To the Editor:
Fam First Fathers Against Meth would like to thank Ron Volesky for his support of our organization by serving on our board and as our legal adviser. He’s been supportive of and has attended all our anti-meth rallies including one at state prisons in Springfield and Pierre. Ron was also instrumental in the founding of Fam First.
Through his advice, concern and speeches, he’s helped us to advance the mission and purpose of Fam First to reach those within the prison walls as well as the general public. He’s been supportive and encouraging in the rallies we have conducted in the Department of Corrections and will continue be so with the  luncheon event, “Connecting Communities Across South Dakota,” which Fam First is hosting Friday, March 23 in Rapid City.
This event is bringing together politicians, state and tribal leaders, tribal law enforcement and Department of Corrections officials. Fam First is bringing people together to address the social ills affecting communities including addiction, poverty, homelessness, incarceration, recidivism, high suicide and school dropout rates.

Through collaboration and forming partnerships, programs can be implemented that will work to provide solutions. S.D. has the highest rate of incarceration of Native Americans in this country. Many of the youth aren’t graduating, they’re going to prison. And once in the system, the recidivism rate is very high.
Methamphetamine  alone is responsible for many of the ills across our state, which are being fueled by environmental and social conditions and in turn are leading to the high rates of incarceration, recidivism back into the system, suicide, school dropout, shootings and other criminal activity.
This is why the work of Fam First-Fathers Against Meth is so vitally important and why we are appreciative of Mr. Volesky’s continuing support and commitment to the people and communities of South Dakota.
Robert Horse
Fam First Fathers Against Meth
Rapid City