Milt Dean, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime Kenosha resident, 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 noon in the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
The new award aims to recognize veterans for their achievements and contributions after their military service. According to Kerkman, “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. Milt’s spirit of service is what this award is all about, and he is a most-deserving recipient of the inaugural honor.”
Dean’s wife Jackie nominated him for the recognition. In her nomination statement she described Dean as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.” She added: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
Dean expressed gratitude upon learning he had been selected. “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.”
A graduate of Bradford High School—one of Kenosha County’s largest high schools with an enrollment over 1,400 students in 2023-24 according to state data (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—Dean earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before being drafted into service during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968.
Following his return home, Dean worked as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Prairie Lane Elementary School for 34 years and was recognized as Teacher of the Year by Kenosha Unified School District in 1986. He led after-school sports programs throughout his career and remains active as an instructor since retiring from full-time teaching in 2004.
Dean has also contributed through youth sports sponsorships with American Legion Post 21 and service on boards such as Little Leaguers of Kenosha. His community work includes donating more than 15 gallons of blood—his rare AB negative type often benefiting children—and leading fundraising efforts for Special Olympics that brought awards to Prairie Lane Elementary.
In addition to supporting organizations like Salvation Army through bellringing campaigns and mentoring students at other local schools such as Southport Elementary School—which serves part of a student body where white students make up roughly half while Hispanic students represent over a quarter (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—Dean participates actively in several veterans’ groups including American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and VFW Post 1865.
He helps coordinate Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities locally; visits nursing homes with gifts for fellow veterans; attends weekly Heroes Café events; and continues advocacy on behalf of area servicemembers.
Jennifer Blasi, director of Kenosha County Veterans Services stated: “When it comes to veterans in our community, actively serving the community, Milt is second to none.”
The upcoming Veterans Appreciation Picnic will be held at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park west of Highway KD in Randall/Wheatland towns. Free roundtrip transportation is available from Festival Foods in Kenosha via Dousman Transport Co.; attendees needing transport should contact county services by phone or email.
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