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 52 years of work in education, active participation in veterans’ organizations, and significant community involvement.
“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 gratitude upon learning he would receive the honor. “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.”
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 with the 93rd Engineers in Vietnam.
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. Beyond teaching, he led after-school programs and continues instructing intramural sports post-retirement.
Dean also sponsors youth baseball through American Legion Post 21 and serves on Little Leaguers of Kenosha Board of Directors. He has donated more than 15 gallons of AB negative blood over time.
His volunteer efforts include raising funds for Special Olympics—helping Prairie Lane Elementary earn fundraising awards—and organizing Salvation Army bellringing campaigns. He has mentored students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy.
As a member or lifetime member of several veterans’ groups—including American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865—Dean helps coordinate Memorial Day and Veterans Day events and visits nursing homes to deliver gifts to fellow veterans.
“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 third annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic will take place at noon on May 30 at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. The park sits west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland towns; access is via Karow Court off Highway F (Bassett Road). Free roundtrip transportation from Festival Foods (3207 80th St., Kenosha) will be available courtesy Dousman Transport Co., subject to space limits; those seeking transportation should contact Kenosha County Veterans Service Office by phone or email.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student body: In the current school year there are approximately 25,400 students enrolled across local schools such as Bradford High School (https://dpi.wi.gov/). White students make up about half that population while Hispanic students represent just over one-quarter—the second largest group—and Black students comprise roughly one-tenth (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
