January 9, 2014 • Vol. 91, No. 1 IT’S AS EASY AS 1 2 3 !
Printed using recycled newsprint
1. Log onto wilegion.org and click on “Renew Online” 2. Enter your name and member ID number 3. Pay with MasterCard, Visa or Discover That’s it! You’re done. You will receive your new membership card in the mail. No more renewal notices. No more stamps.
“For God & Country”
Badger &“Wisconsin”
Join Us on Facebook and be part of the Fun!
Like us on Facebook and post pictures of a Post, County or District Event and/or pictures of Department Commander Ken Rynes from an event and be recognized at the 2014 Department Convention. A plaque of recognition will be awarded on stage as follows: • A posted photo from an event with the most ‘Likes’. • A posted photo of the Department Commander with the most ‘Likes’. Be creative and have fun! Log on to www.facebook.com and in your profile click on the box that says ‘search for people, places and things’ and type in Wisconsin American Legion. Once you are in, like the page, post your photos and let the contest begin!
Win Free Legionwear Fashion Apparel! Legionnaires across the state can receive the latest Legion news and win free Legionwear simply by using the Online Subscription Sign-up for the Badger Legionnaire. Simply go to our website at: www.wilegion.org. On the home page under ‘Department News’ click ‘Get Your Legion News Online’. Fill out the online subscription form and you will receive e-mail alerts, Adjutant’s Notes, messages from the Department Commander, and, of course the Badger Legionnaire at your e-mail address. Each month, an e-subscription member will be randomly drawn to receive a free item of Legionwear fashion apparel. Making the switch to the e-subscription service will also help the Department to save printing and postage costs! Money saved will help strengthen our much-needed
Veteran’s and youth programs. This month’s winner is George Wachuta of the Coon Valley Post No. 116. George served during the Vietnam War and has been a member of The American Legion for 30 consecutive years. You can be a Winner, too! Go on-line and visit: www.wilegion. org. Click ‘Get Your Legion News Online’ under ‘Department News’. Enjoy the latest Legion news, save money and show your pride by wearing some new Legionwear fashion apparel!
Official Publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family
The mission of The American Legion, Department Of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
Oratorical Competition Scheduled February 15th at Ripon College
The 75th Wisconsin Regional and Department Oratorical Contests are scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Ripon College, Ripon, WI. The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Competition is designed for high school students, including home schooled, who are looking for an academic challenge and enjoy public speaking. The contest was developed to increase awareness and appreciation for the Constitution of the United States. Participants develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and become prepared to accept the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Students begin at the local Post level and progress through County, District, Regional and State Competitions. Winning orations are based on content and presentation. The subject matter is based on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the du-
2013-2014 FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST
www.wilegion.org
ties and obligations of a citizen. Complete rules and information can be found at www.legion.org. District winners eliminated at the Re-
The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Competition was developed to increase awareness and appreciation for the Constitution of the United States. Participants develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and become prepared to accept the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Veterans Day Steak Dinner at King
On Sunday, November 10th, residents at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove received a special steak dinner to celebrate Veterans Day. Planning was coordinated by Roger Sass of Post No. 544 of Union Grove and Louise Stack of the Milwaukee Women’s
Post No. 448. Steaks were grilled by Kim Stack of Milwaukee Police Post No. 415 with a little friendly advice from residents. Staff at the Home prepared baked potatoes and green bean casserole and directed the serving. Julia Atkinson, Commander of Women’s Post No. 448, baked pies for dessert. To make it a more memorable evening the tables were dressed with white tablecloths and cards for each veteran were placed at the tables.
gional Competition receive $600 scholarships; Three Regional winners receive $1,000 scholarships and compete for the State title. 2nd runner up receives an additional $1,000 scholarship; 1st runner up receives an additional $1,500 scholarship; Department winner receives an additional $2,000 scholarship and competes at the National American Legion finals in Indianapolis, IN. Ripon College offers a $5000 scholarship to each of the three Department finalists upon enrollment at Ripon College. National finalists receive scholarships of: 1st place-$18,000; 2nd place -$16,000; 3rd place-$14,000. If you are interested in volunteering to assist as a moderator, judge, host or helper, contact Kim Shanks at Department Headquarters. Kim can be reached at (608) 745-1090 or by e-mail at kim@wilegion.org.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Service
On November 19th, the John F. Kennedy Post No. 479 of Milwaukee hosted a Memorial Service in honor of the slain President observing the 50th Anniversary of his assassination. The event was held at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. Post No. 479 was assisted by Milwaukee Post No. 18 and the Milwaukee Fire Fighters
Post No. 428. Post No. 18 posted the National Colors and Bishop William Strong, Commander of the Kennedy Post opened with prayer. The Firefighters Post No. 428 provided an Honor Guard and fired a Rifle Salute while a Memorial Cross was placed at the Reflecting Pool. “Taps” was played to conclude the event. The Memorial Service was coordinated by Kathy Arciszewski of Milwaukee with assistance from Department Adjutant David Kurtz and 5th District Commander Ensley Brown.