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 at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic on Friday, May 30, at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
The new award is designed to recognize veterans for their achievements and contributions after their military service. Dean’s record includes over five decades in education, active involvement with veterans’ organizations, and extensive volunteer work.
“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 gratitude for being chosen: “I feel very honored and fortunate being chosen as the first recipient of the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award. I’d like to personally thank County Executive Kerkman for initiating this new award honoring our valued commodity, veterans.”
Dean was nominated by his wife Jackie, who described him as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.” After graduating from Bradford High School—one of Kenosha County’s largest schools according to recent enrollment data (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 with the 93rd Engineers.
Upon returning home, Dean began a 34-year teaching career at Prairie Lane Elementary School. He received recognition as Teacher of the Year from Kenosha Unified School District in 1986. Dean also led after-school sports programs and continues to be involved post-retirement. He sponsors youth baseball through American Legion Post 21 and serves on local Little League boards.
Dean has donated more than 15 gallons of AB negative blood—a rare type often needed by children—and has helped raise funds for Special Olympics and organized Salvation Army bellringing efforts. He mentors students at other local schools as well.
His commitment extends to veterans’ advocacy through membership in several organizations including American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. With these groups he helps coordinate Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, visits nursing homes with gifts for veterans, and participates in weekly gatherings such as Heroes Café.
“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 summarized her husband’s impact: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The third annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic will take place at noon on May 30 at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park in Randall and Wheatland towns. Free roundtrip transportation will be provided from Festival Foods in Kenosha; those seeking transport are asked to contact the county’s Veterans Service Office.
Recent data shows that Bradford High School—where Dean graduated—is among Kenosha County’s top three schools by enrollment (https://dpi.wi.gov/). In total there were over 25,000 students attending county schools during the current school year (https://dpi.wi.gov/), reflecting a diverse student body where white students make up just over half (https://dpi.wi.gov/), Hispanic students represent about one quarter (https://dpi.wi.gov/), Black students account for roughly one tenth (https://dpi.wi.gov/), while American Indian students are among the least represented groups (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
