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 community contributions after military service. Dean’s record includes more than five decades in education, active participation in several 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 will receive his award during a free event open to veterans and their families. The picnic will take place at noon at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
Dean was nominated by his wife Jackie, who described him as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.” In response to being selected for the honor, Dean said: “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.”
A graduate of 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/)—Dean later 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 began a long career as an educator at Prairie Lane Elementary School where he taught fifth- and sixth-grade students for 34 years. He also led after-school sports programs and remains involved as an instructor following his retirement in 2004. In addition to teaching, Dean sponsors youth baseball teams through American Legion Post 21 and serves on local Little League boards.
His community involvement extends beyond education. Dean has donated more than 15 gallons of blood—his rare AB negative type often benefits children—and has raised funds for Special Olympics through school initiatives that have won awards under his leadership. He has also volunteered with Salvation Army bellringing efforts and mentored students at other area schools.
In support of fellow veterans, Dean is affiliated with American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and VFW Post 1865. His activities include organizing holiday events 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 summarized her husband’s impact: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic now enters its third year at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland towns. Free transportation from Festival Foods on 80th Street will be available courtesy of Dousman Transport Co., though space is limited; those seeking transportation are asked to contact Kenosha County Veterans Service Office.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student body: white students made up just over half (55.6%) during the last academic year while Hispanic students accounted for roughly one quarter (25.7%), followed by Black students (10.4%). American Indian students represented one of the smallest groups at only 0.2% (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
