 June 2024
 June 6, 2024 marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy by the United States and the Allies during World War II. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum, located in downtown Madison, unveiled a special display explaining the invasion and honoring all those who served and died that fateful day, including the 46 servicemen from Wisconsin. This display will be available for viewing through the end of August.
Pictured above: WDVA Secretary James Bond took his sons to view and experience the special D-Day exhibit at the museum dedicated to the battle and in memory of those who served.
On Monday, June 17, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond was a special guest of the Oneida Nation, taking a detailed tour of their culture, history, and veterans memorial.
Over the past year, Secretary Bond has prioritized strengthening relationships with Wisconsin’s veteran community and improving how WDVA delivers benefits and services for all veterans and families. One part of that goal is building stronger connections with Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized Tribal nations in order to better meet the needs of our state's tribal veterans.
Highlights of the tour included visiting a recreated original longhouse, hearing the migration story of the Oneida Nation, seeing examples of wampum belts made from quahog clams, woven baskets, and raised beadwork on clothing and jewelry. The secretary got some hands-on experience with the traditional Oneida method of twisting off and grinding white corn. He also visited the Oneida Veteran Memorial to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed for our country.
Thank you to Leah Stroobants, Oneida Nation Cultural Engagement Specialist, (pictured top right) for leading the tour and sharing her expertise, time, and knowledge.
Our appreciation also goes to Melissa Doud, WDVA Tribal Veteran Liaison; Connor Kestell, Oneida Tribal Veteran Service Officer (TVSO); Tana Aguirre, Oneida Nation Intergovernmental Affairs and Communications; and Jonas Hill, Oneida Nation Council Member.
*Top left picture (left to right): Connor Kestell, Tribal Veteran Service Officer (TVSO); Melissa Doud, Tribal Veteran Liaison; Milah John, Lil’ Miss Oneida; Riley Aguirre, Jr. Miss Oneida; Kaylee Schuyler, Miss Oneida; WDVA Secretary James Bond; and Jonas Hill, Oneida Nation Council Member.
 On Monday, June 20, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) in Nashville, TN, presented the museum an Award of Excellence for its exhibit, Souvenirs of Service: The Things They Kept.
“We are honored to be selected by our history museum peers for this Award of Excellence from AASLH. It is the culmination of a few years of hard work by our talented staff who set out to tell the story of our Wisconsin veterans from a unique and relatable perspective,” said WVM Director Christopher Kolakowski.
The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 79th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history in the nation.
“I am so proud of the folks at the museum who consistently come up with engaging, compassionate, and unexpected stories,” said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary-designee James Bond.
View the full press release here about the museum's award.
 During the spring of 1974, a small group of committed veterans came together to help their brothers and sisters of the Vietnam War get back home—and get back on their feet. Those early Vets House volunteers moved swiftly to address the pressing needs of Vietnam era veterans – employment, health care, housing, counseling, and more – that were not being met by the traditional system and customary organizations. In the process, they made history because the “Vets House model” of peer-to-peer counseling became one of the standards by which the U. S. Veterans Administration would eventually establish more than 300 vet centers in communities across America.
Secretary James Bond and WI Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski were honored to host a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vets House at the Museum on June 20th. Hearing directly from this small group of committed veterans about what they were able to accomplish by working together was inspirational.
Pictured from left to right: Steve Barnes, Tom Deits, Doug Bradley, Secretary Bond, Steve Schoch, Chris Kolakowski, and Dan Naylor.
|
