WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Secretary James Bond
James Bond is a disabled veteran with over 30 years of service to his country, the State of Wisconsin, and fellow veterans. He served on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1983–1988, with assignments both at home and abroad.
After an Honorable Discharge, James returned to Wisconsin, earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from UW-Madison, and spent three decades in professional and executive leadership roles for the state. He joined WDVA in 2010, most recently serving as Deputy Secretary before his appointment as Secretary of WDVA by Governor Tony Evers on January 9, 2023.
James is honored to continue advocating for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they’ve earned, and sharing their stories.
He lives in Madison with his husband, Todd, and their two sons.
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Office of the Secretary
Secretary: James Bond
Deputy Secretary: Chris McElgunn
Assistant Deputy Secretary: Joseph Hoey
Office of Legal Counsel: Chad Koplein
Office of Public Affairs: Colleen Flaherty
WDVA Programs - Meeting the Unique Needs of Veterans
- Wisconsin Veterans Homes – Providing compassionate, long-term care for aging and disabled veterans.
- Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries – Honoring service members with dignified resting places.
- Military Funeral Honors Program – Ensuring every veteran receives the recognition they deserve with a proper military tribute.
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum – Preserving and sharing the stories and sacrifices of Wisconsin veterans.
- Veterans Administration Regional Claims Office – Assisting veterans in navigating the VA benefits system and filing claims.
- Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) and Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) – Providing transitional housing and support services to help homeless and at-risk veterans regain stability.
- Veterans Benefits Resource Center – Assisting veterans in accessing state benefits and services.
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WISCONSIN AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARMENT COMMANDER
Wisconsin American Legion Commander
Nathan Morgan Bond, is a 25-year veteran of the US Army, who retired in 2013. Following his military service, Nathan dedicated 11 years to supporting fellow veterans as the Walworth County Veterans Service Officer, before stepping down to take a leadership role with the Wisconsin American Legion in early 2025.
Nathan and his wife, Julie, reside in Williams Bay, where they manage a family business on Geneva Lake. They are proud parents of two sons: Christopher, currently a mechanical engineering student at the Governor Austin Peay State University of Tennessee, with aspirations of being an Army Officer; and Caleb, who remains a cherished memory.
A 20-year, paid-up-for-life member of The American Legion, Nathan has held numerous leadership positions, including Post Adjutant, Post Commander, County Service officer, District Commander, and Department Vice-Commander. His commitment extends to the National level, where he has contributed to both the Legislative and the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Councils. Julie shares his dedication as a paid-up-for-life member of the Auxiliary, and Christopher hopes to become a Charter-Member of Squadron 102.
Nathan's educational background includes degrees from the University of New Hampshire, the US Army Command and General Staff College, and the Department of Defense Information School. He describes himself as “The hardest working C-student they ever gave a diploma to.”
Beyond his professional endeavors, Nathan actively serves his community. He has been a deacon of his church, a trustee of Faith Christian School, and currently holds roles as Adjutant of VFW Post 2373 and Membership Chair of Post 102. His passion for serving veterans and their families is unwavering
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REGISTER FOR STATE OF WI BENEFITS
Look no further than MyWisVets - Wisconsin's Veteran Benefits Portal.
Click here to register for State of Wisconsin Benefts.
If you are a Spouse, Widow, Dependent or a Member of a Gold Star Family and are looking for information about benefits, you can also find information pertaining to you on this page as well.. There will be a green box to click in the upper right-hand corner. (See image below)
