 July 2024
 WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond spoke at the Wisconsin American Legion State Convention in Appleton on Saturday, July 13. He emphasized progress being made for veterans by strengthening partnerships across Wisconsin between state, local, and regional partners, including the Legion and their posts, with WDVA.
"Year after year, the American Legion remains a stalwart beacon to advocate, support, and serve veterans in your local communities," said Secretary Bond. "WDVA and the Legion are stronger together for all those we serve. We couldn’t do this without you."
Secretary Bond was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the American Legion's National Commander Dan Seehafer who was attending the conference and is a Legionnaire from Beaver Dam, WI.
Pictured top left: Dan Seehafer, AL National Commander, and Secretary James Bond.
Top right: Secretary Bond giving remarks to attendees on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
 A celebration was held on Monday July 29th for the 130 Women Veterans who creations are featured in the Wisconsin Veterans Museum's "In Her Boots" exhibit. The evening brought together the artists whose boots were being rotated out of the exhibit with the artists whose work will be displayed during the remaining time the exhibit is up.
WDVA encourages everyone to stop and see the new set of featured boots which will be accessible in the Wisconsin Veterans Museum display window for an extended duration through the end of August. If you want to learn more about In Her Boots and news about the Wisconsin Women Veterans Program at WDVA, sign up through the Women Veteran Registry or subscribe here.
 From left to right: Bobbi Brown, Army veteran, Megan Haag, Air Force veteran, and Jodi Barnett, Navy veteran and WDVA Women Veterans Coordinator at the In Her Boots reception
Attention Pet Parents and Families! The Wisconsin Veterans Museum has enlisted both Downtown Madison and Wisconsin Historical Society Press to join WDVA in hosting a puppy parade followed by author Kelly Nelson reading from her new children’s book, Brownie the War Dog: Veteran’s Best Friend.
Activities will commence at Lisa Link Peace Park, located at 452 State Street at 6:00 p.m., with a short parade down the State Street pedestrian mall. Dogs and children of all ages are welcome, and pups are encouraged to dress to the (K-)9s.
The new children's book is based on Brownie, a Wisconsin family dog that was called to serve in WWII. After his service, he returned to his family in King, WI, where he became a beloved mascot and friend to veterans living at the Veterans Home in King. When Brownie passed away, he was buried with full military honors in the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The new children's book is published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Books will be available for purchase during an author signing.
All details on this special event can be found on the museum's website.
On Tuesday, July 2, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond joined William S Middleton VA Hospital Director Christine Kleckner and other dignitaries as they participated in the formal ribbon-cutting and opening of a brand-new Madison East VA Clinic.
"WDVA remains committed to strengthening our partnerships and working with the VA Hospitals and Clinics to deliver and benefits and services our Wisconsin veterans deserve," said Secretary Bond.
The new 30,000 square-foot clinic is located at 4904 Eastpark Blvd, in Madison. It is designed to bring high-quality primary, specialty, mental health, and wellness care to more than 10,000 veterans living in Madison and surrounding counties. (*Picture credit to Madison VA Hospital)
“Servicemembers, veterans, and their families have already given so much to this nation; it is appalling to hear about bad actors targeting and taking advantage of them,” said Secretary-designee James Bond. “I’m thankful to DATCP for recognizing this issue and providing resources to combat scams and fraud in our state. WDVA and our partners stand ready to help former servicemembers protect the benefits they’ve earned. If you need assistance, please know there are free resources available.”
For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
In mid-July, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond traveled to and visited with several Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) and representatives of Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
The purpose of the visits was to learn more about each Tribe’s culture, including the support and high esteem given to veterans in their communities. Secretary Bond was joined on his visits by WDVA's Tribal Veteran Liaison, Melissa Doud, as they toured and discussed the needs of our state's Tribal veterans and their families.
Left picture: Jeff Taylor CVSO St. Croix, and Secretary Bond at St. Croix Tribal Veteran Memorial.
Right: Secretary Bond; Melissa Doud, Tribal Veteran Liaison; and Dan Mayotte, CVSO, at the new Bad River Tribal Museum.
See more photos from the visits here.
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