Veteran News

From the St. Croix County Veterans Services Office

Message from the CVSO

Dear Veterans and Families,

This week, as our nation celebrated Veterans Day, we took a collective pause to honor the service, sacrifice, and resilience of all those who have served and continue to serve. Veterans Day isn’t just a moment to acknowledge the courage of our armed forces but a reminder of the dedication you’ve shown, allowing our communities and nation to thrive. To our veterans and their families, please know that we’re here to stand beside you, support you, and connect you with the resources you deserve.

Thank you for your service. You have given much to this country, and our office remains committed to ensuring you feel supported every day, not just on Veterans Day.

- Phillip Landgraf - St. Croix County Veterans Service Director 

Urgent TRICARE Changes for 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, Wisconsin will move from TRICARE’s East Region to the West Region as part of TRICARE’s updated regional contracts. This change means veterans in Wisconsin will transition from Humana Military to TriWest Healthcare Alliance as their TRICARE contractor. If you use TRICARE, you should:

• Update your DEERS account and ensure all information is accurate.
• Create an account on TriWest’s patient portal, update payment details (if applicable), and start searching for providers in TriWest’s network.
• Complete any TRICARE Open Season actions through TriWest.

Referrals or authorizations from Humana Military that began before Dec. 31, 2024, will be valid through the referral expiration date, up to June 30, 2025. If you have questions about this change, please reach out to our office.

Read TRICARE’s Press Release

VA Proposing New Program to Expand Telehealth

The VA has proposed eliminating copayments for telehealth services and establishing a grant program to expand access to telehealth in rural and underserved areas. This initiative, called Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS), aims to fund non-VA facilities to provide veterans with private, well-equipped spaces for remote consultations. The grants would also cover training for on-site staff to support veterans using these services. 

Visit the VA's website to learn more about telehealth services.

Read the VA's Press Release

2024 Veterans Day Ceremony Recap

On November 11, we gathered as a community to celebrate Veterans Day. Veterans, area students, and community members joined us in front of the Sheriff’s Office to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. We extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us, including VFW Post 2115 and American Legion Post 50 for their sponsorship, which made this event possible.

Here are some memorable moments from the event: