 Governor Evers Announces 'Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity'
During his 2022 State of the State remarks on Tuesday, February 15, Governor Tony Evers announced he will sign an Executive Order creating a 'Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity' to develop new, innovative initiatives to support the more than 300,000 veterans who live in Wisconsin.
The commission will examine the issues facing Wisconsin veterans today, including but not limited to employment and job training, post-service education, housing, stability of the Veterans Trust Fund, long-term care nursing quality and affordability, and mental and behavioral health initiatives.
“We need long-term solutions to support our veterans and the challenges they face—both those that existed before this pandemic and others that worsened because of it,” said Gov. Evers during his address.
With a veteran-centric lens, the commission will listen to veterans and stakeholders who have experience and expertise to find action-oriented solutions for the future.
The commission will then report its findings to the governor by December 31, 2022.
Women Veterans Retreat
Save the Date!
WDVA is excited to partner once again with our friends at Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, WI. Registration information and all event details will be available on our department home page on March 1st. All Wisconsin women veterans are invited and encouraged to attend this special weekend of fellowship and camaraderie.
WDVA Secretary Kolar speaks at VFW Wisconsin Mid-Winter Conference 2022
WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar attended and gave remarks on Saturday, February 5, at the annual Veteran of Foreign Wars Wisconsin Mid-Winter Conference at Ho-Chunk Hotel and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.
She expressed her appreciation for the steadfast partnership between the VFW and WDVA in supporting our veteran community in Wisconsin.
"I thank you for being our 'eyes and ears in the field.' I enjoy hearing from veterans as I travel our state and hearing whether our mission to support them is being achieved," said Kolar.
In her speech, Secretary Kolar also thanked staff at our three veteran homes for delivering top quality care to our members while overcoming challenges presented by the pandemic. She also announced plans for WDVA to hold six veteran mental health forums this spring around the state and promoted the forthcoming women veterans' retreat in Eau Claire on Saturday, June 4.
"As we look toward the future and a new year with cautious optimism, support for our veterans has never been stronger in Wisconsin. Let us embrace this new year for the opportunities that await us with a renewed appreciation for each other and our health," said Secretary Kolar.
*Pictured above: WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar, VFW State Cmdr. Cory Geisler, and VFW Adjutant David Green on Feb. 5, 2022.
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