service, culture, and heritage. Your membership helps fund veteran advocacy, community programs, and culturally competent support services for those who’ve served.
Region: There are 14 NAIV regions across the United States. CRST falls under NAIV Region 1 which covers South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska.
Leadership:
Frances Dupris
Region 1 Commander
Peter Lengkeek
National Commander
Dean Dauphinais
Executive Director
Benefits:
- Full Membership Benefits: Access our growing network of resources and support.
- Voting Rights: Have a voice in the direction of NAIV.
- Founding Member Recognition: Be recognized as one of the first 1,000 warriors in our revitalized organization.
Official Site: www.naivets.org
NAIV Charter: Charter Title (Link for Charter)
Contact: info@naivets.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/NAIV-National-American-Indian-Veterans/100064370636594/#
Membership Sign-up: https://naivets.org/join-3644
Scholarship Opportunities for Veterans and Dependents
Folds of Honor Scholarships: https://foldsofhonor.org/scholarships/military-scholarships/
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: https://www.mcsf.org/
Fisher House Scholarships: https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarship-programs/scholarships-for-military-children/
Wings Over America Scholarships: https://woasf.org/app
Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship: https://hqamf.org/scholarships/how-apply
Ranger Memorial Foundation Scholarship: https://rangermemorial.org/merit-scholarship/
Women Marines Assoc. Scholarship: https://www.womenmarines.org/scholarships/
Army Women’s Found. Scholarship: https://www.awfdn.org/scholarships/general-information/
Marines’ Memorial Scholarships: https://marinesmemorial.org/members/scholarships/
-
Richard & Susan Braun Family Scholarship
-
Caesar Viglienzone Memorial Scholarship
-
Marines' Memorial Tribute Scholarship
-
Dr. Nancy M. Schonher Scholarship
-
Wesley Hammon Leach Scholarship
-
Hammer Family Scholarship
AFAS Merit Scholarship: https://afas.org/afas-merit-scholarship/
25th ID Association Scholarship: https://www.25thida.org/association/scholarships/
Association of the US Army Scholarships: https://www.ausa.org/scholarships
Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation: https://www.actofvaloraward.org/bob-feller-act-of-valor-scholarships
South Dakota Legion Auxiliary Scholarship: https://sdlegion.org/scholarship-information
Horatio Alger Association SD Scholarships: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/undergraduate-scholarships/?_location=south-dakota
-
Denny Sanford Black Hills State University Scholarship
-
Denny Sanford Dakota State University Scholarship
-
Denny Sanford South Dakota School of Mines Scholarship
-
Denny Sanford South Dakota State University Scholarship
-
Denny Sanford University of Sioux Falls Scholarship
-
Denny Sanford University of South Dakota Scholarship
-
State Scholarship - South Dakota
-
Vance Cryer Marine Corps Scholarship
Army Scholarship Foundation: https://armyscholarshipfoundation.org/scholarships/
Schweiger Memorial Scholarship: https://www.schweigerscholarship.com/application-information
Navy Marine Corps RS Scholarships: https://nmcrs.scholarshipapps.org/process.cfm
WF Veteran Scholarship: https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/wellsfargoveterans/
Veteran Resources
Department of Veteran Affairs: www.va.gov
VA Healthcare: https://www.va.gov/health-care/
VA Home Loan Info: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/
VA Training & Education Benefits (GI Bill): https://www.va.gov/education/
VA Treatment: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/treatment.asp
PACT Act Info: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
ID.me (Needed to log into VA.gov): https://www.id.me/
SD Department of Veteran Affairs: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Benefits & Claims: www.mesotheliomaveterans.org
Camp Lejeune Claims Center: camplejeuneclaimscenter.com
SBA Veteran-owned Business Resource: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
SBA Office of Veterans Business Development: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-veterans-business-development
Veteran-owned Business Designation: https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/
USDA Veterans & Entrepreneurship: https://www.usda.gov/farming-and-ranching/agricultural-education-and-outreach/veterans/veterans-and-entrepreneurship
USDA Veteran Farmers: https://www.farmers.gov/your-business/military-veterans
National Resource Directory: https://nrd.gov/
Dept. of Interior Veteran Resources: https://www.doi.gov/veterans/vetresources
VA General Information: 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
Black Hills VA: (605) 347-2511
Sioux Falls VA: (605) 336-3230
Veterans Crisis Hotline: Dial “988” then press “1” or Text 838255