BURLINGTON, Wis. — A Burlington veteran who served 25 years in the United States Air Force and continues to dedicate his time to helping fellow veterans has been named the First Congressional District’s 2026 Veteran of the Year. Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) announced Thursday that retired Senior Master Sergeant Shane Morris was selected for the prestigious honor in recognition of his military service and continued commitment to veterans throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Morris served in the United States Air Force for 25 years before retiring, but his commitment to serving others did not end with his military career. He remains actively involved in several veterans organizations, including the American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
According to Steil’s office, Morris routinely visits hospitalized veterans, provides transportation to medical appointments, and organizes fundraising efforts to assist veterans in need. His volunteer work has made a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans who need additional support.
For the past six years, Morris has also hosted the annual flag retirement ceremony for Essman-Schroeder American Legion Post 20. This year’s ceremony saw approximately 10,000 American flags respectfully retired, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring the nation’s flag and those who have served under it.
“Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the brave Americans who have answered the call to serve,” Steil said. “It is my honor to present Senior Master Sergeant Morris with this year’s Veteran of the Year Award. His dedication to his country and continued commitment to service in our community exemplify the values of duty, sacrifice, and selflessness.”
Morris was nominated for the award by Wisconsin residents and selected by the First Congressional District’s Veterans Advisory Board. The board evaluated nominees based on three primary criteria: service to their communities, excellence in their actions, and dedication to supporting fellow veterans while strengthening relationships between veterans and the broader southeastern Wisconsin community.
To qualify, nominees were required to have served in one of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the Reserve or National Guard, or the United States Merchant Marine. Nominees also had to provide documentation of their military service through a DD-214 and reside within Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.
The annual recognition honors veterans whose contributions extend beyond their military service and who continue to make a positive impact in their communities. Morris’s decades of military service, combined with his ongoing volunteer work and dedication to helping fellow veterans, earned him this year’s distinction.
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One Response
Congratulations. a great honor.