WDVA vs. WDVA: Interstate Matchup Highlights Veterans Benefits in Lead Up to Badgers-Huskies Game
October 9, 2025 - Madison, WI
MADISON, WI, Olympia, WA—The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) are teaming up and squaring off in a friendly competition to determine which is the “Real WDVA.” Timed to culminate with the University of Wisconsin’s Salute to Veterans football game between the Badgers and the University of Washington Huskies, the competition’s ultimate goal is to educate veterans about their state benefits while celebrating pride, service, and school spirit.
“I’m a Marine veteran and University of Wisconsin alum, and I wear Badger red today thanks in part to the excellent education benefits I received here in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Bond. “Both WDVAs have a shared mission to serve and advocate for our state’s veterans, but when it comes to football, we are both going for the W. On Wisconsin!”
Secretary Bond and Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Director David Puente Jr. have placed a friendly wager on the game’s outcome. The losing department will send a gift basket filled with home state favorites to the winner, who will also claim the all-important bragging rights and the title of “The Real WDVA.”
This promises to be a spirited, but friendly rivalry. With both departments sharing the WDVA acronym, the hashtags say it all: #TheRealWDVA #BattleForTheW #WDVAvsWDVA #BestWDVA Secretary Bond and Director Punete are united in their commitment to win the title for their home states.
But more importantly, they are united in their commitment to encouraging veterans to explore education and other state-specific benefits. They share the goal of connecting veterans to the benefits they’ve earned. All Wisconsin veterans and veteran family members should check out their education benefits and services offered by the state:
- Wisconsin GI Bill (Extends to spouses and dependents for eligible veterans)
- Wisconsin Veterans Private Nonprofit School Grants
- Veterans Education Reimbursement Grant
- Federal GI Bill Resources (Not just for college!)
For more information about all your veteran benefits, get started here or visit your County or Tribal Veteran Service Office today.