Kevin De Jong grew up on his parent's (Herb and Jessie DeJong) farm west of Springfield and graduated from Avon High School in 1968. Kevin and his wife Tonia (Bechtold) also from Avon, reside in Yankton and are the parents of three children and have four grandchildren. Kevin graduated from SDSU with a degree in Ag Business and from the Army War College with a Masters in Strategic Studies.

Col. DeJong has served several tours of duty and has received several Awards. His present assignment is as Emergency Preparedness Liaison Office between the State of South Dakota and the Army Reserve.