Milt Dean, a Vietnam War 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 to Dean at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic scheduled for noon on Friday, May 30, at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
The new award is intended to honor local veterans for their achievements and contributions after military service. Dean’s post-service record includes more than five decades in education, active participation in several veterans’ organizations, and substantial volunteer work in support of youth programs and community causes.
“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,” said Kerkman. “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 of 54 years, Jackie, nominated him for the award. She described him as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.”
Dean expressed gratitude upon learning he would receive the recognition: “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 schools with 1,448 students enrolled during the 2023-24 school year according to state data (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—Dean 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 spent 34 years teaching fifth- and sixth-grade students at Prairie Lane Elementary School. He received recognition from his peers when he was named Kenosha Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 1986. He also led after-school intramural sports programs and continues working as an instructor since coming out of retirement after initially leaving teaching in 2004.
Beyond his work in schools—which collectively served over 25,000 students across all ethnic groups during the last academic year (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—Dean has contributed through coaching Little League baseball teams sponsored by American Legion Post 21 and serving on boards supporting youth athletics.
Dean has donated more than fifteen gallons of blood throughout his life; his rare AB negative type often benefits children needing transfusions. His fundraising efforts have supported Special Olympics activities at Prairie Lane Elementary School; he also organized bellringing drives for Salvation Army initiatives.
His involvement with local veterans’ organizations includes membership with American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. Through these groups he helps coordinate Memorial Day and Veterans Day events while also participating in outreach such as visiting nursing homes to give gifts to fellow veterans or joining weekly gatherings like Heroes Café at Festival Foods.
“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 impact: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The Veterans Appreciation Picnic will be held at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park near Randall and Wheatland towns. Free transportation will be provided from Festival Foods on 80th Street by Dousman Transport Co., space permitting. Those interested can contact Kenosha County Veterans Service Office at (262)605-6690 or email [email protected].
