(Press Release) A holder of a military special plate recently requested that his plate read U.S. Army Retired instead of simply Army Retired. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs expressed their support for the change and worked with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles to redesign the license plate decals on the Veteran, Reserve and Retired plates for all five military branches.

Decals updated to include "U.S." include:

1. Air Force Veteran

2. Air Force Reserve

3. Air Force Retired

4. Army Veteran

5. Army Reserve

6. Army Retired

7. Coast Guard Veteran

8. Coast Guard Reserve

9. Coast Guard Retired

10. Marine Corps Veteran

11. Marine Corps Reserve

12. Marine Corps Retired

13. Navy Veteran

14. Navy Reserve

15. Navy Retired

Current holders of the special military plates listed above who wish to display the new decal will need to purchase a set of replacement plates for $10 – the standard special plate replacement fee. All new applications for these plates will receive the updated decals.

"We have declared 2012 to be the Year of the Veteran in Wisconsin to show our respect and appreciation for the contributions of our military veterans," said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos. "Wisconsin's service men and women have made our country stronger through their military service and we wish to commemorate their courage and thank them for defending our freedoms."

"The men and women of the Wisconsin National Guard are justifiably proud of their military service," said Major General Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "This effort offers another option for our Soldiers and Airmen to display their pride."

Wisconsin now offers 56 different military plate options for veterans and recipients of certain military medals and honors. Military plates are available to active, reserve or retired U.S. military personnel, military academy students or alumni who submit proof of eligibility.