Milt Dean is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War before returning to his hometown and dedicating his efforts to many community causes, particularly those involving veterans and youth.
He’s also the recipient of the inaugural Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award, which will be presented later this week, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today. The award, to be presented annually, is intended to honor veterans for their achievements and contributions after their time in service.
In Dean’s case, that includes 52 years of service in education, active memberships with several veterans’ organizations, his many pints of lifesaving blood donations — and more.
“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.”
Kerkman will present the award to Dean at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic, to be held at noon Friday, May 30, at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Veterans and their families are invited to attend this free event.
Dean’s wife of 54 years, Jackie, nominated him for the award, referring to him as “a proud veteran, loyal to both our country and our county.”
“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.”
A graduate of Bradford High School, Dean earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before he was drafted into the Army. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, assigned to the 93rd Engineers.
After returning home from service, Dean started a family and embarked on a 34-year career as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Prairie Lane Elementary School. Renowned for his ability to connect with students — frequently helping youth to get on the right track in life — Dean received the Kenosha Unified School District Teacher of the Year Award in 1986.
Early on in his years of teaching at Prairie Lane, Dean began leading the after-school intramural sports program. He remains involved as an instructor today, after being called back into service a few years after his retirement from teaching in 2004. He also sponsors a 9-10-year-old Little League baseball team on behalf of American Legion Post 21 and is a longtime member of the Little Leaguers of Kenosha Board of Directors.
Dean is a prolific blood donor, with his rare AB negative blood type often going to children in need. To date, he has donated more than 15 gallons of blood. Over the years, Dean has also been an active volunteer in raising thousands of dollars in support for Special Olympics, with Prairie Lane Elementary School receiving fundraising awards over several years thanks to his leadership. He has also organized bellringing efforts for the Salvation Army, and has served as a mentor to students at Southport Elementary School and Armitage Academy.
In the realm of veterans’ advocacy and support, Dean is a member of American Legion Post 21 and the Navy Club Ship 40, and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865. With these organizations, he assists in the coordination of Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities, visits nursing homes to present holiday gifts to military veterans, and participates in the weekly Heroes Café at Festival Foods.
“When it comes to veterans in our community, actively serving the community, Milt is second to none,” said Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi.
Jackie Dean, in her nomination statement, summed up her husband’s accomplishments this way: “From city to county, his strength of conviction has benefitted thousands, of all age groups.”
Veterans Appreciation Picnic Information:
This event, now in its third year, will be held at noon Friday, May 30, at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park, located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland. The picnic will be held in the Veterans Honor Plaza, which is accessible from the Karow Court entrance off Highway F (Bassett Road), just west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue).
Free roundtrip transportation to the park from Festival Foods, 3207 80th St., in Kenosha will be offered courtesy of Dousman Transport Co., as space allows. Registration for the picnic is not required, but those who would like to receive transportation are asked to contact the county Veterans Service Office at 262- 605-6690 or to send an email to Veterans.Services@kenoshacountywi.gov.
