January/February 2022 issue of the Wisconsin VFW News

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Welcome Auxiliary 8482

Loyalty Day

Wreaths Across America

NEWS NEWS 2022 2022

VOL. 39 NO. 4

ALL THE WAY TOGETHER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

Borland, Weldon Reps for Mid-Winter

Timothy M. Borland VFW Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief There is still time to submit your registration and meal reservations online – but hurry!

The deadline is January 15, 2022, NO EXCEPTIONS. Visit vfwwi.org or wivfwaux.org for the links.

Hotel reservations may still be made directly with Ho-Chunk (800-746-2486) – deadline for the Conference rate is January 20!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

For information on how you can join the VFW — in Wisconsin or elsewhere — we welcome your call to our State Headquarters at 608-221-5276 — or email hq@vfwwi.org.

VFW National Sr. Vice Commander Timothy M. Borland of Benson, Arizona has been named the National Representative to the 2022 Mid-Winter Conference.

VFW Auxiliary National District Council Member #11 Sandy Weldon of Iowa, will serve as the Auxiliary Representative.

Slated for February 4 and 5 at the HoChunk Casino Hotel and Conference Center in Baraboo, the “Mid-Winter” is always a more relaxed combination of business and social time, along with valuable training opportunities. And of course we will honor our Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of the Year winners at the Saturday Awards Luncheon.

Tentative schedules for both groups are listed elsewhere in this paper. Note that the VFW Past Commanders Luncheon and the Auxiliary Dutch Treat Luncheon will again be held midday on Friday. Past – and current – VFW Commanders at ANY level are welcome at the Past Commanders Luncheon and the Auxiliary Luncheon is open to any and all Auxiliary members who would like to attend.

Elected Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief at the 122nd National Convention in Kansas

Sandy Weldon Auxiliary NDCM #11 City, MO this past August, Tim Borland served in the United States Army from 1979 to 2007, last serving with the 101st Airborne Division. He earned his VFW eligibility serving in Korea and Iraq. His many commendations include four Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among numerous others.

Borland became a Life Member of the VFW in 2000, and currently maintains his

Gold Legacy Life membership at VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as the VFW Department of Arizona Commander from 2011 to 2012. He earned the distinction of All-American status and also received the distinguished Triple Crown Award. On the National level, Tim has served on several committees, including the National Council of Administration (2012-2016); Vice Chairman of the National Legislative Committee (2017-2018); Chairman of the National Programs Committee (2018-2019); the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee and numerous others.

Tim holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees from Touro University in Cypress, California.

Now retired, he is also a member of AMVETS, the American Legion, and a Life member of Disabled American Veterans.

Tim and his wife, Shannon, reside in Benson, Arizona.

Sandy Weldon of Oxford, Iowa, represents Iowa and Wisconsin on the National Council of Administration, which governs the VFW Auxiliary between National Conventions. She started her two-year term following Installation at the 108tth National Convention in August 2021. A Life Member of Iburg-Poulson Auxiliary 8797 in Williamsburg, Iowa, she joined on the eligibility of her father, Joseph Shannahan, who served in the United States Army from 1941-1945 in the Philippines.

See MID-WINTER, Page 20

Benton Welcomes Carney Home Machinist’s Mate First Class Harold F. Carney was among the 429 sailors on the USS Oklahoma who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Nearly 80 years later, the Village of Benton, Wisconsin, welcomed him home to his final resting place. See Page 11 for full story.

Editor: Marla J. Morgan Phone: 715-384-2500 E-mail: wivfweditor@gmail.com VFW Department Headquarters Phone: 608-221-5276 Fax: 608-221-5277 Website: vfwwi.org E-mail: hq@vfwwi.org

VISIT our State Website — vfwwi.org — FOR MORE NEWS AND INFO.

A CENTURY OF SERVICE

Page 2 JAN./FEB. 2022 Greetings Comrades!

I hope that everyone had a safe and Happy New Year. It’s hard to believe that 2021 is gone and we are on to 2022. This last year held a lot of challenges for our great organization, but we managed to overcome them all. Not only did we overcome the challenges thrown at us by the pandemic, but we came out even stronger. As I travel around to Posts I’ve seen a reinvigoration like I haven’t seen in years. We always took it for granted that we could get together. We would see each other at the Post meetings or at the next Post event. When the time came that we couldn’t, it shook us to the core of what we are about: Comradeship.

Now that we are able to get out, I’ve seen Posts getting into their communities more than they ever did. They are participating in events that they hadn’t thought about. What I find exciting is the number of requests coming in for representation at events. I put out the challenge in my very first article as State Commander to keep my weekends busy and I am proud to say you have not disappointed me. If you have an event, no matter how big or small, send in a representation request. As I stated in my first article, I don’t have ESP to know when an event is happening. Let us know. I would love to come to your Post and communities. So if you haven’t thought about sending in a request, DO IT! Don’t get to the end of the year and SAY “nobody from State ever came to our events.” We can’t show up if we don’t know.

With everything going on in our Posts and communities, let’s also take the time to reach out to our fellow Post members.

Go on to the VFW National website and

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

Cory Geisler

State Commander 262-853-1811 cdr@vfwwi.org

download a full list of all members, past and present. Reach out to them. Let them know that we are not only back at full steam, but doing even more than before.

Get them excited about the VFW again.

Many may not realize what the Post is doing and would like to get involved. Reach out to members who haven’t renewed and let them know about all the good things happening at the Post. This will get them to come back again. As I’ve said throughout this year, we need to keep pushing everything we do harder and farther than before.

We need to get everyone involved. We need to do this ALL THE WAY, TOGETHER! I want to wrap up by telling all of our members how proud I am of you. As I look through the newspaper and look at all of the pictures and read about what you are doing it brings a big smile to my face. I can’t individually call every member within our state, but I can certainly express my satisfaction here.

I hope to see a lot of faces at the Mid-Winter Convention at Ho-Chunk Casino in Baraboo in February. Thank you, comrades, thank you. I’m proud of each and every one of you. ALL THE WAY, TOGETHER!

Greetings comrades, Ron I hope everyone has enjoyed the holidays Ramos and much needed time with their families.

State Jr. Vice We are currently at the halfway point of the VFW year and are gearing up to finish Commander strong. Continue to engage your membership during this time.

The Department is over 90% in mem715-928-3606 bership. For those annual members coming due, ensure you renew your membership. jvc@vfwwi.org Posts should be hosting membership drives, telethons, etc. to get to 100%. Remember, we can advocate for Veterans in Congress as the “Big 3” because we have the power in membership numbers to back us up. It is important that our organization continues to recruit and retain to ensure we have a seat at the table to fight for the rights you deserve after serving your country. Let’s do our part and get the Department to over 100%.

Mid-Winter is fast approaching. If you have not made your reservations or registered for the Mid-Winter, please do so as soon as you can. We’re excited to be able to get together again and meet in person. The VFW WI Centennial Celebration is in June at our State Convention and it’s going to be a great time. We’ll be celebrating 100 years of serving Veterans, their families, and our communities. If you’ve not yet been to a State Convention, consider attending in June. All-State awards are presented at the State Convention. I’m excited and looking forward to seeing all of the fantastic Posts and Districts earn the AllState title for the hard work they do in their communities. Ensure that you’re putting your package together and that they are sent out in a timely fashion before the due date in May. Continue to request your State Officers to attend your events. I’ve loved every second of traveling and meeting you all and am very much excited to continue my travel around the state to talk to our membership. We’re here to support you. We’re members just like you are, and we want to ensure we’re there to support your events and celebrations.

Let’s continue to push forward to accomplish the mission of the VFW. You are a true embodiment of NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS! The New Year is upon us, and so is the snow. The good news is that the daylight is getting longer each day and “Spring is almost here!” This time of year, I like to provide the latest list of funds that need donations. I know many of you help when you donate through other fundraisers we have like the Sweepstakes or Cash and Calendar Raffles. I would like to personally thank you because during these incredibly unique, pandemic times, many of our Veterans are experiencing hardship.

When sending a check to the Headquarters at PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716, be sure to write in the memo to earmark one of the following funds. 100% of your donations go to the fund for its specific use: • National Home • QRF Unmet Needs Fund (Quick Relief Fund) • Emergency Disaster Fund • Student Veteran Scholarship Fund • Hospital Fund • King Day Fund • Union Grove Fund

Tom Heath

State Quartermaster 608-221-5276 qm@vfwwi.org

• Voice of Democracy Fund • Patriot's Pen Fund • Dot-MIA/POW Flag Fund • Service Office Fund • State Commander’s Special Project • Wisconsin VFW Foundation • Iron Mountain Kids Christmas Gifts • Teacher of the Year Fund • Bobby Nelson Christmas Fund Helping Veterans, Veterans’ families and supporting our communities is what we do!

Be careful out there while you are waiting for Spring!

STATE OFFICERS Greetings for the New Year of 2022, I Michele hope everyone enjoyed time with family Rathke and friends over the holidays. My article in State Sr. Vice the last award-winning State VFW Newspaper received quite the attention amongst Commander the VFW membership. So with this article I would like to address, “What to do when someone leaves your Post”.

When a VFW or Auxiliary member 715-218-0440 leaves or stops showing at meetings or svc@vfwwi.org events, do a “Gut Check” when it happens.

Here are some things to do: 1. Resist the urge to rationalize. We may come up with multiple explanations to explain why a comrade is no longer actively involved. This does nothing to help the situation.

2. Realize the person most likely has experienced some hurt and/or offense. If this is the case, we should seek to understand what happened. Even if there is no hurt or offense, how many times have comrades, brothers, or sisters left our Post/Auxiliary for any number of reasons, and no one reached out to them?

3. Reach out to them and try to understand why they have drifted away. The objective is not to change their mind, but to understand what caused them to disengage.

Really try to hear what they say. Don’t make excuses.

4. Respond to them well. As an Officer of the Post, District, or State level you are called to care for and guide your comrades and their families. Try to understand what they are going through and why this has happened. Resist the urge to focus on trying to convince them to return. The goal at this point is not to change their mind, but understand the dynamics that went into their decision. When you talk to them, listen carefully, and don’t interrupt. Try to understand what the root issue is. In most instances, it will be that the person does not feel valued. Keep the door open and don’t burn bridges.

5. Make sure of the real reason. Keep in mind the reason a member is no longer a member. There are members that are signed up without the correct checks of their membership for the VFW or they transferred in to a Post with no proof of their DD-214 or proof of eligibility.

6. If you are the one who left. Not everyone has the greatest experience with nonprofit organizations. However, we all should remember, every one of us who are a part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the State, District and Post level, are all volunteers. There are a few Officers who do get some expenses for their positions, but for the most part, all of us are volunteers. So, if you are the one who left, I encourage you to seek out a VFW or Auxiliary member you believe in and ask to have a conversation regarding the reason you may no longer be involved in this great organization. The VFW and Auxiliary members aren’t all perfect people (we try to be), remember we all served in the service or supported our military member and were given the same mission of protecting our freedom.

As a VFW and Auxiliary, we have put a high priority on membership and bringing members into our organization. But what about those who are slipping out the side or back door - those who were once actively involved in the Post or Auxiliary who suddenly stopped showing up? Some of you who are reading this article fall into this category.

Members and situations do change, so seek out that one person and see if we could have you back as part of the greatest Combat Veterans Organization – the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary. Commander Geisler’s theme is “All the Way Together”. There is a lot of power in his theme. Let’s finish this year with you back involved and part of the TEAM. If there was ever a year to attend a Wisconsin VFW State Convention, 2022 is the year! You do NOT want to miss the upcoming events at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, beginning June 7th and ending on the 11th.

For a little history lesson, VFW Department of Wisconsin was organized June 6, 1921. The first meeting was held at the Hotel Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Fred Fish of Swanson-Williams Post 726 (Milwaukee, now defunct) was elected the first State Commander. John J. Blaine of Boscobel was the 24th Governor of Wisconsin and Warren G. Harding was the President of the United States. The country was in its second year of prohibition and two and a half years past the fighting in WWI. While June 6, 2021 marked the Department’s 100th Anniversary, we were not able to celebrate the Centennial properly at the 2021 State Convention, due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now in 2022, along with conducting the business of this large nonprofit organization, and electing new leadership, we will have our Centennial Celebration. We have a lineup of celebrity speakers that is sure to entertain you, thrill you and make you proud to be American. Besides honoring our Wisconsin All-State achievers, we have also planned special speakers and events to recognize Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans; Vietnam Veterans; and Wisconsin’s Hmong Lao Veterans (second year in a row).

Among our special guests are Major General (USAF, Ret.) John Borling who spent 6.5 years as a POW in the Hoa Lo Prison, better known as the Hanoi Hilton. Also, Staff

David Green State Adjutant 608-221-5276 adj@vfwwi.org

Sergeant (U.S. Army 82nd Airborne, Ret.) Travis Mills, along with some other dynamic Wisconsin heroes: Command Sergeant Major Micheal Seefeld and Captain (U.S. Army, Ret.) Jason Church. Just to name a few!

In addition to our traditional Convention events (Joint Memorial Service; Patriotic Rally; Awards Banquet, etc.), we will also feature a number of special activities and events to provide some extra fun and cameraderie. Please see page six of this paper for more details on the Agenda and events.

A great many of our special Convention events are made possible by the generous sponsors of our Centennial Celebration. A listing of those (as of this printing) is also on page six. If YOU would like to be a sponsor, please visit our vfwwi.org website to view the sponsorship opportunities and see who has already sponsored us in some way. Just a couple clicks and anyone with a debit card can donate.

This is our one and only Centennial Celebration. Let’s all gather at the 2022 Wisconsin VFW State Convention to prepare for a stellar 2022-2023 Command Year and celebrate 100+ years in business.

2022 Legislative Conference

The format (in-person or virtual) for the 2022 Legislative Conference in Washington, DC was still uncertain at press time. Those considering attending should watch for information from State Headquarters.

STATE OFFICERS WHOLE HEALTH FOR LIFE Installment 2: It’s All About You va.gov/wholehealth So how do we start living our lives to the fullest? Remember, It’s All About You, with a commitment from the VA to help you be mission-ready for your best life.

The following are tips to help get you on a path of healthcare that optimizes services that matters most to you: Getting Started – Look at the big picture. Do not just look at the symptom but the overall question(s) that might be causing the symptom. Believe it or not, every “little picture” contributes to the “big picture” and impacts your overall well-being. Example: Dental issues can be the cause of headaches, poor nutrition and even social interaction. Think about how that can compound a number of symptoms.

Consider the factors affecting your life and work with your healthcare professional on better ways to support overall well-being.

Let’s Talk About You – Have a conversation. By exploring what matters most to you, your healthcare team can create a plan to help you achieve those goals. Take the opportunity to be in the driver’s seat of your well-being to improve your quality of life. Example: Weight issues can create a number of issues for you.

Not only the physical aspects but diabetes, heart conditions and even mental health, to name a few. Programs such as MOVE! Weight Management program, yoga, Tai Chi might be the ticket to taking back control.

Finding Your Mission – Set your goal. A goal not only motivates us to make changes, but helps hold you accountable. By using the Personal Health Inventory which can be found

Renee L. Simpson

State Surgeon 608-427-2156 sheserveswi@ gmail.com

at va.gov/wholehealth, you and your healthcare team can create your health plan, keeping you in control of your health and life. Example: In-person, virtual office visits or a combination of the two – what would work best for you to achieve your goals? Use the resources that are available to make your goals a reality.

Finding The Approach That Works For You – Build your personal health plan. Now that you have identified your goals and what matters most for your quality of life, partner with your healthcare provider to design your personal health plan. Example: Balance issues might mean working with physical therapy, optometry or audiology. There are times that it can be as simple as the wrong prescription for your glasses or inner ear issues. While research proves that balance starts deteriorating at the age of 25, there are a number of things that can be done to slow the process.

Extending Whole Health Practices Into Your Whole Life – Find your community. Connect with others at home, work or in the community to support one another in your goals and improve our quality of life and whole health.

Make 2022 your year! Make a change that will impact your “Whole Life.”

Happy New Year Comrades!

I hope you are all ready to finish out our Adam Wallace 2021-2022 year strong, I know I am!

Judge Advocate I’d like to take a deeper dive into membership eligibility challenges. I’ve touched on this topic before, but it is an issue that comes up often.

708-574-7676 First and foremost, be proud to show your judge@vfwwi.org eligibility for this amazing Veterans organization. I’ve found that most members who are offended or refuse to show eligibility aren’t eligible in the first place. Most times, when you need to produce your DD-214 or other qualifying document, it means you’ve been elected or appointed to an Office, so it should be an exciting time for you anyway.

Now on the specifics of a challenge of eligibility. There need not be any suspicion of being ineligible to challenge. A Post must vote a simple majority to challenge a member’s eligibility. Once that is done, the Post must notify said member within 5 days by certified or registered mail to the member’s last known address. Once delivered, the member has 15 days to provide proof of eligibility to the Post Adjutant. If no proof is provided, or just cannot be determined, the challenge is then elevated to the State level to be reviewed and a disposition made by the State Commander.

A caveat to this is that when a new member applies, or an existing member transfers into your Post, no “official” challenge is required as you are simply vetting a new member.

And yes, a transfer is a “new” member to your Post. Also, when Officers are elected or appointed, their proof of eligibility needs to be on file, and is also not an “official” challenge.

I hope this clears up questions of eligibility. If you have further questions please reach out to me, or HQ. We are happy to help!

Wisconsin VFW News Production Schedule March Issue May Issue

Mid-Winter • February 4-5, 2022 Vol. 39, No. 5 Deadline to Editor: February 18, 2022 Vol. 39, No. 6 Deadline to Editor: April 8, 2022 Department Convention • June 7-11, 2022

Wisconsin VFW News

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News is published six times per year by the Department of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, P.O. Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716-0128.

Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, WI and additional office: Stevens Point, WI. Subscription rates $15.00 per year for VFW members; $10 for non-members and VFW Auxiliary members.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: V.F.W. Circulation Department, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.

COMMITTEE: Joel P. Walker, PSC, Chairman Jr. Vice Cdr., Ron Ramos, Member Bob Bolz, Member John Ustruck, Member QM Tom Heath, Member Asst. Editor Bill Knudson, Member

EDITOR VFW: Marla J. Morgan 505 S. Apple Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449 715-384-2500 • wivfweditor@gmail.com AUXILIARY LIAISON: Jackie Gregory, PDP 715-748-5373 jackie.g@tds.net I.S.S.N. #1061-4591 U.S.P.S. #007787 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars

Page 3

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Good Day VFW Members, The Department Service Office thanks you for your continued support. My team and I rolled out additional programs for the office. We have a customer care program with rewards to help create an environment that highlights that VFW of Wisconsin’s cares about great workers.

One worker I would like to give recognition to for her accountability and driving to improve her abilities to better serve our Veterans is Bonita Curry. Bonita has done a great job in organizing her clients, learning more about the claims process, using her Six Sigma background to further develop the office, and pushing outside her comfort zone to join me in Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) hearings, making herself more versatile and helpful to Veterans.

As for claims and the VA - FOR ALL OUR VIETNAM VETERANS: The Agent Orange cases are all being located to Texas.

I want to make that very clear. We have been working diligently with our counterparts in Texas to try to effectively get the claims to go through. This process through the VA has slowed down the Agent Orange claims process to include the added work of the new presumptives. If the condition is progressing please let us know so we

JAN./FEB. 2022

Mitchell Woytych

State Veterans Service Officer 414-902-5748

mitchell.woytych @va.gov

can reach out.

At our recent National Training in Annapolis, we learned they are doing what they can to train us to be more knowledgeable and responsive to the VA changes. We were afforded the opportunity to speak with the head of Logistics Health, Inc. (LHI) and listen to him during our training. Some questions were asked about LHI’s difficulty in scheduling Veterans properly and a statement from us on how they need to create better training for their physicians to create accurate comp and pen examination reports. The training was a great opportunity, and speaking for myself coming from another organization, I can say we have very talented and competent DSOs and staff in the organization.

It is hard to believe that the fiscal year is Gundel Metz already half over. I hope that everyone had National Council a great holiday season. As we start 2022, I need to say a few things about membership.

Member If we don’t have members, then we will cease to exist. National continues to run membership incentives and the information 608-698-8825 is sent to the State Officers, who in turn congmem54b4h tact the District Commanders. So, let’s try to @gmail.com reach for the stars and get those incentives.

Here are a few updates that I received from National: • ELIGIBILITY UPDATE – At the 2021 National Convention, Section 101 (Eligibility) of the VFW Bylaws was amended by vote. On Sept. 2, 2021, the amended text, “An individual is eligible for membership in the corporation only if the individual is serving or has served honorably as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States…” This change removes the requirement of U.S. citizenship or status as a U.S. national from our requirements, which brings the Bylaws in line with our Congressional Charter.

• MEMBERSHIP DUES – Commanders on all levels are reminded that according to Section 105 of the National Bylaws, a member whose dues are unpaid after their anniversary date ceases to be a member in good standing and loses all rights of membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They shall not attend meetings or Conventions and shall not participate in Post, County Council, District, Department or National functions.

• DEPARTMENT “100 PERCENT” INCENTIVE – Any Department that attains 100% in membership by close of business on March 31, 2022, will be entered into a random drawing. The Commander (plus guest) and the Quartermaster (plus guest) for the Department that is selected will each receive a $2,500 voucher from Veterans Travel Services (VTS), to be applied towards airfare, accommodations and transportation for a trip of their own choice. If we work hard (which you all do), we can accomplish this to get our Commander and Quartermaster into this drawing.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at our Mid-Winter Conference at the Ho-Chunk Convention Center in Baraboo February 4-5, 2022. Please come and join the fun.

Planning for Upcoming Meetings n 2022 Department Mid-Winter Conference Fri.-Sat., February 4-5, 2022 Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel & Conf. Ctr. ● $99 + tax (1-2); $109 + tax (3-4) S3214 County Road BD, Baraboo, WI 53913 ● 800-746-2486 n 2022 Department Convention Tue.-Sat., June 7-11, 2022 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino ● $119 + tax, (+ free Valet parking + daily $10 free play) 1721 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 ● 800-729-7244

n 2022-2023 Program Kickoff/Council of Administration Fri.-Sat., July 8-9, 2022 Hilton Paper Valley, Appleton Rates and reservation info to be announced in upcoming NEWS n 2023 Department Mid-Winter Conference Fri.-Sat., February 3-4, 2023 Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Conv. Ctr., Oshkosh Rates and reservation info to be announced in upcoming NEWS n 2023 Department Convention Tues.-Sat., June 6-10, 2023 Holiday Inn & Suites/Cent. WI Expo Center, Rothschild Rates and reservation info to be announced in upcoming NEWS

Page 4 JAN./FEB. 2022

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

It is ironic, as I’m writing this article, I’m George listening to the sleet and rain of December pelting the windows of my den. What a Stoeber perfect lead-in to this article…because I Chief-of-Staff want to talk about the analogy of “Saving for a Rainy Day!” Most, if not all, financial advisors will tell you that to have personal financial health, you must save anywhere 262-909-1248 from 3 to 6 months of your annual income, cos@vfwwi.org in case something detrimental happens in your life. While this is applicable to your daily life, it doesn’t necessarily apply to the daily operations of a Post in the VFW. Now before you all tell me to pack sand, hear me out!

Yes, I understand that your Post must maintain a healthy reserve in your GENERAL FUND, for the maintenance of the Post building, insurance liability, wages if you operate a canteen, etc., I get that. What I want to talk about is the RELIEF FUND! Per Section 219 of the Congressional Charter Bylaws and Manual of Procedure Ritual, “a Relief Fund will be established and maintained by the Posts. In this fund shall be credited the net proceeds of the distribution of Buddy Poppies and such monies as may be solicited or donated for Veterans relief purposes. Expenditures from the Relief Fund shall be as prescribed in Section 219 of the Manual of Procedure.”

Section 219 – Relief Fund - of the Manual of Procedure states: “The Quartermaster of the Post will be the custodian of the Relief Fund and will expend monies there from, as directed by the Post, for the following purposes only: A) Aid, assistance, relief, and comfort of needy or disabled Veterans or members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, and the surviving spouses and orphans of deceased Veterans.

B) Maintenance and expansion of the VFW National Home for Children and other facilities devoted exclusively to the benefit and welfare of the dependents, surviving spouses, and orphans of disabled, needy or deceased Veterans or members of the Armed Forces.

C) Necessary expenses in providing entertainment, care, and assistance to hospitalized Veterans or members of the Armed Forces.

D) Veterans’ rehabilitation, welfare, and service work.

E) To perpetuate the memory of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Forces, and to comfort their survivors.

F) To foster true patriotism through historical and educational programs.

G) Remission of dues of sick, needy or disabled members.

H) Necessary expenses to support the relief fund such as the purchase of Buddy Poppies.

Relief funds may be invested in approved securities but shall not be loaned to the Post or other units or transferred from the Relief Fund in any manner or under any guise.

Why does this matter? I’m glad you asked! There are far too many Posts within this Department that seem to be afraid of spending the monies they have collected in their Relief Fund. When asked why, the most common answer we receive is, “We’re careful how we spend it to make sure we have enough money to help Veterans!” That’s a great and worthy cause, but when you ask a follow-up question regarding who, and how much did they allocate to help said Veteran, the answer is usually a minuscule amount. If you remember from the Commander’s Program Book, each Post must expend at least 75% of their Post’s Buddy Poppy Relief Fund on AUTHORIZED expenditures. If you are having problems identifying qualified programs, as listed above, consider donating to the Commander’s Special Project, as it is a qualifying expenditure as noted above. Remember, there are no rainy days when it comes to helping Veterans and their dependents, or members of our Armed Forces!

NAT’L. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE As I write this column, the VFW National Legislative Conference is tentatively scheduled to be held in Washington D.C. from February 27 – March 3, 2022. However, a final decision has not been made by our VFW National Leadership if this conference will be held in person.

I have begun preliminary coordination with our Wisconsin VFW Leadership to include identifying members that will be able to attend. I have also begun preliminary plans to prepare our members for a “virtual” online Conference if this contingency occurs. Last March we conducted this Conference virtually with members of our Wisconsin Congressional Delegation.

That went well but we are all hoping that it will be conducted in person this year and are keeping our fingers crossed.

In mid-November, I met with members of our National Legislative Staff at the VFW National Legislative Office in Washington D.C. Katherine Chassell, our National Legislative Associate Director, gave me a tour of the office and I met several staff members. Each staff member concentrates on a specific area/portfolio of Veterans legislation. This specialization allows these staffers to become very knowledgeable on legislation within their area. It also allows them to develop relationships with our nation’s lawmakers that are on the Senate and House Committees that specialize in a specific area.

The staff members are all Veterans like us and have a stake in legislation that affects Veterans. Their willingness to explain recent legislative developments and their work on Veterans issues reflects their professionalism. We are all being wellserved by the staff at the VFW National Legislative Office.

Joseph Hines Nat. Legislative Chairman 443-655-8457

joebyronhines@ gmail.com

During the past year, Wisconsin VFW members met with members of our Wisconsin Congressional Delegation during the March and September Legislative Conferences. These members advocated for a number of VFW supported bills. Two of these bills were: • H.R.958 – The Protecting Moms Who Served Act. This bill will provide research of fertility and infertility issues of women Veterans, and shed light where gaps and barriers exist. Representative Gwen Moore (WI-4th) is a co-sponsor of this bill.

• H.R.4233 – Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act. This bill will provide Vet Center readjustment counseling and similar mental health services to Veterans and Armed Forces members using certain educational assistance benefits.

Our advocacy yielded results! During November, all eight of the Wisconsin Representatives to the House to including Bryan Steil (WI-1st), Mark Pocan (WI2nd), Ron Kind (WI-3rd), Gwen Moore (WI- 4th), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-5th), Glenn Grothman (WI-6th), Tom Tiffany (WI-7th) and Mike Gallagher (WI-8th) voted in favor of these bills.

I will continue to monitor and inform our members of any future announcements in regards to the upcoming VFW National Legislative Conference.

STATE OFFICERS STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Jason Johns

State Legislative Chairman

Hello comrades, I hope that everyone has been well, and I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year! The State Legislative Committee has been working hard on your behalf to 608-209-0805 advocate for important Veteran issues in fightin4vets@ the Wisconsin State Legislature. As the 2021-2022 legislative session draws to a gmail.com close next Spring, we NEED YOUR HELP on getting our #1 legislative priority across the finish line!

The companion bills of SB 243 and AB 245 would expand the eligibility to claim the Veteran and surviving spouses property tax credit to 70%, 80%, and 90% service-connected Veterans at a ratio equal to their rating. The VFW has joined with the DAV and American Legion in pushing this important legislation and we have made great progress, but still have work to do to achieve passage by the full legislature. YOU can help us support our state’s most seriously injured Veterans by addressing the financial burden that ever-increasing property taxes places upon them. State Commander Cory Geisler and the rest of your state leadership and legislative team URGE you to pick up the phone or send emails today and ask for support of this legislation - and if you see your legislators in person in your community, please do not be shy and tell them! And please ask your friends and family to do the same.

If you have access to a computer, please go to legis.wisconsin.gov. On the right of the page there is a section entitled “WHO ARE MY LEGISLATORS?” Enter your address in simple format such as 1234 Main Street, Merrill. A new window will open with the name, phone number, and email address of your State Senator and State Assembly Representative. PLEASE contact both of their offices and utilize the suggested script below to relay over the phone or type into an email and send along.

If you do not have access to a computer or prefer not to use the website directions above, you may call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472 and you will be provided with the contact info for your legislators.

SUGGESTED SCRIPT “Hello, my name is __________, and I am a constituent of yours - (they will likely ask for your address to confirm this). I am a Veteran and member of the VFW/family member of a Veteran/friend of a Veteran, and I am calling to ask for the legislator’s support of SB 243/AB 245. Our state’s most severely injured Veterans are in desperate relief of the financial burden placed upon their fixed income by ever-increasing property taxes.

Many are unable to purchase a home to raise their families in or are at risk of losing the home in which they did. As your constituent, I urge you to support this legislation.

The many Veterans across Wisconsin are watching and counting on the legislature to do the right thing.”

Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information. And thank you in advance for helping our legislative efforts in Wisconsin!

Greetings to all my Brothers and Sisters of the VFW Dept. Of Wisconsin, Phil Allen I hope that you are all doing well. As State Chaplain we have moved into winter be safe and stay warm.

During the 2018 baseball season, a Chicago Cubs coach wanted to give a baseball 262-586-5252 to a young boy sitting next to the dugout.

But when the coach tossed the ball towards chaplain@vfwwi.org him a man scooped it up instead. Video of the event went viral. News outlets and social media skewered this “Brute” of a man. Except viewers didn’t know the whole story. Earlier the man helped the young boy snag a foul ball, and they agreed to share any additional balls that came their way.

Unfortunately, it took 24 hours before the true story emerged. The mob had already done its damage – demonizing an innocent man.

Too often we think we have all the facts when we only have fragments. In our modern gotcha culture, with snippets of dramatic videos and inflamed tweets, it’s easy to condemn people without hearing the full story.

However, Scriptures warns us not to “spread false reports” (Exodus 23:1). We must do everything possible to confirm the truth before leveling accusations, making sure not to participate in lies. We should be cautious whenever a vigilant spirit takes hold, whenever passions ignite and waves of judgment swell. We want to safeguard ourselves from “following the crowd in doing wrong” (Exodus 23:2).

As followers of Jesus, may God help us not to spread falsehoods. May He provide what we need to exhibit wisdom and to make certain our words are actually true. In closing, I would like to add that we must be sure when we make accusations of people we know that we have all the facts, not just hearsay.

God Bless all of you and God Bless America!

Editor’s note: State Chaplain Phil Allen has submitted his resignation due to personal reasons. We wish him well and thank him for his prayerful, dedicated service since June of 2015.

VFW State Chaplain NOMINATIONS for the office of VFW State Chaplain will be accepted until Friday, 14 January, 2022.

All nominations must be sent to State Adjutant David C. Green by the deadline.

The Council of Administration will hold a special meeting after that date to elect a new State Chaplain.

Questions may be directed to State Commander Cory Geisler at cmd@vfwwi.org or 262-853-1811.

Current Membership Totals By District

Prior N/R Dist. Life New Reinstate Continuous Total Percentage

Year LM 1

2486 55

10

293

2844

3018

94.23%

21

2

3434 34

18

336

3822

4171

91.63%

19

3

750

5

3

110

868

964

90.04%

5

4

1416 11

3

154

1584

1696

93.39%

2

6

1812 14

2

191

2019

2131

94.74%

19

7

2255 15

4

230

2504

2769

90.42%

9

8

1917 12

6

238

2173

2412

90.09%

11

9

2642 21

23

174

2860

3012

94.95%

13

10

1491 21

2

224

1738

1957

88.80%

7

11

1733 17

10

150

1910

2057

92.85%

4

99

1288 40

9

156

1493

1707

87.46%

22

Totals 21224 245

90

2256

23815

25894

91.97%

132

Totals as of December 31, 2021 Legacy Life Members: 209

“World Series Membership Bracket” October 15 through November 30, 2021 1. The three runner-up Posts in each Division who increase their membership by a minimum of 5% will receive $100.

2. The top Post in each Division who increases their Post membership by a minimum of 5% will receive $250.

Congratulations to: Division 1 (201+ members): No winners Division 2 (101 - 200 members): Winners:

Post 6705 Post 721 Post 8834 Post 6856

Denmark, District 8 $250 Waukesha, District 2 $100 Hartford, District 6 $100 Milltown, District 10 $100

Division 3 (51 - 100 members): Winners: Post 8813 Post 7300

Post 6003 Post 9719

Peshtigo, District 8 Glidden, District 10 Oxford, District 7 Pulaski, District 8

$250 $100 $100 $100

Division 4 (10 - 50 members): Winners: Post 2273 Mellen, District 10 $250 Post 10533 Shullsburg, District 3 $100

Post 7037 Waubeka, District 6 $100

Post 3358 Slinger, District 6 $100

Now get ready for . . .

- AND -

“March Madness Membership Brackets” March 1 - 30 1. The top four Posts who renew the most unpaid members (whose membership has expired) will receive $100 for their Post budget.

2. For those Posts that have fewer than five unpaid members (whose membership has expired), the top two Posts to sign up their unpaid members will get $50 for their Post Budget.

3. For those Posts that have no unpaid members left, the top three Posts that recruit new members will receive $100 for their Post budget.

4. The two top Districts that have recruited new members or signed up their unpaid members will get $100 for their budget to give out Membership incentive awards.

Randy Strickland

State Membership Chairman 224-406-4946

randolphstrickland@ sbcglobal.net

(prospective voters) be ignored? We need to increase our numbers by recruiting new members, recovering lapsed members and ensuring our present membership pays their dues on time. Put effort in having more Annual Members convert to Life Membership and Life Members convert to Legacy Membership.

This assures our life as an organization.

We need to pay close attention to the younger generation of Veterans! Show them we are more than the dark, smoke-filled room of old Veterans sharing their war stories. We are a Veterans Service Organization that takes care of our own while volunteering in our local communities to help those less fortunate than ourselves. As an organization, our membership volunteers more than 9 million hours to community service projects annually, with volunteerism benefiting morale, education, the environment, health sciences and civic projects. Collecting food, clothes, even money to get out and assist other Veterans and their families, are important ways to show that we care. We want the new recruits to see that we are about doing good in our communities and prove once again that we are a relevant and a well-respected organization.

Ensure that we make contact with Student Veterans and the younger men and women leaving Military service and returning to our local workforce. Get out there and introduce them to our programs. Ensure that you provide examples of what we can do for them as well as what we have done for others in the past.

Educate yourselves about the grassroots efforts and legislative victories we have made and are making. Efforts we were very active in like the Forever G.I. Bill, and Veteran Healthcare. Be sure to include our efforts to improve Education, Employment, and Transition Assistance. These are but a few of the programs we are working on as an organization. They need to know that we are working for them and we need their help.

And don’t forget the Unmet Needs Program! The needs of our Veterans, service members and their families should never go unmet. This program provides financial aid grants of up to $1,500 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant. This is a grant, not a loan, no repayment is necessary. Along with education benefits and scholarships, this is one of my top picks for showing our recruits and new members what we are about. This one program is proof that “No One Does More for Veterans than the Veterans of Foreign Wars!”

TOP RECRUITER UPDATE

January 15 through February 15 1. The two runner-up Posts in each Division who sign up the most expired members will receive $100.

2. The top Post in each Division who signs up the most expired members will receive $250.

JAN./FEB. 2022

Greetings Comrades, Well, the Holidays are behind us and we find ourselves in the VFW Mid-year. The Mid-Winter Conference is just around the corner and with it comes the Red Carpet Awards.

Those Posts that have met the requirements listed in the 2021-2022 Commanders Program Book will receive recognition for their efforts.

The Red Carpet Award is a prestigious milestone, one which recognizes the dedication and efforts of the Post. Remember, no more than 4 Posts with the highest percentage (above the minimum) and required new members in their respective Divisions will be the winners. All Red Carpet Post winners attending the 2022 Mid-Winter Conference will be entered into a drawing with the winner receiving a $1,500 stipend for both the Post Commander and Post Quartermaster to attend the 2022 Legislative Conference in D.C. Fast approaching behind this milestone is yet another, the recognition for All-State Posts. Remember, the applications are due by 1 May 2022. Pages 17 through 20 of the 2021 Commanders Program Book list the requirements for consideration as All-State Post Commanders and Quartermasters. Study it closely and fill out your application and provide your documentation accordingly.

Pages 21 and 22 of the 2021 Commanders Program Book list the requirements for consideration as All-State District Commanders and Quartermasters. Again, study closely the requirements for the application and it must be in by 1 May 2022 as well.

A Post or District that meets the All-State Requirements by 30 April 2022 will receive their recognition at the State Convention 7-11 June 2022. But keep in mind, a Post or District that has all their reports completed and turned in by May 1, but does not meet the membership requirement, has until June 30 to meet the membership requirements listed for All-State in the 2021 Commanders Program Book. The Post or District All-State earned after April 30 and before June 30, will have their awards presented at the Post or District’s first meeting after awards are received, or if requested at next Mid-Winter Conference.

These are very important awards to strive for, accomplishing them means that the Posts and Districts are all about completing the business of the VFW. The meeting of Membership requirements is tantamount to keeping our organization alive and well. If there is one piece of VFW business that is the most important, then this is it.

Membership means a powerful voice when our Senior State and National representatives attend the annual Legislative Conference in D.C. When our National Commander speaks to the assembled Legislative body, he or she will have the power of our membership voices backing them. The same holds true of the State Legislative Committee as they speak to our Senators and Representatives. Our membership is our power and strength. How can the voices of approximately 26,000 members

“Super Bowl Membership Bracket”

Same Divisions apply – Go get ‘em!

Page 5

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

MEMBERSHIP

through December 31, 2021 RECRUITER

POST

DISTRICT

# RECRUITED

Phillip D. Allen David M. Cline Dewitt H. Woodworth Gregory S. Veldhouse David A. Zien Jeffrey C. Kataoka Kenneth R. Hemenway William Imsland David G. Green Adam S. Wallace Dominic J. Anderson James A. Cairo Cory L. Geisler Dale J. Kerkman Phil J. Tojek Gundel M. E. Metz Donald G. Hartman Donald J. Lynch Joel J. Sinclair Richard J. Verheyen

7308 10818 1530 10818 305 3143 9156 1879 10818 7591 2267 11038 721 7924 10441 1318 9511 6498 2037 6705

1 9 11 9 9 10 6 2 9 2 3 1 2 1 1 2 2 4 8 8

17 13 9 8 7 7 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Plus 20 Recruiters with 3 recruits each; 32 Recruiters with 2 recruits each; 92 Recruiters with 1 recruit each and 129 recruits with no specified Recruiter. Total recruited: 471. Keep it up!

Page 6

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

WISCONSIN VFW CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION STATE CONVENTION 2022 June 7-11 Potawatomi in Milwaukee

PLEASE JOIN US! The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Wisconsin, marked the completion of 100 years of service to Veterans, Military and their families on June 6, 2021. Our organization was not able to celebrate the Centennial at the State Convention in 2021, due to the ongoing consequences of the pandemic. So we’re planning a very special, week-long celebration June 6 – 11, 2022, at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee. In addition to our regular Convention business, there will be lots of wonderful events to celebrate our first Century of Service. Please see the Tentative Agenda elsewhere on this page.

Potawatomi Hotel information may be found in the Planning Calendar on Page 3 of this paper. Additional registration forms and information

are forthcoming in the next two issues of the WI VFW NEWS. You are encouraged to make your hotel reservation as soon as possible.

A number of generous Centennial Celebration Sponsors are already on board to help us celebrate in style. They are also noted elsewhere on this page. Many sponsorship opportunities remain, for both businesses and individuals, as well as Posts and other organizations.

Please visit our state website – vfwwi.org – if you would like to be included as a sponsor.

We’re looking forward to a terrific State Convention and Centennial Celebration in June, and it won’t be the same without you!

Mark your calendar, reserve your room and watch for more registration info in the weeks ahead!

Tentative Schedule (Subject to Change)

2022 VFW and Auxiliary Conventions Potawatomi Hotel and Casino Milwaukee, Wisconsin Monday, June 6: • Golf Outing, New Berlin Hills Golf Course - fundraiser and fun. Charlie Berens of the Manitowoc Minute will attend and make certain that this is a fun event!

• • • •

Celebration Agenda

https://vfwwi.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp? pid=106462

1920s Gala Tickets

https://vfwwi100thstateconvention1920s gala.eventbrite.com

Tuesday, June 7: Committee Meetings Council of Administration Meetings Brewery Tour (Shuttles provided) Annual Joint Memorial Service

Wednesday, June 8: • Convention Opening • Joint Awards Program and Patriotic Rally with Entertainment • • • • •

Thursday, June 9: Conventions reconvene Past Commanders and Auxiliary Dutch Treat Luncheons Milwaukee War Memorial Tour OIF/OEF Symposium – Guest speaker: Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Travis Mills Special Event: 1920s Gala featuring Jazz Band “Ladies Must Swing” - Guest speaker Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Travis Mills

Friday, June 10: • Conventions reconvene – Guest Speaker: Major General (Ret.) John Borling, along with recognition of Wisconsin’s Hmong Lao Veterans • Past State Commanders Luncheon • Convention Banquet with All-State Awards and Entertainment Saturday, June 11: • Conventions reconvene – 2022-2023 Elections and Installation • New Commander and President Meetings and informal reception

Our Centennial Celebration Sponsors (as of December 31, 2021) Medal of Honor Sponsor Humana Keynote Speaker Sponsors Staff SergeantTravis Mills - ABC Supply Major General Borling - Anonymous Silver Star Medal Sponsors ($10,000) Patriotic Rally, 1920s Gala, All-State Awards Banquet

Weathersealed Wisconsin Bronze Star Medal Sponsors ($5,000) Green Bay Packers Give Back Purple Heart Medal Sponsors ($1,000) Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. ($1,500) Ambrosia Events, Milwaukee PSC Jason E. Johns (WIA 26 Oct 2003) D1 Cdr. Jason Dean (WIA 1 Aug 2006)

National Defense Medal Sponsors ($500) VFW Post 1621, Janesville Craig Culver, Sauk City Church Mutual Insurance, Merrill Jack & Karen Kellner, Cedarburg Achievement Medal Sponsors ($100-$499) QM Thomas Heath, Janesville Float Milwaukee Original Wisconsin Ducks

Dells Boat Tours VFW Post 1638, Merrill ($250) Stress Management & Mental Health Clinics, West Allis PSC Michael Furgal, Monroe JA Adam Wallace, Stoughton Julie Bogle, Sun Prairie ($200) David Crapp, Sun Prairie Heins Contracting, Madison Craig Butler, Madison ($250)

Centennial Celebration Sponsorship Opportunities A variety of Sponsorship levels are available to businesses, individuals, organizations, Posts, etc. A brief description of each level is noted below. Please visit vfwwi.org for the complete details on each level and how you can become a Sponsor.

Questions may be directed to State Adjutant David C. Green at 608-221-5276 or adj@vfwwi.org.

Silver Star Medal Sponsorship ($10,000) (2 available) Patriotic Rally, 1920s Gala, All-State Banquet sponsor • Introduction at sponsored Banquet with speaking role and Video greeting • Reserved table in premier venue location for (4) Banquet guests • Recognition on all WI VFW Social Media Platforms leading up to the event • Multiple ad and banner recognitions

• Convention Exhibit Table (2 X 8) • One foursome at the VFW Golf Outing • Etc. Bronze Star Medal Sponsorship ($5,000) (4 available) • Recognition on all WI VFW Social Media Platforms leading up to the event • 1⁄4 page ad in the Convention Program Book and VFW NEWS • Convention Exhibit Table (1 X 8) • Etc. Purple Heart Medal Sponsorship ($1,000) • Recognition on all WI VFW Social Media Platforms leading up to the event

• 1/8 page ad in the Convention Program Book and VFW NEWS • 1/8 page ad in our award-winning VFW NEWS editions prior to Convention • Etc. National Defense Medal Sponsorship ($500) • Recognition on all WI VFW Social Media Platforms leading up to the event • 1/16 page ad in the Convention Program Book and VFW NEWS • Etc. Achievement Medal Sponsorship ($100-$499) • Recognition on all WI VFW Social Media Platforms leading up to the event • Group list in the Convention Program Book and VFW NEWS

Page 7

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

TAPS

JAN./FEB. 2022

TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS

Please note that while every effort is made to provide accurate and timely information, this listing reflects names as of the most recent reporting to National Headquarters and their subsequent adjustment of the overall membership list. It does not necessarily reflect the year of the Comrade’s passing.

Post 388 388 659 664 664 721 1038 1039 1318 1318 1391 1393 1393 1530 1530 1530 1621 1621 1879 1879 2112 2112 2113 2119 2306 2344 2344 2373 2653 2723 2723

Name City Wilbur Schuster Wausau John Wadinski Schofield Richard Sell Manitowoc Darwin Higgins Clintonville David Lorge Clintonville James Szarek Paris, MO Donald Burghardt Chippewa Falls Lawrence Halvorson Menomonie Richard Burwitz Madison Theodore Slauson Citrus Heights, CA Harry Burlingame Racine Wallace Daggett Kewaskum Allen Schaefer Allenton Louis Ferris La Crosse Victor Snider Onalaska Alan Woodworth Tomah Glenn Anderson Rhinelander Frank Monestero Fort Atkinson Elmer Redford Fort Atkinson Douglas Strasburg Fort Atkinson Donleigh Gaunky Sparta Rex Slayton Sparta Stan Rupiper Lincoln, CA Melvin Trever Mountain Albert Stuessy Beloit Bernard Kirschbaum Lancaster Cletus Sisley Lancaster Donald Ketchpaw East Troy John Csuy Antigo L. John Fisken Lake Havasu City, AZ Junior Jahnke Shawano

Post 2823 2823 2823 2925 2925 3032 3088 3153 3153 3153 3319 3319 3319 3434 3709 3709 5158 5270 5373 5387 5470 5470 5470 5470 5470 5470 5470 5470 5612 5729 5778

Name City Norris Berry Burlington Bernard Gilding Elkhorn Benny Maze Bradenton, FL Stan Parafiniuk Neshkoro Mike Stoddard Redgranite Earl Bay Viroqua Jerome Cote Sturgeon Bay Merlin Ecker Chilton Charles Lisowe Chilton Cyril Schmitz Chilton Robert Kobs Kaukauna Richard Powers Appleton Clayton Vanden Broek Hyattsville, MD Leroy Judd Loganville Roy Eisfeldt Watertown William Welch Murrieta, CA James Heinzelman Waukesha Wayne Kitzman Dousman Donald Haseley Port Washington Lawrence Abbott Warrens Jess Deegan Beloit Brian Johnston Elkhorn Carl Kienbaum Whitewater Robert Kurtzweil New Berlin Arthur Meisner Whitewater Harry Smith Lake Mills James Stewart Whitewater Albin Sweet Whitewater Robert Shealy Plymouth Donald Mueller Medford Lorry Hanish Phillips

Post 5778 5828 5828 6498 6498 6498 6550 6550 6707 6707 7232 7485 7591 7692 7692 7692 7692 7929 8021 8318 8318 8338 8342 8478 8482 8483 8483 8483 8483 8483 8483

Name City Edwin Simpson Phillips Harold Green Clear Lake Edward Greschner Clear Lake Joseph Kolgat Milwaukee Gilbert Shilts Saint Francis Arthur Timm Plymouth Robert Berger Mondovi Orvin Knudtson Eau Claire Dale Borgen Plymouth Donald Schneider Chilton Donald Weber Eau Claire Richard Ott Milwaukee Wayne Pickarts Madison Duwayne Gilchrist Kaukauna James Meulemans Freedom John Rickert Beaufort, SC John Wisneski Seymour Donald Martinson Haslet, TX Marvin Lee Westby Donald Harrison Cuba City James Kittoe Mesquite, NV Alan Wallace Barron David Nowinski Hatley Gerhardt Gerike Augusta Russell Mutza Oak Creek Larry Camren Madison Bud DeBower Cottage Grove Royce Ferguson Prairie du Chien Michael Hilderbrand Roseville, CA Donald Kettinger Cottage Grove Donald Lewis Port Isabel, TX

Post 8483 8483 8483 8483 8483 8483 8584 9156 9403 9677 9719 10173 10244 10262 10262 10272 10301 10394 10433 10519 10519 10544 10544 10625 10818 10818 15051 15051 15051 15051

Name City Michael Lins DeForest Richard Quinlan Warrens Robert Schaller Madison Scott Schuerman Minneapolis, MN Charles Skooglun Black Earth Gregory Virnig Sun Prairie Vernon Haugen Norwalk James Gilligan Sheboygan Duane Reich Fort Atkinson Robert Ledvina Green Bay James Egnarski Pulaski Hugh Dahl Delavan Omer Vander Bloomen Green Bay William Jajewski Stevens Point Robert Kitto Stevens Point Vitte Yusas Madison Roger Keeran Racine Gary Koceja Jefferson Willie Williams Milwaukee Ralph Augustino Greenfield Robert Kennedy Greenfield Lester Haack Appleton Gerald Kamps Combined Locks Ronald Denninger Minong Dale Nelson Baldwin Harry Nelson Star Prairie Dennis Fredrickson Junction City John Jones Wautoma Marvin Skaugh Blair Robert Youngblood Racine

Deadline for the March issue is February 18.

Farewell to Comrade Al Malewiski

Diann Y. Mayer 1946-2021

RIP Diann Mayer Diann Y. Mayer (nee Zirnhelt), 75, passed away on October 21, 2021. A native of Milwaukee and graduate of Custer High School, she retired from Peerless Gear after many years of service. Diann was most often seen at the many Department events and parades involving our Wisconsin State Honor Guard, which her late husband Mathias “Matt” Mayer, Jr. commanded for nearly 30 years. Matt predeceased her in March of 2016.

Life Members of Gross-Yaksh VFW and Auxiliary 6498 in Milwaukee, both Matt and Diann were also active members of the Department Convention Committee, with Diann continuing to serve after Matt’s death.

Diann is survived by her stepdaughter Debbie (Rick) Zirnhelt, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, along with three siblings and other relatives. And of course, her VFW, Auxiliary and Honor Guard “family”. Per her request, there was no public service. Harder Funeral Home of Brookfield assisted her family with their private goodbyes.

Richard Meyer photo, Convention of 2016.

Alan J. “Al” Malewiski, 74, of Denmark, passed away on December 12, 2021. Visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial took place on December 16 at All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark, with full military honors and burial following at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Pine Grove. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care assisted the family.

A 1965 graduate of Denmark High School, Alan was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1966, deploying to Vietnam in 1967 with the 87th Combat Engineers and 199th Light Infantry Brigade. He worked at Green Bay Packaging for over 40 years, retiring early due to disabilities.

A Gold Legacy Life Member of Denmark Community VFW Post 6705, Al served as Post Commander for 20 years, earning All-State honors in 2017. He also served as Brown County Council Commander and District 8 Commander and was appointed a National Aide-de-Camp. His many other

activities included Denmark American Legion Post 363; President of the War Memorial Park Board; and Groundskeeper at Holy Trinity Church and St. Mary’s Church.

Al is missed and cherished by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Kiley) Malewiski; four children, three grandchildren; two godchildren and three siblings; as well as a large extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. And of course his VFW and Auxiliary comrades and family. He was predeceased by his parents, his son James, his in-laws and a brother-in-law.

Al’s legacy of service is best summed up by his comrade Bruce Sorensen of VFW Post 7534: “The VFW, Denmark VFW Post 6705, VFW District 8, and the Brown County VFW Council will miss Alan, who led his Post to achieve All-State White Hat status. He was active at all levels and was a good role model and mentor for all who

Alan J. Malewiski 1947-2021 experienced his leadership qualities. Alan was a friend to all Veterans.”

Rest in peace, soldier. Thank you for your service, kindness and friendship.

Richard Meyer photo, Convention of 2017.

Denmark Mourns Ginny Nelsen

Ginny Nelsen Crocheter Extraordinaire

Over the years, Ginny Nelsen of Denmark was single-handedly responsible for crocheting hundreds of lap blankets for patients at Unity Hospice in De Pere. Many were red, white and blue for the many Veterans served by Unity and all were handcrafted with multiple skeins of yarn – and much love and caring. Denmark VFW Post 6705 made sure that Ginny’s tremendous output was donated regularly to Unity Hospice as well as other organizations.

Sadly, Ginny passed away quite unexpectedly on October 2, 2021. Her husband Terry Nelsen made sure that her last 42 blankets were available for Post 6705 to donate to Unity Hospice this past Veterans Day 2021.

What an amazing legacy: knowing that your handiwork brought some peace and comfort to so many in their last days. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Photo and info submitted by Post 6705 Commander Richard “Sarge” Verheyen.

Page 8

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022 Happy New Year to all, By now the trees are down, the decorations are put away and the resolutions are forgotten. For many of us, life is good. But we must remember that that is not true for all. The Holidays are a time for giving, but we can’t stop now. We need to help our homeless, especially the Veterans.

I have been traveling around the state visiting many Auxiliaries. It is so interesting to see what they do for Veterans and their communities. So many great things are happening. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. At the end of January I will be traveling to Melbourne, Florida for the National Mid-Winter Conference. Upon arriving home, I will go right to our own Mid-Winter Conference at Ho-Chunk in Baraboo. I hope to see many of you there. We will be kicking off our second joint project for the year. It will be the first time this has happened. We met our goal for the van, and the Auxiliary won.

BUDDY POPPY/ NATIONAL HOME UPDATE

Inez Semingson Department President

715-695-3119 inez@tcc.coop

Now the VFW wants revenge and we are up to it. So be generous, we can do it again.

Your year-end reports will be mailed this month, so be thinking about what you did during the year. I will continue to visit Auxiliaries, so if you would like me to visit yours, just let me know. I hope you all have a safe and warm winter. God bless our troops, and God Bless America. “Don’t FUDGE on Care for Veterans.”

Happy New Year everyone! Although the Sherrie past couple of years have been pretty uncerRosenau tain with all the COVID scares and such, here’s to hoping 2022 is a much better year! Jr. Vice President/ I am very excited to see many of you at Membership the 2022 Mid-Winter Conference on FebChairman ruary 4-5 at Ho-Chunk Casino in Baraboo.

920-251-8888 This is where I will be handing out the first awards for the membership program. All littlemama6@ of you have been amazing! We have met yahoo.com our first and second quarter goals and are working on the third quarter goals. Our Gain Goal for each quarter is 64 additional members. Our Retention Goals are 50% by the first quarter, 75% for the second quarter, and 90% for the third quarter.

At the November Council of Administration meeting (which I lovingly refer to as the Fall Festival of Fudge), every District was over 80% membership so each District President received their apron, their first fudge ingredient (their flavored chips), and their “franchise flavor”. At the Mid-Winter Conference, every District who reaches 90% will get their second ingredient and the recipe for our Fast & Foolproof Frosting Fudge.

It was decided that at the Department Convention in June, we will have a raffle with all the fudge that the District Presidents make and all monies will be donated to President Inez’s new special project, “Let’s Bring Them Home.”

Here are the current membership standings by District as of December 31, 2021: District

Life New Rejoin Continuous Percentage

AUXILIARY Laura Coffin

The trip to The National Home was a Buddy® Poppy / success again! Hopefully we can get more National Home people to go next year. Wouldn’t it be great to take two buses full instead of one?

Chairman I know that you donate to the National 608-269-7930 Home for Health and Happiness and make laurie2bk@gmail.com other donations throughout the year, but won’t you please donate one more time for this program year and help them get a truck for their snowplow? `Your Post and Auxiliary could make a difference. Thank you in advance.

Now, on to the “Buddy” ® Poppy Mid-Winter contest. The theme for this year is a Valentine Display. Please use at least one original Poppy in your display and try to use one or both of the National and State Presidents’ themes if you can. I hope to see a lot of displays made by Post and Auxiliary members. When the display is dropped off in the designated area at the Conference, please make sure a completed form (available below or at Mid-Winter) is completed and placed UNDER the display. Here are the rules and details: VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AUXILIARY 2022 MID-WINTER “BUDDY” ® POPPY CONTEST Theme: VALENTINE TABLE DISPLAY - Make it something that you would like to put on your table at home or a table at your Post.

DESIGN: Make a display that represents your interpretation of one or both of the current Presidents’ themes and is a tribute to our Veterans.

JUDGING: Judging will be accomplished by three Auxiliary members picked at random and also each person viewing the displays at the Mid-Winter Conference. Certificates will be given to each Post/Auxiliary for participation.

AWARDS: 1st Place — $25

2nd Place — $15

3rd Place — $10 REQUIREMENTS AND RULES: 1. One “Buddy” ® Poppy Must be used in the original form with red color and a label attached.

2. All VFW Posts and Auxiliary members can enter this contest.

3. Please remember this display must represent our Veterans and also one or both of the Presidents’ themes.

4. Have fun!

2022 Mid-Winter “Buddy” ®Poppy Contest Entry Form Post/Auxiliary Name _______________________________________ # _____________ City __________________________________________________ District # _________ Title/Description _________________________________________________________

Need for 100%

_______________________________________________________________________

At-Large*

1127

0

0

87

108.21%

(97)

Person responsible for display ______________________________________________

10

497

18

1

238

102.59%

(19)

2

973

15

0

261

99.52%

6

Total number of Poppies used: _________________ Please put this form under the Display so it is not visible for judging! Good luck to all.

8

557

6

7

349

98.08%

18

7

826

15

2

445

97.13%

38

9

546

7

0

170

96.02%

30

11

342

1

0

156

93.45%

35

Non-District

73

2

0

48

92.48%

10

6

375

4

0

150

91.05%

52

1

370

10

2

238

90.25%

67

4**

213

17

0

79

71.36%

124

Total WI

5963

95

12

2221

96.91%

264

* Includes some members transferred from recent closure of Aux. 6498 in District 4. ** Includes new Aux. 8482 but previous total is decreased by recent closure of Aux. 6498.

The awards that will be handed out for the Membership program at Mid-Winter are as follows:

Auxiliaries: 80% by September 30, 2021 90% by November 30, 2021 100% by December 31, 2021

Districts: District 95% by December 31, 2021

10 – $10 awards 10 – $15 awards 4 – $75 awards 1 – $25 award

Please come and cheer on your Auxiliaries and District. You have all been working so hard and it’s time to have some fun and be rewarded for all your hard work! Keep it up! Together we can do anything!!!

Upcoming Patriotic Observances February 1

National Freedom Day

February 4

Four Chaplains Day

February 12

Lincoln’s Birthday

February 21

President’s Day (George Washington’s Birthday observed)

February 22

Washington’s Birthday

March 1

Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day

LET’S BRAG ABOUT OUR ACHIEVEMENTS! You have now wrapped up the second quarter of our 2021-2022 Auxiliary year, and I know that you have all been working hard on your projects and programs. Don’t forget to brag about them! Tell me about them.

Thank you to all Auxiliary Presidents that sent in their First Quarter Achievement Report before October 31. Sending in the Quarterly Report gives you the opportunity to gain extra points toward your year-end goal. If you didn’t get the first report in to me, you can still earn extra points by sending in the Second and Third Quarter reports when requested. The Second Quarter report form was in the November mailing or you can find it on the Wisconsin VFW Auxiliary website (wivfwaux.org) under General Orders-Other Bulletins-November 2021.

If you are confident in your Achievement points and you are not interested in sending in O Only you can make your Auxiliary successful.

H Helping Veterans is what we do. Everything you do matters.

Faith Elford

SVP/ Achievement Awards Chairman 920-568-9278

faelford@outlook.com

the reports quarterly, you can still just send in the one full report by May 15, 2022. You can pull up a fillable form on the Wisconsin VFW Auxiliary website noted above. District Presidents: please note that your annual Achievement Report is also available on the Forms page on the WI VFW Auxiliary website.

Keep building your achievements and “Don’t Fudge on care for our Veterans” as we are “Soaring Above and Beyond!”

Victoria Newbauer

Chief-of-Staff/ Mentoring for Leadership Chairman

F Find your purpose. How can you keep your Auxiliary ALIVE?!

U Understand the value of the oath of obli715-453-1926 gation we took when we became memvnewbauer1950@ bers of the VFW Auxiliary. Unwavering gmail.com Support For Uncommon Heroes.

D “Don’t Fudge on Care for Veterans” G Give your best! Give a gift of affection. Give a gift of laughter. Give a gift of caring.

E Every one of us has gained from serving together for our Veterans, youth, communities, and each other - lifelong friendships; personal fulfillment; pride in knowing that we have changed the lives of others so that we can live in peace and freedom – are what define us as the greatest organization ever! ! “ALL THE WAY TOGETHER”!

AUXILIARY

DRAPING OF THE CHARTER Aux. 328 388 388 388 388 721 721 1691 1865 1915 1916 2267 2267 2653 2778 2977 3032 3392

Name City Pearl Johnson* Stoughton, WI Ruth Josiger Wausau, WI Imogene Niewolny* Wausau, WI Lisa Wadzinski* Wausau, WI Cheryl Bertsch Wausau, WI Donna R. Trevorrow* New Berlin, WI Bernice Knauer* Waukesha, WI Rochelle Kemnitz* Greendale, WI Lucille Herde* Kenosha, WI Gertrude Zimmerman La Crosse, WI Mary R. Ison* Reedsburg, WI Norma Waldsmith Richland Center, WI Doris Rabine Richland Center, WI Arlene Paff Neenah, WI Barbara Jean McCrory* King, WI Yvonne Panetti Sheldon, WI Lorraine Olson Viroqua, WI Patricia C. Perron* Kewaunee, WI

*DENOTES LIFE MEMBER NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS – LAST CALL!

Two of our VFW Auxiliary National Scholarships have student entry deadlines coming up in the first quarter of 2022: Continuing Education Scholarship The VFW Auxiliary is pleased to present the Continuing Education Scholarship to assist members and their immediate family members who wish to further their education. The deadline for this scholarship is February 15, 2022. Information and applications can be found on the National Auxiliary website: vfwauxiliary.org/ scholarships/continuing-education/.

Qualifying member must have been a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) year by the application submission deadline.

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest The VFW Auxiliary’s annual Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest deadline will be here before we know it. Local students in grades 9-12 can compete for $33,000 in National scholarships as well as scholarships at the state and local levels. Let’s get the word

Aux. Name City 5729 Shirley Weiland Anderson* Gardnerville, NV 5778 Betty Kozak Brantwood, WI 5828 Charlotte Fouks* Amery, WI 5970 Lucille J. Ryczek Mauston, WI 6007 Elizabeth Rumpel Ripon, WI 6498 Diann Y. Mayer* West Bend, WI 6823 Erika Lemerande Laona, WI 7221 Jerome Meeth* Mukwonago, WI 7232 Betty Duerkop* Eau Claire, WI 7534 Marion Calewarts* Green Bay, WI 7591 Alice M. Bruner* Madison, WI 7929 Colleen E. Moravec* Clear Lake, WI 8733 Ann M. Hardie* Mosinee, WI 9469 Jean G. Druminski-Joerres* S. Milwaukee, WI 10519 Virginia Roche Orlowski* Milwaukee, WI 15051 Karen M. Lloyd* Shell Lake, WI 15051 Dorothy Meyer* Platteville, WI 15051 Ada Osterholz Platteville, WI

Cheryl Woodards

National Scholarship Chairman

Page 9

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022

Making Spirits Bright at Tomah VA

Thanks to Dickman-Spaeth VFW Auxiliary in Cashton and the Department of Wisconsin VFW Auxiliary, Christmas was a bit happier for 20 women Veterans at the Tomah VA Medical Center. Recreation Therapist Haley Sidie (left) received the donations from Dept. VAVS Rep. Rita Byers, PDP (center) and Deputy Cindy Gluch. Thank you to all who continue to donate to Hospital Projects – it’s been difficult not to interact with our hospitalized Veterans, but wonderful to let them know we remember and care for them.

Photo courtesy of Rita Byers.

Rita’s ‘Sleigh’ Knows the Way

608-223-1137

cherylwoodards8797 @gmail.com

out now to your local schools.

Student entries must be submitted to their local VFW Auxiliary by March 31, 2022. Remember, the entry must have been completed during the current 20212022 school year and the application must include a teacher or supervising adult’s signature. To download an application, visit vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships.

If your Auxiliary has not provided support this year for National Scholarships, I encourage you to do so soon. The Department needs funds to support the Patriotic Art Contest at the State Level. Also, I am looking for volunteers to help judge the entries that come in, so if you know of someone who might be willing to assist let me know.

Welcome Auxiliary 8482!

The first President to Auxiliary 8482 in Oak Creek, Sam Preiser (center), is welcomed by Dept.

President Inez Semingson (left) and District 4 President Nancy Ustruck (right).

Thank goodness for roomy SUVs to hold all the gifts – easier than a sleigh too!

Photo courtesy of Rita Byers.

Gingerbread House 2021 When “Grandma Rita” isn’t busy with her VAVS duties (and maybe one or two other things?), she is Chief Assistant to granddaughter Elena for the construction of the annual Gingerbread House.

Nice job Elena!

Photo courtesy of Rita Byers.

The second new Auxiliary in the Department this year was Instituted in Oak Creek, in District 4. Department Treasurer Lenore Otto served as Installing Officer and a number of the other Department Officers and Chairman were on hand for the mid-November ceremony. The Auxiliary was also welcomed by Officers and members of Meyer-Dziedzic VFW Post 8482. Welcome to the Department of Wisconsin – we wish you many years of service to our Veterans and your community!

Photos courtesy of Dept. Historian Nicole David.

Page 10 JAN./FEB. 2022

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

A look at the reverse side of the monument as workers installed the tribute in early November.

MEMORIALS

Workers guide the monument to its base during the installation.

Post 9424 Remembers MOH Recipient Truman Olson Deerfield-Cambridge Memorial VFW Post 9424 has added another tribute to the Veterans Memorial located in nearby London, Wisconsin, just east of Deerfield, in District 2. The newest stone honors Medal of Honor Recipient Truman O. Olson, KIA January 31, 1944. A native of Christiana, just south of the Deerfield-Cambridge area, the U.S. Army Sergeant received the U.S. military’s highest decoration posthumously, for his actions in the Battle of Cisterna di Littoria, part of the Battle of Anzio.

The Battle of Anzio took place from January 22, 1944 (beginning with the amphibious Allied landing known as Operation Shingle) to June 5, 1944 (ending with the capture

of Rome). Allied casualties and losses ultimately totaled 43,000 with 7,000 killed and 36,000 wounded or missing. The Axis count totaled 40,000 with 5,000 killed, 30,500 wounded or missing and 4,500 taken prisoner.

Just 26 at his death, Sgt. Olson is buried in West Koshkonong Lutheran Cemetery in Stoughton.

Thank you Post 9424 and the many donors of money, goods and services who made this excellent tribute happen. A job well done so that we will never forget.

Thanks to Post 9424 Quartermaster Arvid Bakken for the info and special thanks to McKenna Massey, Adams Publishing Group (Cambridge News & Deerfield Independent) for your photos and assistance.

An unidentified representative of VFW Post 9424 places a wreath as a tribute to Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. Truman Olson during the dedication in mid-November.

Pittsville Memorial Honors Area Bataan Death March Survivors Sometimes just one simple event or act of kindness can provide the impetus for one large project, resulting in a beautiful, lasting outcome. Such is the case with the Bataan Death March Memorial recently built in Pittsville.

[Fact: In 1952, then-Governor Walter J. Kohler, Jr. (yes, those Kohlers), declared Pittsville to be the Geographical Center of the State of Wisconsin.]

But we digress. In 2019, employees of the Associated Bank Branch in Pittsville won a $1,000 prize with their First Place Lobby Display recognizing Veterans.

Another $340 in donations was added and the employees donated the funds to the Pittsville American Legion Post 153 and Pittsville Memorial VFW Post 7131, designating them for use to remember Veterans. Much discussion ensued, but it was decided that there was no better monument to build than one to honor four area Wood County Veterans who survived the horrific Bataan Death March. And the fundraising began in earnest.

Remembered as one of the most gruesome events of World War II, the March followed the Battle of Bataan in the Philippines in April 1942, when the Imperial Japanese Army conducted the forcible transfer of 60,000 – 80,000 American and Filipino Prisoners of War over a distance of 60-70 miles, marching until they died or reached Camp O’Donnell.

Estimates vary, but it is believed only 54,000 made it to their destination.

ABOVE: A crew of Pittsville Veterans work on the installation of the Bataan Death March Memorial sign, which was designed and constructed by a Shop Technology Class at Pittsville High School. Workers included Daniel Scheunemann, Art Potts, Ron Kremer, David Hahn, Mike O’Neill and John Weis. AT RIGHT: The completed Pittsville memorial dedicated to honor four area survivors of the Bataan Death March.

Located on State Hwy. 80, on the south end of Pittsville, the Memorial was dedicated on Veterans Day 2021 to Survivors Floyd Dotter (Pittsville); Elmer Blonien (Rudolph); Clint Guelzow (Wisconsin Rapids) and Peter Karaliunas (Blenker). Family members of all four were present for the

dedication. Keynote speaker was USMC Sgt. Kevin Hermening, Mosinee, one of 52 hostages held captive for 444 days during the Iranian Crisis in 1979-1981.

Be sure to visit the Bataan Death March Memorial on your next travels through central Wisconsin, and while you’re there, check out

also the Pittsville Veterans Memorial in St. Joachim’s Cemetery on the northern end of Hwy. 80, just south of Hwy. 73. Built by WWII Veteran Donald Hahn, the Memorial includes several large etched marble monuments, Service flags and more. Another beautiful tribute to Veterans of all conflicts.

Thank you to Veteran Marvin Kohlbeck and grandson Jacob Kohlbeck of Pittsville for photos and info, and for your service Marv! And thank you to those generous Associated Bank employees and all others who donated money, goods and services to make this lasting tribute a reality. Well done!

Page 11

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

HONORING OUR HEROES

JAN./FEB. 2022

A U.S. Navy Honor Guard fires a three-volley salute to MM First Class Harold F. Carney during his November 6, 2021 funeral in Benton.

District 3 Honors Harold F. Carney Nearly 80 years after losing his life on the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, U.S. Navy Machinist’s Mate (MM) First Class Harold F. Carney was laid to rest near his parents and one of his eight siblings in Benton, Wisconsin. He is survived by nieces and nephews residing in six states, many of whom attended the service. Carney was awarded

the Purple Heart posthumously.

Harold Carney’s long journey home again showcases the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) which has spent years exhuming the unidentified remains of those killed at Pearl Harbor, many of whom were interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (the Punchbowl) in Honolulu until 2015. Announcement of

Carney’s positive identification through DNA analysis came in August of 2021.

In all, DPAA and its historical predecessors have positively identified 396 USS Oklahoma Sailors and Marines, out of 429 who went down with the ship.

Group remains of another 33 crew members who could not be individually identified, were buried at the Punchbowl on December

Chaplain Terry W. Eddinger, (left), U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Matters pauses with Past District 3 Commander John Walker before the service at St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery in Benton.

MM First Class Harold F. Carney 1918 – 1941

7, 2021. The six-year project to identify USS Oklahoma victims has now been completed, but efforts to identify those lost on the

USS California and the USS West Virginia continue. Thank you to John Walker, Charla Walker and Eugene Uehling for the photos.

VFW of Wisconsin District 3 was very well-represented at the Harold F. Carney burial, along with other area Veterans; Veteran Riders groups; Law Enforcement and citizens of all ages from Benton and the surrounding area.

Post 8482 Honors WWII Hero Cisek With only one day’s notice, Meyer-Dziedzic VFW Post 8482 in Oak Creek was able to muster an Honor Guard to provide final tribute to World War II Polish Army Veteran Tadeusz “Ted” Cisek, 98, who died in early December. And they were honored to do so.

Born in eastern Poland in 1923, Cisek was only 17 when Russia invaded Poland and his family was shipped to a makeshift prison in Siberia, with young Tadeusz sentenced to death for lighting a fire to stay warm. His life was saved when Germany attacked the Soviet Union and the Soviets agreed to release the Poles in their camps to form an Army. Ted became a paratrooper of General Stanislaw Sosabowski’s Independent Brigade in 1942.

He survived Operation Market Garden, fought in September 1944 in the Netherlands and served in occupied Germany until 1947.

He then emigrated to America.

Following work at General Motors in Chicago, Ted bought a small farm in Milwaukee, where he and his wife Leokadia

World War II Polish Army Corporal Tadeusz “Ted” Cisek, then and now.

raised son Edward and daughter Elizabeth.

He remained a tireless volunteer in the Milwaukee Polish-American community, helping many young immigrants and Polish Army Veterans. He was a member of

The VFW Post 8482 Honor Guard awaits the start of the military honors for WWII Polish Army Cpl. Ted Cisek at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Milwaukee.

From left are: Ray Grabowski, Tom Reske, Stew Nagao, Derrick Paquette, George Rainer and Jeffery Preiser. the Polish Army Veterans Association of America and the Polish American Congress, among other organizations. Cisek is survived by his two children and their families, including four grandchildren, as

well as one niece and two nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, one sister, three brothers and his wife. Rest in piece soldier, and thank you for your service. Thank you to Alexander Kaleta for the photos and info.

Page 12 JAN./FEB. 2022

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

What Came First?

AROUND THE STATE

Post 9202 Supports Germantown Police

Germantown Memorial VFW Post 9202 has come up with another excellent use of the proceeds from their Annual Christmas Tree Sale. Recently, the Post donated $2,500 to the Germantown Police Department. The funds will allow the Department to lease another Flock Safety ALPR camera for use in another area in the Village of Germantown. The cameras are a valuable resource in identifying individuals or vehicles who may be involved in criminal activity.

Here with the donation are (from left): Post Member John Weber; Post QM John Schaetzel; Germantown Police Chief Mike Snow; Post Commander LeRoy L. Frey and Member Dale Schuldt.

Photo and info submitted by Post 9202 Quartermaster John Schaetzel.

Denmark Community VFW Post 6705 Commander Richard Verheyen (left) shows a student from All Saints Catholic School how to sort chicken eggs at Kellner’s Organic Farm, as part of the school’s field trip to learn more of where their food comes from. We like the beard Sarge!

Submitted by Post 6705 Commander Richard Verheyen.

More Happenings with Jackyl

Shoppers seeking gifts and goodies check out the 12 vendors offering many beautiful and unique items.

Auxiliary 388 Holds Annual Craft and Bake Sale Burns VFW Auxiliary 388 in Wausau held its annual Craft and Bake Sale in mid-November, an event that is always enjoyed by the community. A wide variety of crafts included jewelry, Christmas decorations, wood-crafts, knit, crocheted, and sewn

The VFW Department of Wisconsin and all Veterans continue to be supported by Jesse James Dupree and Jackyl. Here, a group gathered at Vandervest Harley-Davidson in Green Bay for a special Jesse James Spirits Bottle-Signing Event prior to a Jackyl concert.

From left are: Past District 8 Commander Pat Moran; State Commander Cory Geisler; Jesse James Dupree and current District 8 Commander Ken Corry. Cory is holding the KA-BAR knife that Jesse signed to be raffled at his concert.

Photo and info courtesy of State Commander Cory Geisler.

items, and much, much more. A well-stocked Baked Goods table and delicious soup and sandwich lunches rounded out the event for another successful year!

Photos and info submitted by Post 388 Newsletter Editor Curt Dahlke.

The Craft and Bake Sale had help from both the Auxiliary and the Post. From left are: Margarete Dahlke, Dee Dennis, Sara Pinsonneault, Mary Gelhar, Dan Southworth, Bernice VanDerLeest, Mary Jo Literski, Diann Lange, Tamara Sillars, and Marge Southworth.

AROUND THE STATE

Page 13

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022

Wisconsin Veterans Groups Meet with Governor A broad representation of Veterans Organizations met recently with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, to discuss one shared priority: caring for Wisconsin’s Veterans. From left are: Larry Hill, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Council on Veterans Programs; Nathan Gear, American Legion (AL); Al Labelle, DAV; Rock Larson, CVSO Association President; Greg Eirich, AL; Governor Evers; WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar; Cory Geisler, VFW State Commander; Richard Lindbeck, Vietnam Veterans of America; Natalie Isensee, Team Red, White & Blue; David Green, VFW State Adjutant; Elizabeth Benn, United Women Veterans; Quentin Hatfield, VetsNet; and Curtis Schmitt, Board of Veterans Affairs.

Photo and info courtesy of VFW State Adjutant David C. Green.

Auxiliary 2204 Cheers Local Veterans

Members of Harold Nelson VFW Auxiliary 2204 in Rice Lake gathered recently to make “Buddy” ® Poppy decorations for area Veterans in Assisted Living facilities. And it looks like they had a fun time doing it! Left to right around the table are: Barb Ackerson, Donna Meinen, JoAnn Thoeny, Louise Engness, Melody Leuthner, Connie Kahl, Maxine Slayton and Sharon Mlejnek. Not pictured is Louise Wagner who supplied the photo and info. Nice job sisters!

Veterans Day Thank You Cards

On Veterans Day, Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530 held a flag raising ceremony at Viterbo College in La Crosse. After the ceremony, students from the local Middle School gave the Veterans present Thank You cards for their service. From left here are: State Commander Cory Geisler; District 11 Commander DeWitt “Woody” Woodworth, PSC and Post 1530 Commander Jamie Eklov.

Photo courtesy of State Commander Cory Geisler.

That’s a LOT of Can Tabs!

A New Flag for a New Home

The Flores family recently moved into their newly completed Habitat for Humanity home on Park Avenue in New Richmond. And New Richmond/St. Croix Cty. Mem. VFW Auxiliary 10818 was there to supply a new flag kit for their front porch. At left, Auxiliary Patriotic Instructor Wanda Viellieux and Auxiliary President Rhonda Rimarcik help adjust the new American Flag in the holder. What a thoughtful gift for a new home owner!

Photo and info submitted by Wanda Viellieux and Wendy Burnett of Auxiliary 10818.

Edwin Frohmader VFW Post 1879 in Fort Atkinson has a very popular, well-run Post Home, with a Canteen open to the public for many different events and social times. Every so often, some of the Auxiliary members fill some bags and containers to take them to the Ronald McDonald House in Madison. Recycling the high quality aluminum tabs is a great fundraiser for the House. This carload represents countless bags and 35 of those jumbo cheese ball snack containers. That’s a great haul!

Thanks to Post 1879 Newsletter Editor Kelly Stine for the photo and info.

Page Page 14 14

JAN./FEB. JAN./FEB.2022 2022

Wisconsin Wisconsin Veterans Veterans of Foreign Wars of Foreign Wars News News

LOYALTY DAY LOYALTY DAY DISTRICT istrict Updates D UPDATES George George M. Cusick Cusick M. District 10 10 District

715-645-2358 715-645-2358

dist10cmd@vfwwi.org dist10cmd@vfwwi.org

Denmark, WI Post 6705

As I sit here preparing this update [early As I sit here preparing December], I note that itthis is 5update below,[early sevDecember], I note that it is 5 below, eral inches of new snow have fallen,sevand eral of new have fallen, I aminches thankful that snow my propane tank and just Igot amfilled. thankful that my propane tank just gotDistrict lled. 10 annual Post inspections have District 10 annual inspections have been completed with Post Gilman Post 6186 bebeen completed with Gilman Post 6186 being the last. A thank you to the inspectors: ing last. A thank you to the inspectors: Lisathe Stevenson, District Judge Advocate; Lisa Stevenson, District Judge Mark Sierzchulski, District JVC;Advocate; and Jason Mark Sierzchulski, District JVC;you andalso Jason Janecek, District SVC. A thank to Janecek, District SVC. A thank you also to Robert Davis, District PP/VOD Chair for Robert District sloggingDavis, through thosePP/VOD entries. Chair for slogging thru those entries.

Calendar sales went really well. Looking Calendar went really well.

Looking forward to sales the Mid-Winter Conference forward to the Mid-Winter Conference and especially our 100th Anniversary and especially our 100thinAnniversary Celebration at Convention Milwaukee.

Celebration at Convention Milwaukee.

A reminder that our Districtinmeeting will A reminder that ourRiver District meeting take place at Iron Post 10197will on take at Iron River Post 10197 on Aprilplace 23, 2022.

April 2022.to go figure out how to reNow23,I have Now I have to go that gurethe out how left to remove that snowbank grader at move that snow bank that the grader left at the end of the driveway. Happy New Year! the end of the driveway. Happy New Year! nnn ■■■

Dewitt Dewitt Woodworth Woodworth District 11 District 11

608-317-5627 608-317-5627

dist11cmd@vfwwi.org dist11cmd@vfwwi.org

Deadline for advertiser and Patriot List submission is Friday the 18th of March 2022

Post Post 2534 2534 Receives Receives Grave Grave Markers Markers

After proudly displaying his After proudly displaying his grandfathers’ service memoragrandfathers’ service memorabilia in his home, along with an bilia in his home, along with an acquired collection of graveside acquired collection of graveside flag holders for some time, ZachagHobbick holders found for some time, space Zachary storage ary Hobbick found storage space to be in short supply. So he apto be in short supply.

So he approached then Buckley-Baldproached then Buckley-Baldwin VFW Post 2534 Commander win VFW Post and 2534Adjutant Commander Shawn Plante Tom Shawn Plante and Adjutant Tom Heiser to see if the Post would Heiser to see if the Post would give a good home to the markgivewhich a good home toWorld the markers represent War ers which represent World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia and Desert Storm.

Bosnia and Desert Post member RichStorm.

Ehlert creatPost member Rich created custom stands forEhlert each marked custom stands for each er, and voila, the beautifulmarkcoler, and isvoila, beautiful collection now the safely on display lection is now safely on display in the Post home. Here Zachain and the Shelby Post home.

Here Zachary Hobbick and their ry and Shelby Hobbick and young son pose proudly withtheir the young son pose with the display.

Nice job proudly all! display.

Nice job all!

Photo and info submitted

by MitchPhoto and info submitted ell R. Waite of Post 2534. by Mitchell R. Waite of Post 2534.

As you have already been told, we desAs youState haveHwy. already weHeart designated 21 been as a told, Purple ignated State Hwy. 21 as a Purple Heart Memorial Highway, the Governor was Memorial Highway, the law Governor was there to sign the bill into at Necedah there to sign the bill into law at Necedah Post 10231. The same day [Veterans Day], Post 10231. The day [VeteransofDay], we celebrated thesame 75th Anniversary Banwe celebrated the 75th Anniversary Bangor Post 8278 at a public event at of Bangor gor 8278 at a public event at Bangor HighPost School.

High School.

Our year so far is proceeding to be a Our year is proceeding be in a banner year.soAllfarPosts are doing to well banner year.

All Posts are doing well in membership. Our goals are to be an Allmembership. goals are to be AllState District Our and maybe more.

Weanare at State District and maybe more.

We are at 92.85% (as of 12/31/21), we only need 147 92.85% of 12/31/21), we only need 147 more for(as 100%. more for 100%.

My efforts to get all Posts in the District efforts to getinall Posts in the District to My be more active their communities are to be more active in their communities paying off. Cashton had their Shindigare in paying off.inCashton hadactive theircommunity.

Shindig in November their very November in their very active community.

Necedah was instrumental in the Hwy. 21 Necedah was instrumental in the Hwy. got 21 dedication. Bangor’s 75th Anniversary dedication.

Bangor’s 75th Anniversary got their school and public involved. Westby their involved. holdsschool bingo and withpublic the public; La Westby Crosse holds bingo with the public; LaCrosse holds breakfasts and other events.

These holds breakfasts andusother events. These are things that keep all active. areWhat things that all active. can wekeep do tousmake our Posts and What can we do to make our be Posts and our District better? We all should recruitour District better?

We all should be recruiters. There are many [eligible Veterans] who ers. many [eligible Veterans] who haveThere neverare been asked to join! have never been asked to join!

VFW Dept.

Dept. of of WI WI is is VFW donating $1,000 to donating $1,000 to the Dept.

Dept. of of Kentucky Kentucky the for Disaster Relief. for Disaster Relief.

Additional donations donations payable payable to: to: Additional Dept. of of KY KY Disaster Disaster Relief Relief Fund Fund Dept. may be be sent sent to: to: may VFW Dept.

Dept. of of KY KY VFW 3031 Poplar Level Rd. 3031 Poplar Level Rd. Louisville, KY KY 40217 40217 Louisville,

WE REMEMBER

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

great history lesson for the students.

Sadly, the challenges of COVID have temporarily halted that event.

This year, the team STILL made it happen, providing 38 personally monogrammed lap blankets, with the Veterans’ name and Branch of Service crest, to the Veterans in all three nursing home facilities in Sparta. This project had the support and financial assistance of US Silica, Schroeder Construction, Schanhofer Funeral Home, River Bank, Cootie Pup Tent 21, and American Legion Post 438 in Norwalk.

Submitted by Post 2112 Chaplain Tom Schauer.

Auxiliary 388 Donates Lap Blankets

JAN./FEB. 2022 Displaying the beautiful plush “hugs” are (from left): Linda Fabry, Rolling Hills; Post 2112 Chaplain and Project Coordinator Tom Schauer; Sierra Boardman, River Roads Estates; Post Service Officer Doug Robertson; Hannah Johnson, River Roads Estates; Post Commander Rick Coffin and Lindsey Taylor, Morrow Home.

Post 2112 Blankets Veterans with Love Veterans Day is set aside to recognize and honor Veterans of all branches of the military who have served our country. Major General R.B. McCoy VFW Post 2112 always makes an extra effort to recognize Veterans who are currently residents of the Sparta nursing homes.

Prior to COVID, for the past 20 years, the Post provided a special recognition luncheon for the nursing home Veterans, bringing them to the Post for a special meal with soldiers from Fort McCoy and the Middle School Student Council serving the meal and dining with the Veterans.

Each Veteran was recognized – a

Page 15

Souvenirs of Service Exhibit Now Open at WVM in Madison A new exhibit opened in early November 2021 at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison.

Souvenirs of Service: The Things They Kept, features objects that Wisconsinites collected while serving in the Armed Forces.

The items, collected from the Civil War era to modern-day, range from cannon balls and Zippos to swords and dolls. Each is presented along with its captivating backstory.

For example, you will find a WWI radio operator from Racine brought home a treasured handmade mandolin, crafted for him by a local French woman and designed with the insignia of his division, the famed 32nd Red Arrow Division. An Eau Claire native who served in World War II sent his wife his nylon parachute with instructions to make it into an evening gown for herself.

“Collecting souvenirs of an event, place, person, or other reminder is an ancient human habit,” said Museum Director Chris Kolakowski.

“Veterans are no different and have over the years brought home many reminders of their time in service.

We look forward to sharing some of these powerful objects and their great stories with everyone.”

Admission to the museum is free for everyone, always. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

More information is available at: wisvetsmuseum.com. Museum hours are 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and Noon – 5 pm on Sundays. Call ahead to 608267-1799 for information regarding group tours, masks, holiday closings, etc.

Burns VFW Auxiliary 388 Auxiliary members recently sewed more than 20 beautiful lap blankets that were given to Veterans at the Veterans Day celebration in Wausau, along with hats that were donated by Jim and Ruth Gauerke. Each blanket also had a beautiful embroidered tag sewn on the corner, with the inscription: Thank You from Burns VFW Post 388 Auxiliary, Wausau. Pictured (from left) are the three prolific blanket stitchers: Erika Staffeil, Bernice VanDerLeest and Diann Lange. The blankets and hats were truly appreciated!

Photo and info submitted by Post 388 Newsletter Editor Curt Dahlke.

Post 1391 of Racine recently donated over 200 MREs to help feed the Veterans during a recent Racine County Veterans stand down. From left are: Post 1391 member Sam Lovedahl; Racine Co. Assistant CVSO Shawn Rivers; Post 1391 Commander Clair Breckenridge and Post Adjutant Matt Gorbaty.

Post 1391 Offers Veteran Support Wm. F. Ehrlich VFW Post 1391 in Racine is offering support to area Veterans both at home and abroad. Here are two recent Post The event was particularly meaningful for Post 2373 Commander Ron Grabski who returned home from Vietnam 50 years ago in November 1971. Shown here during the Commander’s closing remarks are (from left): an unidentified Veteran; Lacey Silverman; Post member Ron Schildt; Post Commander Ron Grabski and Post members Bruce Johnson, Wayne Ruhlin and Ed Rynko. Comrades Bob Ahern, Bob Wereski, Andy Robbins and QM Peter Kahl (not shown) performed the Honor Guard duties. Thank you all for your service, then and now.

Post 2373 Continues Veterans Day Traditions Geneva Lake VFW Post 2373 has conducted a Veterans Day ceremony at Edgewater Park in Williams Bay for over 40 years, rain or shine. The November 11, 2021 skies were cloudy but over 60 community members attemded, including the Williams Bay High School History Club. All were well-protected from the gray day by the large Park Pavilion. The program

included remarks about Veterans Day; a three-volley rifle salute and a reading of “In Flanders Field” by Williams Bay HS Freshman Lacey Silverman, recipient of the Post Leadership Award last May. Photos and info submitted by Post 2373 Commander Ron Grabski, courtesy of The Lake Geneva Regional News Reporter/Photographer Karena Tse.

projects. Make it happen!

Photos and info submitted by Post 1391 Commander Clair Breckenridge.

Post 1391 has also officially adopted Army National Guard Co C (MED), 132 BSB, located in Racine. During their drill 6 Nov 2021, Company Commander Major James Gruenewald, (left) accepted the certificate from Post Commander Clair Breckenridge.

Page 16

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022

Cootie Corner

Listen Cooties, Crummies and Cootiettes: If you are reading this, that means you survived the holiday marathon. Congratulations! Hopefully you didn’t have to change your gears a million times in the process. In all my years as a Cootie, I think I’ve learned the most about the MOC in the last couple. However, the one thing that I have cherished most is that we are a family. We have our special lingo, harass each other, and stand together in our mission to serve hospitalized Veterans.

Thank you, Past Grand Commander Brian Rickman, for donating your ducks for the 51 children at the National Home.

As I sit here in the hotel lobby at Cootie Christmas, I am reflecting on the year so far. Grand President Tara and I have visited almost all Pup Tents and Auxiliaries and attended three VFW District Meetings. We’ve got stories to tell about each one. It was an honor to represent our Grand at Tomb Trek where hundreds of wreaths were placed at General John J. Pershing’s gravesite. MOCA Grand Guard Faith Woodman was Guest Speaker at the Supreme Memorial Service.

Recently, I attended the Grand of Minnesota Scratch and learned that we are being watched out of admiration.

Several of our traditions, how we work

Hello, Grand President Special Project: My project is Cooking with Veterans.

I already have two locations willing to let me hold an event. Badger Pup Tent 6 (Kenosha) I am looking at breakfast, and Murray’s On Main I am looking at lunch or dinner. Also please don’t forget to donate toward my project to help it turn out well and help feed some Veterans.

TOMB TREK (5-7 November 2021): It was my first time going to Tomb Trek and it was very memorable. It was an honor being able to go and put a wreath at Arlington Cemetery. I was a little sad that they were doing construction near the Argonne Cross so we couldn’t see that.

Looking forward to next year when we will be able to have the wreaths laid there. I was able to watch the Changing of the Guard and the Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well, that really touches the heart. Another gravesite I was able to visit was Rose Catina who my year is in honor of, that really put a tear in my eye. If you haven’t been able to go to Tomb Trek, I highly recommend it.

Mid-Winter: I am looking forward to

COOTIE CORNER Everything’s Just Ducky!

Tracy M. L. Woodman MOC Grand Commander

608-487-2440 h2bdsvets@ yahoo.com

together, and our passion for fun are what we have role modeled by just being the Grand of Wisconsin family.

Cooties Across Borders (previously known as 8th District Supreme) is moving forward in the planning. So far, we have Cooties from the Grands of Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois excited about coming to Wisconsin.

The last time we had all these Cooties in the state, Police were involved, and we raised $200 for the Sparta K-9 unit.

Senior Vice Commander Lewis Lindloff and Senior Vice President Rose Jacobson are already working on their year to continue Wisconsin’s legacy that started many decades ago. In the meantime, we are looking forward to seeing you all in Onalaska at the Cootie Mid-Winter, aka The Grand Commander’s Roasting.

In LOTCS, Tracy M. L. Woodman MOC Grand Commander

Included in this year’s gift bags for the 51 children at the National Home was a big brood of ducks, courtesy of WI Past Grand Commander Brian Rickman (2020-2021). That’s just QUACKERS! Photo courtesy of WI MOC Grand Commander Tracy Woodman.

Yes Virginia, There ARE Cootie Elves!

Tara Woodman

MOCA Grand President 608-487-1439 chefbatty@ gmail.com

seeing everyone at Mid-Winter. It will be a lot of fun; you won’t want to miss out.

Hospital: Membership: How is everyone doing to get their Hospital Hours in? Making any phone calls to Veterans or sending them a card? Those count for hospital hours, don’t forget to fill out your reports and send them in. Another idea is to take index cards and decorate them, and they can be put on the Veterans’ meal trays. Help bring a smile to their faces.

Membership: Keep getting members in. We want to be 100% this year. If we need more members, keep a look out and get them signed up to join the Cooties.

Tara Woodman MOCA Grand President

Setting the MOC sartorial standard for elves are (from left): Bruce Sorensen; Dolores Sorensen; Karen Johnson and Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson. All are members of MOC/MOCA Pup Tent 23 in Green Bay. Looking good!

Photo courtesy of WI MOC Grand Commander Tracy Woodman.

Let the Gifting Begin!

COOTIE DATES TO REMEMBER January 14-16

April 8-10

MOC/MOCA Grand Mid-Winter – Stoney Creek Hotel, Onalaska, WI MOC/MOCA Grand Convention – Comfort Suites-Rock Garden, Green Bay, WI (Forms and info will be in the March/April 2022 WI VFW NEWS.)

Keep ’em smiling in beds of white.

MOC Grand Raffle Tickets Are Available NOW

A nice delegation of MOC and MOCA members representing the Grand of Wisconsin at the Annual Cootie Christmas Party at the VFW National Home for Children in early December. Awaiting the party and gifting are (from left): WI MOC Grand Commander Tracy Woodman; Badger Pup Tent 6 member Manuel “Manny” Salas; MOC Past Supreme Commander Don Lynch; WI MOCA Grand President Tara Woodman and Badger Pup Tent 6 member Paul Kirsch.

Photo courtesy of WI MOC Grand Commander Tracy Woodman.

Tickets are $2 each or 3/$5 Seven prizes totaling $1,000 will be drawn on April 9, 2022 at the WI Grand Convention

Contact MOC Raffle Chair Bill Hustad at 608-527-2942 or wfhus1@tds.net for tickets

Brossman’s Meat Market, Post 2895 Honor Veterans

Brossman’s Meat Market and Catering in Racine is a longtime supporter of the efforts of Cudahy VFW Post and Auxiliary 2895. Persian Gulf War Veteran and VFW Life Member Shane Brossman (center) welcomes a POW/MIA Table setup every year, especially around Veterans Day. PDP and Auxiliary 2985 President Lucetta Jasinski and PSC Phil Jasinski make sure the beautiful display is just right, in a prominent area of the store. Thanks to all of you for your service and all you do for Veterans!

Photo and info courtesy of Shane Brossman and the Jasinskis.

Post 8320 Poppy Drive at Brewers

Page 17

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

RAFFLE WINNERS

JAN./FEB. 2022

Raffle Calendar Winners Date

Ticket Name

City

Prize

Nov 05 7444 VFW Post 1530 La Crosse $50

7026 T. Zwiefelhofer Chetek $50

5761 A. Lembrich Janesville $50

5754 T. Pipkin McRae, AR $50

4055 Ron Williams De Pere $50

8673 D. Franz Manitowoc $50

7904 F. Eggers Waukesha $50

Nov 12 4166 M. Geiger Freedom $50

8220 J. Fenlon Valders $50

7332 P. Bernett Sparta $50

2494 R. Wagner Sheboygan Falls $50

7497 L. Twite Brownsville, MN $50

5079 S. Krabbe Seymour $50

5502 S. Markusen Mountain $50

Nov 19 7295 D. Thill Tomah $50

5027 M. Van Groll Freedom $50

5715 B. Aprill Pulaski $50

7945 S. Olson Greendale $50

2986 L. Lang Mosinee $50

5289 G. Steffel Dallas, OR $50

388 M. Henke Portage $50

Nov 26 2601 T. Sillars Wausau $50

180 F. Moorleghen Danville, IL $50

85 B. Steindorf Waterloo $50

5407 VFW Post 9314 Cecil $50

4325 B. Ourada Little Suamico $50

1643 L. Beger Cascade $50

8331 H. Paquin Fond du Lac $50

Dec 03 6468 J. Felton Chippewa Falls $50

5893 K. Bright Marshall $50

7142 B. Kearney Viroqua $50

5083 B. Dickrell Kaukauna $50

6661 R. Bosleter Winona, MN $50

1171 J. Lowe Racine $50

6514 D. Schlosser Elmwood $50

Date Ticket Name City Prize

Dec 10 3106 D. Roewe Colby $50

6201 G. Jenkins Mineral Point $50

6616 C. Bragg Turtle Lake $50

7277 D. Brooks Rockland $50

7316 G. Dawney Camp Douglas $50

4342 J. Bal Norway, MI $50

6137 L. Scanlan Benton $50

Dec 17 6864 J. Hull Rhinelander $50

707 R. Rueckert Beaver Dam $50

7682 E. Hatfield Cazenovia $50

2804 R. Morey Waupaca $50

181 J. Johnson Cottage Grove $50

8383 P. Abad Grafton $50

8783 R. King Hot Springs, AR $50

Dec 24 296 E. Kelling Pewaukee $50

1275 E. Wargolet Watertown $50

86 R. Sharp Waterloo $50

4200 D. Conrad De Pere $50

6460 M. Gruber Chippewa Falls $50

7026 T. Zwiefelhofer Chetek $50

3443 A. Seifert Antigo $50

Dec 31 2482 J. Hoffman Oostburg $50

8658 T. Welsing $50

7410 C. Sahr Janesville $50

7950 J. Miley Brownsville $50

8041 P. Kern Richland Center $50

2368 A. Bloch Lomira $50

8264 D. Wilanski Kiel $50 Raffle Winners are also posted on the VFW State Website – vfwwi.org – following the Friday drawings at VFW State Headquarters. On the website home page, click on NEWS, then scroll down and click on VFW RAFFLE CALENDAR NEWS.

2022 Publication Guidelines for Candidates Upon announcing their candidacy for VFW or Auxiliary elected office - whether new candidate or current office holder - those running for office are afforded one “free article” outlining their announcement and qualifications. Space is limited, so standard editing policies apply, with 450 words maximum. A “Dear Comrades” announcement letter format seems to work pretty well. Candidates must also supply one good quality “head and shoulders” .jpg photo electronic file for publication. Current “file photos” may be used as well. Publication of the “free article” is typically scheduled for the March issue.

Candidates are then encouraged to purchase paid advertising in the Wisconsin VFW News at the substantially discounted VFW member rates currently in effect. These ads typically publish in the March and/or May papers.

Standard deadlines apply: • March 2022 – February 18 deadline • May 2022 – April 8 deadline Ad rates – “member and candidate discounted” with sizes shown are: • Full page ($550) – 10” x 15” • Half horizontal ($300) – 10” x 7.5” • Half vertical ($300) – 5” x 15” • Quarter horizontal ($175) – 10” x 3.75 • Quarter rectangle ($175) – 5” x 7.5” • Eighth rectangle ($100) – 5” x 3.75” • Eighth vertical ($100) – 2.5” x 7.5” • Sixteenth verticle ($75) – 2.5” x 3.75” Ad layout assistance is available free of charge.

For more information and to place your candidate advertising, please contact Editor Marla J. Morgan at 715-384-2500 or wivfweditor@gmail.com.

The Wisconsin VFW News salutes these local Wisconsin Posts and thanks them for their patronage!

PEWAUKEE MEMORIAL POST 9537 Meetings on the 3rd Wed. of the month.

Post is open 4 til 8 p.m., Mon.-Fri. HOME OF THE STATE HONOR GUARD The greatest little Post in the State

VFW Post 305

Gross-Yaksh Post 6498

On the bank of the Chippewa River 1300 Starr Ave., Eau Claire Albert H. Groska – Michelle M. Witmer VFW Post 8320 in Brookfield held a successful “Buddy” ® Poppy Drive at American Family Field during Brewer Mania on a Thursday afternoon in late September. Here, Bernie Brewer gives Post Member Shanon Frakes a thumbs up – we hope he donated too!

Photo courtesy of Shanon Frakes with thanks to Teresa Clemetson.

Bar Open Daily Serving outstanding breakfasts and lunches

715-552-8438 Check out our Facebook pages: @VFWPost305 or @VFWClub305

A Wisconsin Centennial Post Chartered November 5, 1921

Home Post of Past Commanders-in-Chief Tommy “T” Tradewell & Walter G. Hogan 11/21

Supports the VFW News

11/21

Page 18 JAN./FEB. 2022

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

WDVA

Post 2219 Veteran in the Classroom

ABOVE: 1SG (Ret.) Keith Miller (left) and Fall River Grade 4 Teacher Jenny Buzzell describe MREs and their use to the combined classrooms of Buzzell and teacher Jim Doolittle. The lesson is an annual event for the fourth grade. BELOW: 1SG (Ret.) Keith Miller (right) guides the 4th Graders through the Pledge of Allegiance.

Fourth grade students at Fall River Elementary School welcomed a member of John C. Brossard VFW Post 2219 into their classroom in late October for a wonderful lesson on a number of military topics. 1SG (Ret.) Keith Miller focused on a number of things, starting with Flag display and etiquette and the Pledge of Allegiance, since the fourth grade is responsible for the flag raising and lowering at the school. Miller also distributed MREs to the students and taught how the military eats in the field. The visit concluded with the preparation and consumption of the MREs. Photos and info courtesy of Post 2219 QM Charmaine Schultz and member Keith Miller.

Classified Listings

Wanted

Happy New Year! The holidays are once Thankfully, with the advent of effective Mary M. again over, and while we all look forward vaccines we can be cautiously optimistic. to the coming of a new year, it goes without If you intend to visit our homes, please Kolar saying that 2021 was a year of change and observe all posted health precautions. I challenges. However, among the difficulurge you to also become vaccinated, and ties, there have been moments of joy and get a booster, as it is the best way to keep Secretary, reasons for hope. I have been amazed at the yourself and those around you safe.

Wisconsin positive examples in our Veteran commuI am so grateful for collaborative partDepartment of nity over the past several months. nership between the VFW and WDVA. It Veterans Affairs During our Veterans Day celebrations, continues to serve as the bedrock foundaI also had the opportunity to honor a dedtion for our work as a community to supicated woman Veteran who was named port and advocate for our state’s Veterans.

2021 Wisconsin Woman Veteran of the Year - Lt. Colonel Thank you for all you have done over the past year and let us look Darcie Greuel. She was recognized for her volunteer work, forward toward a happy and healthy 2022! her career service in the U.S. Army Reserve with medical and humanitarian roles, and more recently for her outstanding efforts in developing the Military to VA (M2VA) program at the Milwaukee VAMC to better serve Post-9/11 Veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

Recently, we also hosted the grand opening of Wisconsin Veterans Museum’s newest exhibit, “Souvenirs of Service.”

Our latest exhibit showcases items that tell the vivid stories of our Veterans. Brilliant openings like this continue to demonName City Prize Name City Prize strate the upward dynamic path of our museum offerings. The K. Hemenway Sheboygan $500 R. Gierzak Washburn $500 new interpretive approach of this exhibit seeks to bridge the D. Woodworth Sparta $500 D. Kordus Wind Lake $500 stories of the civilian-military divide in a way that is easy for P. Jeske Tomahawk $500 J. Berger St. Croix Falls $500 all visitors to comprehend. I hope you can visit soon and see it G. Timmerman Benton $500 L. Kirchmayer Fort Atkinson $500 for yourself. [Visit wisvetsmuseum.com for Hours of Operation J. Ullmer Pulaski $500 J. Vertz Madison $500 and other information.]

S. Lonn Pewaukee $500 D. Plautz Shawano $500 My focus this time of year is always on our Veterans living at D. Stoltenburg Watertown $500 R. Hainstock Eau Claire $500 homes in Chippewa Falls, King and Union Grove. We continue to R. Beutler Madison $500 P. & R. Suhr Sparta $500 find ways to meet challenges in staffing, all the while keeping our R. Phillimalde Edgerton $500 J. Shae Sparta $500 G. Berger Oshkosh $500 D. Slaasted Racine $500 members safe from COVID-19 exposures. I am very grateful for the steadfast and compassionate care our dedicated staff provides Congratulations to these winners of our for our resident members, especially over this past holiday season.

2021 VFW Christmas Club Sweepstakes and If you were unable to visit your Veteran in our homes, I encourage you to please call them by phone, send letters of love, or connect THANK YOU to all who donated to via virtual methods when possible. As you can imagine, a heartfelt this Ways and Means program. message or visit from family means the world to them.

We appreciate your support of our We know that our task to balance the well-being of our memDepartment very much – Happy New Year! bers at our Veterans homes with pandemic restrictions remains.

2021 VFW CHRISTMAS SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS INFORMATION: You get up to 25 words for $25.00 in 3 issues of our newspaper, plus a 3 month listing on our website, vfwwi.org.

We are accepting listings for: • For Sale – Autos, trucks, boats, motorcycles, furniture, etc.

• Rentals – Homes, apartments, equipment, storage, commercial, etc.

• Service – Repair, cleaning, roofing, heating/cooling, painting, etc.

• Notices – Meetings, Professional, Auctions. Travel, etc.

• Want to Buy – Merchandise, homes, equipment, etc.

• Want to Rent – Apartments, equipment, etc.

• Employment – Help wanted, work wanted by job type.

Sorry, no personals.

Please include a phone number, ad copy, typed or printed and a check for $25.00 per ad and send to: VFW - Dept. of WI Attn: Advertising P.O. Box 6128 Monona, WI 53716-0128 (Questions? Call the Editor at 715-384-2500)

For Sale FOR SALE: Restored 1966 Olds Toronado 425. Trumpet Gold.

Contact: Dan Dewey, Antigo, WI 715-627-7905 1/22 FOR SALE: Thirty-seven issues of YANK Magazine – History of WWII by the Associated Press. $38,000.

Call Frank at 715-787-3897.

3/22

Wanted WANTED TO BUY: Military Relics – Veteran buying war relics for cash. Call Craig at 414-522-0033 or visit Military Connection at 723 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172. We buy collections!

3/22

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FROM THE EDITOR There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened.

To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.

– Jim Lovell, American Astronaut Happy New Year! I wish for you a very healthy, safe and successful 2022. Make the year ahead everything you know it can be. We’ve certainly had our share of winter to start the year – stay warm - and travel safe and smart.

As I reviewed the early 2021 papers in preparation for this paper, several things became quite evident. First, while we were entering more “unknown territory” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, we managed to find our footing, carry on and make things happen.

Second, as we swim through more uncertainty and “shifting truths” one year later, it is evident in these pages that our resolve to serve our Veterans and communities is BE PREPARED It’s not just a slogan. Being prepared means preparing young people for life. It’s achievement; academic skills; self confidence; ethics; citizenship; leadership and more. It’s experiences that have broadened horizons and shown young people what is possible.

Scouting provides youth with programs and activities that allow them the opportunity to try new things by service to others, build self-esteem and reinforce ethical decisions. These programs also provide young men and women with a platform to learn important life skills that will help them combat major social concerns, starting with life lessons centered on the four aims of Scouting: Character, Fitness, Leadership and Citizenship.

The highest ranks of Eagle Scout and Gold Award Scout require enormous amounts of hard work, dedication and leadership and these achievers prove their character and leadership by making a pos-

Marla Morgan

January 8

January 14 January 14-16

January 15

January 15

January 15

January 22

January 31 February 4-5

February 13

February 18 February 20

February 20

eb. 27-March 3 F

April 8-10

April 30

JAN./FEB. 2022

Norbert Lee

Editor

May 11, 1943 - January 3, 2022 715-384-2500 wivfweditor@ gmail.com

still strong and we are not just going to sit on the sidelines and watch. We may ponder the “how” at times, but we are finding ways to make it happen, “All the Way Together”.

And third, the needs continue, as do our Programs. As you read this paper, note the upcoming Scholarship deadlines, as well as the Registration deadline for the Mid-Winter Conference, and the details on the Annual Publications Contest. Also, check out the District meetings on the Calendar of Events – and be sure to save April 30 to observe Loyalty Day in Denmark. Keep making it happen!

Inform. Inspire. Invite.

Henry McKenna State Scouting Chairman 920-428-9403

henrymckenna38 @yahoo.com

itive impact on their own life and family in their community.

Please reach out and reward their hard work. In addition to local recognition, be sure the Scouting programs in your area know about the VFW National Scout of the Year Program and its First Place Award of $5,000. The deadline for entries to the Post is March 1, 2022. For more info, visit vfw. org. Click on Community, then Youth and Education, then Scout of the Year. Hurry – the deadline will be here before we know it!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Page 19

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

11th District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 9:00 am (Regis. 8:30 am) – VFW Post 2112, 121 S. Rusk Ave., Sparta, WI 54656 Rep. – Cdr. Geisler Deadline for Registration and Hotel for 2022 Mid-Winter Conference MOC/MOCA 2022 Mid-Winter Conference – Stoney Creek Hotel, Onalaska, WI 1st District Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – VFW Post 1621, 1015 Center Ave., Janesville, WI 53547 – VFW meeting @ 9:30 am; Auxiliary meeting at 9:00 am. Rep. – SVC Rathke 6th District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 10:00 am (Regis. 9:30 am) – VFW Post 5612, 337 Stafford St., Plymouth, WI 53073 Rep. – JVC Ramos 8th District Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – 11:00 am Regis., meal at noon – hosted by VFW Post 6705 at DeGrand Family Restaurant, 623 Depere Road, Denmark, WI 54208 (Meet in Gatherings 43 venue behind restaurant. Following meal, VFW will meet at Post 6705; Auxiliary stays at meal venue.) Rep. – JA Wallace 2nd District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 9:30 am (Regis. 9:00 am) – VFW Post 5716, 17980 W. Beloit Rd., New Berlin, WI 53146 Rep. – Cdr. Geisler Deadline for Post Audits to State Headquarters VFW/VFWA 2022 Dept. Mid-Winter Conference – Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel & Conf. Ctr., Baraboo, WI (See Online Registration forms at vfwwi.org.)

4th District Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – 12:00 noon (Regis.

11:15 am) – Joint Voice & Pen Program, followed by separate meetings – Clifford’s Supper Club, 10418 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130 Rep. – COS Stoeber Deadline for March/April 2022 WI VFW NEWS 3rd District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 10:00 am (Regis. 9:30 am) – VFW Post 5274, 110 E. Mineral St., Platteville, WI 53818 Rep. – Cdr. Geisler 7th District Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – 10:00 am (Regis. 9:00 am) – VFW Post 1638, Northwoods Veterans Post, 601 Johnson St., Merrill, WI 54452 Rep. – SVC Rathke VFW National Legislative Conference – Washington, D.C. MOC/MOCA Grand Convention – Green Bay, WI (Forms and info will be in the March/April 2022 WI VFW NEWS.) Loyalty Day – Hosted by VFW Post 6705, Denmark.

We are saddened by the passing of Norbert Lee of VFW Post 6352 in Stratford.

Norbert served as State Inspector from June 2015 to June 2021.

A full tribute will be published in the March 2022 WI VFW NEWS.

2022 Publications Contest Now Open Calling all VFW Post and District Newsletter Editors in the Department of Wisconsin! YOU have gone above and beyond this past year to keep your comrades informed and inspired ... your newsletters and communications have never been more important, as we have finally begun to return to “business as usual”, after a most unusual two years.

We want to honor and recognize your hard work! There are a lot of really good publications out there in the State – I receive many of them in my email and snail mail each month and quarter – but some are never entered in the Annual Publications Contest.

We have had a lot of repeat entries and winners in the last few years - why not give it a try if you haven’t submitted in the past? You never know, you may be the Editor of an award-winner!

Here’s how the Wisconsin Contest is set up for this year, based on the National Contest: • The Basis of Judging for District and Post Level publications will be Overall Content and Design.

• Publication frequency should also be noted: 1-4 times per year or 5+ times per year.

• State Competition is further divided by Post size – see the entry form below for details.

• ALL entries received for the State Contest will be submitted to the National Contest, regardless of the State results – this is in keeping with the “open submissions” portion of the National Contest.

NO MATTER WHAT CATEGORY YOU ARE ENTERING, please select the best of your Post or District Newsletters published in calendar 2021, print a good clean copy – DOUBLE-SIDED PLEASE! – and mail as directed on the Contest Entry form.

NOTE: If your publication is distributed electronically by email, you will still have to PRINT one hard copy to send for submission to the contest. This is a really good time to double-check spelling, grammar and other errors too ... Please be sure to include the completed entry form!

Remember: YOUR ENTRY MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EDITOR NO LATER THAN MARCH 7, 2022! NO exceptions. The form will be available at the Mid-Winter Conference and on the State Website if you want a full size form to use. Good luck to all! Questions? Contact WI VFW NEWS Editor Marla J. Morgan at wivfweditor@ gmail.com OR 715-384-2500.

Department of Wisconsin VFW 2022 Publications Contest Entry Form Check ONE: _________ POST Entry

_________ DISTRICT Entry

Post Name and Number: ______________________________________________ District # _______ Post Commander's Name_____________________________ Post Membership Size (as of June 30, 2021): ___________ Frequency of publication: _______ 1-4 x per year _______ 5+ x per year Method of Distribution: _____ .PDF email _____ USPS mail _____ BOTH Print stock: _____ Coated “magazine” stock

_____ Uncoated “bond” paper

Publication Name: __________________________________________________ Editor Name: _______________________________ Phone: _________________ Editor mailing address: _______________________________________________ City/ST/ZIP ________________________________________________________ Editor email address: _______________________________________________ Please include ONE clean issue of your publication, published between January 1 and December 31, 2021. (Padded envelope or cardboard inserts are suggested.)

ENTRY MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MARCH 7, 2022!

Mail to:

Marla J. Morgan, Editor Publication Contest, 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449

Basis of judging is Overall Content and Design.

DEPARTMENT citations issued for First, Second and Third place in District competition (regardless of size) and in Post competition in 3 membership groups: Small (100 or fewer members); Medium (101 – 200 members) and Large (201 or more members).

ALL Entries received in all categories will be forwarded to National Headquarters for their competition.

NOTE regarding Electronic Newsletters: If your newsletter is distributed electronically by email, you will have to PRINT one hard copy (two-sided!) to send for submission to the contest.

Page 20

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022

2022 Mid-Winter Conference VFW Agenda (Schedule of Events still subject to change)

Friday, February 4, 2022 Registration is open 9:30 am – 6 pm (Lobby outside Salons A&B) All VFW Meetings are in Lower Dells Ballroom B, Committee Meetings: Business Casual 9 am – 12 noon

Committee Meetings Convention, Veterans Service, VFW News, VFW Foundation, Finance

12 noon – 1 pm

Past Commanders Luncheon (UPPER DELLS BALLROOM)

1 – 2 pm

Results-Fundraising Competition, Commander’s Special Project with Joint Presentation – Cdr Cory Geisler and Aux Pres Inez Semingson to (CVI Ed Garza President/CEO) (Lower Dells Ballroom B)

2:30 –5 pm

Council of Administration – Cory Geisler, State Commander VetsRoll Speaker, Mark Finnegan New Business: By-Law Changes – Adam Wallace, State JA Membership – PSC Gundel Metz Chair District Commanders’ and Line Officers’ Reports

MID-WINTER

2022 Mid-Winter Conference The Mid-Winter Conference may be a slightly more relaxed, two-day format than the longer State Conventions, but there is still a lot packed into these agendas. As noted on the front page, there is still time to reserve your room at the Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel and Conference Center – see the

Mid-Winter

Continued from Page 1

Sandy has served the organization in many capacities, including as Auxiliary, District, and Department President (20202021), and has held several Program Chairmanships. In the summer months, Sandy works at a campground where she and her husband Jim moved, once they downsized from a farm. She volunteers at the VA and the Northeastern Iowa Honor Flights, and belongs to the Altar and Rosary Society at

(Schedule of Events still subject to change)

Saturday, February 5, 2022

9 am

Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies

9:15 am

Committee Reports Convention, Veterans Service, VFW News, VFW Foundation, Finance

9:45-10:30 am

Special Reports National Home, QRF (Unmet Needs), Emergency Disaster, Ways & Means, Frank Brown/SVFW Scholarships, Loyalty Day, Flag Day, Red Carpet/Membership, Hospital, State Legislative, National Legislative.

10:30-10:45 am

Break

10:45 am

Reports continue Department Service Officer, VA Regional Director, CAMO, Student Veterans, Military Liaison, OEF/OIF Symposium Announcement, All-State Awards.

11:30 am -12 noon Reports continue

Centennial Committee, Big Ten Committee 12 noon – 1:45 pm Joint Awards Luncheon

UPPER DELLS BALLROOM

Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen/Teacher of the Year 2 pm

Mid-Winter Conference/Council of Administration Reconvenes Guest Speakers UW MIA Project, Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar, National Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief, Tim Borland

3 pm

Candidate Announcements

3:15 pm

Training Sessions VA Benefits, Recruiting and Retention

4:30 pm

Commander’s Closing Comments, Cdr. Cory Geisler

5 pm

Red Carpet Award & Cocktail Reception UPPER DELLS SALON (By Invitation Only, drink tickets only) (Business Attire)

5:30 – 6:30 pm Cash Bar Reception

UPPER DELLS BALLROOM

(All Banquet Attendees Welcome) 6:10 pm Head Table and Red Carpet Awardees

UPPER DELLS SALON

Line-up for Banquet Escort 6:30 pm Mid-Winter Banquet

UPPER DELLS BALLROOM

Red Carpet Awards

her church, where she also participates in Mass as a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister.

Married to her husband for 48 years, their family includes three adult children: Aimee, Allison and Andrew, and nine beautiful and healthy grandchildren, ages 7 to 23.

Please plan on attending our 2022 Mid-Winter Conference to welcome SVCiC Tim and NDCM #11 Sandy to Wisconsin as they make their first official visits to our Department.

If you have not yet registered, do it TODAY – the deadline draws near. See you in Baraboo!

2022 Mid-Winter Conference VFW Auxiliary Agenda

Registration open 7 – 9 am (Lobby outside Salons A&B, Business attire)

9 am – 5 pm Mid-Winter Conference opens/Council of Administration continues

planning Calendar on page 3 for the phone number and rate info.

And, there are still a few days to register and reserve your meals – visit vfwwi.org to complete your registration and pay online. The deadline is January 15, 2022, no exceptions! See you in Baraboo!

Friday, February 4, 2022 Registration is open 9:30 am – 6 pm 11:30 am Dutch Treat Luncheon with Nat’l Representative Location TBA

NDCM # 11 Sandy Weldon – open to all – see Registration form to reserve 1 pm

New Project Kick-Off – Train vs. Fudge

Lower Dells Ballroom B

1:30 pm Hospital Representatives and WDVA

and WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar 2:15 pm

Council of Administration Meeting

5 pm

Dinner and Evening on your own

7 pm

Planning Meeting for 2022-2023 (by invitation only)

Inez Semingson, President Faith Elford, Sr. Vice Pres.

Saturday, February 5, 2022 Registration is open 7 – 9 am 8 am

Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies

Program Reports & Awards

Inez Semingson, President

Chairmen: Be ready to report at any time

11:45 am Break for Lunch 12 noon Joint Awards Luncheon Upper Dells Ballroom

Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen/ Teacher of the Year 2 pm Program Reports continue (Approx.)

3 pm School of Instruction (Approx.)

Lenore Otto, Dept. Treasurer Jackie Gregory, Dept. Secretary

4:30 pm

Closing of Mid-Winter Conference

5:30 pm

Cash Bar Reception

6:30 pm Mid-Winter Banquet

VFW Red Carpet Awards

Inez Semingson, President Upper Dells Ballroom Upper Dells Ballroom

Train vs. Fudge – Mission Accomplished!

It’s been hard to keep up ... we “shifted gears” in November ... and the $25,000 goal has been met! CVI will receive our donation for the van and details of the additional Commander and President Special Project – Bring Them Home will be announced on Friday at Mid-Winter.

Watch for a report on both in the March/April WI VFW NEWS. Better yet: attend the Mid-Winter Conference and come hear it for yourself!

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

Page 21 JAN./FEB. 2022

Plover VFW Post members ready to greet and direct the next vehicle through the pickup point.

Plover VFW Hosts First “Turkey and ‘Tater Giveaway” Greater Plover Area Memorial VFW Post 10262 hosted its first-ever “Turkey and ‘Tater Giveaway” for Veterans on Saturday, November 13 at the Post.

Veterans with proper military identification received a complimentary holiday turkey and a 5-pound bag of potatoes as a “thank you for your service.”

One hundred turkeys and bags of ‘taters were distributed in a drivethrough at the Post and the cars were lined up for a few blocks.

The actual distribution took about 40 minutes.

The giveaway, conceived by Plover VFW Auxiliary members

Barb Schultz and Sherry Engel, was made possible through donations from the following organizations and individuals: Plover VFW Post 10262, Marine Corps League Central WI Detachment 350, Plover VFW Auxiliary 10262, DAV Schumann Heink #30, Stevens Point Police Officers Organization, AMVETS Post 1051, Stevens Point Elks, Worzella & Sons, Inc., Mark Wysocki, Sandra Kowalski and Larea Minta Kieliszewski. What a great idea!

Photos and info submitted by Debbie Manthey of Plover Auxiliary 10262.

Teamwork gets it done! Wurl-Feind-Ingman VFW Post and Auxiliary 2687 of Tomahawk, along with the Elcho Food Pantry in Elcho collected over 300 quilts and blankets, personal hygiene items, children’s clothing and baby items from throughout the two communities for the Afghan Refugee Resettlement Project at Fort McCoy. Team Rubicon USA is supporting the humanitarian effort and is managing the donated goods for the program.

Here with one of the beautiful quilts and a very full van of donations are (from left): Auxiliary 2687 Treasurer Pauline Borgen; Elcho Food Pantry Secretary Mary Ann Evans-Patrick; Auxiliary President Michele Brittain and Elcho Food Pantry President and Vietnam Veteran Gregory “Pat” Patrick. Pat is a member of Vietnam Vets Chapter 3 and VFW Post 2312 in Monroe. The Patricks transported the items to Wausau and Sparta. Nice job team!

Photo and info submitted by Auxiliary 2687 Treasurer Pauline Borgen.

A Busy Time in Tomahawk

Wurl-Feind-Ingman VFW Post and Auxiliary 2687 in Tomahawk are always making it happen with special ways to help those in the community and beyond. Here are two excellent recent projects they completed. Nice job!

Post 10262 Sr. Vice Commander Mark Wysocki (left) and Post Adjutant Norb Strasser verify Veteran I.D. information at the vehicle checkpoint prior to sending them to the pickup area. Plover Auxiliary members Cindy Bredow (left at table) and Debi Verhage hand out VFW info and membership materials.

Post member Perry Engel presents a turkey and a 5-pound bag of potatoes to a happy Veteran.

Little Library Serves the Community – Post 2687 Tomahawk recently erected a Little Library box in front of their Post Annex. The Annex houses the office of Post 2687, an Outreach Room, library, and Museum. Patrons may borrow books from the Library box and return them to the same location upon finishing reading them. Patrons may also request books on specific battles or wars they are interested in learning more about.

Photo and info submitted by Caroline Zipp of Auxiliary 2687.

Stockings for Soldiers Charles E. Fidler VFW Post and Auxiliary 9469 in Milwaukee teamed up with students from West Allis Central High School and Sass Funeral Home to fill Christmas stockings with goodies and love to deployed active duty soldiers. Showing off their joy-filled gifts before they shipped are (from left): Norv Wildes; Gloria Rozman Wildes; Julie Passineau and Michael Passineau.

Photo and info courtesy of Auxiliary 9469 Treasurer Gloria Rozman Wildes.

Post 664 Makes Holiday Donation

Each year, Arthur Gensler VFW Post 664, Clintonville, supports the annual Holiday Distribution organized by the Goodfellows Association, a local 501(C3) non-profit organization. The drive provides food, clothing, toys, and other items to make Christmas a little brighter for families living in the Clintonville and Marion School Districts. Over the last several years, Post 664 has donated over $2,000 to Goodfellows.

Making this year’s $200 donation are (from left): Goodfellows Treasurer Mari Hintz; Goodfellows President Steve Conradt; Post 664 Commander Ted Kirmse; Post Trustee Leroy Ashauer; Post Sr. Vice Leroy Wilken; Goodfellows Vice President Amie Bodart; Goodfellows Board Member Lynn Bessette and Post 664 Quartermaster Tina Flanagan.

Photo and info submitted by Post 664 QM Tina Flanagan.

Page 22 JAN./FEB. 2022

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

VFW RIDERS

ABOVE: Wisconsin Riders participated in the Harley-Davidson Membership drive during Harleyfest in Milwaukee over Labor Day Weekend. From left are: Master at Arms Don Hanson; Vice President Dominic Anderson; President Manuel Salas; Secretary/Treasurer Doug Mauritz and Chaplain John Weitzel. AT RIGHT: WI VFW Riders visited the Tomahawk VFW MASH tent and Post during the annual Fall Color Run in September. From left are: Dist. 7 Vice President Bill Flemal; WI Riders Vice President Dominic Anderson; WI Riders Sec./ Treas. Doug Mauritz and WI Riders MAA Don Hanson.

VFW Riders Groups Flourish in Wisconsin Editor’s note: VFW Riders, Dept. of Wisconsin President Manuel “Manny” Salas shares with us the formation and development of the Riders Groups in Wisconsin at the Dept., District and Post levels.

It all started in October 2020, when Past State Commander Jason Johns asked me to reach out to a select group and begin the process of establishing the Department Riders. This group became the VFW Riders Advisory Committee to the Commander.

The first order of business was to elect Committee Chairs.

Second was to create the Department Riders Bylaws. Over the next few months and with many hours during all these meetings, we completed this task. In early April 2021, we respectfully submitted our work to Commander Johns and the Council of Administration for approval. The Bylaws were approved unanimously with no changes (thank you to all the Council and then-Commander Johns).

The next step in the process was to submit our Bylaws and back patch art for approval to VFW National.

VFW Riders, Dept. of Wisconsin and the Post 1865 Kenosha Riders Group joined forces to participate with the Nation of Patriots tour. Doug Mauritz, (front left); Dominic Anderson (next to Doug); Kelly Kopacz (next to Dominic). Don Hansen and Manuel Salas are back row, from left. All other riders are from Kenosha.

Pictured at the Riding United fundraiser event on August 28 are (from left): Dominic Anderson, President of the District 3 VFW Riders; Manuel Salas, President of VFW Riders of Wisconsin; State Commander Cory Geisler and State Adjutant David C. Green.

On 14 April 2021, we received the official approval and recognition from National that we are VFW Riders, Department of Wisconsin.

Following the official establishment of the Riding Group our first order of business was Election of Officers resulting in the following persons elected and appointed: • President Manuel Salas (road name No-G) – Elected • Vice President Dominic Anderson (Flintlock) – Elected • Secretary/Treasurer Doug Mauritz (Mr. Coffee) – Elected • Road Captain Kelly Kopacz (Daredevil) – Appointed • Master at Arms Don Hanson (Sasquatch) – Appointed • Chaplin John Weitzel (Wabbit) – Appointed Over the inaugural season of the VFW Riders, Dept. of Wisconsin, we officially logged well over 10,000 miles, attending many functions and rides that support Veterans and the VFW. In the first six months we have tripled our

membership of our group (riders at large), as well as encouraged and referred new members to the other eight (8) VFW Riders Groups in Wisconsin - including: District Riders 1,3,7; and Posts 1865 Kenosha; 1916 Reedsburg; 7308 Pleasant Prairie; 7591 Madison and 10441 Tichigan.

Wisconsin VFW Department Rider Officers and members were present and participated in the following events: • Our inaugural ride at VFW Wisconsin Convention in Green Bay, escorting the Van for Lonnie’s Van Gifting.

• The Highground Memorial Day Ride and Ride to Remember.

• Nation of Patriots Ride and two Hogs for Heroes bike giftings • VFW Post 9362 Ride to benefit VFW Wisconsin Foundation • Milwaukee Hometown Rally - VFW and VFW Riders recruiting drive • Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial Dedication

• Ride to relocate Navy MM1 Harold Carney’s remains from the Punchbowl, HI to his hometown of Benton, WI • Several County Fairs -recruiting for the VFW and VFW Riders.

• 9/11 Ride in Merrill • Tomahawk Fall Color Ride If you would like to join a Riders Group or start a new group at your Post or District, please contact Manuel Salas at: wiriderspresident1@gmail.com OR Dominic Anderson at: dominic@ andersonlawofficellc.com.

Rides already scheduled for 2022 include the Highground Memorial Day Ride and the August Ride to Remember, as well as the Tomahawk Fall Color Ride in mid-September. And there are many more to come. We look forward to seeing you out on the road. Keep your knees in the breeze and the dirty side down.

Thank you to No-G, Flintlock, Mr. Coffee, and Sasquatch for the great info and photos.

POST MILESTONES

Page 23

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022

Celebrating Our Post Milestones Here’s another group of some of the 89 Wisconsin Posts celebrating milestone anniversaries (50, 75 or 100) between January 2020 through the end of 2021. We will continue to publish these observances in

future papers, as long as suitable photos and information are available and space allows!

Thank you to all who have supplied photos and info to the Editor – it is greatly appreciated!

Cook-Elfors VFW Post 6823 in Laona was chartered June 20, 1946. The Post celebrated the milestone at their annual Christmas party. Post 6823 Commander Paul Thornton (left) received the 75th Anniversary Certificate on behalf of the Post from State Commander Cory Geisler.

Kemper-Stadinger-Terens VFW Post 7753 in Mishicot was mustered August 4, 1946. Celebrating at the Post Christmas party and displaying the 75th Anniversary Certificate are (from left): District 8 Commander Ken Corry; State Commander Cory Geisler and Post 7753 Commander Brian Benzinger.

William (Sonny) Simon VFW Post 8216 in Middleton was chartered on October 10, 1946. District 2 Commander Kerry McAllen (left) presented the 75th Anniversary Certificate to a happy group of Post members including (from left): Post Cdr. Cal Rigsby; Past Post Cdr. Jim Kurtz; Chaplain Jim Tracey; Past Post Cdr. Doug Zwank and Peter Bindl. Comrades Kurtz, Tracey, Zwank and Bindl are all Vietnam Veterans.

Clements-Anderson-Leis VFW Post 8278 in Bangor was mustered September 10, 1946. Their 75th Anniversary was marked as part of the Veterans Day ceremony observed with Post members, students and the community at Bangor High School. Displaying the 75th Anniversary Certificate are (from left): District 11 Sr. Vice Commander Willie E. Stokes; Post 8278 Cdr. Paul Wuensch; Dist.

11 Cdr. Dewitt “Woody” Woodworth, PSC and State Commander Cory Geisler.

Barron VFW Post 8338 was chartered on November 4, 1946. The Post held a 75th Anniversary celebration on November 6, at which time they also dedicated a new 40-foot flagpole and monument in honor of Barron native Maurice R. Amundson, USMC. Captain Amundson was KIA during the second battle for Guam on July 27, 1944 and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in battle. Also recognized was Marge Tabor of Barron, who turned 100 in December and served as the Barron VFW Auxiliary President 75 years ago. State Commander Cory Geisler (at left) was one of several speakers to address the gathering. A turkey dinner and music followed the program.

Schiller-Kulchar-Fohr VFW Post 8343 in Wind Lake was mustered September 29, 1946. At a recent meeting, Post Commander Lyle Riffel (center) received the 75th Anniversary Certificate on behalf of the Post, from District 4 Commander Jorge Calderon, Jr. (at left) while State Commander Cory Geisler looks on.

During a recent meeting at Schiller-Kulchar-Fohr VFW Post 8343 in Wind Lake, State Commander Cory Geisler enjoyed a visit with WWII Marine Corps Veteran Sam Krauser (at left). Sam fought at Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima.

Thank you for your service Marine!

Page 24

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

JAN./FEB. 2022

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

VFW State Sr. Vice Commander Michele Rathke (left) and Auxiliary Dept. Sr. Vice President Faith Elford pose with a beautiful Karl’s Transport rig that delivered wreaths to the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King.

Wreath placement at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King is complete.

Wreaths Across America 2021 in Reedsburg was a combined effort of Thurber-Greenwood VFW Post 1916; Reedsburg American Legion Post 350; LaValle American Legion Post 242; the Fay-Robinson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); and MANY other community groups and citizens. Wreaths were placed at four area cemeteries. RIGHT: DAR Regent Sandy Snow looks on (at left) as AL Post 242 member Benjamin Dvorak places a wreath. Color Guard members include (from left): Dave Stelling of VFW Post 1916 and AL Post 242; Pete Link of VFW Post 1916 and Russ Hoege of AL Post 350. FAR RIGHT: The large delegation of Reedsburg volunteers gather at the Civil War monument.

National Wreaths Across America Day 2021 Saturday, December 18, 2021 – by the numbers: • More than 2.4 million Sponsored Veterans’ Wreaths, in over 525 truckloads • Delivered to 3,136 participating locations across the country • Placed by over 2 million volunteers, a third of whom were children

• The 30th year wreaths have been placed at Arlington National Cemetery.

Since the first wreath placement in 1992 and the formation of Wreaths Across America in 2005, the mission grows stronger each year: • REMEMBER – Our fallen U.S. Veterans.

• HONOR – Those who serve.

• TEACH – Your children the value of freedom.

We are pleased to feature three of the many Wisconsin locations observing this year’s Wreaths Across America Day. For more information about the organization and how your Post and community can sponsor and participate, please visit

wreathsacrossamerica.org. It’s not too early to start planning for December 17, 2022!

Thank you to State Cdr. Cory Geisler and VFW Post 7232 Cdr. Angela Thomsen for the Spooner photos; VFW Auxiliary Sr. Vice Pres. Faith Elford for the King photos and Crystal Link of Reedsburg for the photos on behalf of VFW Post and Auxiliary 1916.

ABOVE LEFT: VFW State Commander Cory Geisler places a wreath at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. District 10 Commander George Cusick looks on from the next row.

ABOVE CENTER: An enthusiastic group of community volunteers and members of VFW Post 7232 (Town of Union) joined VFW State Commander Cory Geisler and Post 7232 Cdr. Angela Thomsen (at left) to place wreaths in Spooner. Cdr. Thomsen noted, “The man in the center with the yellow hat is Rick Brantner, our Post’s biggest supporter for many years. $2475 of the $3570 (165 of the 238 wreaths) that our Post raised was directly due to his donations and him promoting the event. He also sponsored the second shuttle bus to bring volunteers up to the cemetery. We couldn’t have done it without him!”

ABOVE RIGHT: Post 7232 member Ed Gonstead looks on at right as Post Cdr. Angela Thomsen places a wreath.

AT LEFT: One of the two shuttle buses of volunteers came from Student Transit in Eau Claire. Part-time Driver and Post 7232 Service Officer/Trustee Doug Krultz donated his driving hours to the Post. From left are: Post Member Ed Gonstead; Post Cdr. Angela Thomsen; Doug Krultz; Post QM/Adjutant Nick Webster.