Kenosha County Honors Veterans and Supporters at Annual Breakfast

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Army veteran Richard Clark talks with Kenosha County Behavioral Health Services Director Kari Foss during the veterans’ breakfast and resource fair held Saturday at the Job Center. The Behavioral Health Services Division was one of about two dozen vendors that were on hand to provide information about services helpful to veterans.

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha County Veterans Service Office kicked off the Veterans Day season Saturday with its annual veterans’ breakfast and resource fair at the Job Center building, celebrating service and community support.

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This year’s event featured two special awards — one honoring an individual who has long served local veterans, and another recognizing a business for its continued commitment to those who served.

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**Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi presents an award to Jim Schmidt, honoring his 23 years of service as a member of the county’s Veterans Service Commission.**

Jim Schmidt, who is retiring after 23 years with the Kenosha County Veterans Service Commission, received the first award. County Veterans Service Officer Jennifer Blasi praised Schmidt as “a true friend to the Veterans Service Office.”

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“I have known Jim for about 13 years, ever since I started here,” Blasi said. “Jim has served under four county veterans service officers, and I can guarantee you they have all appreciated his guidance and his wisdom.”

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The second award was presented to Piasecki Funeral Home, which has covered the full cost of the annual breakfast for the past seven years.

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Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi, pictured at far right, presents an award to Matt Martin of Piasecki Funeral Home (pictured with therapy dog Millie) during the veterans breakfast and resource fair held Saturday at the Job Center. Piasecki has sponsored the breakfast for the past seven years.

“Piasecki has been a generous supporter of Kenosha County veterans,” Blasi said while presenting the award to Matt Martin, the company’s vice president. “Every time that we have asked them to assist in this, Matt has not hesitated for a moment to say, ‘Yes, we will cover breakfast. We support Kenosha County veterans.’”

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County Executive Samantha Kerkman also spoke at the event, highlighting the Veterans Service Office’s success in helping secure nearly $140 million in veterans’ benefits for Kenosha County residents in 2024.

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“I just want to say to everyone here, if you know somebody who’s a veteran who may be struggling and you don’t know if they’re actually receiving the proper benefits that they should, please connect them with us,” Kerkman said. “It is so, so important that the people who served our country receive the benefits that they’re entitled to.”

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The crowd at the veterans’ breakfast and resource fair held Saturday at the Kenosha County Job Center. The event, held annually, is the kickoff for the many ceremonies and programs held throughout the area for Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11.

More information about the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office and its programs is available at kenoshacountywi.gov/veterans.

Author

Kevin Mathewson

Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.

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One Response

Anonymous says:

November 3, 2025 at 7:37 PM

Thank you to all that have served and thank you to Piasecki for your donations. That is just so kind to donate for seven years.

3

Reply

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