Gov. Larry Rhoden has named a new state Veterans Affairs Secretary.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeremiah Schneider assumes the role on March 6.
“Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider is a hard-working professional with strong leadership skills,” said Rhoden. “He has served his country wholeheartedly for many years, and I am confident that he will work diligently with me to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”
A Wentworth native, Schneider enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1995 — turning down a baseball scholarship to join, according the governor's office.
He currently serves as the Deputy Senior Enlisted Leader for Expeditionary Medical Facility at Camp Pendleton in California. He also serves as the CEO of the Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison.
“I want to thank Gov. Larry Rhoden for the honor of nominating me as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Schneider. “I will approach this position with the same determination, vigor, and love of country that I have in my naval and civilian careers. I have been and will continue to be an advocate for the State of South Dakota, our governor, and our veterans.”
Schneider takes over the reins for Greg Whitlock, who has served as the VA Secretary since 2019.