CONTACT: Chris Marschman, Communications Specialist, 608-261-6705
MADISON – Wisconsin Disabled American Veterans (DAV) recognized the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and staff for service provided to veterans at their annual conference on June 13, in Appleton. The awards were presented by DAV State Employment Chairman Dan Schmitz.
On behalf of the department, Kenneth Grant, DWD Director, Office of Veterans Services, accepted the “Large Employer of the Year Award,” presented to DWD for its continued commitment in providing employment and training opportunities to veterans and eligible spouses.
“The brave men and women who serve and protect our country in the armed forces deserve our support when they find themselves in need of employment, and we are thankful to have the support of the President through Recovery Act funding to provide us additional resources to serve veterans with job search needs,” Secretary Gassman said.
During this past year, DWD through the Division of Employment & Training and the Office of Veterans Services, assisted men and women who returned from war by providing information and program services regarding veterans preference, priority of service, use of the special hiring authority, employment and training.
In the last six months, DWD used Recovery Act funding and special hiring authority to provide jobs to 35 veterans, 31 of them disabled veterans. In July, DWD expects to hire another 15 special disabled veterans.
Other DWD staff receiving DAV Awards for outstanding support to veterans were:
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) of the Year: Dean Kaupe. (Posthumous recognition)
Local Veterans Employment Specialist (LVER) of the Year: OVS Southern Regional Supervisor, Gary Meyer
Hoban Davenport Award: Green Bay Area District Job Director, Brian Pelon
Distinguished Service Award: DWD Division Administrator, Ron Danowski
