The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) once again saw an incredible outpouring of support through its annual Valentines for Veterans program. This year, WDVA received more than 40,000 valentines from individuals and groups across the United States, and even from as far away as Canada and Germany.
“Every year, we’re reminded that gratitude for service is overwhelming,” said WDVA Secretary James Bond. “People from Milwaukee to Superior, from Tierra Verde, Florida to Chugiak, Alaska took the time to reach out to our veterans. When you see a veteran’s face light up as they receive dozens of cards, you realize that this simple act of kindness carries so much meaning. I’m grateful to everyone who sent in a Valentine this year.”
WDVA leadership and members of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs (BOVA) personally delivered valentines to veterans at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove, and to veterans residing at WDVA’s Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) in Union Grove.
Each veteran received a gift bag brimming with handmade valentines and heartfelt messages. The cards came from schools, Girl and Boy Scout troops, veterans service organizations, crafting groups, churches, state agencies, nursing homes, local businesses, community organizations, and countless individuals who wanted to say thank you to those who served.
View a list of organizations and groups that contributed to this year’s Valentines for Veterans.
On Thursday, BOVA Member Chris Hanson and WDVA Division of Veterans Benefits Administrator Jeremy Lyon distributed valentines at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls. Secretary James Bond and BOVA Member Chris Cornelius visited the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, while on Friday, Secretary Bond and BOVA Member Pat Beggs shared valentines with residents and program participants at Union Grove and the VHRP.
