Milt Dean, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, has been named the first recipient of the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award. The announcement was made by County Executive Samantha Kerkman, who will present the award to Dean at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic on Friday, May 30, at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
The new award is intended to recognize veterans for their achievements and contributions after military service. Dean’s selection highlights his 52 years in education, active participation in veterans’ organizations, significant blood donations, and community involvement.
“We received many outstanding nominations for this award, but Milt’s many contributions to the community and his passion for education and advocacy for veterans put him above all others,” Kerkman said. “Milt’s spirit of service is what this award is all about, and he is a most-deserving recipient of the inaugural honor.”
Dean expressed appreciation for being chosen: “I feel very honored and fortunate being chosen as the first recipient of the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award,” he said. “I’d like to personally thank County Executive Kerkman for initiating this new award honoring our valued commodity, veterans.”
Dean graduated from Bradford High School—one of Kenosha County’s largest schools with 1,448 students enrolled during the 2023-24 school year according to data from https://dpi.wi.gov/—and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before being drafted into military service. He served with the 93rd Engineers in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968.
After returning home, Dean started a family and spent 34 years teaching fifth- and sixth-grade students at Prairie Lane Elementary School. In recognition of his work with youth—including helping students get on track—he received the Kenosha Unified School District Teacher of the Year Award in 1986.
He also led an after-school intramural sports program at Prairie Lane Elementary and continues to be involved as an instructor since retiring from teaching in 2004. Dean sponsors a Little League baseball team through American Legion Post 21 and serves on the board for Little Leaguers of Kenosha.
Dean has donated more than 15 gallons of blood over time; his rare AB negative blood type often helps children in need. He has also raised funds for Special Olympics with support from Prairie Lane Elementary School and organized Salvation Army bellringing efforts.
His volunteerism extends into mentoring students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy—two schools among those serving Kenosha County’s diverse student population that includes white (55.6%), Hispanic (25.7%), Black (10.4%), and American Indian (0.2%) students during 2023-24 as reported by https://dpi.wi.gov/.
In addition to educational work, Dean participates actively with American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. He assists with Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities, visits nursing homes to deliver gifts to military veterans, and attends weekly Heroes Café gatherings.
“When it comes to veterans in our community, actively serving the community, Milt is second to none,” said Jennifer Blasi, Director of Kenosha County Veterans Services.
Jackie Dean nominated her husband for this recognition: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The Veterans Appreciation Picnic will take place at noon on May 30 at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland towns. Free roundtrip transportation will be available from Festival Foods at 3207 80th St., provided by Dousman Transport Co., while space allows; those interested should contact Kenosha County Veterans Service Office.
