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 after military service. Dean’s record includes more than five decades in education, active participation in veterans’ organizations, significant blood donations, and various community service efforts.
“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 expressed appreciation for being selected: “I feel very honored and fortunate being chosen as the first recipient of the Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award,” he said. “I’d like to personally thank County Executive Kerkman for initiating this new award honoring our valued commodity, veterans.”
Dean graduated from Bradford High School—one of Kenosha County’s largest schools with an enrollment of 1,448 students during the 2023-24 school year (https://dpi.wi.gov/). He later earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before being drafted into military service. From 1966 to 1968, he served in Vietnam with the 93rd Engineers.
After returning home, Dean began a family and started a 34-year teaching career at Prairie Lane Elementary School. He became known for helping students get on track in life and was named Teacher of the Year by Kenosha Unified School District in 1986. He also led after-school sports programs and remains involved as an instructor since his retirement in 2004.
Dean sponsors a Little League baseball team through American Legion Post 21 and serves on the board of Little Leaguers of Kenosha. As a blood donor with a rare AB negative type, he has donated over 15 gallons so far.
His volunteer work includes raising funds for Special Olympics—efforts that have brought awards to Prairie Lane Elementary—and organizing bellringing campaigns for Salvation Army. He has mentored students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy.
In support of fellow veterans, Dean holds memberships with American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. He helps coordinate Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, visits nursing homes to deliver gifts to veterans, and participates in weekly Heroes Café gatherings.
“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 nominated her husband for this recognition: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The Veterans Appreciation Picnic will be held at noon on May 30 at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Free roundtrip transportation will be available from Festival Foods in Kenosha courtesy of Dousman Transport Co., subject to space availability. Those needing transportation are asked to contact the county’s Veterans Service Office.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student body; during the current school year there were more than 25,000 students enrolled countywide (https://dpi.wi.gov/), with white students making up just over half (55.6%), Hispanic students accounting for about one quarter (25.7%), Black students comprising just over ten percent (10.4%), and American Indian students representing less than one percent (0.2%) (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
