Columbia County Veterans Service Office

09/15/2026

At a special 9/11 Remembrance and Day of Service event in Portage yesterday, WDVA Secretary James Bond was invited by Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin River Area as a guest speaker alongside local and area leaders at a ceremony that also included members of the Portage Fire Department and Honor Guard.

"The true legacy of 9/11 is not only about remembering the lives lost, but about honoring them by living lives of purpose. Our nation’s military veterans understand service above self. They know what it means to put others first, to work as a team, and to persevere through hardship. And when they return home, many continue that spirit of service not in uniform, but with hammers, saws, paint brushes, and open hands," said Secretary Bond. "Habitat for Humanity’s projects in this area are a great example of how we can bring people together to make a positive difference in our local Wisconsin communities."

Following the remarks a veteran-led service brought community members together to assemble care packages for first responders across Habitat for Humanity's Wisconsin River Area five-county service area.

WDVA would like to express our appreciation to all those who came together to help our neighbors in need, and especially our veterans who need help with housing, food, and other assistance. Thank you!

Pictured, left to right:
Kent Telford, CVSO, Columbia County Veterans Service Office
Karen DeSanto, Wisconsin State Assembly District 40, .desanto
WDVA Secretary James Bond
Matt Fiene, Mayor, City Government of Portage Wisconsin
Morgan Pfaff, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity

Read the WKOW news story of the event, here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DRfkhnjT8/

09/09/2026

🏈Get ready to JUMP AROUND! The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is once again distributing free tickets to this year's Wisconsin Badgers 'Salute to Veterans' football game.

Join other veterans and us watch the Badgers take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, November 7. Game time is TBD. It’s also a great opportunity to tour the recently opened Camp Randall Veterans Memorial Plaza, an incredible addition to the Camp Randall Memorial Park next door. The plaza is open to the public during and after the game.

⭐HOW TO REGISTER: With a limited number of free tickets available, veterans and service members can register for the chance to receive up to two tickets online at WisVetsSports.com through Monday, September 14, at 5:00 p.m. Lottery winners will be notified by Friday, September 26.

Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for game reminders and updates.
A huge thank you to the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department for generously providing the tickets so veterans and their guests can enjoy the game.

On Wisconsin!

🏈

07/30/2026

Join the Madison Vet Center and your fellow on the upcoming Parking Lot Potluck Party on August 23 from 4PM-7PM.

Please note: WDVA is re-sharing this for informational purposes and to promote positive opportunities for Wisconsin's state-wide veteran and military community.

06/29/2026

📣FYI📣

Our office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

05/26/2026

We have zoo tickets! They are available on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets can be picked up in our office.

03/20/2026

We will be at the Portage Public Library today from 9:30-12:30, along with other resources from the community. Come on out to see us!

02/23/2026

For anyone needing help with their My health e vet accounts...

02/02/2026

Dear Veterans and Families,

It has been an honor and privilege to serve you as the Veterans Service Officer for our county. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible individuals who have given so much for our country. Your stories, your resilience, and your dedication have inspired me every single day.

As I step away from this role, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me. Thank you for allowing me to assist you and your families—it has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

My last day in this position will be February 20. Although I will no longer be in this role, please know that the Veterans Service Office remains committed to supporting you. If you need assistance, the office will continue to be here to help with your benefits and resources.

Wishing you all the very best in the future. Stay strong, stay connected, and never hesitate to reach out to the office for anything you need.

01/16/2026

Do you have a passion for working with our local Veterans? We are ! Dodge County is looking for a qualified individual to join our Veterans Services Office team! Our Veterans Benefit Specialist should have an associates in a Human Services or related field with two (2) years' work experience in a human service or benefit related field OR a high school diploma/equivalent with four (4) years’ work experience human service or benefit related programs/service.

Application Review Date: January 27, 2026

To Apply: https://bit.ly/49ytrC3

12/22/2025