WDVA 2022 Women Veterans Retreat 

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs successfully held the 2022 Women Veterans Retreat at Trinity Equestrian Center near Eau Claire on Saturday, June 4. Early arriving participants also enjoyed smores and conversation over a campfire on Friday night before the major events took place on Saturday. 

More than 70 women veterans attended a full day of activities including gardening, yoga, pickleball, meditation, and riding horses. Our heartfelt gratitude especially to our hosts at Trinity Equestrian Center, Lost Creek Ranch for the Carriage Rides, Mancino's of Eau Claire who provided a delicious lunch, and to Nichole Lilliis for her guided meditation and yoga expertise.

Veteran non-profit organization Dogs2Dogtags was also there for sharing program information and all enjoyed some special time with their four legged friend, Dolly (pictured above). We look forward to announcing the date and location of the 2023 Women Veterans Retreat in the near future.

Please check out our women veterans retreat photo album here. 

Secretary Kolar speaks at VFW State Convention Celebrating 100 Years of Service

WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar gave keynote remarks at the Wisconsin Veteran of Foreign War State Convention held at the Potawatomi Hotel and Convention Center in Milwaukee on Friday, June 10. The Wisconsin's VFW also celebrated their centennial in serving Wisconsin's veteran community. 

"We know we can always do more to better serve our veterans and their families," said Kolar.  "Thank you for your partnership, your compassion, and your steady commitment working with me and WDVA in serving our state’s veteran community."

She also gave brief updates on the efforts of the new Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity, long-term care plans, recruitment efforts for more staffing at our veterans homes, and the positive response from the 'Combating Veteran Suicide' forums taking place around Wisconsin this Spring. She also gave recognition to the many Vietnam veterans in attendance, with special regard to the Hmong-Laos veterans who sacrificed so much during that conflict.

WDVA is committed to working in solid partnership with our veteran service organizations to deliver for our state's veterans. 

More information on the Wisconsin VFW can be found here.

WDVA Observes Memorial Day in King, Spooner, and Union Grove

WDVA hosted their first in-person Memorial Day ceremonies in over two years at our three veterans memorial cemeteries at King, Spooner, and Union Grove on May 28, 29, and 30. Governor Tony Evers and Secretary Mary Kolar gave remarks and attended the Memorial Day event at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King on Memorial Day. 

Thank you to all who attended and participated in these special, solemn events honoring and remembering those veterans who served and sacrificed so much for our country. 

View our photo albums for our 2022 Memorial Day events at our cemetery at King click here, and the a photo album of our cemetery at Union Grove click here.

VORP Spotlight:

Paul Huber

Meet Paul Huber, Coordinator for Region 4 of WDVA’s Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP). 

Region 4 of VORP consists of the counties of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn.

Paul says the most rewarding part of his job is when things come together. "Sometimes you know that a veteran will get a certain percentage for his service-connected disabilities, but it will take a few months," says Paul. "Their life is upside down and you are trying to keep them upright. A year later, you can see their life is back on track and they have a reason to keep going." A big motivator for Paul is seeing the veteran grow and overcome their challenges.

Paul is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Wisconsin National Guard, and was deployed overseas to Iraq in 2009. Paul spent four years on active duty orders, with three of those years in the Community Based Warrior Transition Unit until his medical retirement.  

Paul can be reached at: 715.558.2557 or Paul.huber@dva.wisconsin.gov.

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Have you checked in on your fellow veteran lately? As June is National PTSD Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to reach out to a veteran in their life. Staying in contact with friends and loved ones is crucial for positive mental health and emotional happiness. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes the importance of the effect of positive mental health amongst our veteran community.