Calumet County Veterans Service Office

04/29/2026

If you are not aware of the advocacy this man does on a daily basis: its time to get in on the know. Secretary Bond is a Veterans' Veteran. He loves Wisconsin, He loves his Veterans, He loves a Veterans' win, and he will bend over backwards to support the WI CTVSO community. Here, he is attending the Spring Conference in Stevens Point, Wisconsin sharing, what I can only imagine to be a 50:50 inspriation:motivational apprach to leading from the front. A Devil Dog at heart, but and advocate first and foremost for all Veterans alike.

Semper Fi, Sir!

04/27/2026

Take a look at the organization Silent Flags Inc.

They are a Veteran-Owned Nonprofit Organization meant to Honor Our Fallen Heroes established in 2026. Their Mission is to provide handcrafted flag display cases to the families of fallen Veterans. They do this completely free of charge to the family. If you have questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, please contact the individual noted on the flyer.

If you are interested in learning more about Silent Flags Inc., please reach out to us at: [email protected] or you can always message me, Todd Wollersheim.
Thank You

04/07/2026

From: Assistant Deputy Secretary, WDVA

As you may have read or heard, the legislature has finished their work and is not expected to come back to the floor except to possibly vote on a tax relief package. Over the course of the 107th Wisconsin Legislative Session, 1185 bills were introduced in the Senate, and 1238 bills were introduced in the Assembly. 185 of those bills passed both houses. The Governor has signed 116 of them into law and has vetoed 25. One Veteran specific bill that the Governor has already signed:
• 2025 Senate Bill 38 (Act 50) personalized registration plate fees for gold star family special registration plates. The change will be enacted on July 1, 2026. See more information here.
Six additional veteran and military service-related bills have passed both houses and are waiting to be sent to the Governor. They will go over on April 2nd if they haven’t been sent by that date. The Governor is expected to sign all these bills when they reach his desk:
• 2025 Assembly Bill 597 which creates a matching $25 grant program for the private VA Funded Homeless Transition programs. The bills will have no impact on WDVA’s ability to serve homeless veterans, but we will be required to administer the grants. The legislation requires WDVA to approve grants up to $25 per day per veteran on a quarterly basis based on the number of veterans housed by the eligible entity in the previous quarter.
o At this point in time, only four entities in the state would be eligible for the grant: Porchlight Inc., in Madison; Rock Valley Community Programs, Inc., in Janesville; Center for Veterans Issues Ltd., in Milwaukee; and Guest House of Milwaukee, Inc.
o It is up to $25 dollars per day because the bill includes a provision that specifies that the amount of the grant shall be the highest amount possible that will not reduce the full federal per diem amount that the eligible entity is entitled to receive.
• 2025 Senate Bill 387 which allows Guard and Reserve Members to put veteran status on their operators’ licenses or identification cards. WDVA’s Veterans Benefits Team has been working with the CTVSO Association on creating the framework to implement the change soon after the bill is signed.
• 2025 Senate Bill 810 which increases the stipend payment for Military Funeral Honors from $50 to $100. The bill was amended to make Hmong Lao fighters who were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000, eligible for Military Funeral Honors.
• 2025 Assembly Bill 913 provides for tax equity with active-duty military pay by creating a subtraction for National Guard and Reserve pay.
• 2025 Assembly Bill 659 modifies the residency requirement for the Wisconsin GI Bill and the Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools from 5 years to three. This change will happen in time for the fall semester of 2026.
• 2025 Assembly Bill 935 repeals statutory references to expired WDVA programs and makes updates and grammatical changes to definitions and adopts standardized and current terminology in WDVA statutes.
Two initiatives that were priorities for many of our partner Veteran Service Organizations did not pass either house of the legislature -
• Increased funding for the UW Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project.
o 2025 Assembly Bill 428 / 2025 Senate Bill 411 – Senator Jacque/Rep. Franklin Bills
o 2025 Assembly Bill 641 / 2025 Senate Bill 615 - Senator Hesselbein/Rep. Sinicki Bills
• Reducing the eligibility threshold to claim the veterans and surviving spouses’ property tax credit.
o 2025 Assembly Bill 686 / 2025 Senate Bill 664 - Senator Habush Sinykin/Rep. Doyle Bills
o 2025 Assembly Bill 428 / 2025 Senate Bill 411 – Senator Jacque/Rep. Franklin Bills
Veterans were well represented in the legislature this biennium, exceeding the 7 percent figure for the general population. 11 out of 99 Assembly Representatives were Veterans (approx. 11 percent) coming from the Army, Army Reserves, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, and Wisconsin Army National Guard. And 4 of the 33 State Senators were Veterans (approx. 12 percent) coming from the Army, Army Reserve, Marine Corps, and Wisconsin Air National Guard.
On behalf of Secretary Bond and everyone at WDVA, I want to express our appreciation to the legislators, both veteran and veteran supporters, who worked closely with us on veterans issues this session. And I want to express our appreciation to Governor Tony Evers for his steadfast support of veterans and their families over the course of his years serving as governor of the great state of Wisconsin. We know there is always more to do for our veterans. WDVA remains committed to the mission of working with our many local, regional, and statewide partners to deliver the eligible veteran services and benefits our veterans have earned.
Please join me in saying thank you to our veterans for service and sacrifice to our state and our nation.
Sincerely,
Joey Hoey
Assistant Deputy Secretary, WDVA

03/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1216950423949738&set=a.395549159423206&__cft__[0]=AZbBd_yBGTpMrWPF6ul0c2uGqzNWM9c46Nnalb-_L7acx8Ff4BxuBFeBlFy1CExZ9j7wnrlkI2jDFCH_gVnpPL9kbGuDwxR84yOaIfRsFo-teILlvSJiEitqb0wmiMsng0w5RzRULVvecZaRaITskhBj&__tn__=EH-R

We are proud members of the County & Tribal Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin - our professional organization.

NEW in 2026 - CTVSOA-WI put together a solid scholarship program the past year+ with help of the scholarship committee. The Association voted at last Fall's Conference to offer 3x $1,000 Scholarships - amazing!

Please see the link for all of the requirements and submission guidelines: https://wicvso.org/scholarship-application/

As a reminder, Veterans MAY also qualify for programs like the WI GI Bill, Post-9/11 GI Bill, VR&E, DEA, and a few others. We would like to share about all the education programs out there during an appointment. Call today (920) 832-5697.

02/24/2026

We share our social media terms of use agreement every year as a reminder of what's needed to keep this method of communication beneficial for everyone. Thank you.

SOCIAL MEDIA TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT
Welcome to one of our official Calumet County social media accounts. We’re glad you’re here!
On this site you will find posts related to Calumet County and the people who live, work, and play in our community. We ask that you respect all participants and that you keep your comments focused and on the topic of the post you comment on.
This site provides updates and news related to Calumet County, Wisconsin. If you are seeking the official source of information for Calumet County, please visit our website at www.calumetcounty.org.
By using and accessing our site, you agree to our Social Media Terms of Use. Please read these community guidelines that were created to help improve the quality of conversation on this page.
Keep in mind when you are posting that this is a community site, not an open forum. This page is managed as viewpoint neutral with reasonable limitations applied to user posts. Calumet County reserves the right to hide any posts that are deemed in violation of the Terms.
Comments and posts containing any of the following will be removed:
* Abusive, defamatory, harassing or threatening of individuals.
* Graphic, obscene, sexual or explicit postings, or the depiction of violence.
* Unrelated to the site or topic.
* Other non-topically related content outside the limited public forum established to discuss Calumet County issues, operations, and services.
* Solicitations or advertisements (spam), including financial, commercial or non-governmental endorsements or promotions.
* Illegal or advocating illegal or illicit activity, including violating intellectual property rights, copyrights or trademarks of others; or invasion of privacy.
* Promotion of political purposes, a political candidate/party or point of view.
* Endorsement of any religious organization.
* Personally identifiable information, including medical or health information, phone numbers, email or postal addresses.
* Information that may compromise the safety, security or proceedings of the public or any criminal or civil investigations.
* Links to external pages.
* Photos and Images.
* Comments that violate any of Calumet County's policies.
As a government entity, all posts and comments are considered public record and will be retained and archived. Comments expressed on this site do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Calumet County or its employees. We assume no responsibility or any liability for any content posted on this site. Participation is at your own risk.
This page is not monitored at all times. We typically respond to comments, if necessary, during normal business hours. Please contact the site administrator at (920) 849-1628 for assistance with a comment you believe violates the above policy. DO NOT use this site to report emergencies or time-sensitive issues.
Please note that we are not responsible for any changes, updates, or alterations made by social media platforms. Users acknowledge that platforms may adjust their features and policies without notice, which could affect the availability or functionality of our content on these platforms.
Thank you for your participation in one of our Calumet County pages. We are excited to have our neighbors participate, and we look forward to connecting with you!

11/12/2025

It was a great evening at the Executive Residence to celebrate Veterans in Wisconsin on Veterans Day. A super enjoyable time to discuss Veterans issues and the joy company from all walks of life and advocacy.

Blessed with a great opportunity to meet Governor Tony Evers and spend some additional time with Secretary James Bond from the WDVA.

So many wonderful people there. And shoutout to my fellow CVSOs that showed and enjoyed cocktail hour and breaking bread.

11/11/2025

Leave it to local poet, Mr. Jim Zitzelsberger, US Navy, Vietnam Veteran, to produce a great tale from WWII at the Chilton High School Veteran’s Day Program.

10/16/2025

IMPORTANT!
The following critical Veterans care and assistance programs will be impacted by the government shutdown:
VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
VA regional benefits offices will be closed.
VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.
VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.
Thankfully, the government shutdown will not impact the following VA services:
Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.

10/15/2025

If this is a program that works for your current situation, you should really take the time to dig into it. This is a phenomenal opportunity for Nonprofits that tailor to Veterans in Wisconsin. Thank you WDVA and the WI Governmental System for helping get this through to support the local Wisconsin Community.

WDVA Announces Grant Awards of $550,000 to Veteran Nonprofits -

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a total of $550,000 in grants to 16 nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving Wisconsin veterans and their families. These organizations offer services ranging from financial aid and job training to entrepreneurship programs and mental health support.

“I’m grateful that WDVA can partner with these organizations that work tirelessly on behalf of our veterans,” said Secretary James Bond. “Through these grants, we’re helping ensure veterans across the state have access to critical resources, whether it’s business training, essential needs, or mental health care. Wisconsin continues to stand strong for those who’ve served.”

***Read the full press release and view the recipients of these two grants here >> https://dva.wi.gov/press/wdva-awards-550000-to-veteran-nonprofits-2/

The grants are from two programs: the Veteran Nonprofit Grant, available to all registered nonprofits that serve veterans, and the Veteran Entrepreneurship Grant, open to nonprofits that specifically provide entrepreneurship or technical, business, or other assistance to veteran entrepreneurs to improve employment outcomes.

08/05/2025

SOCIAL MEDIA TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT

Welcome to one of our official Calumet County social media accounts. We’re glad you’re here!

On this site you will find posts related to Calumet County and the people who live, work, and play in our community. We ask that you respect all participants and that you keep your comments focused and on the topic of the post you comment on.

This site provides updates and news related to Calumet County, Wisconsin. If you are seeking the official source of information for Calumet County, please visit our website at www.calumetcounty.org.

By using and accessing our site, you agree to our Social Media Terms of Use. Please read these community guidelines that were created to help improve the quality of conversation on this page.
Keep in mind when you are posting that this is a community site, not an open forum.

This page is managed as viewpoint neutral with reasonable limitations applied to user posts. Calumet County reserves the right to hide any posts that are deemed in violation of the Terms.

Comments and posts containing any of the following will be removed:

* Abusive, defamatory, harassing or threatening of individuals.
Graphic, obscene, sexual or explicit postings, or the depiction of violence.

* Unrelated to the site or topic.

* Other non-topically related content outside the limited public forum established to discuss Calumet County issues, operations, and services.

* Solicitations or advertisements (spam), including financial, commercial or non-governmental endorsements or promotions.

* Illegal or advocating illegal or illicit activity, including violating intellectual property rights, copyrights or trademarks of others; or invasion of privacy.

* Promotion of political purposes, a political candidate/party or point of view.

* Endorsement of any religious organization.

* Personally identifiable information, including medical or health information, phone numbers, email or postal addresses.

* Information that may compromise the safety, security or proceedings of the public or any criminal or civil investigations.

* Links to external pages.

* Photos and Images.

* Comments that violate any of Calumet County's policies.

As a government entity, all posts and comments are considered public record and will be retained and archived. Comments expressed on this site do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Calumet County or its employees. We assume no responsibility or any liability for any content posted on this site. Participation is at your own risk.

This page is not monitored at all times. We typically respond to comments, if necessary, during normal business hours. Please contact the site administrator at (920) 849-1628 for assistance with a comment you believe violates the above policy. DO NOT use this site to report emergencies or time-sensitive issues.

Please note that we are not responsible for any changes, updates, or alterations made by social media platforms. Users acknowledge that platforms may adjust their features and policies without notice, which could affect the availability or functionality of our content on these platforms.

Thank you for your participation in one of our Calumet County pages. We are excited to have our neighbors participate, and we look forward to connecting with you!

07/07/2025

Good morning.. as we start off the week after a holiday weekend I wanted to post this here.... I am trying to help vets as they leave service and my research needs 235 survey responses so I can get some good quality data behind my recommendations... with that said... here is my official solicitation for you to take the survey if you are a vet that has opened a business...

There is a link at the bottom of the soliciation as well as a QR code if it is easier



Good morning

My name is Jennifer Stephens, and I am a retired U.S. Army veteran currently pursuing a Doctorate in the program at University of Wisconsin Whitewater. As a part of this research I am conducting a study on veterans who have transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship. My research for this is on veterans who have become entrepreneurs after they have left service and I am looking to ask them how they have come about doing that career path.

The purpose of this survey and research is to better understand the motivations, characteristics and experiences of veteran entrepreneurs. Through these insights from those veterans that have successfully started and operated a business post-service, this study aims to identify patterns that may support other veterans who may wish to start on a similar path.

Your participation with this survey will contribute to valuable research that may empower fellow veterans and provide them encouragement, insights and guidance in starting a business after military service.

If you are veteran that has started a business post-service, I kindly ask you to take a few moments to complete the survey linked below. It should take no more than 10-12 minutes of your time.

[https://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dnV3IR9bSQLiWfs](https://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dnV3IR9bSQLiWfs)

Thank you for your time and taking the opportunity to support fellow veterans and contribute to meaningful research

Thank you in advance

Jennifer Stephens

Doctoral Candidate, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

U.S. Army (Retired)

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