When transitioning veterans assume new responsibilities as civilians, knowing they have the support of their peers and a larger community is critical. This support exists in Wisconsin and will be on full display when the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs hosts its annual Wisconsin Conference on Veterans Issues Sept. 24-25, 2018.

The conference — held at the D.J. Bordini Center on the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton — will highlight information and resources available to the 350,000 veterans already living in the state as well as those coming to Wisconsin. Attendees will hear firsthand how Wisconsin’s veterans community helps individuals achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Veterans Service Organizations will be in attendance to ensure attendees understand the services offered through the 500 posts or chapters throughout the state as well as through the Veteran Service Officers located in each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Wisconsin is also served by six VA Medical Centers and 18 community-based outreach centers.

A networking reception hosted by the Fox Valley Veterans Council will bring together veterans and cap the conference’s first day, running 5-7 p.m. at Timber Rattlers Stadium. Food and drinks will be provided, along with entertainment by Rob Anthony, a nationally recognized singer, songwriter and winner of Wisconsin Acoustic Artist of the Year. Giving brief remarks at 6 p.m. will be WDVA Secretary Daniel Zimmerman, followed by the awarding of the Wisconsin Female Veteran of the Year Award and words from the Fox Valley Veterans Council. The second day of the conference will be highlighted by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum leading an educational activity during a free lunch to share stories of Wisconsin’s veterans and our military history.

Throughout the conference various speakers representing diverse areas of expertise will share their experience on topics such as social media strategies, leadership building, economic development, mental health and more.

Free and open to all, information sessions start at 1 p.m. on Sept. 24 and conclude at 3 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Sessions will include:

  • Build Your Network the Working Out Loud Way
  • How University and Tech Colleges Are Engaging with Local Resources and Employers
  • Team-building in a Leadership Development Context
  • Suicide Prevention in the Veterans Community
  • Breaking Barriers: Women in the Trades

Veterans living in Wisconsin have earned a boastful reputation for supporting one another, and the Wisconsin Conference on Veterans Issues will demonstrate this comradery to any transitioning veterans considering calling Wisconsin home. For more information visit WisVets.com.