 September 2026
 Please join the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), as we remember the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and highlighting two new exhibits at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum to remember the souls lost, the first responders, and those who were motivated to serve afterward. The first is a new temporary window-banner exhibit called Compassion Under Fire: Stories of Combat Medics. Additionally, there is an online, virtual exhibit, September 11, 2001: Our Veterans Remember, which includes reactions taken from oral history interviews of Wisconsin veterans. You can visit the virtual exhibit here.
 Throughout the month of August, WDVA Secretary James Bond congratulated and met with the recently elected leaders of several of Wisconsin's veteran service organizations (VSOs).
Secretary Bond thanked them for their commitment to our statewide veteran community and discussed our respective missions in serving veterans, organizational priorities, and ways we can work together on behalf of Wisconsin's veterans and their families.
Pictured top left: Wisconsin American Legion, State Commander, Steve Kohnke and Secretary Bond.
Top right: Commandant of Marine Corps League Department of Wisconsin, Mark Van Zandt, and Secretary Bond.
Bottom left: AMVETS State Commander, Kevin Gunderson, and Secretary Bond met over lunch in Oshkosh.
Bottom right: Wisconsin VFW, State Commander, Renee Simpson, and Secretary Bond.
On Tuesday, August 25, WDVA Secretary James Bond was a keynote speaker alongside UW-Madison Interim Chancellor Dr. Eric M. Wilcots, UW Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst and special guests for the grand opening ceremony of the newly completed Camp Randall Veterans Memorial Plaza at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"The goal of any memorial is to bring the living and the dead closer together. We create veteran memorials to honor the memory of those who were willing to risk their lives to protect our democracy," said Secretary Bond in his remarks. "The Plaza compliments and amplifies the Camp Randall Arch and Memorial Park next door, bringing the story of Wisconsin’s veterans to even more of our friends and neighbors.'
The new plaza located next to Camp Randall Football Stadium represents years of collaboration and cooperation between WDVA, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, veteran organizations and the University. It will serve as a lasting monument for those who answered the call to duty, their sacrifice, and the freedoms they made possible for our nation.
Watch a short video from the event courtesy of the Wisconsin Badgers official Facebook page.
WDVA Celebrates WWII Navy Veteran Frank Bua on his 100th Birthday
WDVA Secretary James Bond presented Frank Bua, a WWII and Navy veteran, a special recognition on his 100th birthday celebration at La Mar Park in Milton, WI, on August 16th, surrounded by his friends and family (pictured).
Frank served in the Navy during WWII serving as a Gunners Mate, Second Class on board LST-627, a naval transport ship in the Pacific theater in support of missions between China, Japan, and the Philippines transporting servicemembers, vital equipment, and supplies.
Please join us by expressing our appreciation for Frank's service to our country, dedication to family, his community, and his lifelong connection to Wisconsin!
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Calling Women Veterans: Let's Go Hiking and Explore Wisconsin this September to November!
Join us for "Women Veterans Explore Wisconsin", a hiking series created for women veterans to enjoy the outdoors, connect with other women veterans, and explore some of Wisconsin's beautiful state park trails.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or looking for a fun way to get outdoors and meet other women veterans, we would love for you to join us! Check out the poster for dates, locations, and registration details. Registration is not required but is appreciated. Scan the QR code in the flyer image below. Families are welcome. We hope you can join us!
Annually, September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. WDVA is committed to fostering awareness of suicide prevention and helpful mental health resources for veterans and families in Wisconsin. This month, and every month, we must work together to create supportive environments for our veteran community and recognize the signs to prevent veteran suicides.
Our partners at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services have important and lifesaving resources available at: dhs.wisconsin.gov/prevent-suicide
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Get ready to JUMP AROUND! The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is once again distributing free tickets to this year's Wisconsin Badgers 'Salute to Veterans' football game.
Join other veterans and us watch the Badgers take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, November 7. Game time is TBD. It’s also a great opportunity to tour the recently opened Camp Randall Veterans Memorial Plaza, an incredible addition to the Camp Randall Memorial Park next door. The plaza is open to the public during and after the game.
HOW TO REGISTER: With a limited number of free tickets available, veterans and service members can register for the chance to receive up to two (2) tickets online at WisVetsSports.com through Monday, September 14, at 5:00 p.m. Lottery winners will be notified by Friday, September 26.
Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for game reminders and updates. A huge thank you to the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department for generously providing the tickets so veterans and their guests can enjoy the game. On Wisconsin!
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Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove celebrated the opening of remodeled units on its third floor with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members will begin moving into rooms in the coming days.
"We look forward to serving more veterans at Boland Hall," says Union Grove's Commandant, Lauren Beaumont. "The re-opening of our 3rd floor is a huge milestone for us and a testament to the hard work the team here does on a daily basis."
Please stay tuned to all the events and happenings at our Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove by following our Home's Facebook page.
Pictured are the Union Grove's Home skilled care staff, administrators, and members holding a ribbon cutting for opening the third floor at Bolland Hall on August 19th.
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On August 19, members at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King had a memorable time with 'The King' himself! Our members were entertained by 'Elvis' John, in our park enjoying a lively evening of music, dance, and refreshments.
Members enjoyed singing and Elvis' signature hip-swinging rock-a-hula dancing with the crowd moving to the beat and celebrating the fun, upbeat energy of the performance. Elvis John, known for his Elvis tribute shows, brought the spirit of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll to life, creating a festive atmosphere for the veterans, members, and staff.
Additionally, this month our King members enjoyed visits from youth attending the nearby Camp Onaway, eating grilled ears of sweet corn, evening campfires in the park with s'mores, and a summertime lemon-food themed party with games, pastries, cakes, and lemonade.
These are just a few examples of our Home's vibrant seasonal activity schedule and engaging events for members at our Veterans Home in King. View more activity pictures on our Homes' Facebook page.
Pictured: Members visiting with "Elvis John" at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King - August 20, 2026.
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Looking for a new, rewarding career? The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is having an in-person Job Fair on September 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. The job fair will take place in the Great Room at Moses Hall, 210 Cumberlidge Ave, King, WI. Available positions include skilled care, nursing, food service, administrative, custodial, housekeeping, maintenance, and more. Bring your questions and apply on the spot. Learn more by visiting our Home's website, here.
Are you looking for something else? You can search for all available WDVA job openings across the state online including various positions with our administrative offices in Milwaukee and Madison, our three veteran memorial cemeteries, and our three state veteran homes. Please visit wisc.jobs today!
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