When Keith Balts, UW-Madison Class of '92, and Retired Air Force Colonel, visited the University in 2025, he realized there was something missing.  While the University had always recognized the rich military tradition, he noticed that there was limited  communication through the various school departments.  Many times updates and event planning didn't reach military-connected Badgers.  Furthermore, Keith saw there were many cadets struggling to make ends meet.

Keith decided to create a centralized hub where militarily-connected Badgers could meet and make a difference in the University and the lives of Veterans and cadets who attend.  

In the summer of 2026, Badger Corps was officially chartered.  With a sitting board and many affiliated members, Badger Corps is ready to meet their four lines of effort:

• Contribute additional financial support to military-connected Badgers (connecting to the future)

• Research and share UW's proud military heritage and traditions (connecting to the past)

• Host, support, and publicize activities for military-connected Badgers (connecting to each other)

• Advocate for university policies that support the above (connecting it all)