Burlington Veteran Shane Morris Awarded Veteran of the Year

BURLINGTON, WI - Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) awarded Burlington veteran Senior Master Sergeant Shane Morris, USAF, Retired, with the First Congressional District's 2026 Veteran of the Year Award.

SMSgt. Morris served in the United States Air Force for 25 years and continues his commitment to service by supporting veterans and our community through the American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). SMSgt. Morris routinely visits hospitalized veterans, provides transportation to medical appointments, and organizes fundraising initiatives to support veterans in need. SMSgt. Morris has hosted Essman-Schroeder American Legion Post 20's annual flag retirement ceremony for the past six years, retiring approximately 10,000 flags at this year's ceremony.

"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the brave Americans who have answered the call to serve," said Steil. "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."

Background:

The recipient of this award was nominated by Wisconsin residents and selected by Wisconsin's First Congressional District's Veterans Advisory Board by reviewing the following criteria:

SERVICE: Demonstrate a commitment to service in their community. This could be through advocacy, community projects, an act of heroism, or other actions.

EXCELLENCE: Provide an example of how this veteran exudes a spirit of excellence.

DEDICATION: Have a dedication to supporting their fellow veterans and building bridges between veterans and our greater Southeast Wisconsin community.

Nominees had to be a veteran of one of the five Armed Forces of the United States, including Reserve or National Guard, or United States Merchant Marines. All nominees had to supply a DD-214 and live within Wisconsin's First Congressional District.

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