Gov. Mike Rounds today announced a leadership team for an advisory panel on military issues called Vets for Mike.
Brigadier General Jeffrey Marlette of Rapid City and John Moisan of Ft. Pierre will co-chair the group and keep Gov. Rounds updated on issues facing our active military as well as those who have served.
“I’m honored that two top-notch soldiers like Jeff and John have agreed to lend their expertise in military affairs to our campaign,” said Gov. Mike Rounds. “Their guidance will help make sure we’re in touch with veterans across the state.”
During his two terms as governor, America was at war and Mike Rounds made military support a top priority.
“He was there to support their families while units were deployed, to celebrate their homecomings and he was there to stand alongside families as we paid honor to those South Dakotans who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Brigadier General Jeffrey Marlette. “Mike Rounds understands the commitment South Dakota’s Veterans and service members make to protect our country.”
Gov. Rounds continued a tradition Gov. Bill Janklow started with a World War II memorial by hosting two large memorial celebrations at the state capitol to honor veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars. John Moisan was instrumental in coordinating those events.
"Because I grew up in a family of veterans and war heroes, I felt deeply honored to be able to coordinate those events,” said Moisan. "They paid tribute to men and women of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam to honor those veterans who laid their life aside or put themselves in harms way for the freedom we all enjoy today. I look forward to helping Mike reach out to veterans once again."
About Jeff Marlette: Brigadier General (Ret) Jeff Marlette is a former Assistant Adjutant General Army for the South Dakota Army National Guard. Marlette’s military career spanned over thirty-two years of service and included a fifteen-month deployment to Iraq, where he served as the Battalion Commander for the 2/147th Field Artillery Battalion. In his civilian career, Marlette is an educator and currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools for the New Underwood School District.
About John Moisan: John Moisan was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Vietnam war in 1969 with assignments with 4/80 Artillery/ 5th Infantry Division/ Fort Carson, CO and 1/33 Armor/3rd Armored Division Gelnhausen, FRG. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1971, Moisan returned to civilian life and had a 35-year career with the state of South Dakota. He recently retired and continues his work as an acclaimed artist and author.