You’ve probably seen or heard a lot about the civil unrest in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee over the last few days on the nightly news, at home, or maybe at work. I want to take a moment to update you on the situation and describe to you the neighborhood and residents I came to know and respect as a resident of Milwaukee County for more than three decades.

Last Sunday, following a request from Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, and after discussions with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Wisconsin’s Adjutant General, Major General Donald Dunbar, I activated the Wisconsin National Guard to be in a position to aid local law enforcement if needed to stop violence. Thankfully, the Guard has not been needed as the situation in Milwaukee has calmed after the hard work of law enforcement and local elected and religious leaders.

On Monday, I met with local officials and officers at the Milwaukee Police Department’s District 3 headquarters. While I was briefed on the situation, the main purpose of the visit was to express my thanks and appreciation to law enforcement. I thank all the law enforcement personnel in the Milwaukee area for showing such professionalism under very difficult circumstances. Law enforcement officers work hard to protect us and our communities each and every day, and they deserve our respect.

Most of you know that Tonette and I have two sons, Matt and Alex. But what many of you might not know is that both of them were born next to the Sherman Park neighborhood at St. Joseph Hospital just down the street. It’s a good neighborhood, with good people, and good businesses. The Boys & Girls Club does great work here along with many faith and community organizations.

As a matter of fact, on Sunday morning, just hours after the riots, citizens and members of faith and community groups took to the streets to clean up what was damaged. That sent a powerful example for Milwaukee’s youth and the entire community.

I had the opportunity to visit with faith and community groups in the area on Tuesday, and I’m encouraged by what I heard.

While this has been a difficult couple of days for the people of the Sherman Park neighborhood, I am confident that leaders will come together to address challenges just as we are working together to restore peace and public safety for the people who call it home.

Later this week, Tonette and I will honor the families and loved ones of Wisconsin organ donors at the 24th annual Gift of Life Medal Ceremony.

We host this ceremony every year to recognize the difficult decisions the families and loved ones of organ donors have to make while also raising public awareness of the ongoing need for organ donors in Wisconsin and throughout the nation.

In 2015, a total of 180 organ donors gave the gift of life, many of whom will be represented by family members at the ceremony on Friday.

Did you know that Wisconsin is one of the nation’s most generous states when it comes to saying yes to organ donation?

About 90 percent of the time, when presented with the opportunity, families make the decision to support organ donation.

At the ceremony on Friday, we will honor these families, who in the wake of personal tragedy make the difficult decision to save the lives of countless others through organ donation.

To learn more about organ donation or register to become an organ donor, please visit your local Division of Motor Vehicles, or check out Yes I Will Wisconsin below.

Hi, First Lady Tonette Walker here.

On Tuesday, I hosted a “Walk with Walker” event in Beloit at Beckman Mill County Park to promote the health and fitness of the citizens of our state and encourage people to get out and enjoy all the natural beauty Wisconsin has to offer.

With its rustic mill, trails, and gardens, Beckman Mill County Park is the perfect blend of history and nature. It was great to learn all about Beckman Mill and its impact on Beloit and the surrounding communities.

I host “Walk with Walker” events frequently throughout the state. To learn more about my “Walk with Walker” initiative and view our upcoming events, visit my website below.