A Sturgis woman is being recognized for her dedication to veterans and military families across western South Dakota.
Jessica Kusser has been named the American Legion Auxiliary District 1 Member of the Year, an honor announced during the district’s spring meeting in Spearfish.
Kusser was recognized for her service with Sturgis Unit 33 and her work supporting veterans in the Meade County area.
Among her accomplishments is organizing a “Hero Tree” project at the Sturgis Veterans Club, providing holiday gifts to veterans receiving care at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center. She also helped coordinate an award-winning float in the Sturgis Parade of Lights that brought together several local veterans’ organizations.
District 1 spans much of northwestern South Dakota, and Kusser will now advance to compete for the state title later this month in Aberdeen. The statewide winner will earn a trip to the national convention this summer in Louisville, Kentucky.
Kusser, who serves as treasurer for Unit 33, has strong family ties to military service and remains active in both youth programs and veterans’ initiatives.
Leaders with the organization say her lifelong commitment to supporting veterans made her a clear choice for the honor.
