Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

On Thursday, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond visited Camp American Legion in Lake Tomahawk, WI. The Camp Director, Jim Klement, gave him a tour and provided information about the programs and services offered to veterans and their families.

Secretary Bond also had the opportunity to speak with several veterans and their families during the tour—all of whom had nothing but great things to say about Camp American Legion! Wisconsin American Legion

Pictured (left to right): Jim Klement, Camp Director of Camp American Legion, and Secretary Bond.

This past week, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond visited with several Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) and representatives of Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians! He was joined on his visits by WDVA's Tribal Veteran Liaison, Melissa Doud, as they toured and discussed the needs of our state's Tribal veterans and their families.

Picture 1: Melissa Doud, Tribal Veteran Liaison; Fred Jack Jr., TVSO; and Secretary Bond visiting La Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University.
Picture 2: Secretary Bond, Melissa Doud, and Dan Mayotte, TVSO, in the new Bad River Tribal Museum.
Picture 3: Secretary Bond, Melissa Doud, and Jeff Taylor TVSO in the St. Croix Culture Room.
Picture 4: Chris Livingston, TVSO, and Secretary Bond at Red Cliff Veteran Park.
Picture 5: Jeff Taylor, TVSO and Secretary Bond at St. Croix Veteran Memorial.
Picture 6: Fred Jack Jr., TVSO, and Secretary Bond at La Courte Oreilles Veteran Memorial.
Picture 7: Jeff Taylor TVSO and Secretary Bond visit the St Croix AMVETS post.

Are you exploring your options for a new, rewarding career? WDVA is hiring! Today, our featured job is for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at our Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove. These jobs also come with a $2,000 sign-on bonus! To view this job opening and to apply for other available openings around the state, please visit www.wisc.jobs today and type ‘veteran’ in the search bar.

This week’s featured openings include:
• Groundskeeping Crew Leader – Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, WI
• Security Officer – King, WI
• Nurse Aide Mentor - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (PM Shift) – King, WI
• Custodian- $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI
• Certified Nursing Assistant - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI
• Registered Nurse - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI

If you want to join a team dedicated to serving those who have served us all we encourage you to explore more available openings by visiting wisc.jobs today! Join a team dedicated to serving those who have served us all.

Thank you to Price County Veteran Services for hosting their annual Veteran Benefits Expo in Phillips, WI today. WDVA's outreach specialist, Jeremy Otto, and Debbie Meye, Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) region 7, were on hand to answer questions relating to your veteran services and benefits. Thank you to all who stopped by to say hello! If you have questions about your veteran benefits, please visit wisvets.com or call 1-800-WIS-VETS today!

WDVA and our partner agency, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are raising awareness of scams and fraud targeting servicemembers, veterans, and their families during National Military Consumer Protection Month in July.

“Servicemembers, veterans, and their families have already given so much to this nation; it is appalling to hear about bad actors targeting and taking advantage of them,” said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary-designee James Bond. “I’m thankful to DATCP for recognizing this issue and providing resources to combat scams and fraud in our state. WDVA and our partners stand ready to help former servicemembers protect the benefits they’ve earned. If you need assistance, please know there are free resources available.”

For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or [email protected].

If you need assistance with federal and state veteran benefits, contact your County or Tribal Veteran Service Officer, who will guide you through the process. For state veteran benefit inquiries, call 1-800-WisVets, email [email protected], or visit wisvets.com.

Have you checked out the Wisconsin Veterans Museum recently? Come see what is new! The museum not only displays veterans' stories but they also actively meet with veterans to ensure that every veteran's story is told. Many exhibits also showcase the items and keepsakes of veteran servicemembers from their time in uniform and the fascinating stories behind them.

This past June, our Museum received an Award of Excellence for the exhibit, "Souvenirs of Service: the Things They Kept" from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 79th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

We encourage everyone to visit the Wisconsin Veterans Museum to learn more about our amazing Wisconsinites, attend a special event, or schedule a time to record your own oral veteran history. Learn more at: https://wisvetsmuseum.com/

Last week, Oshkosh Defense gave WDVA Secretary James Bond a tour of its facilities. He was joined by Amy Millard, Deputy Administrator of Benefits, and Sebastian Walters, State Approving Agency (SAA). Thank you, and we appreciate your support of Wisconsin veterans and families!

Picture 1 (left to right): Amy Millard, Sebastian Walters, and Secretary James Bond.

Our WDVA outreach team was at the Wisconsin American Legion state convention in Appleton this past weekend. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and talk to our colleague Jeremy to inquire about your eligible veteran benefits and services! If you have questions about your veteran benefits, please visit wisvets.com or call 1-800-WIS-VETS today!

During his visit at the Wisconsin American Legion state convention this past Saturday, WDVA Secretary James Bond met with Daniel Seehafer, American Legion National Commander! The American Legion National Headquarters

This past Saturday, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond was a featured speaker at the Wisconsin American Legion in Appleton. He gave several departmental updates and emphasized progress being made for veterans by strengthening partnerships across Wisconsin between state, local, and regional groups and organizations with WDVA. Secretary Bond also thanked Legionnaires and the Auxiliary for their great work on behalf of our state's veterans and their families!

There's still time to register!!! Do you have a classic car you’d like to show off? We would love to see it! The Wisconsin Veterans Home at King invites you to show your car at our Classic Car Shows on Sunday, July 21st, and at Ainsworth Hall and Saturday, August 10th at Moses Hall from 9-11:30 AM.

Registration Details:
All classic car owners must register in advance to schedule a spot. It is FREE to register! Please email Tina Ewing by Monday, July 15th at [email protected] or 715-258-5586 ext. 22630, with your contact information and the make/model/year of the classic car you will show.

If you know of others with classic cars, please share this invite with them!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Please note: Visitors to the Veterans Home will be restricted during these car show dates and time for safety and health reasons of our members. Thank you for understanding.



VFW 1037 Waupaca County Veterans Service Office

Are you searching for a rewarding career in service to our state’s veterans and their families? WDVA is hiring! Today, our featured job is for a Food Service Lead as part of our Nutrition & Dining Services team at our Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. To view this job opening's benefits and details or to apply for other available openings around the state, please visit www.wisc.jobs today and type ‘veteran’ in the search bar.

This week’s featured openings include:
• Nursing Assistant Trainee – LTE – King, WI
• Security Officer – King, WI
• Certified Nursing Assistant - LTE (Multiple Positions) – King, WI
• Custodian, King Veterans Home - $2000 Sign-on Bonus – King, WI
• Director of Nursing – Union Grove, WI
• Charge Nurse - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (NOC Shift, Part-Time) – Union Grove, WI
• Assistant Director of Nursing (2 Positions) – Union Grove, WI
• Registered Nurse – Union Grove, WI

These are only a few of the many opportunities that exist today. Join a team dedicated to serving those who have served us all. Explore more available openings this week by visiting wisc.jobs and apply today!

Don't miss out on two great grant opportunities available for Wisconsin non-profits that serve and support veterans. Apply today for the WDVA Nonprofit Grant or the Entrepreneurship Grant!

Please visit our grants page for all details on each grant and how to apply online: https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/benefitsClaims/Financial-Grants.aspx

Applications for both grants are due on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The WDVA Nonprofit Grant is awarded to registered nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance or other services to Wisconsin Veterans and their families. The Non-Profit Grant provides up to $25,000 to each recipient, with a maximum of $250,000 awarded annually.

The WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant is awarded to registered nonprofit organizations that provide entrepreneurship training, technical support, or other assistance to the diverse group of Veteran entrepreneurs in our state to improve employment outcomes. The Entrepreneurship Grant provides up to $100,000 to each recipient, with a maximum of $300,000 awarded.

Questions about the grant application process should be directed to the WDVA Grants Unit at 1-800-WIS-VETS or email [email protected]. Apply today!!

Veterans and Families—Save the Date! The Eau Claire and Chippewa County Veteran Services are teaming up to host a free Veteran Resource Fair on September 19, 2024, in Eau Claire, WI. **See the flyer image below for the full details.

Staff from our WDVA outreach team, along with representatives from other local and regional veteran services and organizations will be there to help you answer questions about federal and state benefits you may be eligible for.

Please note: WDVA is re-sharing for informational purposes only.

BREAKING NEWS! We are super excited to announce that Eau Claire and Chippewa County Veteran Services are teaming up to bring you a Veteran Resource Fair coming up in September.

Representatives from Veteran Affairs and Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs will be there to provide valuable resources and information to help you get hooked up with federal and state benefits you may be entitled to.

Stay tuned to this page for more in depth info on the event and what the day will offer!

Chippewa County Veterans Office

Did you know the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has a successful program to help those veterans facing homelessness, or who are at the risk of homelessness?

WDVA's Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) provides temporary housing, training, and supportive services to military veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in order to help them obtain permanent housing, stable employment and positive mental health.

VHRP has three locations throughout the state to assist our veterans facing homelessness. For more information visit: https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/benefitsClaims/VHRP.aspx

Also, if you know of someone dealing with a personal or mental health crisis right now, please dial 988, then press 1, to be connected to the Veteran Crisis Hotline 24/7. Compassionate, confidential, caring help is available right now at 988+1.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs invites you to an evening reception at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on July 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to honor the "In Her Boots" exhibit. Wisconsin women veterans whose boots were featured in the initial rotation (June 11 - July 29) will have the opportunity to retrieve their boots from WDVA during this event. The second rotation of the "In Her Boots" exhibit will be accessible in the Wisconsin Veterans Museum window for an extended duration. Light appetizers, refreshments, and opportunities for camaraderie will be provided. RSVP @ https://bit.ly/4cRG4br

Are you a Wisconsin non-profit organization that helps veterans achieve their dreams of owning their own business or provides direct assistance to veteran families? Apply today for the WDVA Nonprofit Grant or the Entrepreneurship Grant! Grant applications are due on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Please visit our grants page for all details on each grant and how to apply online: https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/benefitsClaims/Financial-Grants.aspx

The WDVA Nonprofit Grant is awarded to registered nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance or other services to Wisconsin Veterans and their families. The Non-Profit Grant provides up to $25,000 to each recipient, with a maximum of $250,000 awarded annually.

The WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant is awarded to registered nonprofit organizations that provide entrepreneurship training, technical support, or other assistance to the diverse group of Veteran entrepreneurs in our state to improve employment outcomes. The Entrepreneurship Grant provides up to $100,000 to each recipient, with a maximum of $300,000 awarded.

Questions about the grant application process should be directed to the WDVA Grants Unit at 1-800-WIS-VETS or email [email protected]. Apply today!!

Looking for a rewarding career change? WDVA is hiring! Today, our featured job is for Registered Nurses at our veterans homes in King and Union Grove. These positions come with a $2,000 sign-on bonus! To view this job opening and to apply for other available openings around the state, please visit www.wisc.jobs today and type ‘veteran’ in the search bar.

All featured openings this week include:
• Facilities Repair Worker – LTE – Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery
• Building and Grounds Supervisor – Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery
• Registered Nurse - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – King, WI
• Nurse Aide Mentor - $2000 Sign-on Bonus – King, WI
• Weekend Certified Nursing Assistant - $2000 Sign-on Bonus – King, WI
• Certified Nursing Assistant - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI
• Registered Nurse LTE - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI
• Weekend Certified Nursing Assistant - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI

These are only a few of the many opportunities that exist today. Join a team dedicated to serving those who have served us all. Explore more available openings this week by visiting wisc.jobs and apply today!

Happy Fourth of July from WDVA!

Over the Fourth of July holiday, many communities put on stunning fireworks displays celebrating our nation’s birthday. But for many veterans, loud fireworks can be an instant trigger mechanism from traumatic experiences while serving in uniform, and that reaction can vary from one veteran suffering from PTSD to another.

We ask you to be mindful that your neighborhood fireworks display can also be mentally distressing to those living nearby. WDVA asks that you check in with veterans you know this Fourth of July to ensure they’re okay.

If you or a veteran you know is experiencing a mental health or PTSD crisis, please know help is a phone call away. Dial 988, then press 1, to be connected to the Veteran Crisis Hotline. Confidential, compassionate help is available 24/7. This is a free service; you do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare. For all information on the Veteran Crisis Hotline, please visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

On Tuesday, WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond participated in the grand opening of a brand-new Madison East VA Clinic. The opening included key remarks by Secretary Bond and many others as they held a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new clinic. The new 30,000 square-foot clinic is meant to bring high-quality primary, specialty, mental health, and wellness care to more than 10,000 veterans living in Madison and surrounding counties.

WDVA remains committed to strengthening our partnerships and working with the VA Hospitals and Clinics to deliver and benefits and services our Wisconsin veterans deserve.

For a video and news story coverage of yesterday's clinic opening, please click the image below.

Officials hold ribbon cutting for Madison East VA Clinic Officials say this new space is located within 30 miles of 60 percent of the current patients at the Madison West VA Clinic.

Have you signed up to receive your eligible veteran benefits? Do you need assistance with how to start a claim or access your earned veteran benefits? If so, WDVA has an excellent online resource to get you started right now. Visit MyWisVets.com!

Additionally, the WDVA Veteran Benefits and Resource Center (VBRC) also has dedicated, helpful staff available to help you get the information you need with a potential claim or answer questions about accessing your available veteran benefits. Have questions? Visit www.wisvets.com or call 1-800-WIS-VETS today!

July is Military Consumer Protection Month! WDVA wants to raise awareness of potential fraud and scammers targeting military and veteran families.

Our partners at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs remain committed to spreading awareness so you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a scam.

If you have questions about identifying and avoiding scammers, fake telemarketers, recovering from identity theft, and more, please visit DATCP's website at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov

Thank you to the Milwaukee County Zoo for hosting its annual Veteran Benefits Expo! This past Sunday, June 30, was Military and Families Day at the zoo, and our WDVA outreach staff had an informational booth for guests and answered questions about veteran benefits and services.

Thank you to all who stopped by to talk to our colleague Jeremy! If you want to explore and access your veteran benefits options, please visit wisvets.com today!

Veterans and Families in the Jefferson County Area! Tomorrow, the Veterans Benefits Block Party will take place in Fort Atkinson, WI, from Noon to 5:00 p.m.

**The flyer below has all the details and directions. Questions? Please visit jeffersoncountyvets.org or Jefferson County, WI Veterans Service Office. Thank you!

Please Note: WDVA does not sponsor or endorse any external event. WDVA shares information to raise awareness and promote collaboration.

Looking for a rewarding career change? WDVA is hiring! Our featured job today is for Facilities Repair Workers at our Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. To view this job opening and to apply for other available openings around the state, please visit www.wisc.jobs today and type ‘veteran’ in the search bar.

All featured openings this week include:
• Facilities Repair Worker – LTE – Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery
• Archivist - LTE - Wisconsin Veterans Museum – Madison, WI
• Registered Nurse - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – King, WI
• Nurse Aide Mentor - $2000 Sign-on Bonus – King, WI
• Weekend Certified Nursing Assistant - $2000 Sign-on Bonus – King, WI
• Certified Nursing Assistant - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI
• Registered Nurse LTE - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI
• Weekend Certified Nursing Assistant - $2000 Sign-on Bonus (Multiple Positions) – Union Grove, WI

These are only a few of the many opportunities that exist today. Join a team dedicated to serving those who have served us all. Explore more available openings this week by visiting wisc.jobs and apply today!

Veterans and Families - Free tickets are still available for the Military & Veterans Family Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo this Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Get FREE tickets (in advance) for veterans and their families from your local County Veterans Service Office. *The flyer below has ALL THE DETAILS.

Find or contact your local CVSO to obtain free tickets by visiting this website > https://wicvso.org/locate-your-cvso-tvso/

Please note: WDVA does not sponsor or endorse any external event. WDVA shares information to raise awareness and promote collaboration.

Here is the official information from VA.gov about the Presidential Proclamation on Certain Violations of Article 125 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice announced on June 26, 2024.

For all details and questions relating about eligibility and how affected LGBTQ+ veterans can begin the process to apply, please visit the VA website here: https://department.va.gov/presidential-proclamation-violations-article-125-ucmj/


County Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin

Presidential Proclamation on Certain Violations of Article 125 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice The proclamation grants a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to individuals with court-martial convictions for violations of former Article 125 of the UCMJ based on conduct that involved consensual, private conduct with persons age 18 and older.