Command Sgt Maj Larry Zimmerman served 29 years in the South Dakota National Guard retiring in January of 2013. He completed a tour in Afghanistan (OEF) as the Operations SGM for the nine Northern provinces in that country, and before that was the CSM in both the 109th RSG in Rapid City, SD and the 109th En Bn in Sturgis, along with numerous other positions within the Army Guard. Zimmerman was Active Duty Army from 1973-1976 in the 4th Infantry Division at Ft Carson, CO.
Since his retirement, Larry was named and served as South Dakota’s first ever Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a position he held from 2011 to 2018. To this day, Larry continues to champion veteran causes throughout Western South Dakota and the state. Larry has also been instrumental in the development of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s annual Freedom Celebration and continues to provide strong guidance and support to our team. Larry also serves on the Board of the Veterans Helping Hands Project, which works to provide small homes for veterans, built by veterans. Larry is also Tri Care liaison for Keystone Treatment Center located in Canton, SD.
DECORATIONS AND AWARDS:
Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/star,
Army Commendation Medal w/1 OLC, Army Achievement Medal w/ 1 OLC
Army Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Component Achievement Medal 5th Award
National Defense 3rd Award, Non Art 5 NATO ISAF Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon w/4
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M device and 20 Year
SD Distinguished Service Award
SD Recruiting Ribbon
SD Service Medal
SD Desert Storm Ribbon