Murals Outside the Veterans Museum Honor WI Heroes

New murals were installed this month on the exterior walls of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The Veteran Print Project worked with veteran artists and the local veteran community to depict Wisconsin veterans and raise awareness of the contributions of veterans in the community even after their military service ends. Sec. Mary Kolar recently had a chance to thank Carolyn and Verona Morgan, depicted on the mural behind them, for their participation, while viewing the murals. Read more about the art here.

Joanie Dickerson Named Woman Veteran of the Year

Sec. Mary Kolar presented the 2020 Wisconsin Woman Veteran of the Year award to Navy veteran Joanie Dickerson in a small, socially distanced ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic School in Bloomington this Veterans Day. Joanie Dickerson was nominated by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Wisconsin for her tireless dedication to her community. Read more on the Wisconsin Woman Veteran of the Year webpage or watch the video of the ceremony, with a message from Gov. Tony Evers, on the Women Veterans of Wisconsin Facebook page. 

In Case You Missed It: Virtual Veterans Day Videos and Resources

Thank you to those of you who joined Gov. Tony Evers and Sec. Mary Kolar for Wisconsin's virtual Veterans Day celebration earlier this month. While we were not able to gather in person this year, the state's virtual celebration allowed us to honor the 350,000 veterans in Wisconsin who have courageously served our country. If you missed it, there's still time to learn more about Veterans Day and the Wisconsin veterans who served throughout history -- videos and resources are still available on www.WisVetsVeteransDay.com.

JOIN US! VIRTUAL EVENTS FROM THE MUSEUM

What we know today as “the Vietnam War” was actually part of a broader series of conflicts over three decades that emerged in French Indochina after World War II. Join Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski and Curator of History Kevin Hampton on Monday, Nov. 30 as they explore this story, from the surrender of Japan to the Fall of Saigon. Or visit the museum's events page to see other upcoming activities.

WISH LISTS FROM THE WI VETERANS HOMES

During the holiday season, we are often asked what donations are most needed at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes. The following are some donation requests from members and activities staff at the veterans homes at Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove. In addition, our members would also love to see and hear you! Consider creating a video of holiday wishes or caroling for us to share with small groups or on our internal television station.

FREE NATIONAL PARKS ACCESS FOR VETERANS

Did you hear? Veterans and Gold Star families now have free access to national parks, wildlife refuges, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. 

10-YEAR-OLD DONATES FLAG TO THE SOUTHERN WI CEMETERY

Recently, Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located near Union Grove, received a donated flag from 10-year-old Jaden Conerly. Jaden's grandfather, Lindford W. Southard, is inurned in the cemetery.
Jaden raised money to purchase the flag by making and selling handmade wooden phone holders with her father. 

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Check out this collection of practical tools, tips, and information from the VA's Caregiver Support Program and partner organizations, to help you to care for yourself, care for your loved one, and stay organized.