The Office of the Governor of the State of Wisconsin

11/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/13/2026 14:36

Gov. Evers, DVA Announce Recipient of the Annual Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award

Press Release: Gov. Evers, DVA Announce Recipient of the Annual Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 11/13/2026 02:00 PM CST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Evers, DVA Announce Recipient of the Annual Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award
MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), is honored to announce Renee Simpson as the recipient of the 2026 Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award. The award was presented to Simpson by Gov. Evers at a Veterans Day reception at the Wisconsin Executive Residence on Thurs., Nov. 12, 2026. The award, formerly known as the Women Veteran of the Year Award, was renamed in honor of Anna Mae Robertson, a World War II veteran who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight.

"Anna Mae Robertson and the Six Triple Eight broke barriers long before anyone thanked them for it," said Gov. Evers. "Following that example, Renee has dedicated her life to service and opened the door for others to follow. I congratulate Renee on this well-deserved honor."

Gov. Evers and DVA Secretary Bond with 2026 Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award Winner Renee Simpson.
"Receiving the Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award is an extraordinary honor and a deeply humbling experience," said Simpson. "Women like Anna Mae Robertson paved the way for future generations to lead, serve, and make a lasting difference in our military, our communities, and our nation."

"Renee Simpson has spent more than two decades making sure Wisconsin veterans and their families have someone in their corner," said DVA Secretary James Bond. "Anna Mae Robertson and the women of the 6888th did a job that mattered under enormous pressure, and Renee carries that same spirit forward. Wisconsin is grateful for her service."

Throughout her more than two decades of service to the veteran community, Simpson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. She made history in 2013 as the first woman elected State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Wisconsin. In 2026, she became the first woman to serve a second term in that position. She currently works with the Wisconsin VFW Foundation, where she has helped strengthen programs, support community projects, and expand resources for veterans and military families.

Simpson served in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist, including a deployment to Bosnia and Herzegovina with the 108th Military Police Company during Operation Joint Guard in 1997. After her military service, she continued to support service members and their families in professional roles at Fort McCoy and Camp Williams. She now works at Camp Williams and volunteers with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldier and Family Readiness Group.

Simpson's dedication to service, leadership, and mentorship reflects the legacy of Anna Mae Robertson. Her military service is only one chapter in a lifetime of making a difference. Through her advocacy, commitment to fellow veterans, and willingness to open doors to others, she continues to make a lasting impact on Wisconsin's veteran community, carrying forward Robertson's legacy. A photo of Simpson is attached.
An online version of this release is available here.
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Office of the Governor • 115 East Capitol, Madison, WI 53702
Press Office Email: [email protected]
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The Office of the Governor of the State of Wisconsin published this content on November 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 13, 2026 at 20:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]