Do you know an outstanding individual who could be the next Veteran of the Year and goes above and beyond for our community? If so, now is your chance to shine a spotlight on their incredible work.
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman officially announced that the county is now seeking nominations for the 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award. As a result, this is a special opportunity for our community to come together. By participating, we can celebrate the men and women who have served our country and who continue to make a lasting impact right here at home.
If you want to stay connected locally and support the people who make our neighborhoods great, then keep reading to learn exactly how you can submit a nomination.
What is the Veteran of the Year Award?
Kenosha County established this meaningful award in 2025. Specifically, the county created it to honor veterans for their remarkable achievements and contributions after they finish their military service.
Military service is a profound commitment. Even after their service ends, many veterans do not stop serving. Instead, they return to our community and continue to lead, volunteer, and support local initiatives. As a result, the Veteran of the Year Award recognizes this ongoing dedication and highlights their lasting contributions.
Last year, the county named Kenosha resident Milt Dean as the inaugural honoree. Because of his example, he set a high standard for community engagement and local pride. Now, as we look ahead, the search is on to find the next deserving recipient.
“We have so many exceptional veterans in Kenosha County,” Kerkman said. “Not only is this an opportunity to salute them for their service to our country and our community, but it is also a chance for everyone to show appreciation in a meaningful way. Therefore, I encourage people who know an outstanding veteran to take the next step and make a nomination.”
Why You Should Nominate a Local Hero
Our community thrives because of the people who live and work here. Furthermore, recognizing a Veteran of the Year highlights the positive impact these individuals have on our daily lives.
When you nominate someone, you empower your neighborhood. In addition, you bring attention to the quiet heroes who mentor our youth, organize local events, or support local businesses. By acknowledging their hard work, you foster community satisfaction and inspire others to get involved.
“This award is a way to honor veterans who truly make a difference in the community,” said County Veterans Service Officer Jennifer Blasi. “Additionally, we look forward to reviewing what we expect to be another impressive list of nominees. In the end, each nomination helps highlight the remarkable spirit of service that lives on in Kenosha County veterans.”
Who Can Receive the Award?
To begin with, the rules for nomination are simple and straightforward. In order to qualify for the Veteran of the Year Award, the nominee must currently live in Kenosha County.
Moreover, you can nominate a friend, a family member, a coworker, or a neighbor. Once a nomination is submitted, all nominees will receive a notification about their nomination. This simple act of recognition lets them know that their community sees and appreciates their hard work. If you prefer, you can also choose to remain completely anonymous to the nominee.
Meanwhile, a dedicated selection committee will carefully review all nominations before choosing the final award winner. This committee includes County Executive Kerkman, as well as several staff members from the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office.
How to Submit Your Nomination
The county makes it easy to participate and submit your nomination. First, you have until 5 p.m. on April 30 to complete the process. Next, you can choose the method that works best for you:
Submit Online To get started, you can easily fill out the nomination form using your smartphone or computer. Simply visit the official online form at https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/VeteranOfTheYear to submit your details. Furthermore, the mobile-friendly website takes just a few minutes to navigate, making the process quick and convenient.
Submit by Phone or Paper
Alternatively, do you prefer a physical form? No problem. You can easily request a paper nomination form by calling the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office directly at 262-605-6690. Their helpful staff will ensure you quickly get the materials you need. Additionally, choosing this method may be ideal for those who appreciate a more traditional approach.
Save the Date: Veterans Appreciation Picnic
As the excitement builds, the community will soon celebrate the 2026 Veteran of the Year at a special local event. During this memorable occasion, County Executive Kerkman will proudly present the award at her annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic.
So, mark your calendars for May 29! On that day, the county will host this exciting gathering at the beautiful Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Not only does this picnic provide a perfect chance to connect with your neighbors and enjoy the outdoors, but it also offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible veterans who call Kenosha County home.
Get Involved Today
Therefore, remember that strong communities rely on active participation. So, take a few minutes today to think about the veterans in your life. Perhaps someone you know has made a positive difference in your neighborhood. Maybe they constantly look for ways to help others.
Therefore, be sure to submit your nomination before the April 30 deadline. After all, your voice matters, and your nomination helps us build a more informed, connected, and grateful community.
For additional details about local resources, be sure to check out the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services. There, you can learn all about their functions and the community support programs they offer by visiting https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/Veterans.
About Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services
The Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services’ mission is to assist veterans and their families with obtaining local, state, and federal benefits. Specializing in assisting veterans throughout their claim process from start to finish, including assisting with completing numerous other legal documents. They are committed to advocating for veterans, but most importantly to providing quality services to our heroes.
