Veterans Day is November 11
Save The Date!
On Friday, November 11, Veterans Day will be observed with a ceremony in the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda. Please save the date as we honor all who have served our country.
This year’s National Veterans Day theme for 2022 is honor. As a society we view the concept of honor as a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity, and personal courage in everything we do. We also view honor in our veterans for their personal sacrifices, accolades, and their commitment to have proudly served our country.
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is once again joining the Madison Veterans Council to host this year's Veterans Day ceremony in the Wisconsin State Capitol. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude with a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. We would be honored if you would join us.
Secretary Kolar Speaks at Women's Leadership Reception in Milwaukee
WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar was honored to give the keynote remarks at the Women's Leadership Reception hosted by the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce (WVCOC) on October 5. The "I Am Not Invisible" theme of the evening featured Wisconsin women veterans who are front and center, leading in business, and improving communities across Wisconsin.
It focused on highlighting the significant impact of women veteran business owners, business professionals, and community leaders across Wisconsin. There were several presentations and inspirational stories by women veteran leaders and included refreshments and networking opportunities with fellow veterans and business professionals.
This special event hosted by the WVCOC also raised funds to benefit the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative's Women Veterans Initiative (WOVIN). To learn more about WOVIN, visit mhvivets.org/wovin.
WDVA Secretary Kolar attends CVSOA Fall Conference
The County Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin held its weeklong conference last week in Wisconsin Rapids. WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar and Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld spoke to the assembled conference about the recent $10 million dollar investment by Governor Tony Evers that will help veterans navigate issues such as mental health treatment, suicide prevention, housing and employment.
The association represents CVSOs working in Wisconsin's 72 counties, as well as Tribal Veterans Service Officers from Wisconsin's 11 federally recognized tribes. The announced investments included $1.5 million to be distributed between every CVSO and TVSO across Wisconsin. The $10 million also included:
- $4.5 million to support veteran mental health initiatives.
- $2 million to create a rental assistance program for homeless veterans.
- An additional $1.5 million for the Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP).
- An additional $500,000 for DWD’s Hire Heroes Program.
These investment allocations come directly from recommendations made by Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity. Two of the conference attendees, outgoing CVSOA President and Wood County CVSO Rock Larson and Stockbridge-Munsee TVSO Gregg Duffek, served on the Blue Ribbon Commission.
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