Kenosha Reporter

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 said Dean will be recognized at an event later this week.

The new annual award is designed to honor veterans for their contributions and achievements after military service. According to Kerkman, Dean’s selection was based on his long record of community involvement, particularly in education and veterans’ causes.

“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 will receive the award at the Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic on Friday, May 30, at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. The free event is open to veterans and their families.

Dean’s wife Jackie nominated him for the award, calling him “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.” In response to being chosen as the first recipient, Dean said: “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.”

Dean graduated from 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/). He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before being drafted into military service. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 with the 93rd Engineers.

After returning home, Dean began a family and started a teaching career at Prairie Lane Elementary School that lasted 34 years. He taught fifth- and sixth-grade students and was known for helping youth succeed academically and personally. In 1986 he received recognition as Teacher of the Year from Kenosha Unified School District.

Dean also led after-school sports programs at Prairie Lane Elementary School and continues instructing today after coming out of retirement post-2004. Additionally, he sponsors a Little League baseball team through American Legion Post 21 and serves on the board for Little Leaguers of Kenosha.

He has donated more than 15 gallons of blood over time—his rare AB negative type often benefiting children—and has organized fundraising efforts supporting Special Olympics at Prairie Lane Elementary School. His volunteer work includes bellringing for Salvation Army as well as mentoring students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy.

As an advocate for veterans’ issues, Dean holds memberships with American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. Through these groups he helps organize Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, visits nursing homes with gifts for fellow veterans during holidays, and participates in weekly gatherings such as 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 summarized her husband’s impact: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”

The upcoming picnic where Dean will be honored will take place at noon Friday in Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park located west of Highway KD north of Highway F between Randall and Wheatland towns. Free roundtrip transportation will be available from Festival Foods on 80th Street courtesy Dousman Transport Co., though space is limited; those needing transportation are asked to contact Kenosha County Veterans Service Office or email [email protected].

Kenosha County public schools serve over 25,000 students each year across diverse backgrounds (https://dpi.wi.gov/), reflecting ongoing changes within local communities that educators like Dean have helped shape through decades-long careers.