Kenosha County Announces 2026 Veteran of the Year Award Recipient
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today that Bill Hopkins has been named the 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year.
Hopkins, a U.S. Navy veteran who served 20 years before retiring as an E9 Command Master Chief in 1993, will receive the award at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic. The event is scheduled for noon on May 29 at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
Hopkins has made significant contributions to the community since moving to Silver Lake in 1989. He has served on various boards, including the Riverview School Board and the Salem Lakes Village Board, and has volunteered with the Silver Lake Fire Department for 12 years.
During the 2017 floods along the Fox River, he aided residents by distributing bottled water and cleaning supplies.
“Mr. Hopkins’ life has wholeheartedly been dedicated to public service,” said Kenosha County Veterans Services Director Jennifer Blasi. “His impact on the community is profound.”
Nominated by his son, Brian Hopkins, the elder Hopkins is described as a model citizen dedicated to supporting veterans and mentoring youth considering military service.
The Veterans Appreciation Picnic is in its third year and will be held in the Veterans Honor Plaza at the park, located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F. Free transportation will be available from Festival Foods in Kenosha. Those needing transportation are encouraged to contact the county Veterans Service Office at 262-605-6690.