The February, 2006 Citizen of the Month is an individual known for his unselfishness, willingness and compassionate attitude in helping others. The Citizen of the Month award is presented to James A. Huff of Rapid City.

James Huff has been actively involved in many volunteer organizations in Rapid City, the state and overseas level since retirement from the VA Senior Executive Service in 1994. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, received a direct commission in US Naval Intelligence, serving 28 years in the active reserve and three tours of active duty. He volunteered for recall to active duty during the Gulf War and commanded a US Naval Intelligence team. Captain Huff was awarded the Defense Superior Service Metal during the Gulf War. He was injured while on active duty and formally retired from Naval Intelligence in 1996.

James retired to Rapid City and became involved as a volunteer with the South Dakota Adult Literacy Program. James is currently Director of Outreach for the Learning Disabilities Association of South Dakota, member of the Education and Youth Committee of Rushmore Rotary Club and President of the Western Heritage Organization. He provides advocacy services for students and adults with learning disabilities, conducts screens for dyslexia, assists schools and families in developing individual education plans, provides workshops on “Identification Remediation and Accommodation of Learning Disabilities” to local area schools, higher education and outreach programs to Native Americans on the Reservations and in Rapid City.

C.W. and Carol Chiang nominated James for his unselfish work with the Robert Huang family. James was a knowledgeable advisor and provided guidance to them as they worked to identify their son’s medical disorders. The Chiang’s note that he has worked extensively with the Huang family, school psychologists and counselors to developed Andrew Huang’s individual education plan. They believe that his knowledge and commitment has allowed Andrew to expand his learning level and abilities. James has filled in as Andrew’s tutor for homework. Additionally, James has become a respected uncle-figure to Andrew’s twin brother, Aaron. The Chiang’s tell of his unselfish giving of time to Aaron as he adjusts to his new environment as a freshman at Seattle University. “ The knowledgeable background, unselfish, patient, caring and professional help given by James has Andrew improving, and becoming confident in his actions.”

“He has worked hard with the Huff family as well as school psychologists and counselors to bring realization of the intelligence level, abilities, depth and potential of individuals with learning disabilities.” The Chiang family as well as the Huang family believe that James Huff is a real “blessing” for the family and that he is a “terrific volunteer, caring, committed and avaluable asset to the community” and deserving to be recognized as the Citizen of the Month.