 February 2026
40,000 Greetings from Around the Globe
WDVA’s Valentines for Veterans Program Elicits Overwhelming Response
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) once again saw an incredible outpouring of support through its annual Valentines for Veterans program. This year, WDVA received more than 40,000 valentines from individuals and groups across the United States, and even from as far away as Canada and Germany.
“Every year, we’re reminded that gratitude for service is overwhelming,” said WDVA Secretary James Bond. “People from Milwaukee to Superior, from Tierra Verde, Florida to Chugiak, Alaska took the time to reach out to our veterans. When you see a veteran’s face light up as they receive dozens of cards, you realize that this simple act of kindness carries so much meaning. I’m grateful to everyone who sent in a Valentine this year.”
WDVA leadership and members of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs (BOVA) personally delivered valentines to veterans at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove, and to veterans residing at WDVA’s Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) in Union Grove.
Each veteran received a gift bag brimming with handmade valentines and heartfelt messages. The cards came from schools, Girl and Boy Scout troops, veterans service organizations, crafting groups, churches, state agencies, nursing homes, local businesses, community organizations, and countless individuals who wanted to say thank you to those who served.
View a list of organizations and groups that contributed to this year’s Valentines for Veterans.
*View all photo highlights from this year's Valentine's for Veterans on WDVA’s Flickr page at the following links: Chippewa Falls, King, Union Grove, and VHRP.
Read the full press release on WDVA's News and Updates website.
In early February, WDVA Benefits Administrator Jeremy Lyon presented a recognition certificate to Judge Beau Liegeois and the Thomas Hinz Veteran Treatment Court (formerly known as the Brown County Veterans Treatment Court) for their sincere commitment to helping veterans and partnership with WDVA's Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP).
The court was renamed in honor of Thomas J. Hinz, the founder of the Veterans Treatment Court, who recently passed away. Lyon thanked Judge Liegeois for the impactful work they have done for the veteran community, particularly through their strong collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and VORP.
*Pictured top left: Judge Liegeois accepting the recognition, joined by court staff, mentors, and veterans who have successfully gone through the treatment court. Top, right: Judge Liegeois accepting a recognition certificate on behalf of the Thomas Hinz Treatment Court from Jeremy Lyon.
Secretary Bond was a special guest reader at Kennedy Elementary School in Madison for 3rd-grade students as part of their 'Read Your Heart Out' 2026 Program. He joined other community leaders who were invited to read to the students, talk about what they do in their jobs and communities, and answer questions from students in two separate classes.
He read the book “I Am Every Good Thing” which focused on pride, confidence, and joy in every child. He also talked about his family, military experience, role as WDVA Secretary, and how we help veterans here in Wisconsin.
Thank you to Kennedy Elementary School staff and students for having Secretary Bond visit!
A veteran living at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday, February 19. Allen “Al” Stai, born in Eau Claire and a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, was joined at the veterans home with his friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate his centennial birthday with balloons and cake.
Al was also presented a certificate of appreciation from Secretary Bond in recognition of this remarkable milestone and for being a valued member of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls.
When asked what Al's secret to his longevity is, he says, “A good clean life. Just being out with good, honest people and trying to do what's right.”
Al joined the military right after WWII ended. During his time in the military, he said worked in a supply warehouse where they gave food out to the mess halls. He served in Japan twice and once in Korea.
After leaving the military, he worked as an elementary school principal, and his wife was an elementary teacher. He has three children, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. One of Al's favorite memories is when his family would pack into their motorhome and took family vacations together.
Al loves fishing. He has traveled to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Mexico, and Canada. One of his favorite things to do at the Home is playing cards, especially cribbage.
Please join us in expressing our appreciation for his service to our nation as we wish Al a very Happy 100th Birthday!
Pictured: Allen 'Al' Stai, celebrating his 100th birthday at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls on February 19, 2026.
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 As part of its Valentine’s Day celebrations, the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove hosted an Art Show that featured the works of more than a dozen of its talented members.
The show, which exhibited works created during watercolor painting, open art, and woodshop activities, is a reflection of the creativity and dedication of our members.
Member art fairs like this have become a highlight in recent years, offering members an opportunity to share their talents and passions with others.
Visitors to the art fair included fellow Union Grove members, staff, and volunteers, as well as Secretary Bond and Board of Veterans Affairs Member Pat Beggs (pictured above), who were at the home to celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend. The event was a wonderful way to honor both the holiday and the artistic spirit of our members.
View more pictures on Union Grove Facebook page.
Looking for a new, rewarding career? WDVA is looking for great people like you to help us serve veterans in Wisconsin! This month's featured job openings are for a Facilities Maintenance Worker LTE at our Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI.
You can also search for WDVA's job openings across the state which includes various positions with our administrative offices in Milwaukee and Madison, our three veteran memorial cemeteries, and skilled caregivers at our three state veteran homes.
To view all available openings, and learn how to apply, please visit wisc.jobs today!
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