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 on Friday, May 30, at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
The new award is intended to recognize veterans for their achievements and contributions following 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 post-military career includes 52 years in education and active involvement with several veterans’ organizations. He has also donated more than 15 gallons of blood and supported youth through various programs. His wife Jackie nominated him for the honor, calling him “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.”
Dean expressed his appreciation: “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 during the 2023-24 school year (https://dpi.wi.gov/)—Dean earned an economics degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 with the 93rd Engineers.
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 continues to lead after-school intramural sports programs and sponsors youth baseball teams through American Legion Post 21.
Dean has contributed significantly as a blood donor—his rare AB negative type often goes to children—and as a volunteer fundraiser for Special Olympics and other community causes. He has organized bellringing efforts for Salvation Army and mentored students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy.
His work with veterans’ groups includes membership in American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. With these organizations, he helps coordinate Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, visits nursing homes to present gifts to veterans, and participates in weekly Heroes Café gatherings.
Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi said: “When it comes to veterans in our community, actively serving the community, Milt is second to none.”
Jackie Dean described her husband’s impact: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The upcoming Veterans Appreciation Picnic will take place at noon on May 30 at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park in Randall and Wheatland towns. Free transportation from Festival Foods on 80th Street will be available; those seeking transportation should contact Kenosha County Veterans Service Office.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student body; during the current school year white students make up just over half (55.6%), while Hispanic students are about one-quarter (25.7%)—the second largest group—and Black students comprise roughly one-tenth (10.4%) (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
American Indian students remain among the least represented ethnic groups within county schools at just 0.2% (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
