Evers Presents 2026 Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award
Renee Simpson, a former U.S. Army medical specialist and VFW state commander, receives the renamed award honoring a World War II postal battalion veteran.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Military Jobs
Gov. Tony Evers presented Renee Simpson with the 2026 Anna Mae Robertson Veteran Legacy Award at a Veterans Day reception at the Wisconsin Executive Residence on November 12, 2026. The award was formerly known as the Women Veteran of the Year Award and was renamed in honor of Anna Mae Robertson.
Why it matters
The renaming honors a World War II veteran who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and recognizes a woman's sustained service to Wisconsin veterans. The recognition highlights the role of women in veterans' organizations across the state.
Simpson was first elected VFW Department of Wisconsin State Commander in 2013 and won a second term in 2026, making her the first woman to do so. Her deployment to Bosnia and Herzegovina with the 108th Military Police Company during Operation Joint Guard dates to 1997.
The players
Tony Evers
Tony Evers is the Governor of Wisconsin, who presented the award at the Executive Residence.
Renee Simpson
Renee Simpson is a Wisconsin veteran who served as a U.S. Army medical specialist and as State Commander of the VFW Department of Wisconsin.
Anna Mae Robertson
Anna Mae Robertson was a World War II veteran who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, for whom the award is now named.
The details
Gov. Evers presented the award at the Wisconsin Executive Residence, with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs announcing the recipient. Simpson, who served in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist, works with the Wisconsin VFW Foundation and volunteers with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldier and Family Readiness Group.
Timeline
1997: Simpson deploys to Bosnia and Herzegovina during Operation Joint Guard.
2013: Simpson is elected first woman State Commander of the Wisconsin VFW.
2026: Simpson becomes the first woman to serve a second VFW State Commander term.
November 12, 2026: Award is presented at a Veterans Day reception.
Legacy Recognition
The renaming connects Wisconsin's award for women veterans to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the all-Black, all-female Army unit that served in World War II. The honor places a contemporary VFW leader within that lineage of recognized women's military service.
The award recognizes veterans' service and highlights volunteer and support roles available to Wisconsin veterans and families. It underscores how veterans' organizations and family readiness groups provide ongoing support to service members across the state.
The takeaway
Recognition programs like this one can preserve the stories of veterans who served in units that were historically overlooked. Readers interested in veteran service can look to local VFW and family readiness groups for ways to get involved.
Further reading
Explore more on Military Jobs in Wisconsin for related veteran service and employment coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urban Milwaukee.
