 August 2024
 Last week, Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary-designee James Bond reached an important milestone—in just over a year, he traveled to every one of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and 11 tribes to personally consult with each of the state’s 83 County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices. CVSOs and TVSOs are crucial in advocating for veterans in their communities and connecting veterans and their families with federal and state benefits.
“I want to thank the men and women I met over the past year who welcomed me into their offices and shared their challenges and successes in supporting veterans,” said Secretary-designee Bond. “WDVA cannot do our work without our partners on the ground, especially our County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers. These folks are often the first point of contact for veterans navigating benefits and adjusting to civilian life. Every veteran and everyone who loves a veteran should know who their CVSO or TVSO is, and every Wisconsinite should know about the extraordinary work they do.”
Read the full press release here. To find your CVSO or TVSO, visit the CTVSOA of Wisconsin website.
To see photos from the visits, check out WDVA’s Flickr page.
On August 7, the Wisconsin State Building Commission unanimously approved spending $9 million to purchase the building that currently houses the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Purchasing the building, located on the Capitol Square, is the next step in the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs plan to construct a new state-of-the art facility to preserve our state’s veteran history.
“I’m thrilled by the bipartisan support and goodwill shown to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum,” said WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond. “The museum is an exemplary steward of history, collecting and maintaining the artifacts and stories of those who wore the uniform while educating visitors on the importance of service and sacrifice. The new museum will secure our veteran's legacy for future generations.”
WDVA extends its appreciation for the support of Governor Tony Evers, and Wisconsin State Building Commission members State Senator Brad Pfaff, State Senator Joan Ballweg, State Senator André Jacque, State Representative Jill Billings, State Representative Rob Swearingen, and State Representative Bob Wittke.
You can read the full press release here.
*Photo is current picture of Wisconsin Veterans Museum's display Souvenirs of Service
This month, the WDVA Board of Veterans Affairs welcomes Army veteran Laura Colbert as a member-at-large. Laura brings with her a diverse background, including as a School Principal, Dean of Students, Adventure Education Teacher, Combat Veteran, and Activities Director for a non-profit assisting individuals with special needs. She is an award-winning author, and you can hear her story about fighting in combat in Iraq and transitioning back to civilian on this PBS special. Please join us in welcoming Laura!
You can watch Laura's PBS special here.
On Sunday, August 4, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs joined several of regional partners for the annual "Veteran and Military Recognition Day" at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee. WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond welcomed all active military, veterans, and their families in his remarks at a special ceremony to celebrate all who served and proudly wear our nation's uniform.
(Pictured above, left to right) Secretary-designee Bond recognized and presented certificates to representatives of five of the recent Veteran Mental Health grant recipients from Southeast Wisconsin including MKE Urban Stables, Next 18, Shield of Sisters, and War Memorial Center.
The recipients of these previously announced grants will focus on positive mental health outcomes and therapies to overcome mental trauma and strike down stigmas. WDVA is proud to partner with these organizations so veterans and the families who love them can live happy and healthy lives.
Read the press release about these recipients here.
Thank you everyone who joined us and our friends from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (WVM), in partnership with Wisconsin Historical Society Press and Downtown Madison, on Thursday, August 22, in downtown Madison, for a Puppy Parade and to hear author Kelly Nelson read from her new children’s book, "Brownie the War Dog: Veteran’s Best Friend." The children's book is based on the real-life German Shepard named Brownie, a decorated Wisconsin WWII service dog. After his service, Brownie was a regular visitor at the Veterans Home at King and was buried with honors at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King.
WDVA and WVM staff loved seeing the adorable pups, and their owners, strutting their stuff on the pedestrian mall of State Street. Check out more pictures from Brownie's Puppy Parade event here
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