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 aims to recognize veterans for their achievements and contributions after military service. Dean’s selection highlights his decades-long involvement in education and community service, as well as his support for veterans and 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’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.”
“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 in 2023-24 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 worked as 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. Dean also led after-school sports programs at Prairie Lane and continues to be involved after retiring from teaching in 2004.
Beyond education, Dean sponsors a Little League baseball team through American Legion Post 21 and serves on the board of Little Leaguers of Kenosha. He has donated more than 15 gallons of blood over time—a significant contribution given his rare AB negative blood type—and has helped raise funds for Special Olympics through school initiatives.
Dean volunteers with several organizations supporting veterans: he is a member of American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. His activities include organizing Memorial Day events, visiting nursing homes with gifts for veterans, 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 upcoming picnic event will take place at noon on May 30 at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Free transportation from Festival Foods on 80th Street will be available; those interested are asked to contact the county’s 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 account for about one-quarter (25.7%), followed by Black students at just over ten percent (10.4%). American Indian students are among the least represented groups locally (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
