Featured News
November 21, 2024
MADISON—The Wisconsin Veterans Museum (WVM) has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. This achievement reflects the excellence and professionalism of the entire WVM staff as they preserve and educate the public on Wisconsin’s veteran history. October 21, 2024
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary-designee James Bond announced
$550,000 in grants were awarded to 15 nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance,
entrepreneurship training, or other services to Wisconsin veterans and their families.
“I am thrilled that WDVA can help these nonprofits with their innovative work on behalf of our
state’s veterans,” said Secretary-designee Bond. “These grants will help provide mental
healthcare, basic amenities, job training, assist veteran entrepreneurs, and more. Wisconsin is
lucky to have so many folks stepping up for those who have served in the armed forces.
September 5, 2024
In honor of Vern Larson, military veteran, Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs member, and family man, Governor Tony Evers and WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond issued the following statements:
"Vern Larson was steadfast in serving others throughout his life, including the entirety of his career, and he will be remembered and revered by so many who he helped and advocated for throughout his many years of distinguished service," said Gov. Evers. "In addition to serving over two decades in the military, Vern also served on the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs and volunteered with local organizations and senior facilities, always going above and beyond to support Wisconsin’s veterans and their families across our state. Kathy and I were saddened to hear of his passing, and we extend our deepest condolences to Vern’s loved ones and all those who had the honor of knowing him." “Vern Larson was the embodiment of service, giving his time and voice to help veterans and their families,” said Secretary-designee Bond. “As a Veteran with a service-related disability myself, I appreciate his unwavering commitment to ensuring veterans had access to medical care. His contributions, leadership, and passion will leave a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were touched by his work.”
August 27, 2024
Last week, Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary-designee James Bond reached an important milestone—in just over a year, he traveled to every one of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and 11 tribes to personally consult with each of the state’s 83 County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices. CVSOs and TVSOs are crucial in advocating for veterans in their communities and connecting veterans and their families with federal and state benefits.
August 8, 2024
WEST ALLIS—Yesterday at the Wisconsin State Fair, the Wisconsin State Building Commission unanimously approved spending $9 million to purchase the building that currently houses the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Purchasing the building, located on the Capitol Square, is the next step in the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs plan to construct a new state-of-the art facility to preserve our state’s veteran history.
May 16, 2024
MADISON — Gov. Tony
Evers, together with Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Secretary
James Bond, announced today that nine nonprofit organizations are receiving
Veteran Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant funding to promote
positive mental health through activities, programs, and services that enhance
the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of Wisconsin veterans. February 7, 2024 Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary-designee James Bond announced $350,000 in grants were awarded to 12 nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance, entrepreneurship training, or other services to Wisconsin veterans and their families. “These grants directly fund the good work being done on the ground to assist veterans and their families," said Secretary-designee Bond.
January 3, 2024
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is asking once again for caring individuals to send Valentine’s Day cards to our veterans living at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove. Please be sure to mail your Valentine’s Day cards to our veterans no later than January 31, so they may arrive in time to be distributed to all our Homes on February 14. View the full press release and mailing details here.
December 14, 2023
On Thursday, Dec. 7, the Lac du Flambeau Family Resource Center was presented with a $50,000 check from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) to assist tribal veterans with mental health services at the Lac du Flambeau Joni Mathews Veterans Service Office.
December 11, 2023
MADISON—This week, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) was awarded grants totaling $732,628 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support the hiring and retention of nursing staff at WDVA's three veterans long-term care homes. “Our veterans homes provide dignified, high-quality care to our state's veterans and their spouses," said WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond. “Nursing homes across the nation are struggling due to workforce shortages in a post-pandemic landscape. To maintain exceptional care standards, we must invest in recruiting qualified and caring nursing staff. These grants will fund a top priority for WDVA—making our long-term care homes the gold star for veteran care." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin's decline in nursing staff is more severe than the national level, with an 18.3 percent decrease in staff at nursing care facilities throughout the state from February 2020 to May 2023, compared to 11.6 percent nationally.
This is the second year in a row that WDVA has applied for and received these grants.
November 27, 2023
MADISON — Today, Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary-designee James Bond announced that applications are now being accepted for the second round of three Veteran Mental Health Grants: The Emergency Crisis Mental Health Treatment Program Grant, the Veteran Mental Health Ancillary Treatment Program Grant, and the Veteran Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant.
November 17, 2023
MADISON—The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) today announced that 7 organizations are receiving $474,407 from two Veteran Mental Health grant programs that will directly subsidize mental health care for Wisconsin veterans. These grants are part of Governor Tony Evers’ $10 million investment in veteran services, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
November 1, 2023
MADISON — Over the past several months, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary-designee James Bond has traveled to each of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized Tribes to meet with leaders and Tribal Veteran Service Officers to discuss the issues unique to veterans in their communities. Secretary-designee Bond was pleased to be accompanied by the Department’s new Tribal Liaison, Melissa Doud. Follow this link for photos (Note: Photos taken at most, but not all, visits).
September 7, 2023 MILWAUKEE — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Secretary James Bond, today announced 16 nonprofit organizations are receiving Veteran Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant funding to promote positive mental health through activities, programs, and services that enhance the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of Wisconsin veterans. In addition to announcing organizations that will receive Veteran Mental Health Community-Based Organization Grant funding, Gov. Evers today also announced two additional veteran mental health grants for mental health providers—the Emergency Mental Health Grant to serve veterans with crisis or emergency mental health needs and the Ancillary Mental Health Grant for licensed providers to administer mental health services to veterans.
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September 7, 2023
MADISON —The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) announced today that applications are now being accepted for two veteran mental health grants for mental health care providers. The grants will go directly to providers to defer the costs of mental health treatment for veteran patients. Both grant applications are due by Monday, October 9th at 4 p.m. Visit our grants page to view the applications and details.
August 7, 2023
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) released results from satisfaction surveys from the Wisconsin State Veterans Homes at King and Union Grove, which showed positive responses from home residents and their families on the quality of the care at the homes while also underscoring the need to retain and recruit talented workers.
January 5, 2022
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is asking for caring individuals to send Valentine's Day cards to our veterans living at our skilled care Homes in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove.
September 1, 2022
MADISON, Wis. — The Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity announced the release of the commission's final report prepared at the request of Gov. Tony Evers. The report includes 24 recommendations to address the needs and challenges of Wisconsin's veterans and their families concerning education access, housing security, veteran employment, mental health, long-term care, and other essential policy areas concerning the well-being of veterans.
July 11, 2022
MADISON, WI – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar
announced today that applications are now being accepted for two grants available to Wisconsin
organizations that serve veterans and their families. Applications for both the WDVA Nonprofit
Grant and the WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant will be accepted through Friday, August 12 at 4 p.m. More information can be found on our Grants page here.
August 17, 2021
MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar today made the following statement:“I watch with concern the reaction of veterans across the state and country to the insurgence of the Taliban following the withdrawal of American troops in Afghanistan. I would like veterans who are experiencing anxiety, rage, anguish, or other mental health consequences due to the unfolding events in Afghanistan that we have resources available to help. You are not alone...
May 25, 2021
MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar today invited Wisconsin veterans, family, and friends to join the WDVA and Governor Tony Evers to honor the fallen by participating in Wisconsin’s virtual Memorial Day commemoration, available at www.WisVetsMemorialDay.com.
Celebrating Earth Day: Volunteers Improve Outdoor Spaces for Residents of the Union Grove Housing Program for VeteransApril 22, 2021
MADISON – In observance of Earth Day, military veterans from across the region joined together to “green up the grounds” at Fairchild Hall, home of the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) in Union Grove. The group constructed raised-bed gardens and installed other infrastructure to create a habitat for pollinators, manage stormwater runoff, and grow fresh vegetables.
WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar: We Are Joyously (and Cautiously) Opening the Doors at The Wisconsin Veterans Homes
March 25, 2021
MADISON – We have all been anxiously awaiting the day that we can be back together again, and I am excited to share with you that, for the members at Wisconsin’s Veterans Homes, the day has come! This week, we began joyously (and very cautiously) welcoming our family and friends back to all three of our Veterans Home facilities.
February 10, 2021
MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar thanked Governor Evers for his commitment to increasing access to critical mental health support and case management services for veterans in his 2021-23 budget. The Governor’s budget will expand the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) to support more veterans who may have a mental health condition or substance use disorder, as well as invest in a suicide prevention and awareness campaign targeted at traditionally underserved veteran populations.
December 21, 2020
MADISON – About 350,000 veterans call Wisconsin home. They are our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors who were willing to give their lives for us and our country. They fought battles around the world, putting themselves in harm’s way. Now, when they should feel safe at home, veterans are once again on a battlefield, this time facing an invisible enemy. Sadly, it is taking a tremendous toll.
December 18, 2020
MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers today with Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar announced $620,940 in grants were awarded to 16 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance, entrepreneurship training, or other services to Wisconsin veterans and their families.
December 8, 2020
MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar invites the community to join one of three roundtables on supporting Wisconsin veterans. Participants will have an opportunity to share their ideas and recommendations for the future funding of the department’s programs, benefits, and services.
November 16, 2020
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) today announced that U.S. Navy veteran Joanie Dickerson was named its 2020 Woman Veteran of the Year.
November 9, 2020
MADISON – Today, murals were installed on the exterior of 30 W. Mifflin St., the building that houses the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Over the past few months, the Veteran Print Project has been working on murals that would cover much of the street level of the building.
November 9, 2020
MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar today invited the people of Wisconsin to join Governor Tony Evers and WDVA in honoring our state’s veterans by participating in Wisconsin's virtual Veterans Day celebration.
November 2, 2020
MADISON – On a November 11 more than a century ago, the guns of the “Great War” fell silent and WWI finally ended. The following year – and every year since – the American people commemorated that momentous day with gratitude and reflections on the bravery and selflessness of our nation’s veterans.
October 8, 2020
MADISON – By now I’m sure most of you have seen the staggering reports regarding the growing number of people with COVID-19 in our state and nation – a record high seven-day average for new cases, high rates in all 72 Wisconsin counties, and metro areas with alarmingly rapidly rising rates of the virus. All hospitals, including those in rural areas, are quickly approaching capacity.
September 1, 2020
MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar announced today that applications are now being accepted for two grants available to Wisconsin organizations that serve Veterans and their families. Applications for both the WDVA Non-Profit Grant and the WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant will be accepted through Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m.
August 31, 2020
MADISON – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Wisconsin Woman Veteran of the Year award. As part of Wisconsin’s commitment to women Veterans, the award recognizes those who have compiled a record of exemplary service as a military member, Veteran, and member of the community.
August 20, 2020
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has been awarded a grant from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) to continue to operate and expand Wisconsin’s successful Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP), which provides temporary housing, training, and supportive services to military Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in order to help them obtain permanent housing.