MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new era is fast approaching for the War Memorial Center along Milwaukee's lakefront.

Dan Buttery will take the reigns from retiring president Dave Drent effective Jan. 2, only the fourth new leader in the center's 62-year history.

Buttery has served as the president of Fischer House Wisconsin and a past deputy secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

He's also a decorated Army veteran and bronze star recipient. 

Buttery spoke today about the importance of those ties.

"I understand the sacrifice. I've lost soldiers. I've had soldiers wounded," Buttery said. "I've seen the pain and the crushing impact on the families and the community that surrounds them. That's what this facility embodies."

Out-going president Dave Drent served for 48 years at the center in various capacities. The War Memorial provides outreach and support for area veterans, as well as Vetfest, each year.

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