WDVA e-News January 2022

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 01/20/2022 02:28 PM CST

JANUARY 2022

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Cropped photo - Sec Kolar at AL Post 539 75th anniversary 1.15.22

WDVA Secretary Kolar attends 75th Anniversary of All-Women American Legion Post 539

WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar attended the 75th anniversary celebration of the all-female American Legion Post 539 in Green Bay on Saturday, January 15th in DePere. She presented an official certificate to Post 539's Cmdr. Carol Johnson on behalf of Governor Tony Evers (*pictured above) and gave remarks reflecting on the importance of WDVA supporting and representing the needs of women veterans. Post 539 is one of only two all-female veterans posts in Wisconsin. 

"One of our greatest tasks is providing women veterans with a stronger voice and support in our state, and I’m pleased to say we are working to meet this need," said Kolar. 

Women are the fastest growing group of veterans in the United States. As the percentage of women serving in our military increases, WDVA has been proactive with a focused  Women Veterans Program to promote the recognition of women veterans while working to ensure women veteran issues are addressed at the federal, state, and local levels.  Secretary Kolar emphasized how WDVA is addressing the needs of women veterans and helping them take advantage of every opportunity, in business or otherwise, that is afforded to others.

"I especially appreciate seeing all the exceptional women veterans here today with Post 539. I am inspired by your success over the past 75 years and your commitment to our women veterans," said Kolar. 

View news coverage of the event here for more information

 

Photo #2 - WDVA info table at Am Legion midwinter conference Dells 1.14.22

WDVA at American Legion Mid-Winter Conference held in Wisconsin Dells

WDVA's Women Veterans Coordinator Jodi Barnett attended and represented our veterans at the American Legion Midwinter Conference on January 14-15, 2022, at the Ho-Chunk Hotel & Conference Center. More than 400 registered Legionnaires from across Wisconsin attended the two day conference addressing veterans' needs, leadership training, camaraderie and fellowship. 

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Contest Open to Veteran Entrepreneurs!

Calling all Veteran Entrepreneurs! As more military veterans are expressing interest in becoming entrepreneurs, the 19th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2022 competition through 5:00 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2022. WDVA encourages any and all veteran entrepreneurs to submit an entry.

The mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of technology enabled businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, high-quality education, management talent and possible sources of capital.

For all details, and how to apply, please visit: https://govsbizplancontest.com/

 Winter interment at SWVMC January 2022

Thank You Grounds Crews & VSO Funeral Honors Teams

WDVA would like to take a moment to recognize our grounds crew, caretakers and staff here at three Veteran Memorial Cemeteries in Spooner, King and Union Grove for the dedicated work they do during the cold weather months of the year.

Our appreciation also goes to our many local veteran service organizations (VSO's) who selflessly volunteer their time to conduct dignified funeral honors ceremonies for our grieving families in all seasons, especially winter.

 

The top 5 VSO's in Wisconsin for the most funeral honors ceremonies in 2021 are:

Am. Legion Post 171 (Union Grove), Am. Legion Post 449 (Brookfield), VFW Post 7591 (Madison), VFW 1869 (Kenosha), and VFW 10301 (Racine). 

 

Veterans benefit and claims assistance WDVA

A New Year is a Great Time for Vets to Access Benefits!

The dawn of a new year is a perfect time for veterans to explore their benefits including any potential apprenticeships, educational and career training benefits. The State of Wisconsin proudly leads the nation in providing education benefits to those who have served, as well as extending additional benefits to their family members.

Learn more HERE or call us at 1-800-WIS-VETS today!

 

Care For Americas Heroes Now Hiring

WDVA IS HIRING!

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has many available employment opportunities at all levels. We are looking for talented individuals to join our WDVA team near where you live! 

Additionally, our Wisconsin Veterans Homes at Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove also have positions that range from direct care staff such as nurses to employees who provide supportive services such as administrative, housekeeping, maintenance, food service, and groundskeepers.

Take a look at these and other opportunities for you to serve Wisconsin veterans. VIEW OPENINGS HERE!

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