 October 2025
As a result of the Republican controlled legislature’s failure to provide the funding necessary to keep all three Veteran Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) sites open, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs was forced to close our Chippewa Falls and Green Bay locations by September 30th of this year.
WDVA decided to focus efforts on the remaining location in Union Grove, which was the facility in the best physical shape and capable of serving both male and female veterans. Veterans enrolled in the Chippewa Falls and Green Bay Programs have all successfully found alternative placement options and will continue to receive assistance through supportive services. Several residents from both facilities moved to Union Grove to continue in WDVA’s program.
This was a community wide effort involving our partners in Green Bay and Chippewa Falls areas. WDVA would like to extend gratitude to them, especially the dedicated employees of Lutheran Social Services who staffed the two locations for their hard work and commitment to Wisconsin veterans.
WDVA's official statement is available here. Governor Evers official statement can be found here.
Pictured above: The closed former VHRP facility in Green Bay; photo credit to Google earth.
The federal government shutdown that began on October 1, has generated a great deal of confusion and questions. As a state government agency, largely separate from the federal VA, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that veterans continue to receive their benefits and services. For now, all WDVA programs that are related or dependent on federal funds will continue uninterrupted.
Please refer to the chart above from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to determine which federal veteran services will be affected. For additional information please visit VA.gov for updates as they become available.
On October 3rd, the Milwaukee VA Regional Benefit Office Building was closed to the federal shutdown (pictured right). Since the WDVA Milwaukee Claims Section operates out of that building, our staff will not be available for in-person appointments during the shutdown. However, the Claims Section will continue to provide service, assisting with claims submission for VA benefits remotely.
If you need to speak with one of our claims team members, please call 833-4-WIS-CLM (833-494-7256), or please email us at CLAIMS@DVA.WISCONSIN.GOV. For more information, please visit our WDVA Claims Office webpage.
Do you need to talk with someone with questions regarding your eligible veteran benefits? Please call our Veteran Benefits and Resource Center at 1-800-WIS-VETS (800-947-8387) or visit wisvets.com.
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As part of September's effort to raise awareness around Suicide Prevention month, our Veteran Outreach & Recovery Program (VORP) team assembled firearm safety kits to hand out to veterans in their regions while doing case management. Coordinators will give these kits to veterans who are identified as a possible risk for suicide.
The kits are meant to educate on responsible firearm ownership, which includes taking care of your firearm as well as keeping it stored safely in a time of crisis. A Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) Grant from the Federal VA provided the funds to purchase the kits as a means of suicide prevention and education about safe storage.
Please reach out to one of our Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) outreach coordinators for the county that you reside if you are in need of one of these kits. Click this link to find the contact information for the VORP outreach coordinator in your county on WDVA's VORP webpage.
There are additional programs in Wisconsin to assist with safe firearm storage for you and veterans. The 'Live Today, Put It Away' project (also known as the Gun Shop Project) exists to help anyone who needs safe storage for a firearm. To learn more about this program, or find a participating gun shop, please visit their website.
*Pictured above is WDVA's Veteran Outreach and Recovery Coordinators putting together the firearm safety kits on September 25, 2025 - (left to right): Nick Brewer, David Hartl, Paul Huber, Adayta Axelson, and Chandler Miller.
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WDVA Secretary James Bond joined Wisconsin American Legion Post 385 in Verona, WI, on September 16th and spoke at their Veteran Appreciation Picnic. To his surprise, he was presented a baseball bat that the post had inscribed with the message, "Thank you for going to bat for our veterans and the American Legion."
Secretary Bond appreciated the gift and returned the sentiment, telling the attendees, "You’re not just advocates. You are builders of community, helping veterans find purpose, connection, and a place to belong,"
In addition to honoring individual veterans, the picnic also celebrated 'American Legion Day' which recognizes the organization's 90-year history and provided the Secretary with an opportunity to thank all Legion members for their steadfast partnership and commitment to our state's veterans.
*Pictured above Secretary Bond speaks to attendees at the Verona Veterans Picnic hosted by American Legion Mason Lindsay Post 385.
 Nominations Open Now through October 19th!
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to introduce the Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award, a new tradition honoring veterans whose extraordinary lifetime of service has left a lasting impact on Wisconsin and beyond.
Anna Mae Robertson, a trailblazer and member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — the only all-African American, all-female unit deployed overseas during WWII — dedicated her life to service, leadership, and breaking barriers. Her story reminds us that true service is about perseverance, character, and creating lasting change.
We invite you to help us honor that legacy by nominating a veteran who has:
- Made significant contributions to veteran or military communities
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership and service
- Created a lasting positive impact in Wisconsin
Nominations are open until October 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Honor the legacy. Nominate a veteran today. Nominations can be placed by visiting the Anna Mae Legacy Award webpage.
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