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 said the award will be presented annually to honor veterans for their contributions after military service.
Dean’s recognition is based on his 52 years of work in education, involvement with veterans’ organizations, blood donations, and other community activities. “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 stated. “Milt’s spirit of service is what this award is all about, and he is a most-deserving recipient of the inaugural honor.”
The award will be given at the Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic on Friday, May 30 at noon at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. The event is open to veterans and their families.
Dean was nominated by his wife Jackie, who described him as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.” Dean expressed 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,” 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 in 2023-24 according to data from https://dpi.wi.gov/—Dean earned a degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 with the 93rd Engineers.
After returning home, Dean became a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Prairie Lane Elementary School for 34 years. He received the Kenosha Unified School District Teacher of the Year Award in 1986. He also led after-school sports programs at Prairie Lane and remains involved as an instructor following his retirement in 2004.
In addition to teaching, Dean sponsors a Little League baseball team through American Legion Post 21 and serves on the Little Leaguers of Kenosha Board. He has donated more than 15 gallons of AB negative blood—often used for children—and has volunteered extensively with Special Olympics fundraising efforts. Dean has also organized Salvation Army bellringing campaigns and mentored students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy.
As a 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, 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 summarized her husband’s impact: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
The annual picnic where Dean will receive his award takes place at Veterans Honor Plaza within Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Free transportation will be available from Festival Foods on 80th Street; those needing transport should contact the county’s Veterans Service Office.
Kenosha County schools serve over 25,000 students each year across diverse backgrounds; during the current school year white students make up just over half (55.6%) while Hispanic students are about one quarter (25.7%) and Black students account for roughly one tenth (10.4%). More details can be found at https://dpi.wi.gov/.
