Milwaukee VA Medical Center

Nick Thorn, an Air Force Veteran who has served for nine years on the VA police force, was recently promoted to sergeant. He says, “Taking the advice that I learn from these older Veterans, it is different from the connections that I would get from the outside community. You can’t beat it."

Air Force Veteran Nick Thorn has been with the Milwaukee VA Police Department for nine years and says that his personal connection to serve the Veteran community is rewarding in a unique way. 

“To be in the same mindset and to share what we have, it’s cool,” says Thorn, a police sergeant for VA. “Just the other day, I spent time with an older Veteran and it really made my day. We talked for over twenty minutes sharing stories.”

Thorn is one of 52 police officers assigned to the Milwaukee VA where officers provide a full level of law enforcement, but specialize in connecting with Veterans and de-escalating conflict. That is a key part of the job, as more than 8,000 of the annual visitors to our Emergency Department are dealing with a mental illness or substance abuse issue.

For many officers, like Thorn, the Veteran connection is an added benefit.

He says he has learned many lessons from the Veteran community and it has propelled his career. 

“Taking the advice that I learn from these older Veterans, it is different from the connections that I would get from the outside community. You can’t beat it,” says Thorn. 

Thorn was recently promoted to sergeant and serves as the second-in-charge during his shift.

“He’s very knowledgeable and he has become a valuable part of our organization,” say Police Chief Tim Jantz. “As a Veteran himself, Sergeant Thorn has a special care for this community and it shows that he wants the best for our Veterans.”