RAPID CITY, S.D. — Veterans and their families are invited to gather in Rapid City later this month for an event focused on connection, conversation and access to resources.

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with Pennington County Veterans Service Officers, will host a Coffee and Camaraderie event on April 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 22, located at 818 E. Saint Patrick St.

The event is part of the department’s “What’s Brewing” series, an outreach effort designed to bring veterans together in a relaxed setting where they can share experiences and learn more about available benefits and services.

Members of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs team will be joined by county veterans service officers Tom Vallette, Lee Borries, Chris Dieball and Cody Hostetter. Representatives will be available to answer questions and provide information on a range of topics, including compensation, education, pensions, health care, burial benefits, the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home and the State Veterans Cemetery.

Organizers say the event is open to all veterans and their family members, with the goal of making it easier to access support and build connections within the local veteran community.

Those unable to attend can still connect with the department by calling 605-333-6869 or by locating a county or tribal veterans service officer through the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Organizers say the gathering is about more than information — it is about creating space for veterans to come together, share their stories and remind one another they are not alone.