WDVA E-Newsletter May 2024 Issue

WDVA E-news Header image - March 2023

MAY 2024

2024 Memorial Day Ceremonies in King, Spooner, and Union Grove

Memorial Day flags at Central cemetery in King 5.27.24

WDVA held Memorial Day ceremonies at all three state veteran memorial cemeteries over the holiday weekend. Hundreds of community members, veterans, and volunteers gathered to honor the memory and sacrifice of those who died in service to our nation.

Secretary-designee James Bond gave remarks at each event, and Governor Tony Evers spoke at the Memorial Day ceremony in King. Our appreciation goes to everyone who attended and helped make these special ceremonies possible. 

Memorial Day Collage

Secretary Bond Presents Checks to Veteran Mental Health Grants Recipients

Veteran Mental health grants image for May 2024 issue

Throughout the month of May, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond traveled across the state and presented checks for the latest round of Veteran Mental Health Grants to nonprofits serving veterans in their community. 

Recent check presentations for these grants were held at Dane County Family Acupuncture, Highland Springs Counseling, Hmong American Center, Next 18, Shield of Sisters, Rogers Behavioral Health, ReNewed Hope Counseling, and Word of Hope Ministries. 

These grants are part of Governor Evers’ $10 million investment to support Wisconsin veterans, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grants have been made available to nonprofit organizations that promote positive mental health through activities, programs, and services that enhance the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of Wisconsin Veterans.

Read the Governor's full press release here.

View photos of the recent Veteran Mental Health Grant check recipients here.

Veterans of Menominee Nation Gathering of Warriors Pow Wow

Veterans of Menominee Nation Gathering of Warriors Pow Wow

The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin held their Veterans of Menominee Nation Gathering of Warriors Pow Wow on Saturday, May 18, at the Woodland Bowl in Keshena, WI.

Secretary-designee James Bond participated in the Grand Entry, flag ceremony, and expressed his appreciation to all the veterans and families in attendance. During the ceremony, he was presented with a special Tribal medallion with a Marine Corps insignia to wear in honor of his past service and show friendship with Wisconsin's Tribal nations. 

*Pictured: Veterans of Menominee Nation Gathering of Warriors Pow Wow participants, tribal leaders, and dignitaries with WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond (fourth from left) with WDVA's Tribal Veteran Liaison, Melissa Doud (third from left).

You can view all the pictures from the Pow Wow here.

Hmong Lao Veterans Day Ceremonies in Cadott and Neillsville

Hmong Lao Veterans Day collage Cadott and Neillsville 5.14.24

May 14 was Hmong-Lao Veterans Day across Wisconsin. This special day honors the thousands of Hmong Lao people who courageously fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, following the end of the war, they faced retribution from both the Vietnamese and Lao governments. Many had no choice but to flee with their families, ultimately resettling in communities throughout the United States. Today, Wisconsin is home to the third-largest Hmong population in the United States.

Secretary-designee James Bond spoke at Wisconsin Hmong Laos Veterans Day events at in Cadott and Neillsville, WI. Governor Tony Evers also issued a proclamation for Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin and ordered flags to half staff across the state. Please read the press release here

View photos from the Hmong Lao Veterans Day events here

Secretary Bond Participates in Carry The Load National Relay in Middleton

Carry the Load Sec Bond in Middleton May 7 2024

The National Carry The Load Memorial Relay takes place throughout the entire month of May to raise awareness for the sacrifices made by military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Carry The Load began in 2011 with a twenty hour and eleven-minute march in Dallas, Texas. It has since expanded to a relay through the nation. This year’s relay started on Sunday, May 5, in Minneapolis and ended on Sunday, May 26, in Dallas, Texas.

On Tuesday, May 7, Secretary-designee Bond and a team from Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs joined the Relay in Middleton to honor the legacy and sacrifice of our nation's veterans and service members.

*Picture credit goes to Carry The Load

WDVA Celebrates National Skilled Nursing Care Week, May 12-18

National Skilled Care Nursing Week 2024

WDVA was pleased to recognize the devotion and commitment of our compassionate staff at our veterans homes this month during National Skilled Nursing Care Week (May 12-18). This week recognized all who devote themselves to the compassionate care of others while working in the profession of skilled nursing care.

WDVA is grateful for the dedication and commitment of our skilled nursing care staff have for our members at our three veterans homes in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove. Please join us in sending our collective appreciation to all who work and care for those in our area nursing homes and local communities.

Learn more about WDVA's three veterans homes on our website.

Join Our WDVA Team - Apply Today!

Case Manager VHRP job opening May 2024

Are you looking for a new career opportunity? WDVA is looking for great people to help us serve veterans in Wisconsin. Our featured job this month is for Case Managers for our Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) at our locations in Chippewa Falls and Union Grove.

WDVA has many more available job openings across the state which includes various positions at our veteran memorial cemeteries, skilled caregivers at veteran homes, and administrative staff at our offices in Milwaukee and Madison. To view all available openings, and learn how to apply, please visit wisc.jobs today!