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 later this week.
The new award is intended to recognize veterans for their achievements and community contributions after military service. Dean’s record includes 52 years working in education, active participation in several veterans’ organizations, significant blood donations, and involvement in youth programs.
“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 will receive his award at noon on Friday, May 30, during a picnic at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. The event is free and open to veterans and their families.
Dean’s wife Jackie nominated him for the honor. She described him as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.”
“I feel very honored and fortunate being chosen as the first recipient of the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award,” Dean 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 in 2023-24 according to state data (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 became a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Prairie Lane Elementary School for 34 years. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year by Kenosha Unified School District in 1986. He also led after-school sports programs and continues teaching part-time after retiring in 2004.
In addition to his educational work, Dean sponsors youth baseball teams through American Legion Post 21 and serves on local Little League boards. He has donated more than 15 gallons of blood over his lifetime.
Dean has also volunteered extensively with Special Olympics fundraising efforts at Prairie Lane Elementary School—a school serving a student body that reflects Kenosha County’s diverse population: white students make up just over half (55.6%), Hispanic students account for about one-quarter (25.7%), while Black students are about one-tenth (10.4%) (https://dpi.wi.gov/). He has organized Salvation Army bellringing campaigns and mentored students at other local schools.
His involvement with American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865 includes organizing holiday activities for veterans living in nursing homes and participating 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 summed up her husband’s work: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The third annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic will be held at noon on May 30 at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Free roundtrip transportation from Festival Foods on 80th Street will be provided by Dousman Transport Co., subject to availability; those seeking transportation are asked to contact the county’s Veterans Service Office.
