HURON – A Sisseton native who has served his country and his fellow veterans for years is the recipient of the 2017 Chet Sorenson Veteran of the Year Award.
Warren Aas, a Vietnam veteran of the Air Force who went on to serve in the Army as a master sergeant, was presented with the award at Thursday’s “Salute to Veterans” program at the South Dakota State Fair.
Aas, who retired from active duty in 2003 with more than 28 years of service, said he was deeply honored to accept the prestigious award.
“I know there’s hundreds, maybe even thousands, of veterans here in South Dakota who are more deserving of this award than I am,” Aas said to an overflowing crowd at the NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage.

The award, presented by Travise Flisrand, adjutant of the American Legion Department of South Dakota, is given by the South Dakota Veterans Council each year to recognize veterans who, after their military service, have continued to assist and advocate for those men and women who have served the nation.
In 2004, Aas became the department service officer for the American Legion, a position he continues to serve in today.
Aas said he also had the privilege of serving as president of the South Dakota Veterans Council for four years.
“I know firsthand that this council does good work for the veterans of South Dakota and their families,” he said.
As he has reflected back on the one thing that stands out the most while he served on the council, Aas said it has to be the creation of the cabinet-level position of secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
That office concentrates solely on the welfare of veterans and their families and ensures that all veterans have the opportunity to file claims with the Veterans Administration, for education, pensions or compensation for injuries suffered during military service.
Veterans and the veterans council felt there was a strong need for the position in state government. Aas was the moderator when council members met with gubernatorial candidates Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Democrat Scott Heidpriem in October of 2010.
One of their questions was whether they would create the position, and Daugaard did so, not long after being elected, Aas said.