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 the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
The award is intended to recognize veterans for their achievements and contributions after their military service. Dean’s post-service record includes more than five decades in education, active involvement with veterans’ organizations, and significant 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 his gratitude for being chosen. “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 was nominated by his wife Jackie, who described him as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.” Dean graduated from Bradford High School—one of the largest schools in Kenosha County with an enrollment of 1,448 students during the 2023-24 school year according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (https://dpi.wi.gov/). He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before serving 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 received recognition as Teacher of the Year by the Kenosha Unified School District in 1986. During his teaching career, Dean led after-school programs and continues to instruct students after being called back following his retirement in 2004.
Dean has also sponsored youth sports teams and served on the board for Little Leaguers of Kenosha. In addition to his educational work, he has donated over 15 gallons of blood and supported fundraising efforts for Special Olympics and other charitable causes.
In veterans’ advocacy, Dean holds memberships with American Legion Post 21, Navy Club Ship 40, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. He helps coordinate events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities and participates in community outreach through programs like Heroes Café.
Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi commented on Dean’s dedication: “When it comes to veterans in our community, actively serving the community, Milt is second to none.”
Jackie Dean highlighted her husband’s impact: “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 Memorial Park’s Honor Plaza. The park can be accessed via Karow Court off Highway F (Bassett Road), west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue) in Randall and Wheatland. Free roundtrip transportation will be provided from Festival Foods at 3207 80th St., Kenosha; those seeking transport should contact the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student body. For example, during the current school year white students made up about 55.6% (14,124) while Hispanic students represented about one quarter (25.7%) and Black students accounted for just over ten percent (10.4%) (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
The Veteran of the Year Award will continue annually to honor local veterans’ contributions beyond their military service.
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