 June 2025
June is National PTSD Awareness Month. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to raising awareness and lifting the stigma relating to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by connecting veterans and their families with the resources they need to heal.
WDVA's Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) has dedicated resources and compassionate outreach staff covering all 72 Wisconsin counties to assist struggling veterans. VORP outreach coordinators can help veterans dealing with PTSD symptoms get connected with free, local, and regional mental health resources. Please visit the VORP page on our website for more information.
If you know of a veteran who is struggling with a mental health crisis or dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the Veteran Crisis Line. Call 988, then press 1 on your phone to be connected with compassionate, professional, and confidential help 24/7. Help is available right now.
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) held ceremonies over Memorial Day weekend at our cemeteries in King, Spooner, and Union Grove.
These annual ceremonies offer an opportunity to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of our state’s and our nation’s military servicemembers and veterans.
Secretary James Bond gave remarks at ceremony at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NWVMC) in Spooner on Saturday, May 24, Deputy Secretary Chris McElgunn spoke at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (SWVMC) in Union Grove on Sunday, May 25, and Governor Tony Evers delivered remarks on Memorial Day at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (CWVMC) in King.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in these special events to honor our nation's fallen heroes. Information on our state's veteran memorial cemeteries can be found on WisVets.com.
You can view pictures from each Memorial Day event and location by clicking the following links for Central, Southern, and Northern.
*Pictured: Flags on headstones at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI, on Monday, May 26, 2025.
June is Pride Month
WDVA is committed to ensuring that all veterans who served our nation, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to their eligible benefits and support they earned through serving our nation.
Secretary Bond spoke at the Pride flag ceremony at the Department of Revenue Building in Madison alongside DOR Secretary David Casey.
"It was 1983 when I joined the Marine Corps. My time in service means a great deal to me, but living as my true self wasn’t an option," said Bond. "And, I never would have imagined that I’d be standing alongside another Wisconsin Cabinet Secretary who happens to be gay. I’m amazed by how far we’ve come. That progress was slow and hard earned, and it must be protected."
We encourage LGBTQ+ veterans to visit wisvets.com or call 1-800-WIS-VETS today if you have questions about accessing your benefits and services.
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Join the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on June 13 and 14 as we celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. Mark this milestone and honor the spirit of our American warriors through their service, sacrifice, and achievement in defense of the people and democratic values of our nation since 1775.
On Friday, June 13 from noon to 1pm, join us at the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda. The event features appearances by the Wisconsin Army National Guard Band and Color Guard, a cake cutting ceremony, and remarks from public officials.
On Saturday, June 14 from 11am to 4pm, celebrate at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Meet World War II veteran and retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Lew Harned from noon - 2pm. He will be signing a children’s book, Lew for the Red, White, and Blue, authored by Miss Capital City's Teen 2025, Natalie Popp.
Enjoy special guided museum tours and appearances by the Wisconsin Army National Guard Band and Color Guard.
Events are free and open to the public. Visit the Museum's event calendar for all details.
Secretary Bond speaks at Wisconsin CTVSOA Conference in Superior
Secretary Bond was a featured guest speaker at the Wisconsin County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers Association Conference held last month in Superior, WI. He provided updates on WDVA priorities and highlighted Governor Evers' 2025-27 Executive Budget proposals in support of Wisconsin veterans.
Please view Secretary Bond’s current priorities and an interactive map of his recent C/TVSO visits here. For information on your nearest C/TVSO location, please visit our CVSO/TVSO web page.
Pictured: Secretary Bond at the Wisconsin County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers Association Conference in Superior, WI, on Monday, May 5, 2025.
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WDVA Launches New and Accessible Website
WDVA is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, WisVets.com. The overhaul is aimed at providing veterans and their families with an improved digital experience to connect them with all Wisconsin veteran benefits and services.
With clearer organization and user-friendly tools, the redesigned site reflects WDVA’s ongoing commitment to serving Wisconsin’s veteran community with efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
To experience the redesigned website, please visit WisVets.com. Read the press release here.
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Secretary Bond Visits CVI in Milwaukee
Secretary Bond recently visited the Center for Veterans Issues (CVI) in Milwaukee. During his visit, he met with CVI leadership to learn more about what CVI is doing for veterans and toured their new construction.
Secretary Bond expressed his appreciation for their efforts and their working partnership with WDVA in making a difference for veterans in Wisconsin.
Pictured (left to right): Gillian Hauboldt, Grant Coordinator; Jason Johns, Legal Counsel; Gregory Fritsch, President; Secretary Bond; and Dr. Berdie Cowser, Vice President of Housing and Development.
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Last month, Secretary Bond joined Kelly Nelson, author of Brownie the War Dog, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King to host 'Brownie’s Bark in the Park,' a family-friendly honoring Brownie, the famous WWII war dog who comforted veterans at the Home.
In addition to an unveiling of a statue of Brownie, the event featured a puppy parade and refreshments and food for attendees. All this would not have been possible were it not for Nelson's fundraising efforts, generous donors and a partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. We appreciate everyone who attended and donated to make this excellent addition to our Home possible.
Pictured above (left to right): Kelly Nelson, author of 'Brownie the War Dog', and WDVA Secretary Bond unveiling the statue of Brownie at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King on Friday, May 2, 2025.
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