Kicking off June as Pride Month, Secretary-designee James Bond joined Governor Tony Evers on Thursday, June 1, as the rainbow pride flag was raised over the State Capitol. The Governor started this tradition five years ago to send a strong message of support for Wisconsin’s
LGBTQ+ community. 

"As an openly gay, African American, disabled Marine Corps veteran with over 3 decades of service – service to my country, the State of Wisconsin, and to follow veterans, I am deeply honored, and thankful to Governor Evers for the opportunity to serve veterans, tell their stories, and honor their contributions" said Bond. "Representation matters. Having a seat at the table matters."

WDVA remains committed to delivering available benefits and services to all of Wisconsin's veterans, including our LGBTQ+ veterans and their families. Learn more by visiting wisvets.com or call 1-800-WIS-VETS today. 

*Pictured: Secretary-designee Bond speaking alongside Governor Evers during the rainbow pride flag raising ceremony on June 1, 2023, outside the Wisconsin Capitol building. 

WDVA held another successful Women Veterans Retreat on June 2 and 3, 2023 hosted at Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, WI. It was attended by 85 women veterans from across Wisconsin with the purpose of connecting with other women veterans and to explore new aspects themselves through instructor-led and self-paced indoor and outdoor activities.

The event included equestrian activities and a special “In Her Boots” activity where attendees painted combat boots to reflect their memories and feelings of their time in uniform (*pictured above). The boots will eventually be on display in a future Wisconsin Veterans Museum exhibit highlighting Wisconsin’s women veterans.

WDVA would like to express our gratitude to our Women Veterans Coordinator, Jodi Barnett, for coordinating this year’s event. Thank you also to Trinity Equestrian Center, our keynote speaker Tyra Eiland of Invisible Beauty, Penny Carlson of Shield of Sisters, The Yoga Room team of Steven and Wendy for the sunrise yoga and guided meditation sessions, and Sarah Rezin, Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) at Tomah VA Medical Center. Thank you for making this year’s retreat a resounding success.

Please follow WDVA’s Women Veterans of Wisconsin on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed of all women veteran events across our state.

If you have questions about WDVA’s women veterans program, please contact Jodi Barnett at: Jodi.Barnett@dva.wisconsin.gov or call 608.215.9290.

Photos from this year’s women veterans retreat can be found on our digital photo album.

Meet Katie Mallum, VORP Region 8 Coordinator

Say hello to Katie Mallum, Outreach Coordinator for Region 8 of WDVA's Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP). Region 8 includes the counties of Clark, Marathon, Taylor, and Wood.

Katie says she has always been interested in working with people, and not things. Her motivation for helping veterans comes from seeing others do well. "I believe everyone needs a hand up at a certain time in their lives," says Katie. "The veteran population is very deserving of our assistance, and I believe I can help them reach their goals!"

One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is seeing veterans succeed. "The joy I get is from seeing them happy," says Katie.  "They signed that contract and put their lives on the line for us and sometimes come out with problems bigger than they can handle. 

Katie says she is fulfilled when the 'lights come back on' for them and they continue to help themselves toward their goals.

Katie is a veteran of the US Army Reserves serving with the 388th Chemical Company out of Junction City, WI. Also, her grandfather retired from the Wisconsin National Guard as a Sergent First Class and is a veteran of Korean War. 

Katie can be reached at 608.590.6097 or katie.mallum1@dva.wi.gov.