Editor's note: This Speakout was submitted by Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Our veterans have shouldered the burden of our defense. They have displayed extraordinary strength and resilience in the face of adversity to protect the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans.

When our men and women return home after their tour of duty, we can show our gratitude by serving them. They must know that there are resources to help them. Veterans service officers provide a service, at no cost, to assist veterans in applying for benefits.

The recently passed PACT Act expands health care and benefits for toxic exposures and will lead to more veterans filing disability claims. As a nation we should ensure they don’t face needless obstacles in their path. We need to make certain that those who assist veterans do not take advantage of them or defraud the government. That’s why it’s so vitally important that veterans are aware of and are properly represented by accredited individuals and institutions when seeking VA benefits.

We encourage all veterans to work with their county and tribal veterans service officer, or an accredited representative of a veterans service organization when determining how to proceed with claims.

Veterans should not share their logins, passwords, or bank account information with an unaccredited representative.

It is illegal for unaccredited agents to prepare, present, or file claims on behalf of veterans.

Veterans don’t need unaccredited consultants who have no oversight of their quality, accuracy, or predatory practices.

I’m proud of the resources that accredited representatives like the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and our partners, the county and tribal veterans service officers, provide at no cost.

Our department exists for one clear purpose: to repay our nation’s debt of gratitude to its veterans every day. We are serving America’s veterans by providing them timely access to benefits and quality care from the day they first take their oaths of allegiance until the day they are laid to rest.

Much of our team of experts have worn the boots, walked the trenches, conducted maneuvers, commanded troops, sustained missions, and protected our freedoms. They are veterans that have borne the battle and are committed to ensure that our heroes receive the highest quality of services possible. Again, there is no charge for the services they provide our veterans in obtaining their benefits.

To reach our SDDVA team, call 605-333-6869. To locate a county or tribal veterans service officer, visit https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/veteransserviceofficers/locatevso.aspx.

America’s veterans are the pride of our nation. They have fought our wars, defended our shores, and kept us free. At the end of each day, our true measure of success will be the timeliness, the quality, and the consistency of the services and support we provide.

Now, more than ever, we need to continue to deliver on our promise to take care of our veterans. Let’s keep our sleeves rolled up and work together to ensure our veterans have a successful journey after they return home.