November 2019 

The State of Wisconsin has a long history of providing generous benefits, programs and services to state residents who entered active duty from Wisconsin and continue to reside in the state.

These benefits, programs and services are provided by the State of Wisconsin in order to supplement and complement those provided to veterans by the federal government. ​is placeholder text.

Click here to learn more!

Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program

Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) coordinators can ​connect veterans with treatment, housing, and other emergency services. Get help​

Women Veteran Program Managers  assist women veterans with 
services including primary care, pregnancy care, psychiatric care and sexual abuse counseling, inpatient medical/surgical care, programs for homeless women veterans, and quality of care issues. 

Military License Plates

Wisconsin offers women who have served in any branch of the U.S. military or component the option to apply for “Woman Veteran” license plates. Visit here for more information! 

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs.Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Many of them are Veterans themselves.

Click here for more information.

Gundel "Gundy" Metz Named 2019 Woman Veteran of the Year

U.S. Army Veteran Gundel "Gundy" Metz, has been named the 2019 Wisconsin Woman Veteran of the Year. 

Metz, a Madison resident, served on active duty in the Army for two decades (1975-1995), receiving numerous decorations, certificates, and accolades for her military service. Upon Metz's retirement from the Army, she shifted toward a career in serving veterans in her community.

 “Gundy's commitment to service, even after wearing the uniform, serves as an example of the person we should strive to be," WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar said. “Gundy's tireless work on behalf of veterans and her strong leadership ability has helped our state in our mission of better serving veterans and their families. Her guidance and advocacy have paved the way not only for women veterans, but all those who bravely wore the uniform." 

To read the full announcement visit here.

I Am Not Invisible Traveling Exhibit Unveiled in Capitol Ceremony

On November 7, 2019 Governor Tony Evers, WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar, Wisconsin Veterans Museum's Interim Director Jennifer Van Haaften, along with many of the featured women launched an new traveling exhibit called I Am Not Invisible (IANI) in the State Capitol Rotunda.

IANI features thirty-two Wisconsin women military veterans, aims to increase awareness and dialogue about women who served in the military and their life after service, as well as open viewers’ eyes to the countless levels of expertise women have contributed in the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to modern photos of the women veterans, it includes links to their oral histories and information about their service.

The exhibit is available to the public as part of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Traveling Exhibit Program. It was created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Center for Women Veterans.

To bring the exhibit to your community or to learn more visit here.

Women Veterans Fall Wellness Day Held in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward

Thank you to all who attended the Women Veterans Fall Wellness Day on November 16th at Ward 4 in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. The day was empowering, uplifting, and fun!

Milwaukee VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator Laura Acompanado, MSSW, LCW presented on Emotional Wellness and Milwaukee County Director of Emergency Management Services and U.S. Marine veteran Christine Westrich shared her empowering story.

In addition to the uplifting speakers there were art instructors from Farmhouse Paint Bar that led sip & paint area, spa treatments were provided by the  Waukesha County Technical College and Milwaukee Area Technical College Schools of Cosmetology, Mission BBQ donated lunch, massage therapy, veterans met with an onsite claims officer, they stopped by a health and wellness check area, and so much more!

This event was sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs' Women Veterans' program, Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative's WOVIN program and the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. 

To view more photos visit our Flickr page.