Almost every state official says Wisconsin must do more to find employment for returning veterans, whose unemployment rate has ranged between 13% and 15% in recent months. Gov. Scott Walker says it, declaring 2012 the “Year of the Veteran.” State Veterans Affairs chief John Scocos says it. Reggie Newson, secretary of the state Department of Workforce Development, says it loud and clear. Lawmakers in both political parties have said it with words and votes. This is one example

From March through December 2012, the Department of Workforce Development will be holding a series of 15 career and benefit fairs targeted specifically at veterans. Events are listed below, for more information please visit DWD’s website.

Veteran’s Manor In Milwaukee Provides Homeless Vets Affordability, Community One veteran housing complex is changing the way veterans are getting — and providing — help. The Veteran’s Manor, an apartment complex in Milwaukee, Wisc., is tackling veteran homelessness by offering affordable housing, a sense of community and vocational training, wisn.com reports. “This is a community building,” Dawn Nuoffer of the Center for Veterans Issues LTD told the news source. “So not only

The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight recently announced “Field of Honor: A Salute to the Greatest Generation” an August 11, 2012 event that you won’t want to miss. The event will fill Miller Park with thousands of veterans, their families, friends and members of the community. It will also feature the world premiere of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight documentary. Tickets are $11 per person and will be available starting Tuesday, March 27th. For more information, visit starsa

A life sized figure of General U. S. Grant, mounted on a bay horse, is one of the ornamental stained glass windows in the Ward Memorial building. This was used as a decoration during the G. A. R. National Encampment at St. Louis, Mo., in 1887 before being presented to the Soldiers Home. In November 2011, the window was removed from the Ward Theater for safekeeping until repairs to the theater are complete. For more information, visit the West Side Soldiers Aid Society’s websi

Click here to view the entire March/April edition of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Newsletter.

Did you know that recent publications and articles designate the Milwaukee VA Soldiers’ Home Fountain as the oldest operating fountain in Milwaukee? In 2001, the fountain underwent a complete restoration, including the removal of 37 layers of paint. It was rededicated at the Reclaiming Our Heritage event in 2003. The fountain is the only remaining Victorian fountain crafted by Hennecke and Co. It has stood in front of old Main for 127 years. Learn more at the WSSAS’ National