Kenosha County Honors 2026 Veteran of the Year
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Bill Hopkins as the 2026 Veteran of the Year at a press conference today.
Hopkins, a U.S. Navy veteran with 20 years of service, will receive the award at the annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic on May 29 at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. The nomination process for the award highlighted several impressive community contributions, with Kerkman noting Hopkins’ standout service.
Hopkins served as E9 Command Master Chief before retiring in 1993. His military career included multiple postings globally, particularly at Naval Station Great Lakes, which led him to Kenosha County.
After transitioning from the military, Hopkins worked 22 years as a Senior Compliance Training Manager at Abbott Laboratories and Hospira. He has been an active community member since moving to Silver Lake in 1989, holding multiple leadership roles, including President of the Riverview School Board and an elected trustee on the Silver Lake and Salem Lakes Village Boards.
In addition to his governmental work, Hopkins volunteered for 12 years with the Silver Lake Fire Department and was involved in relief efforts during the 2017 Fox River flooding, distributing essential supplies to affected residents.
He currently serves on the Kenosha County Civil Service Commission and as Chairman of the Salem Lakes Fire Commission.
Free transportation to the picnic will be offered from Festival Foods in Kenosha. Registration is not required, but those needing transportation should contact the county Veterans Service Office at 262-605-6690.