Milt Dean, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime Kenosha County 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 on Friday, May 30, at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
The new award aims to recognize veterans for their contributions after military service. Dean’s post-service work includes more than five decades in education, active involvement with veterans’ organizations, and ongoing community service such as blood donation and youth mentorship.
“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 chosen: “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.”
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 serving with the Army’s 93rd Engineers in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968.
After returning home, Dean began a 34-year teaching career at Prairie Lane Elementary School. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year by Kenosha Unified School District in 1986. Beyond classroom teaching, Dean led after-school programs and remains involved with youth sports through American Legion Post 21 and Little Leaguers of Kenosha.
Dean has donated more than 15 gallons of AB negative blood over his lifetime. He also led fundraising efforts supporting Special Olympics at Prairie Lane Elementary School and organized Salvation Army bellringing campaigns. Additionally, he mentored students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy.
Within veterans’ organizations—including American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865—Dean has helped coordinate Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, visited nursing homes to deliver gifts to fellow veterans, and participated in 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 nominated her husband for the honor: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The upcoming picnic event will be held at noon on May 30 at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. The park is located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland towns. Free transportation from Festival Foods on 80th Street will be available through Dousman Transport Co., though those needing rides are asked to contact the county’s Veterans Service Office.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student population; during the current school year white students make up about 55% (https://dpi.wi.gov/), Hispanic students nearly 26%, Black students just over 10%, while American Indian students are among those least represented (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
