Wisconsin VFW Vol. 38 No.3

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Pets for Vets

Lonnie's Legacy

Unmet Needs

NEWS NEWS 2020 2018

VOL. 38 NO. 3

BE RELEVANT

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

POW/MIA Chair Dedicated in Capitol

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.

A POW/MIA Memorial some two years in the making was unveiled in the Wisconsin Capitol on National POW/ MIA Recognition Day, September 18, 2020. While the ceremony was not open to the public due to COVID-19 concerns, the commemoration was available for live streaming from WisconsinEye and is archived at wiseye.com.

Requested on behalf of all Veterans, the project was initiated by then-State Rep. Peter Barca while he served the 64th Assembly District (Kenosha) and strongly supported by both the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dept. of Wisconsin and Rolling Thunder. The final funding came together last summer, with the finishing touches completed in time for this year’s unveiling.

POW/MIA Chairs of Honor are displayed in many locations across the country, including the U.S. Capitol; State Capitols and many other significant venues. The Wisconsin Chair of Honor is a permanent addition to the existing

Participating in the unveiling of the POW/MIA Chair of Honor in the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda were (from left): WI Dept. of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca; WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar; VFW State Commander Jason Johns; WI Governor Tony Evers and Rolling Thunder State Liaison Mark Herrmann.

Photo courtesy of Cdr. Jason Johns and Adjutant David C. Green.

Veterans Memorial on the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda, which was originally commissioned in 1933.

The plaque reads, “Let this empty chair

serve as a memorial to those who served in the military of our great nation, but have not returned home to us. Prisoners of War  Missing in Action Wisconsin and

all Americans will forever be grateful for your bravery and sacrifice in service to our nation. We will never forget.”

See additional photos and info on page 24.

✔ YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE

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

With all the challenges of 2020 including a viral pandemic; the resulting economic roller coaster and health uncertainties; supply shortages; and social-distancing (the list goes on), we doubt there are few who are not relieved to see Election Day fast approaching on November 3. At last, something we can control . . . at least in our own small way.

There has certainly been no shortage of reminders – the constant bombardment of rhetoric; the finger-pointing and name-calling; the daily (hourly?) assaults on our phones. It’s probably been a bit difficult to escape, but now that you’re up to that

10,000th level of your favorite game app, you have a comfortable supply of home paper products and you’ve started on your third cycle of [insert name of your favorite TV show here] reruns, take some time out to formulate your voting plan.

• Register if you have not already done so!

• Explore your options – absentee, mailin or in-person? What works best for YOU? • Locate your polling place or City Hall for the proper safe option.

• Study the issues and the candidates – know WHAT is at stake and WHO supports your beliefs. Don’t forget to examine voting records, especially where

Veterans’ issues are concerned. Knowledge is power.

• VOTE. No matter the circumstances of their military service – rank or branch, the conflict and era, years served – all VFW members (and the Auxiliary too!) share a common responsibility – exercising their right to vote. As you very well know, that right and the FREEDOM to choose, are what you fought for. Don’t throw them away.

Your vote IS your voice ... make yours heard on Election Day. And thank you for your service, then and now.

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

A CENTURY OF SERVICE

Page 2

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

Happy Fall Comrades. I hope that everyone is staying healthy, although we are aware that Jason Johns some of our comrades and neighbors are not.

State Commander A reminder that this pandemic is unfortunately a very real issue that should be taken seriously by all. Whether or not it has affected you directly should not prevent you from recognizing 608-209-0805 that the only way it will get under control is if we have a uniform attack, same as when we cmd@vfwwi.org served in the military. If one squad charges forward to the objective, one squad kind of does, one squad never leaves their foxholes, and one heads back to base camp, the mission will fail. Be smart, be safe, be considerate.

Rather than set forth my “thoughts” and “motivational cheerleading” in this edition of my column, I am going to mix it up. Given the continued, and some many would argue, increased, atmosphere of fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, I thought I would share excerpts from the historical words spoken by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at his first inaugural address delivered on March 4, 1933. They were spoken in the middle of the Great Depression, one of the darkest times in our country’s history. I am doing so in the hope they will help raise everyone’s spirits and remind us of our grit, perseverance, and downright stubborn American can-do attitude. No. Matter. What. The words FDR spoke to the American people over 87 years ago, apply to our nation’s current struggle. I hope you enjoy them.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who sent me condolences for the loss of my father on September 27. I had been told over the years that losing a parent is never easy, but this is the first time I have experienced it, and yeah, it’s hard.

However, my faith in the existence of a place of eternal peace and happiness is strong, and this has been a great source of solace for me. It is hard to be sad for the loss of a loved one when you know they are experiencing such overwhelming joy. A joy that I hope everyone of us is someday blessed to feel ourselves.

Take care of yourselves, take care of those around you, and take care of each other.

FDR’s First Inaugural Address – March 4, 1933 This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.

Yet our distress comes from no failure of substance. We are stricken by no plague of locusts. Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for.

Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.

The basic thought that guides these specific means of national recovery is not narrowly nationalistic. It is the insistence, as a first consideration, upon the interdependence of the various elements in all parts of the United States—a recognition of the old and permanently important manifestation of the American spirit of the pioneer. It is the way to recovery. It is the immediate way. It is the strongest assurance that the recovery will endure.

The cool weather is starting to return to our state. The leaves have changed and have either fallen off of the trees or are about to.

Our summer weather is officially behind us and it’s that fall weather. I’ve always been a warm weather person so this time of the year is where I’m always trying to get one more day of wearing shorts or working outside before the winter is upon us. Soon enough we will be into the holiday season with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all around the corner. It’s this time of the year where we really start spending more time with family. It’s fun spending time with everyone and we tend to take more time to relax and enjoy our families.

The one family we don’t want to forget about is our Veteran family. We need to remember to take time to get on the phone and call our members to see how they’re doing.

We need to take time to stop over where they live and spend some time having a conversation over a cup of coffee. Too often we take our Veteran family for granted. We think they will always be there or we will see them at the next meeting. What happens when they aren’t at the next meeting? Or the meeting after that? It’s only then when we find out they have either moved or passed away that we wish we would have spent more time with them. Let’s make a pact as members that we won’t forget to take that extra minute to spend time with our Veteran family.

We need to also make sure we are reaching out to our members to keep their spirits up.

This pandemic has forced us to retreat into our homes and be wary of interacting with other people. When we spend too much time out of touch with others, or don’t even talk to other people, that starts to affect us. Many of those memories that we tried to forget from our days and nights in a forward area start to creep back. It affects all of us, the young, the old, those that think they are tough, all of us.

I participated in the Operation Ruck 22

Cory Geisler State Sr. Vice Commander 262-853-1811 svc@vfwwi.org

again this year and the virtual part of it made it tougher than normal. In years past I rucked with hundreds of other people and we talked along the way. This year I walked the 22 miles alone, but it gave me a lot of time to think about my struggles when I came home.

I thought about the sleepless nights. I thought about the frustration and times I just wanted to punch a wall. I thought about the short temper I had. I thought about how I had not asked for help and actually pushed any help away. One Veteran lost to suicide is one too many. Keep in touch with each other so that we can catch any problems before they lead to what someone thinks as a permanent solution.

This all comes down to Commander Johns’ motto of “Be Relevant.” While we need to “Be Relevant” in our communities, we also need to “Be Relevant” with each other. Gone are the days where we need to tell each other to suck it up. While there is time to joke around about that, when there is a serious issue we need to be communicating. All of us have a large network of people to talk to, but we seldom look at it that way.

We have our fellow Post members, District members, and State members. All one big family that is there to support each other.

I am always there to help support my fellow Veterans whether it’s in my Post, District, State, or even in another state.

Let’s all take that same view and “Be Relevant” with each other.

STATE OFFICERS By the time you receive this paper, we will be just days away from the deadlines for the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Student Scholarship Programs. I hope your Post and Auxiliary have encouraged your local students to participate and that we will have many great entries to judge. Please see the reminder from our State Chairmen elsewhere in this paper and make sure that your winning entries are submitted to the correct District Chairman, also listed in that reminder. If you still need info, visit the National VFW website – https://www.vfw.org/community/ youth-and-education/youth-scholarships.

Please also remember the teachers who helped form us as our nation’s Veterans.

Without them, America wouldn’t be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our Veterans in creating and shaping America.

For more info about the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program, visit: https://www.vfw.org/community/ youth-and-education/teacher-of-the-year.

As I said at the close of my previous column, remember that you represent the VFW to every person you meet. The impression you make is one the public will associate with the VFW.

Michele Rathke

State Jr. Vice Commander 715-218-0440 jvc@vfwwi.org

Make sure it is a positive one. Make your community proud it has a VFW Post. Be the focal point in your community for all patriotic programs. Whether it is parades, school programs or voter registration, make sure the VFW has a visible presence. Keep the Post home in good shape. Make it attractive and welcoming. Let it be an example of an organization that is proud of its history and working to make the community a better place in which to live. When the Post has a good image, it is easier to get the media involved and excited about VFW-sponsored programs and events.

Enjoy your holidays with family, friends and remember those who are deployed.

Check in on one another! BE RELEVANT!

Well, summer is over, and it is time to get Tom Heath prepared for the Wisconsin Winter weather.

If we have zero snow this year you can thank State me, I bought a new snow blower… lol.

Quartermaster I appreciate that many of you asked me where my article was last issue. I had asked the editor to use my space to thank all the supporters of the Summer Sweepstakes and to the QRF Unmet 608-221-5276 Needs program. That ended up on page 21. I qm@vfwwi.org will try not to miss anymore article deadlines.

You probably already noticed that included in this paper is the Christmas Club Sweeps. Please donate what you are comfortable with and I wish you luck and hope you are one of the winners. 2020 has been a remarkably interesting year so far. I think things are slowly returning to the way things were, although it will never be normal, but instead maybe the new normal. Whatever that is…?

Please do not lose your focus on the VFW mission of serving Veterans, Veterans’ families and your communities. This year’s Program book was delayed, and the Commander and Quartermaster of each Post should have them delivered to their homes by the time you get this paper. For everyone else, you can view it on the state website: vfwwi.org. Log into Members Only by using your membership number as your ID and your last name as the password.

Moving forward for this year, of course membership is in the spotlight. This year the requirements for the Red Carpet Mid-Winter Award, All-State Award and the National All-American Awards are very reachable. It is quite simple: support the VFW Programs and gain membership.

It is once again football season and we can enjoy the fall weather. Be safe, be thoughtful and be a friend. Thank you again and I hope this information helps. If you need any assistance don’t hesitate to call State Headquarters.

The State Commander’s Program Manual and the Roster Book are out in circulation across the state. If you are a Post Commander or Quartermaster, you should have received a big white envelope in the mail from Berlin Journal Newspapers. The Roster Book is in the familiar format from past years. The Program Manual is much smaller than previous years to be a quick reference booklet. In this column, I will point out a few things this year that are new: • First, most forms normally in the Program Manual are found on the vfwwi.org website or can be sent upon request. Please read about the VFW logo on the inside cover of this year’s Program Manual. This is the symbol of the largest combat Veterans’service organization that carries a very significant statement all members should know. Read and digest the State Commander’s Letter to all. This is his vision for the command year and future years as approved by the Senior and Junior Vice Commanders with much input from current and past Council members.

• Be aware of the Wisconsin VFW Programs submission deadlines on page 5 to recognize participation from your communities. We have great participation in most programs-- with Public Servant recognition an exception. Please identify Firefighters, Police and Emergency Services (First Responders) in your communities.

The Department has 254 Posts at the time of this writing but we only received 5 submissions total for last year. These are 3 National awards that are presented at the State Convention every year by our attending National Representative.

The Department treats the awardees to a night’s hotel stay and pays mileage to and from the Convention. Recognizing First Responders for their accomplishments is just one impactful way to “be relevant” in our communities. It is also an All-State requirement.

• The State Commander determines selection criteria for All-State recognition every year and publishes it in the Program Manual. Though

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

membership is highly stressed every year, the Commander has reduced the percentage from 100% to 98% due to COVID circumstances none of us can control. There are things that the Posts can do within their control, still considered recruiting.

• Note on page 14, number 8 under Mandatory VFW Business: For every new or reinstated member, the Post contributes $10 toward a Life Membership drawing. The State Quartermaster Tom Heath will draw one name every time there are 40 entries. This is a self-funding program that increases Life Memberships in Posts and the Department as a whole.

• Also on page 14, review all of the Core Programs, with special notice of:All-State Posts will have upgraded at least one member to Legacy Life. All-Staters must submit one Public Servant for recognition to the State Headquarters that they recognized locally. The Post will also be a Life Member of the National Home.

• I urge all Posts to reach into their Relief Funds to assist in contributing toward the Commander’s Special Project (see page 11).

Also have eligible Veterans submit applications for this once in a lifetime adventure.

If you are a Post Commander or Quartermaster and did not receive your copies of this year’s Roster Book and Program Manual, please call the Department Headquarters and request yours.

STATE OFFICERS Greetings, Comrades, Sisters and Brothers: As we now move into Fall I wonder where has the summer gone. I think because of the Virus we were more restricted from doing things we enjoy doing and the summer has come and gone too quickly. I hope and pray that we will be able to return to some kind of normalcy soon.

I was thinking about my dad and uncles, who served in the military during World War II. They made it home, but in that war hundreds of thousands of families tragically lost loved ones in service to their country.

Yet, when asked, my dad and most soldiers from that era would say they were willing to give up their loved ones and stand for what they believed to be right. They honored this country and believed in what it stood for.

When someone dies in defense of their country, (John 15:13) “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” —is often recited during the funeral service to honor their sacrifice. But what were the circumstances behind this verse?

When Jesus spoke those words to his disciples during the Last Supper, He was about to die. And, in fact, one of his small

Phil Allen

State Chaplain 262-586-5252

chaplain@vfwwi.org

group of disciples, Judas, had already left to betray Him (13:18-30). Yet Christ knew all of this and still chose to sacrifice His life for His friends and enemies.

Jesus was willing and ready to die for those who’d one day believe in Him, even for those who were still His enemies (Romans 5:10). In return, He asks His disciples (then and now) to “love each other” as He has loved them (John 15:12). His great love compels us to sacrificially love others - friend and foe alike.

My prayer for all of you is to stay safe while this virus has interrupted the way we are normally used to living. God Bless all of you and God Bless America.

Comrades, I hope you are all well as the summer has Adam Wallace come to a close. I still encourage you all to Judge Advocate “get out” in some fashion to help our fellow comrades and our communities.

The message I bring to you this edition is a simple and straightforward one. The VFW 708-574-7676 has no room for you if you have hatred against judge@vfwwi.org others because of their beliefs, how they look, or their gender. Here is an excerpt from the National General Order No. 1 2020-2021 Series: “Attention of all members is directed to Section 901 of the National Bylaws ʻDiscipline of Members.’ Members who have committed offenses recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States may be subject to disciplinary action. Members are reminded that acts of Sexual Harassment, Racial or Sexual Discrimination, and all other conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline or conduct determined to be unbecoming of a member will not be condoned. In general, harassment and discrimination consists of any form of verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe and/or pervasive enough to have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment or otherwise interfering with another’s ability to participate in VFW events. All members will be treated with dignity and respect.”

If you observe or know of any of these actions being committed, it must be reported to Post leadership, and Post leadership MUST act. If our organization is to thrive in the future, we must strive to be inclusive of ALL our comrades. If you are racist, sexist, or otherwise hold discriminatory ideas towards others, the time for you to leave our organization is now.

The VFW will move forward into the future with or without you.

It’s not the price you pay to become a member.

It’s the price you paid to become eligible.

Wisconsin VFW News Production Schedule January Issue March Issue May Issue

Vol. 38, No. 4 Deadline to Editor: Dec. 4, 2020 Mid-Winter • February 5-6, 2021 Vol. 38, No. 5 Deadline to Editor: Feb. 19, 2021 Vol. 38, No. 6 Deadline to Editor: April 9, 2021 Convention • June 9-12, 2021

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: Jr. Vice Cdr., Michele Rathke, Chairman Ron Ramos, Member Bob Bolz, Member Joel P. Walker, PSC, 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: Madge Murphy, PDP 608-754-1230 madgemurphy@me.com I.S.S.N. #1061-4591 U.S.P.S. #007787 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars

Page 3

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

I hope this paper finds you healthy and happy. We are living in a very interesting Jason Dean time and I know some of you are shaking State Surgeon your heads at the term “interesting.” Some might have more dynamic words to describe these times but those cannot go in the paper. For the purpose of this article, I 760-587-6175 will use the term interesting.

With these interesting times come many surgeon@vfwwi.org issues. Most are focusing on staying physically healthy while mentally unhealthy. COVID has changed the way we currently live our lives and we had to sacrifice a lot of social time to keep everyone safe. Prior to COVID, we could safely visit our local VFW or local bar. We could spend an evening out at local establishments or go on vacations. We could take advantage of everything our communities had to offer.

Family and friends play a vital role in our mental well-being because they are the ones that we are most comfortable talking with. There is something comforting about being able to sit in your garage or at your kitchen table and talk to someone you trust. When I ask people what they miss the most, they tell me they miss physically hugging their family or shaking hands with friends. They miss that physical interaction between one another that fulfills a comforting role. People are feeling isolated and alone right now, especially those that are elderly and cannot safely physically interact with loved ones.

This isolated and alone feeling compounds into larger mental health problems that can be the breaking point for those that have pre-existing mental health challenges. It can also manifest in those that had no previous mental health challenges.

What can we do to overcome this? We can reach out and check on each other. Increase the frequency of calls to loved ones and friends. Use technology to decrease the impact of this isolation that we all are enduring. Get set up or help someone set up, video conferencing programs and use them to have that face-to-face interaction. Spend the time to stay in contact with one another. Let’s take care of each other and take that extra five minutes and reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, just to let them know that we care.

As always, change your socks and hydrate!

Hello, Comrades, I hope you and your families are happy, healthy, and resilient during these challenging times. We’ve been living with COVID-19 for six months now and I believe we’ve learned many ways to safely continue living our lives despite the virus.

This goes for our work in the VFW too.

With a little creativity and perhaps the implementation of technology, we can continue to work many, if not all of the programs Commander Johns has laid out in this year’s Program Book. I encourage Post leadership to look to other Posts to see what they are doing to adapt their efforts during the pandemic. Some are combining virtual with live functions, some are leveraging social media, some are focusing on drive-through food sales. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…we are one team with one mission. The options are truly endless and I know you can find a way.

By now, all Commanders and Quartermasters should have received their Program and Membership books in the mail. Other elements of the books that used to be provided in the written copy, will be available on the Department website for download at vfwwi. org. This is noted in the P&M book as needed.

If you require a hard copy of a form, contact the Department Quartermaster, Tom Heath at qm@vfwwi.org or call 608-221-5276.

Kerry McAllen Chief-of-Staff 608-345-4470 cos@vfwwi.org

The Centennial Committee is meeting weekly every Tuesday via Teams. We are seeking volunteers to fill our committees to prepare for the State Convention in June.

Will you help us? Some of our committees are: Sponsorship, Promotion & Prizes, Social Media & PA, Auxiliary. If you’re interested or know of someone who would be ideal, call me at 608-345-4470 or email me at cos@vfwwi.org.

We are also working on developing polo shirts to celebrate our Centennial Year which will feature the Centennial Logo.

We’re working to make this available for early orders for delivery by the Mid-Winter Conference, and we will take more orders at the Conference too.

As always, I’m happy to answer your questions. Stay well, stay creative, and hunt the good stuff!

Planning for Upcoming Meetings n

2021 Department Mid-Winter Conference – Our Centennial Year Fri.-Sat., February 5-6, 2021 Holiday Inn ● $100 + tax, 1-4 people in room 4601 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc, WI 54220 (920) 682-6000

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2021 Department Convention – Our Centennial Year Wed.-Sat., June 9-12, 2021 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino ● $119 + tax (+ free Valet Parking + daily $10 free play) 1721 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 (800) 729-7244

n

2021-2022 Program Kickoff/Council of Administration Fri. - Sat., July 9-10, 2021 Best Western Plus Conf. Ctr. ● $99.99 – Queen Dbl., $109 – King + tax 3340 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 (715) 838-9989

n

2022 Department Mid-Winter Conference Fri.-Sat., February 4-5, 2022 Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel & Conference Center ● $99 + tax S3214 County Road BD, Baraboo, WI 53913 (800) 746-2486

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2022 Department Convention Wed.-Sat., June 8-11, 2022 Tundra Lodge ● $94 + tax (includes 4 Waterpark passes) 865 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304 (920) 405-8700

Page 4

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

I bring you greetings from CommandGundel Metz er-in-Chief Hal Roesch. In late August, we National Council had three days of National Council meetings. It was spread over three days since Member we did it all on FaceTime. We approved the budget for this year and approved C-i-C Hal’s appointments. We also voted 608-698-8825 on two cases of members who appealed gmem54b4h the disciplinary punishment they received @gmail.com from their State, upheld by the C-i-C. On one we changed the punishment and on the other the Council voted to uphold the punishment.

In order to elect the other National Officers, the Council used mail-in ballots to vote for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief; Quartermaster General; Surgeon General; Chaplain and Judge Advocate General. Once the C-i-C opened the nominations on 24 July, National had to wait for 15 days to see if there were any other nominations, other than what they had already received. After those 15 days, the ballots were mailed out to the Council and with the slow post office and for some, a change of address, it took longer than one week for Council members to get the ballot. Then ballots had to be returned from not just our 50 states, but also Asia and Europe.

All ballots had not been received by Council time so we had no Judge Advocate General.

National had to wait until all ballots came in as the voting was that close. The winner was Bobby Cox from Kansas. The other candidate, Charlie Shoemaker, was also from Kansas. Timothy Borland of Arizona was elected Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief; Debra Anderson continues as Quartermaster General; Father Joseph T. Gallic was chosen as National Chaplain and Wisconsin PSC Renee Simpson was elected Surgeon General.

Following Hurricane Laura in late August, Commander-in-Chief Roesch along with Terrence Hayes, Director, DC Communications/Public and the Department of Louisiana Commander Bobby Lovergne visited the hardest hit areas on the western half of the state that included multiple stops at damaged VFW Posts along the way. Consequently, National recently received a request from the Department of Louisiana asking for financial assistance from our Disaster Relief Fund to assist those members who are in need. Because we have budgeted, under the Programs Department, VFW Department & Post Support, Other Support Grant, $110,000 for FY 20-21, it was determined as a direct result of the need, that $30,000 would be provided to the Department of Louisiana to assist those members in need.

On Monday, September 21, 2020, National executed a virtual Fall Legislative Conference. There were 79 in attendance, and it covered all the necessary requirements and processes for the Committee. National also prepared for a virtual Jr. Vice Commanders/ New Adjutants/QMs Conference held October 9-11, 2020.

Lastly, National is still functioning under a telework environment with plans to do so until January 4, 2021. If the COVID-19 numbers were to change in a positive manner, and with proper notice given to the employees, we will begin the necessary arrangements for a gradual transition back working at each of their respective duty locations.

Important to note, we’ve had to date, six employees, or their family members who have tested positive for COVID-19.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

I would like to start by saying “Thank You” to the Big Ten Conference Delegates of Wisconsin for their support in my efforts in becoming the 2020 – 2021 Surgeon General. It is a deep honor that I do not take lightly. Over the years it has been a true blessing for me to continue growing within the Veterans of Foreign Wars that allows me to help educate others in fulfilling our motto, “No One Does More For Veterans”.

With all that is going on throughout the world at this time, I feel that it is my role to ensure that each Surgeon across the world is getting the support they need from our National organization and one another.

On October 3, State and Department Surgeons joined me for a virtual meeting to discuss issues and concerns while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and how we can better serve our Comrades, Veterans and their families. It was a wonderful evening sharing information and answering questions. Some of our comrades have been working very hard staying in contact with the VA Facilities within their state and voicing concerns about the level of care our Veterans are receiving throughout the pandemic.

We all agreed that while it is easier to focus on the negative of our current situation, that focusing on the positive we can create would be a better use of our time. Here are just a few of the items that could help each one of our Posts and Auxiliaries: 1. Request reports from VAVS Representatives to ensure that accurate information is given to those within our communities using the VA as their primary healthcare provider. Ask your local governing bodies to provide this information in their community newsletters.

Renee L. Simpson

Surgeon General 608-427-7676 sheserveswi@ gmail.com

2. Ask your community to work on making reusable face masks as a project and provide them to local residents, schools, military personnel, etc.

3. Wellness calls to your VFW and Auxiliary members. While we have members that we do not see at our functions, a phone call to check up on our members may spark their interest in getting involved because you cared enough to see how they were doing.

4. Virtual gatherings. With limits on how many can gather in a location and changing health conditions, the virtual platform could also be used to keep our membership engaged and monitor their mental well-being. This can include meetings, social hours, projects and more.

5. Also arm yourself with resources that could be used to assist those in need of assistance do to loss of income or other life changing factors.

Hopefully some of these ideas will assist you in helping someone in need with a better quality of life. No matter what life puts in our way, I know the Comrades, Sisters and Brothers of Wisconsin will be there to help those in need.

May you all be blessed with good health!

OFFICERS NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE I participated in the first ever Virtual VFW Fall National Legislative Conference on 21-23 September. My meetings with the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation were all via teleconference and I discussed the current VFW Legislative Priorities Talking Points. During this conference I was able to speak with Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-2nd), Glenn Grothman (WI-6th), Tom Tiffany (WI-7th)), and Mike Gallagher (WI-8th). I spoke with the staff members for Representatives Bryan Steil (WI-1st), Ron Kind (WI-3rd), Gwen Moore (WI-4th) and James Sensenbrenner (WI-5th). I also spoke with staff members for Wisconsin Senators Baldwin and Johnson.

Prior to these appointments, the VFW National Legislative Staff conducted a video conference where they outlined the updated VFW National Legislative Talking Points. These talking points were narrowed down from five to three and selected because our national staff believed that they would soon come up for discussion or vote in Congress. These talking points are Veterans Benefits, Veterans Health and Concurrent Receipt and are available on the VFW National website, vfw.org.

[Click on Advocacy and then Legislative Priorities.]

There are two pieces of current legislation under consideration that support Veterans Benefits: 1. H.R. 7443/S. 3761, Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2020, which will reinstate the 48-hour review for disability claims. This bill is co-sponsored by Representative Pocan (WI-2nd) in the House and by Senator Baldwin in the Senate.

2. The second is a measure to include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism in a list of presumptive conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange. The Senate approved this measure this past July. Both Wisconsin Senators Baldwin and Johnson voted in favor of this measure. The measure is currently in the reconciliation process with the House for potential inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021.

There are three pieces of current legislation under consideration that support Veterans Health Care: 1. H.R. 7879, VA Telehealth Expansion

Joseph Hines Nat. Legislative Chairman 443-655-8457

joebyronhines@ gmail.com

Act, which awards grants for the expansion of telehealth capabilities to Veterans primarily in rural areas. Representative Steil (WI-1st) is a co-sponsor of this bill.

2. S. 514/H.R. 3224, the Deborah Sampson Act, which is designed to improve gender specific care for women Veterans within the VA health care system. This bill is co-sponsored by Representative Moore (WI-4th) in the House and by Senator Baldwin in the Senate.

3. S. 785, Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which would provide the VA the authority to expand suicide prevention efforts. This bill is co-sponsored by Senator Baldwin in the Senate.

Additionally, H.R. 5995, Major Richard Star Act and S. 3393 are legislation to enable Chapter 61 Veterans discharged due to combat related injuries to be entitled to DOD longevity payment and their VA disability compensation without offset. This legislation supports the Concurrent Receipt priority.

This bill is co-sponsored by Representative Pocan (WI-2nd) in the House.

I am happy to say that this recent push by the VFW on Veterans legislation has yielded some results. During the week of our conference the House passed the Senate version (and VFW supported) S. 785, Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. Also forty-five (45) Senators recently sent a letter to both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees urging members to include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin was one of the Senators that signed this letter.

If you have any input you would like to forward to me please contact me via email at joebyronhines@gmail.com.

Letter to the Editor This enclosed [excerpted] article, “Korean War Veterans in 22 Countries”, by Kim Rahn, was published in the May 7 edition of Korean Times, acknowledgment by Mr. Oh Young-jin, President and Publisher.

Korean War Veterans in 22 Countries Receive COVID-19 Masks from South Korea Masks were supplied by the Republic of South Korea to help Veterans prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus. These masks have been sent as an act of gratitude for their sacrifices during the Korean War and their contributions to the South Korean nation.

This provision is made as this year 2020, marks the 70th year anniversary when war broke out June 25, 1950. Of the 22 countries belonging to the United Nations Forces that took part, 37,902 of them died in the war. These countries supplied 1.9 million service members.

All countries are suffering from the COVID-19 virus pandemic. It is urgent to help surviving war Veterans to get these masks. Average age of Korean War Veterans is 88 years. These Veterans could be vulnerable to virus infections according to the Korean War Commemoration Committee. The provision for the masks is provided under the theme, “The Korean government repaying the kindness given by Veterans of 22 countries 70 years ago.”

Half of the one million masks provided will be sent to Korean War Veterans Association Chapters in the United States, where over 90% of the total Korean War Veterans were from. The other half will be delivered to the other 21 nations, depending on the number of Veterans and severity of the pandemic in their countries.

Edward J. Slovak VFW Post 2823 Chaplain KWVA Chapter #227 Cdr. Waterford, WI

“NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS”

Current Membership Totals By District* *Updated to include Life Members Dist.

Life New Reinstate Continuous Total Prior Year Percent N/R LM

1

2507

9

17

125

2658

3029

87.75%

4

2

3450 13

10

214

3687

4339

84.97%

2

3 4

759 1445

1 2

0 0

63 124

823 1571

970 1792

84.84% 87.66%

1 1

6

1783

8

1

111

1903

2159

88.14%

4

7

2324

7

1

164

2496

2838

87.94%

2

8

1926

5

2

143

2076

2408

86.21%

8

9

2582

9

0

72

2663

2941

90.54%

10

10

1654 15

1

165

1835

2193

83.67%

3

11

1733

2

2

94

1831

2074

88.28%

2

99

1168 29

2

104

1303

1630

79.93%

9

State 21331 100

36

1379

22846

26373

86.62%

46

Page 5

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

MEMBERSHIP

*Totals as of October 14, 2020 *Total Legacy Life Members: 117

Tune in to Membership Mondays Each Membership Monday training topic is developed with the Post-level leadership in mind.

Each of these sessions are intended to be live with ability for audience interaction. The media platform we will be using is Zoom so these training sessions are recorded and viewable throughout the year. Videos are posted on the VFW Membership Facebook page: facebook.com/VFWmembershipHQ and on the VFW website vfw.org.

Greetings Comrades, I hope this news article finds all of you well and you have been able to remain productive as members of the greatest Combat Veterans Association in the world, The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States! Fall is upon us and the temperatures are starting to be cooler in the day and colder at night. Leaves are turning colors already and dropping to the ground, bringing with it beautiful colors and Hunting is in the air! Each of us have a favorite season, Fall is mine!

With the COVID restrictions still in place, in fact the Governor has extended his mask mandate until at least 21 November 2020, it is the worst of times when we speak of Recruiting! It is nearly impossible to get our Comrades together for that detail, but it is the life’s blood of our organization. Without it, our numbers will not continue to rise, but diminish. We must place a very high priority on Recruiting!

Most Posts have already selected a Membership Committee, made up of a Chairperson and a few helpful Comrades to assist in these duties. The Chairperson should be very well known to the Post and make themselves well versed in the programs offered by the VFW. They should be ready to lead their committee and assist whenever possible any member in the Post that is trying to recruit a new member. The members of the committee should be active in the Post and its efforts to recruit, whether that be through activities, phone calls, letter writing, etc.

The Committee Chairperson should work closely with the Post Commander and Quartermaster to determine where the Post stands in membership and recruitment. Last year’s final numbers for your Post should be your starting point. Set a goal to reach that number and then another goal to go beyond it! This is how we grow in our Membership! Keeping the members from the year before is very important and necessary. However, once that goal is reached, realize it must be running parallel to the recruiting of new members.

Goals should be obtainable and achievable!

Set your goals by setting a quota for reinstated and new members. Set a date to reach that goal and track your progress closely to ensure you are driving towards that goal full-time.

The objective of your goal should be clear. It

OCT. / NOV. 2020

Randy Strickland

State Membership Chairman 224-406-4946

randolphstrickland@ sbcglobal.net

should easily define where your Post wants to go and what you want to do to maintain your membership and improve upon its numbers.

You cannot wait until just before the end of the VFW Year to complete your goals, you must maintain a steady effort.

If necessary, the Committee should develop a plan of action. Ask yourselves: how do we cover our area, (city, town, county, etc.) and who in our Post are we going to ask to work with us to make these goals possible? Ensure that you meet frequently with the Post to explain where you are and where you need to go to reach your goals. Include all of your members in these updates, as they may have great ideas that you have not yet heard.

In today’s more difficult world, meeting new or retaining old members is most difficult.

However, there are still ways to achieve your goals towards membership: • You can use the mail to send out recruitment material (Post Newsletters, benefit brochures, applications, etc.)

• Email is a bit more difficult but is a great tool to reach out to Post members and keep them informed of your efforts. Ensuring that they know how important this effort is and enlist their help. Look at your Post roster, obtain the member’s email address and contact them.

• The telephone is a great tool to contact large numbers of both members and prospective new members.

• Referrals by Post members, family and friends is very helpful, as it gives the Post information of possible recruitment.

When we were all school children, we knew of the “Three R’s” (Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic). Now, it comes to us as Retaining Continuous members, Recovering former members, and Recruiting new members!

Recruit! Recruit! And Recruit some more!

Legacy Life Membership — The Gift That Keeps Giving!

purchasing a Memorial must be a deceased Life

pgrade your Legacy level evel.

name and Life Member Memorial Legacy is being

rd - payment in full.

Recruit Retain Reinstate

As we continue to increase the number of Legacy Life Members in the Department of Wisconsin, please consider ways in which you might help leave an indel-

cy Life Membership by t accompany this form nze $100, Silver $200 and National Headquarters

h, the principal amount Post, Department and the

will continue annually sed as an Annual

ation for payment.

ney order or credit card l Headquarters at the

Wars mbership 2778

WE NEED YOU!

As a Legacy Life member, future generations will know you not only for the sacrifices you made as a veteran but for the contributions you made as a member.

That’s a legacy to be proud of.

ible mark on your Post, our Department and the National Organization through the continuing endowments of Legacy Life Membership. Maybe it is converting your own current Life Membership to Legacy Life. Or maybe it is honoring a special Life Member in your Post with the gift of Legacy Life.

There are three levels of Legacy to choose from: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The cost of each level is: • Gold - $1,200 • Silver - $800 • Bronze - $400 Each Level provides an annual endowment – forever. The Legacy Life Member’s Post and Department and VFW National, will each receive as follows: • Gold - $18 annually • Silver - $12 annually • Bronze - $6 annually Legacy Life Members also enjoy additional benefits including VFW Store Discounts; Increased AD&D Insurance; Special recognitions and more. Note: You may also purchase a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased Life Member to honor the service and sacrifice of those no longer with us.

For more information on how you can provide a great gift AND honor your favorite VFW member with a lasting tribute to secure the future of the VFW, visit the VFW National website at vfw.org (click on Join, then scroll down to Legacy Life Membership) or call National Headquarters at 816-756-3390.

Tommy “T” Tradewell, PCIC Legacy Life Membership Chairman 262-246-4085 tomtradewell@aol.com

Page 6

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

TAPS

TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS

Post 388 659 659 1037 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1091 1530 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621

Name City George Teige Junction City Robert Bergeon Two Rivers Ralph Ihde Manitowoc Joseph Stadler Milwaukee Walter Bee Superior Walter Brannan South Range Roderic Campbell Superior Norman Erickson Foxboro Lewis Flagstad Superior Herman Hammerbeck Fitchburg Jeffery Kemp Brule John Lindquist Superior Howard Matson Superior Donald Serre Duluth, MN John Volovsek Eagle Pass, TX James White Superior Robert White, Sr. Washburn Robert Heilman La Crosse William Beinema, Sr. Janesville Robert Blaser Janesville Darrell Block Janesville John Casper Appleton Harlow Cole Janesville Thomas Cornelius Janesville James Edgington Janesville Clarence Elmer Janesville Robert Gosda Janesville Arthur Jelinek Janesville Ronald Koebler Janesville

Post 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1912 1915 2112 2204 2260 2336 2344 2344 2344 2534 2534 2534 2534 2653 2732 2879 2895 3032 3071 3319

Name City Richard LaBelle Janesville Leon Moore Fort Atkinson Gordon Nelson Milton Lyle Noe Janesville Harold Olson Janesville Ralph Sherman Menomonee Falls Kenneth Terry Janesville Clair Twerberg Janesville Joseph Wellnitz Janesville David Gregor West Allis Herbert Thompson Cashton Robert Drawver Sparta Glenn Lilly Rice Lake Franklin Zindars Oconomowoc William Turner Baraboo Ronal Blask Lancaster Leslie Klais Stitzer Monroe Snyder Lancaster Le Roy Hager Wisconsin Rapids William Schloer Marshfield Robert Wilkins, Jr. Nekoosa Lyle Zurfluh Wisconsin Rapids Donald Leaser Gleason Kenneth Buchman Hortonville Dennis Butterfield Milwaukee Roger Gagliano Cudahy Harry Fox Viroqua John Windross Oconto Wayne Hartjes Appleton

Post 3319 5158 5373 5373 5373 5729 6279 6352 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6614 7221 7233 7485 7485 7501 7534 7534 7591 7591 7753 7929 8021 8021 8021

Name City Mark Vande Hey Kaukauna Carl Luedtke Dousman Richard Olson Port Washington John Seyfert Oostburg Paul Tutas Port Washington Keith Gorichs Medford Jerome Corliss Hancock Larry Klemme Harshaw Donald Brye Milwaukee Joseph Cieminski Milwaukee Gilbert Derler Milwaukee Thomas Heaton Pewaukee Earl Ingram Milwaukee Donald Petrouske Milwaukee Charles White Greenfield Donald Klein Sun Prairie John Dalsasso Mukwonago Franklin Rimmert Stoughton Ralph Gaedeke New Berlin Eugene Herrmann New Berlin Dean Ohms East Troy Michael Compton Waupun Roger Grimsley Clarksville, TN Wilfred Meicher Monona Robert Narf Madison Roy Hoffman Rothschild Donald Adams Luck Gary Daines Westby Louis Lewison Westby Eldon Nelson Wayzata, MN

Post Name City 8092 Douglas Sampson Brownsville 8171 Paul Ganiere Muskego 8171 Robert Zahn Muskego 8280 Robert Koskey Mosinee 8280 John Morris Mosinee 8314 Lynn Gebert Oconto 8337 Leland Burnett Somerset, KY 8338 Steven Dunder Barron 8483 Sylvester Annen Poynette 8718 Eldon Bengsch Westfield 9392 Louis Firari Necedah 9392 Richard Haertel Juneau 9392 Richard Hensler Oregon 9469 S. Davis South Milwaukee 9469 Ralph Lukaszewski Milwaukee 9469 Wesley Tiegs Milwaukee 9537 Willard Staupe Pewaukee 9677 John Lemmens Green Bay 10171 Gustave Blank Jackson 10173 William Buzzell Milwaukee 10195 Gene Reitz Eldorado 10331 Donald Scott Chetek 10394 Lyle Tremmel West Allis 10544 Tony Baars Kaukauna 11244 Philip Paulson Waunakee 11346 Raymond Patoka Plover 15051 John Linnemanstons Adell 15051 James Mesarich Random Lake 15051 Zenon Rady Wautoma

The deadline for the January 2021 issue is December 4.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Duane Cole Another hero has finally been laid to rest, 77 years after his death at the Battle of Tarawa. Sgt. Duane O. Cole was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Cole was killed on the first day of the battle, November 20, 1943.

In 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all of the American remains found on Tarawa to Lone Palm Cemetery for later repatriation; no recovered remains could be associated with Cole, and in October 1949, a Board of Review declared him “non-recoverable.”

Marine Sgt. Duane O. Cole

In 2014, History Flight, Inc., a nonprofit organization, located Cemetery 26 on Tarawa. Excavations uncovered multiple sets of remains, which were turned over to DPAA – the Defense

POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Sgt. Cole was accounted for in September of 2019. His name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Born in Spooner in 1920 to George and Hattie (Phelps) Cole, Duane moved to Niles, Michigan as a boy, graduating from Niles High School in 1939 and enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1941. At the time of his death, he was survived by his parents, nine siblings and his New Zealand “Sweetheart” Muriel, and predeceased by seven other siblings.

Sgt. Cole was laid to rest in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on October 3, 2020, with full military honors.

Submitted by District 10 Commander George Cusick, with thanks to the DPAA website for additional info.

District 10 Commander George Cusick (right) and Sgt. Cole’s nephew Craig Nelson.

Farewell, Comrade When the National Guard Funeral Honors team could only send one member to perform military rites for Vietnam Veteran Roger Housner, fellow VFW Post 1318 member Gundel Metz, PSC (at head of casket) stepped in to assist SSG Thomas Welch.

Housner served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1968 – 1970.

Rest in peace.

Photo and info courtesy of Gundel Metz, PSC.

2021 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 January or March issues.

Candidates are then encouraged to purchase paid advertising in problems with entering their email address the Wisconsin VFW News at the in the report. If you are manually-entering substantially discounted VFW an email address for your conrmation member effect. message, berates certaincurrently there are noin blank spaces at theads beginning or endpublish of the entry.

To These typically in the do this, you must completely clear the eld, March papers. even if itand/or appearsMay empty.

Use [Control] Standard A to select thedeadlines entire eld, apply: and [Control] X to delete all content.

Then typing from • January 2021 paper – deadthe farofleft end of the email eld, enter the line December 4, 2020. desired email address. DO NOT ADD ANY • March 2021once paper – deadline BLANK SPACES all the characters of February of the address 9, are2021. entered. Use [TAB] to • move to thepaper next –eld.

Better yet, Mayon2021 deadline of each Post should designate one address to April 9, 2021. receive all the conrmation reports. A link canhasAd beenrates added– to“member the ABOUTand ONLINE didate discounted” sizes REPORTING page to tell uswith what address you wantare: to use as a default. shown Keep an eye on the “Checklist” entries!

• Full-page ad (10” x 15”), $625.

- Our State Headquarters is up to speed on • Half-page horizontal keeping track of your audits, 990sad and other essential on your$325.

Post’s required ac (10”data x 7.5”), tivities.

Commanders and Quartermasters, • Half-page vertical ad in particular, are advised to check “The

(5” x 15”), $325.

Checklist” for current standing. (RememQuarter-page ad is ber• that, for example,horizontal when an audit submitted rst marked as “received”, (10”itxis3.75”), $175. and• then goes through rectangle a review for ad proper Quarter-page signatures and correct math, before being (5” x 7.5”), $175. listed as completed.)

Don’t wait until the Eighth-page ad to last• minute to submitrectangle required reports Headquarters.

You are$100. putting your Post’s (5” x 3.75”), standing in jeopardy if you do.

• Eighth-page vertical ad Thanks to all who have made good use of (2.5”Reporting x 7.5”),System $100.– While there our Online have been bumps along vertical the way, we • Sixteenth-page ad are greatly encouraged by the$65. number of reports (2.5” x 3.75”), entered in the system’s rst year. Your activAd layout assistance is availities on behalf of Veterans, your community able charge.

For more and thefree VFW of make all the difference.

Our goal is to continueand improving the system and information to place your make it even more useful to all. please candidate advertising, YOUR LOGIN TO THE MEMBER AND contact Editor Marla J. Morgan at REPORTING AREAS OF OUR WEBSITE 715-384-2500 or wivfweditor@ (vfwwi.org) IS ALWAYS YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AND YOUR PASSgmail.com.

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WORD IS ALWAYS YOUR LAST NAME.

Page 7

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

KING DAY

OCT. / NOV. 2020

King Day – 2020 Style

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

Page 13 MAY / JUNE 2019

Post 8021 Recognizes Monte Dunnum

Since we were unable to hold our usual VFW/VFWA Scheibe-Munro King Day festivities at the WI Veterans Home at King this summer, Co-Chairmen Richard Morey and John Zouski teamed up with Dept. Finance Chair Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson to find a way to use the funds already budgeted for the event. The result: “Stay at Home” King Day. (We stayed home to keep our King members safe!) And it looks like those who call WVH-King home REALLY savored the August 17 luncheon of Prime Rib; corn on the cob; salad; dinner roll and butterscotch pie for dessert. Way to go team!

Info courtesy of Dick Morey and “Twiggy” Johnson; photos courtesy of Mary Grace Biesek, Marketing Specialist at WVH-King.

After leading the Westby High School bands for 25 years, Monte Dunnum is retiring. A motivational teacher and role model, Mr. Dunnum’s band and chorus rooms are gathering places for students before school and during meal breaks. Many of his students from twenty or more years ago speak highly of him as a teacher, and consider him a good friend.

Under his leadership, Westby bands have performed around the state, in New York City, and Washington, D.C., and of course, have played a vital role in the many Veterans Day programs held at the school. They also home Freedom Honor Flightsfor in LaCrosse.

It’swelcome time to show your Post’s support the award-winning WISCONSIN VFW NEWS with a Post Booster ad. A State VFW Gundel Metz presented Monte with the VFW Certicate single by to 2”Westby ad is only perthanking year and of Appreciation at a column recent visit High$250 School, himincludes six issues of the NEWS, starting with the January/Febfor his manyruary years of service andWe friendship to Veterans.

Tom Sharratt 2021 issue. thank our current Post Boosters, found elsewhere on this page, for their continued support of Post 8021 stated, “We know he will continue to lead the local comthe NEWS. Won’t choirs, you consider joining eliteto group? munity band,ofparticipate in church be a friend in thethis future all who love music, and be an advocate for honoring Veterans – for Please contact Editor Marla Morgan at wivfweditor@gmail.com or 715-384-2500 and reserve your Post’s place today! which we give him our sincere and enduring appreciation.”

Submitted by Sharratt is ofavailable VFW Post–8021, with thanks to to say and we’ll create the ad. Deadline for the January 2021 issue AdTom assistance you tell ussincere what you want Angie Cina and the Westby Times for the photograph.

Support the NEWS with a Post Booster Ad in 2021!

is December 4, 2020. Let’s have a FULL PAGE of Booster Ads starting in the new year! Thank you for your support!

Post 305 Supports Service Dog Training The Wisconsin VFW News salutes these local Wisconsin Posts and thanks them for their patronage!

PEWAUKEE MEMORIAL POST 9537

VFW Post 305

The deadline for the January 2021 issue of Wisconsin VFW News is December 4.

It’s not the price you pay to become a member.

It’s the price

On the bank of the Chippewa River 1300 Starr Ave., Eau Claire 715-552-8438 Bar Open Daily Check out our Facebook pages: Serving outstanding @VFWPost305 breakfasts andClaire lunches VFW Post 305 in Eau gave a $5000 donation to help train service or @VFWClub305

dogs for Veterans with PTSD. Shown here are (from left): Veteran and Dog Trainer Denise Wenz, with her dog Poppy; Clint Rudesill of Post 305 and Veteran Tracy Manor with her dog Fiona.

Denise trains dogs and desires A Wisconsin Centennial Post to give them to Veterans in need, at no charge. She is always looking for Veterans who needChartered help and the funds to keep training dogs. She can be November 5, 1921 reached through Am Vets Post 2017 or at 715-944-6541. She runs a small,11/20 but vital not for prot business.

Photo and info courtesy of Clint Rudesill of VFW Post 305.

Junker-Ball VFW Post 1865 and Auxiliary PUBLIC BAR OPENS 9 A.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK

6618 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI

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 11/20

VFW POST 7232 Located on Eau Claire’s West Side 2900 W. Folsom Street

BAR OPEN TO PUBLIC 7 DAYS A WEEK! Hall Rental Available Phone: 715-832-3528

www.vfwpost7232.org Full Menu Daily

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Check our website! www.vfw1865.org Daily Specials • Full Catering 2 Halls for Rent

Phone: 262-652-2751 11/20

Gross-Yaksh Post 6498

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

Supports the VFW News

11/20

Page 8 OCT. / NOV. 2020 Happy Holidays!

Since this will be the last column for 2020, I wish you an upcoming season filled with love, happiness, and good times with Veterans, family, and friends. The time is passing by so fast and it will soon be time to enjoy shoveling snow! Let’s check to see what everyone has been doing since my last column.

On August 27, a Zoom VAVS Workshop was held so that we could have a better attendance of the Hospital Representatives and Deputies. Hospital Chairman Kathie Lendosky did a good job hosting this event. We talked about the current status of not allowing volunteers into the hospitals and Veterans homes. Some of them are implementing re-integration stages. The Reps. and Deps. advised us of their “Wish Lists” for each facility and what activities have been and are being done.

As you know from elsewhere in the paper, our WVH-King comrades were treated to a Prime Rib Dinner to observe “King Day.” The “Wish Lists” and re-integration plans are on our State Auxiliary website – wivfwaux. org – look under Hospital and the drop menu to the right. We need to focus on what we can do for now and pray that things will open up in the near future. Monetary donations can be used for things we cannot provide by volunteers. Let us especially remember these Veterans during the holidays when they often feel very lonely. For Veterans Day, make sure you remember them in a special way. Check with the VA centers and Veterans Homes to find out what they would like us to do and/or supply for these special holidays.

In my last bulletin, I asked District Presidents and other Department Representatives to collect the different ways that Auxiliaries are dealing with the pandemic and how they are serving Veterans during these difficult times. Some Auxiliaries are using their reserves to continue to donate to our National and Department Programs.

Some are having drive-up events - Fish Frys, Brat Feeds, Food Drives, and Distribution of School Supplies. Some events are down-sized so that social distancing can be done. Perhaps you can downsize a larger MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

AUXILIARY FROM THE CHIEF-OF-STAFF

Linda Schluter Department President

608-246-8414

buffy0713@gmail.com

event into smaller events to be held more days of the month.

My Post and Auxiliary had a virtual Operation Ruck 22 for the entire month of September. The members walked throughout the month in increments until it totaled 22 miles. Donations, purchases of merchandise, and recording of their walking times was all done online. In our Madison Stand Down, we had a “Drive By” with pick-ups in three different locations. What are you doing to support our Veterans and our National and Department Programs? Please let us know.

As you know by now, the Big Ten Conference in Ohio was cancelled, due to concerns and restrictions surrounding COVID-19. It was a difficult decision to make, but one we applaud. Both the VFW and Auxiliary held Zoom meetings instead. It was nice to see everyone – even on a computer screen!

Congratulations to our own Wisconsin Jr. VP Faith Elford, who was elected and installed as Conductress of the Big Ten Conference.

Good luck in finishing your Official Visits and Audits. We must continue to support our National and Department Programs and serve our Veterans and their families. Happy Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, and other holidays you celebrate at this time of the year. May this season be filled with love, happiness, and good times with Veterans, family, and friends. Be safe and healthy.

Editor’s note: Please see President Linda’s info on Standing Rules and National President Sandi Onstwedder’s Executive Order No. 1 elsewhere in this paper.

Faith Elford

Congratulations Wisconsin Auxiliaries! In the September Bulletin I told you Jr. Vice President/ Membership the first deadline to aim for is to be 80% by September 30. At the time I am writing this, Chairman the State of Wisconsin was at 81.29% on 920-568-9278 September 1! That includes four Districts and 68 Auxiliaries already over 80%. Keep faelford@outlook.com it up Auxiliaries! And a special congratulations to the 17 Auxiliaries that are already at 100%. That is fantastic! I cannot wait to see how many more of you made the 80% on September 30.

What are the next levels to meet?

November – The next deadline on the list is to be 90% by November 30, 2020 – there will be 10, $15 awards at the Wisconsin Mid-Year Meeting. At the National level, $10 will be given to each Auxiliary that reaches 95% in membership by November 30, 2020. We can all help our Department to win $400 if our state membership is at 95% by November 30.

December – Of course the big level to hit is 100% by the end of December 2020. There will be eight, $25 awards given out at Mid-Winter Conference and honorable mention of all Auxiliaries and Districts that make it to our ultimate goal!

Did you know? . . . Dues Notices – Auxiliary Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers can log into MALTA and print dues notices. If you have not tried it yet, it is quite easy.

• Log in and click on Duties • Then click on Reports • Then click on Dues Renewal Letter Once there, click on Print Dues Renewal Letter which will download a .pdf file with letters for all your unpaid Annual members. As a bonus, you can also print address labels to match the letters. Under Duties, click on Address Labels, select Unpaid/Lapsed Members, and click on Print Address Labels. Print and mail – it is really that easy!

Membership Committee According to the Bylaws and Ritual 2020, the Auxiliary President “shall appoint a committee of not less than five (5) members, including the Treasurer, to contact all members during the year for payment of dues.” It is also recommended that they contact those who have not paid dues for the last couple of years. If you have not already done this then now is the time to act! Give your Treasurer some assistance in contacting people to pay their dues.

Keep up the good work bringing in the dues everyone. If you have been the only one in your Auxiliary working on collecting dues, you might want to get that committee together. (Perhaps with a younger person with computer skills to help you get into Malta and print those letters.) It can really relieve a ton of work for you and helps other members get involved.

With the holidays coming, perhaps you can look at your list of those that have not been able to pay their dues yet and consider helping them out by making a gift of paying their dues for them. Maybe you can hold a contest and put the names in a hat and pull out one unpaid member to pay their Life Membership. Think outside the box and keep your Auxiliary growing even in these COVID times.

Together we can “Soar Like an Eagle for our Veterans” and continue “Honoring our Mission to Serve Veterans.”

Does your Auxiliary have great ideas that just never seem to get carried out? I found Rita Byers this item in a Club Bulletin, and though it Chief-of-Staff was printed for fun, I believe there is truth in it. This could be happening with many 608-654-5470 of our Auxiliaries that are having problems. rabyers66@gmail.com “There once were four individuals named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

Every day there was always an important job that needed to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. However, Anybody could have done the job, but Nobody did. Somebody got angry because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Somebody would do the job that needed to get done, but Nobody asked Anybody.

To Somebody, Anybody and Everybody – come on down!!! – for fun, for laughs, for jokes, for jobs.

Sincerely, Nobody…XXDD” (Author Unknown) Maybe, just maybe this could be your Auxiliary? Communication is the key to no longer having those “Somebody, Anybody, Everybody and Nobody” in your Auxiliary. Take the time to discuss and talk about events coming up so that EVERYBODY can feel they know what’s happening and NOBODY feels left out or ends up doing it all by themselves.

MENTORING FOR LEADERSHIP Winter will soon be upon us and the leaves will be off the trees, animals will begin hibernating or preparing for the snowfalls. Our Auxiliaries are—and need to continue to be—a positive influence in our communities. We need to support our small businesses, VA Hospitals and Nursing homes as we navigate through this COVID-19 pandemic in any way we can.

Mentoring in your Auxiliary is a win-win situation. Personally, I had several mentors throughout the years as an Auxiliary member and learned some of these characteristics from them: Loyalty, Supportive, Honesty, Compassion, Help others, Kindness, Follow your dreams, and Treat others how you want to be treated.

When you think of a mentor, ask yourself who has been your R.O.C.K (reliable, outgoing, consistent communicator and knowledgeable) who helped you grow and has been a trusted guide. We invest in our Auxiliaries when we mentor. When we all take part in the mentoring process, we can achieve wonderful things for our Veterans and their families.

When we come together, we all win.

Do you have an “up-and-coming” or “behind the scenes” mentor? Let their awesomeness shine on the National stage and nominate them for the National Mentoring for Leadership Member Award. The form

Linda Moran Mentoring Chairman

920-337-9922

dacqukid@aol.com

can be found on the National Auxiliary website at: vfwauxiliary.org/resources.

Your nomination is due to me by March 31, 2021. There are many amazing mentors in your Auxiliaries. I hope to receive a nomination from all Auxiliaries — it would be great to say that Wisconsin was 100% participating this year.

I want to thank all of you for everything that you have accomplished thus far this year through these trying times for our Veterans and their families. Until next time: Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!

Happy Holidays from my house to yours.

Everyone stay safe and healthy. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1

On September 16, 2020, National President Sandra Onstwedder issued Executive Order No 1 with an accompanying Memo. Each District President received a copy of the Executive Order No. 1 and the Memo from Department President Linda Schluter to share with their Auxiliaries. The Executive Order reads: “In light of the changing restrictions and guidelines of COVID-19 regarding the number of participants that may gather in a room for a meeting varies from Department to Department and even within a single Department, therefore, in the cases of Auxiliary, District, and Department meetings, audits, official visits, etc., Section 212 – Quorum becomes effective immediately: Five (5) members in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Auxiliary.”

Further: “In areas where members, due to age, health, etc. are reluctant/refuse to participate in in-person meetings to establish a quorum for the transaction of business, the Auxiliary President may appeal in writing to the Department President for written permission (to be attached to the meeting’s minutes) that the members needed to establish a quorum may attend virtually. Should audits or official visits be completed virtually, the audit/books may be signed at a later date with a copy of the written permission from the Department President attached.”

This Executive Order took effect on September 16, 2020, and supersedes Executive Order #2 issued on March 26, 2020, by then-National President Peggy Haake.

By now, we know what Auxiliaries are not holding in-person meetings and the reasons why not. We are also hoping that most Auxiliaries are meeting with a quorum (at least 5 members in good standing) at the meeting location and other members are joining them virtually at home. If you have any concerns about Executive Order No. 1 or meeting quorums, please contact Dept. President Linda Schluter or your District President immediately.

Thank you

for the many wonderful cards and best wishes celebrating my birthday. You made my day extra special!

Love, Trish Mortensen, PDP

AUXILIARY

DRAPING OF THE CHARTER Aux. 328 388 659 659 659 659 987 1037 1037 1038 1039 1039 1530 1530 1621 1621 1691 1865 1908 2113 2113 2267 2312 2312 2778 2778 2895

Name City Evelyn L. Lee* Janesville Marcella Writz* Wausau Bernice Suemnicht Reedsburg Laverne Leitermann* Manitowoc Shirley Wilda* Manitowoc Susan Skarda* Manitowoc Dolores E. Krueger* Baraboo Phyllis J. Lewis* Nekoosa Rachael Pomerenke Waupaca Lynn Marie Roder* Chippewa Falls Betty L. Schlough Menomonie Margery B. Henke* Spring Valley Thelma Crawley* Onalaska Linda Davenport* La Crosse Dolores Jones* Beloit Rosemary Pakes* Janesville Caroline Svach Milwaukee Carol Buzza Kenosha Cecelia Ostertag Oshkosh Elizabeth Hermsen* De Pere Patricia Haevers* De Pere Sharon E. Wilson* Richland Center Eleanor Winchester Beloit Margaret Sonderegger* Monroe Elaine E. Fredericks* Appleton Nancy Marie Ropella-Spindler* Appleton Dorothy Chojnacki* Cudahy

*DENOTES LIFE MEMBER

Aux. 3032 3392 5274 5780 6005 6352 6352 6498 6498 6705 7221 8216 8329 8329 8483 8512 8512 8512 8512 9156 9202 9469 10406 10406 15051 15051 15051

Name City Sandra J. Thompson Viroqua Ruth B. Dier Algoma Elizabeth N. Tyson* Platteville Helen Soukup Cadiz, KY Gene Willkom Chippewa Falls Anna G. Kaiser Stratford Roseland Andres* Auburndale LaVerne Lois Callies* New Berlin Sylvia E. Nelson* Apopka, FL Helen Mleziva Denmark Yvonne Kummer Mukwonago Dolores D. Shiveler* Madison Colleen Hunter* Barnes Sondra Rockenbach* Port Wing Frances Rogers* Sun Prairie Betty J. Youngren* Turtle Lake Debra Lynn Lauritsen* Turtle Lake Kathryn I. Boedeker* Almena Nancy Catlin* Cumberland Lynn F. Fields* Sheboygan Falls Lucille M. Dettmann* Germantown Mary King Milwaukee Lois Beseler* Cochrane Ruth L. Eppler* Buffalo City Norma Kepler Beloit Beverly J. Lance* Oregon Lorrie R. Hanson* Union Grove

Auxiliary 2687 Awards Quilts of Valor Wurl-Feind-Ingman VFW Auxiliary 2687 of Tomahawk, partnered with their local Quilts of Valor Foundation group “Pieced for Peace”, to award Quilts of Valor to two Post members this past August. The awardees were WWII Veteran Scott Stevenson, age 98 (seated), and Vietnam Veteran and Post 2687 Quartermaster Bill Burcalow, age 75.

Comrade Stevenson is holding a photo of himself in his WWII uniform. The quilts were presented by Pauline Borgen, Aux. 2687 Treasurer and “Pieced for Peace” Group Leader, and Corrine Burcalow, Aux. 2687 Past President.

As of September 26, 2020, the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) has awarded Quilts of Valor ® (QOV) to 257,059 Veterans and active Servicepersons. A QOV is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” To use the term Quilt of Valor, or QOV, the quilt must be a specific size, must have a label with required information, it must be awarded (it is not a gift) and it must be recorded.

There are several QOVF groups in Wisconsin. The State Coordinator is Karen Demaree and she can be contacted at 608-732-5124 or karen.demaree@qovf.org. The Wisconsin group also has a Facebook page “Wisconsin Quilts of Valor”.

For those interested in Veterans’ Oral Histories, Scott Stevenson has conducted an oral history interview with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The museum website is wisvetsmuesum.com. Go to “Oral Histories” and search the WWII interviews – Stevenson’s I.D. number is OH340.

Photo and info courtesy of VFW Auxiliary 2687 Treasurer Pauline Borgen.

PLEASE! Make sure that your Auxiliary is using the MOST RECENT Cancer Grant Application!

The form should say REV. 6-18 in the lower right corner.

ALL OLDER FORMS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND DISCARDED! Using old forms only delays the process of securing this member benefit in a timely fashion. The current form is available at our State website – wivfwaux.org – click on Forms at left and then Cancer Grant Application. It is also available on the National website vfwauxiliary.org – under Member Benefits.

Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Page 9

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News VETERANS AND FAMILY SUPPORT We continue supporting our Veterans and their families by embracing the VFW’s Military Assistance Program (MAP); VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” Program and Unmet Needs to provide for our Veterans, service members and their families. In doing this we are “Honoring Our Mission to Serve Veterans as we Soar Like an Eagle for Veterans.”

• The Military Assistance Program (MAP) - Ways to Connect with Troops MAP helps VFW and Auxiliary members give to their local military units. It helps create and nurture bonds with those units by providing financial assistance for Posts, Districts and Departments to sponsor morale-boosting send-offs, homecomings and casual get-togethers. Posts and Auxiliaries participating in Adopt-a-Unit and Family Readiness Group events can also receive assistance. MAP keeps care packages circulating by covering postage costs.

For guidelines to apply for MAP funds, contact the VFW Veterans & Military Support office at 816-756-3390. Send your donations to the VFW, earmarked for Veterans & Military Support. Mail check to: VFW National Headquarters, Attn: Veterans & Military Support, 406 W. 34th Street, 9th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64111 • VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” Program The VFW and Sport Clips are giving the gift of scholarships to our nation’s heroes as a way of thanking them for their dedicated service to our nation. Scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to qualified applicants and are limited to one per family per semester. Applications for the fall semester will be accepted Jan. 1 through April 30 and will be awarded in August.

Applications for the spring semester will be accepted Aug. 1 through Nov. 15 and will be awarded in January. Scholarships must be used by the end of the school semester for which the Veteran is applying or they will become null and void. Funds are restricted for tuition and fees only and will be paid directly to accredited schools. Visit vfw.org for application and information.

• Unmet Needs Can Help in a Crisis Unmet Needs provides grants (not loans) and referrals to other organizations to active-duty service members, Veterans and their immediate families to assist with basic life needs.

In order to receive assistance, the applicant must be the service member, Veteran, or eligible dependent listed under the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The financial hardship must be due to one of the following: Currently on active duty, whose financial

OCT. / NOV. 2020

Sherrie Rosenau

Dept. Chaplain/ Veterans & Family Support Chairman 920-251-8888 littlemama6@ yahoo.com

hardship is a result of a current deployment, military pay error, or from being discharged for medical reasons.

Discharged on or after September 11, 2001, whose financial hardship is a direct result of your military service-connected injuries and/or illnesses.

Discharged before September 11, 2001, are on a fixed income that must include VA compensation for service-connected injuries/illnesses and facing unexpected financial hardship.

In 2007, Burger King® franchisees became the primary supporters of the Unmet Needs program. To date, they have raised more than $6.3 million to provide Veterans and military families with assistance for rent, mortgages, utilities, vehicle repair, food and other basic needs. Grants are available for up to $1,500 (payable to a creditor) and can bridge the gap. The VFW is truly grateful to Burger King® franchisees for their support for our nation’s Veterans and military families. [See more information about the Burger King November Fundraiser elsewhere in this paper.]

Donations can be sent to the VFW Foundation earmarked for Unmet Needs. Mail check to: VFW National Headquarters, Attn: VFW Foundation, 406 W. 34th Street, 9th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64111 • National President’s Special Project: Stars, Stripes and Support Food insecurity is a challenge for military families as many struggle to feed their families. According to a recent report, nearly 15 percent of military and Veteran families worry about how they are going to feed their families or afford food. By supporting National Auxiliary President Sandi Onstwedder’s Special Project, you can provide aid to these military families.

Please send your donations to the VFW Foundation earmarked for Unmet Needs – Hunger. Mail check to: VFW National Headquarters, Attn: VFW Foundation, 406 W. 34th Street, 9th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64111 This Program is a way to give back to those who gave for us, both the Veteran and their family. As Auxiliary members, let’s step up and provide assistance to help combat food insecurity this year.

Why Standing Rules?

What are Standing Rules and why do we have them?

According to Article II, Sec. 211 of our Bylaws: Auxiliaries, County Councils, Districts, and Departments may establish Standing Rules to provide for specified operations, activities, events, expenses and disbursements between meetings provided such rules do not conflict with the National or Department Bylaws.

Further: Custom has the status of a standing rule, and standing rules can be amended, modified or rescinded at any meeting. If prior notice is given, the vote is by majority vote of those members present. If prior notice is not given, the vote is by a two-thirds vote of those members present. Standing Rules become effective immediately.

How can Standing Rules be especially useful during a pandemic or any difficult time when your Auxiliary cannot meet? These Standing Rules allow your Treasurer to pay your recurring bills between meetings. For example, if your Auxiliary was unable to meet, and your Bond was due, your Treasurer could pay it as long as it is in your Standing Rules. Another example is if you routinely have an event/ activity/donation that is done every year, you could save time at your meeting as this expense does not need to have a motion if it is stated in your Standing Rules.

Standing Rules can help your Auxiliary function between meetings as well as save time during regular meetings. We have many experienced Auxiliary members in our Department who can help with establishing Standing Rules. Please contact Dept. President Linda Schluter if you would like assistance.

The deadline for the January 2021 issue of Wisconsin VFW News is December 4.

Page 10

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

Cootie Corner

Listen Cooties: I want to start out by saying, almost two months ago, after I got home from work, I had to go back to the Hospital.

I was rushed in for emergency surgery since I had developed a blood clot in my left leg. I ended up having a bypass done in my left leg and a fasciotomy also. The doctors said I was hours away from losing my leg. Things have turned out great. I am healing well. To our Sr. Vice Commander Tracey Woodman: thank you for covering for me at Tomah Days. I got my Ducks at my last scratch at my Post.

We are still planning on the Mid-Winter and Testimonial – see Meal Registration info and deadlines on this page.

Grand 2020-2021 Membership: For individual Cooties (not Pup Tents) who recruit new members, the following prizes are available: 1st-Place is a 2-night stay at any hotel for up to $100 per night. 2nd-Place is a 1-night stay at any hotel for up to $100 per night. 3rdPlace is a $75 gift card. 4th-Place is a $50 gift card. The membership contest runs from June 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021. Awards will be based on number

COOTIE CORNER Military Order of the Cootie and Auxiliary WI Grand Mid-Winter Conference Testimonial • Janesville January 8-9, 2021

Brian Rickman WI Grand Commander

608-290-2588

usmc1992@charter.net

of members recruited or, in case of a tie, earliest date.

The Grand Special Project is “Quilts for Heroes;” the Supreme special project is the “Childcare Center at the National Home.” A second dollar is added to the Supreme assessment for maintenance to the “Cootie House.”

Send all funds to Grand of Wisconsin CCDB Ken Patterson.

Prayers go out to those suffering in any way because of the coronavirus. Stay healthy and in a safe place.

Congratulations to those celebrating anniversaries and birthdays - you have accomplished so much! To those in Beds of White, our best wishes and prayers to you and yours!

Baymont Inn and Suites 616 Midland Road Janesville, WI 53546 Phone: 608-758-4545

Room Rates: $89 + tax Call hotel directly for reservations.

Mention Military Order of the Cootie.

DEADLINE for Room Rate is December 21, 2020.

Agenda

Brian Rickman WI Grand Commander 608-290-2588 usmc1992@charter.net

Friday, January 8

TBD (Tent.) Fish Fry at VFW Post 1621, 1015 Center Ave.,

Janesville, WI 53547 - $1 off for Members

Saturday, January 9

Dear MOCA Members: As COVID-19 cases are on the rise and meetings are limited to 25% capacity, I will most likely make telephone inspections. Please call me if you cancel any meetings.

As you know, the National Home has canceled both the Halloween and Christmas parties. We should think about making a donation since we cannot visit.

We need to work on collecting dues and sending them in ASAP. Thank you for taking care of this. Hospital reports are still needed - send to Grand Hospital Chairman Marie Severson.

My Special Project is clothing donations as Zablocki permanently disbanded the men’s and women’s clothing rooms. The Volunteer Office will distribute donations. Items needed - New, prepackaged items, preferred sizes large to 4x: White t-shirts; colored t-shirts with pockets; White or light gray tube socks; White/light gray diabetic tube socks; jogging pants; underwear. Any

Trudi Groth MOCA Grand President 414-315-7098

9:30 am

MOC Scratch/MOCA Meeting at VFW Post 1621

5:00 pm

Social Hour (Cash Bar) at VFW Post 1621

6:00 pm

Dinner at VFW Post 1621 Menu: Prime Rib or Chicken Cordon Bleu or Salmon Cost: Each entree is $20 per person – select and reserve below.

tg53221@gmail.com

monetary donations for the Special Project should be earmarked as such, and sent to Grand Treasurer, Dolores Sorensen by January 3.

As you can see, the Mid-Winter and Testimonial are still planned, but not knowing how or when this pandemic is ending, watch the mailings for more information to follow.

Take precautions...stay well and take care of each other as we are “Keeping Veterans Smiling in Beds of White.”

Trudi Groth WI Grand President 414-315-7098 tg53221@gmail.com

Dinner Registration Deadline is December 31, 2020!

Saturday Testimonial Dinner

Prime Rib:

Chicken Cordon Bleu: _________ @ $20 each = $ _________________

Salmon:

_________ @ $20 each = $ _________________

_________ @ $20 each = $ _________________ Total enclosed = $ _________________

Name: _________________________________ Pup Tent # _________________ Name: _________________________________ Pup Tent # _________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City/ST/Zip: _________________________________ Phone __________________

COOTIE DATES TO REMEMBER CANCELED

MOC/MOCA 86th TOMB TREK

CANCELED

Cootie Christmas Party at VFW National Home for Children, Eaton Rapids, MI (Visit lotcs.org for all info.)

January 8-9, 2021

Mid-Winter and Testimonial – Janesville, WI (See info elsewhere in this Cootie Corner.)

April 16-17, 2021

MOC/MOCA Grand of Wisconsin Convention

MOC Grand Raffle Tickets Available NOW Tickets are $2 each or three for $5

Seven (7) prizes totaling $1,000 will be drawn on April 17, 2021 at the WI Grand Convention.

Contact: MOC Grand Raffle Chair Bill Hustad at 608-527-2942 or wfhust1@tds.net for tickets.

Make checks payable to: Pup Tent 9 Send to: Madge Murphy, 3920 Park View Dr., Janesville, WI 53546 Questions? Call Madge at 608-754-1230.

Keep ’em smiling in beds of white.

PETS FOR VETS

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

Page 11 OCT. / NOV. 2020

President Linda’s Special Project: Pets for Vets Founded in 2009 by Animal Trainer Clarissa Black, Pets for Vets, Inc. brought together two of Black’s greatest passions: helping Veterans and saving animal lives. Experiencing firsthand how important animals can be to recovery, she created the program to improve the lives of both Veterans and animals by bringing them together in a thoughtful, caring way. The goal is to give back to the brave servicemen and women who have given everything to our country, while finding homes for deserving shelter pets.

There are currently 21 Pets for Vets Chapters throughout the U.S., with five in the Midwest, including Madison, WI, serving residents in Dane, Green and Rock counties.

Here’s how Linda chose Pets for Vets as her Special Project: “As I was moving up the chairs to become Department President, I was looking for a program that would pair my “love for Veterans” with my “love for animals.” Pets for Vets not only united my two

loves but it also benefits shelter animals as well. This program only uses shelter animals. Pets for Vets is tailored to the needs, wants, and hopes of each our Veterans. The staff listens and finds the Veteran’s choice of an animal that will bring the most comfort and support.”

“Instead of choosing the first animal the staff sees at the shelter, they work to match the right person to the right pet. They take the time to get to know the Veteran as well as the animal. This thoughtful, deliberate approach is what creates the Super Bond – that intense, immediate connection so important to a successful, lasting relationship between the Veteran and his/her animal companion.”

“Many troops return with emotional injuries that make it difficult to transition back to civilian life.

It’s hard for good dogs who were in the wrong place at the wrong time or had poor upbringings to find a good home. Deserving shelter animals receive a second chance at

life while giving Veterans a second chance at health and happiness.”

Applying for a companion from Pets for Vets involves a few simple steps. Visit petsforvets.com for detailed info; testimonials; FAQs; the application and more.

A link to the Madison Chapter may be found under Chapters at the top of their web page. We hope to visit with representatives of the Madison Chapter at the Department Convention in June 2021.

DONATIONS to this Special Project should be made payable to: VFWA-WI, and mailed to: Lenore Otto, VFWA Dept. Treasurer, 1383 W. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, WI 53066, EARMARK: Pets for Vets on the memo line!

All donations directly impact each Veteran-pet match by providing a Welcome Package filled with all the equipment necessary to start their new life together – a lifetime of love, loyalty, and trust.

Pets for Vets. Helping Veterans One Lick at a Time.

Post 9298 Supports Livingston Sports Park Ritchie-Bowers-Kohout VFW Post 9298 of Montfort, WI recently donated $1,350 to sponsor a flagpole at the Livingston Sports Park in Livingston, WI, just south of Montfort in District 3. Shown here (from left) are: Post 9298 QM Jonathon Schumacher; Past Post Commander Don Schult; Sports Park Chairperson Greg Slack and Post 9298 Commander Jeff Christiansen. Past Cdr. Schult also made a personal donation on behalf of the Don and Pat Schult Family to sponsor a second flagpole at the Park.

Post 9298 is proud to have such a great community to support us, and are glad to donate back to the community.

Photo and info courtesy of Post 9298 QM and District 3 Cdr. Jonathon Schumacher.

Necedah Post 10231 Honors Namesake Post 10231 in Necedah is named for Wayne C. Chitwood, KIA in Vietnam, whose name is on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. This past March, in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29), the Post planned to present Chitwood’s sister, Jean Ayers, a Commemorative Family Member Lapel pin and DOD certificate, but the meeting had to be postponed due to the start of the COVID pandemic.

Recently, Post members were able to meet Jean at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, next to Wayne’s resting place, to finally make the presentation. Pictured (from left) are: John Waltemath (Wayne’s half-brother); Shirley “Jean” Ayers (one of Wayne’s two sisters); Post 10231 Service Officer Ken Hornburg; Post Cdr. Jim Starr making the presentation; Trustee Ken Murphy and Trustee Dave Saunders. What a thoughtful remembrance!

Submitted by Post 10231 Commander James Starr.

Page 12 OCT. / NOV. 2020

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

2019-2020 AWARDS

Honoring Our Top Achievers In this most unusual of years, it’s quite fitting that we have the most unique display of All-State and All-American awards in the history of this paper. Since both Awards are usually bestowed at large gatherings such as Conventions and Banquets, none of which could be held, our Leadership did their best to recognize our 2019 – 2020 “White Hat” and All-American recipients wherever possible, over the course of the past few weeks.

With the sudden cancellation/ postponement of some District Meetings that may have posed a challenge for some, it was anything but for State Chief of Staff Kerry McAllen who “circumnavigated” District 9 to make sure that 2 Posts and 1 District Commander were recognized.

She receives the Editor’s “Above and Beyond” Award for creativity and perseverance.

Congratulations to all of our All-State and All-American recipients. We are still awaiting presentations to Posts 721, 987 and 6175 and we’ll bring you those photos as soon as possible.

ABOVE: Immediate Past State Commander Don Lynch (center) receives his All-American State Commander cover from VFW National Council Member Gundel Metz (at right).

Photo courtesy of Post 7591 All-State/All-American Cdr. Kerry McAllen.

AT RIGHT: Yes, this one does look a little familiar ... it’s actually from 2019! All-State Commander of Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 987 in Baraboo Gerald Parchem (right) suggested we use this one – good idea Jerry! At left is All-State Post 987 QM Allen Huseth. A dynamic duo!

Dick Meyer photo.

All-American PSC Don Lynch (left) salutes All-State Commander Frank Zagar of Lakeland VFW Post 7898 of Woodruff.

All-State QM Michael Harris could not attend the District 10 meeting in Weyerhaeuser where the presentations were made.

Photo courtesy of JVC Michele Rathke.

World’s Cheese Center VFW Post 5612 in Plymouth held a lovely outdoor meeting for their All-State presentations. Shown here following the awards are (from left): All-State Post 5612 QM David Majerus; All-State Post 5612 Commander Mark Dewitz; All-American PSC Donald Lynch who made the presentations and Plymouth Mayor Don Pohlman.

Photo courtesy of Post 5612 All-State Cdr. Mark Dewitz.

PSC Don Lynch (far right) and his 2019-2020 Chief-of-Staff Michele Rathke (now State JVC) also visited Aspinall-Bair-Stober VFW Post 11038 in Rochester to present All-State and All-American honors there. Congratulations to Post 11038 QM James Cairo (center left) and Post 11038 Commander Michael Fischer (center right) on your outstanding achievements.

Photo courtesy of Miki Cairo.

All-State Quartermaster Charlie Winnekens of Denmark VFW Post 6705 looks on at left as All-American Commander Richard Verheyen receives his cover from District 8 Commander Pat Moran.

Photo courtesy of VFW All-American Post Commander Rob Bonack of Freedom Post 7692.

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

2019-2020 AWARDS

Page 13 OCT. / NOV. 2020

Honoring Our Top Achievers

All-American Post Commander Kerry McAllen (far left) of Madison-Day VFW Post 7591 addresses her All-State Post QM Ronald Loresch, (center) and All-American PSC Don Lynch following Don’s presentation of her All-American cover. VFW National Council Member Gundel Metz looks on behind Don. Photo courtesy of All-American Cdr. Kerry McAllen of Post 7591.

All-State Commander Krist Beseler of Cochrane-Buffalo City VFW Post 10406 receives his “White Hat” from State Chief-of-Staff Kerry McAllen.

The black apron was put to good use immediately following the award as the Post was holding its famous “Chicken-Q” to benefit the Auxiliary. AllState QM James Goss was unable to be present.

Photo courtesy of COS Kerry McAllen with sincere thanks to “Photo Deputy” and Mom, Zoe McAllen.

COS McAllen also presented the Post 10818 National Outstanding Community Service Award for 2019-2020, including an exterior sign for their building and a special wooden plaque for the interior, to All-State Cdr. Ron Ramos.

Photo courtesy of COS Kerry McAllen with sincere thanks to “Photo Deputy” and Mom, Zoe McAllen.

State Chief-of-Staff Kerry McAllen (right) places the All-State cover on Past District 9 Commander Mary Ann Christopherson of Post 305 in Eau Claire. This presentation took place on a beautiful fall Saturday at VFW Post 10406 in Cochrane. (And word has it Post 10406 serves a mighty-fine chicken dinner!)

Photo courtesy of COS Kerry McAllen with sincere thanks to “Photo Deputy” and Mom, Zoe McAllen.

Another first for an All-State presentation: the Walmart parking lot in Menomonie! COS Kerry McAllen met All-State Commander Ron Ramos of New Richmond/St. Croix County VFW Post 10818 there to present the All-State award goodies for him and Post 10818 QM David “Mitch” Cline.

Photo courtesy of COS Kerry McAllen with sincere thanks to “Photo Deputy” and Mom, Zoe McAllen.

All-State Team Captains and All-American Commanders Robert Bonack (left) of Post 7692 and Richard Verheyen of Post 6705 were proud to represent State Commander Jason Johns at the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce 136th Annual Luncheon. They are pictured with Army Veteran Travis Mills, a quad amputee and a super motivational speaker. Both said “It was truly an awesome experience as well as a great life lesson by a true American hero.”

Photo courtesy of All-American Cdr. Richard “Sarge” Verheyen of Post 6705.

Page 14 OCT. / NOV. 2020

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

GOLD STAR MEMORIAL

Gold Star Memorial Unveiled in Rothschild As chronicled in the September/October 2020 WI VFW NEWS, the long-awaited Gold Star Memorial Statue was unveiled on Gold Star Mother’s Day, September 27. The first of its kind in the Midwest and the fourth created

by Sculptor Andrew Chernak, the Congressionally-approved 5’-7” bronze statue is a poignant reminder of the pain and sacrifice Gold Star Families endure, losing a loved one to war.

The Gold Star Memorial is now the focal point of the Rothschild Veterans Memorial Park, located at 211 Grand Avenue, (Bus. 51) next to Rothschild City Hall. The Park is easily accessible from both I-39 and Wis. Hwy. 29.

Congratulations to all who contributed to make this Memorial a reality. And our heartfelt love and salute to the Gold Star Families who have given so much for so many. May you find some comfort in this place of healing.

With thanks to Catherine Newby of American Legion Post 492, Rothschild-Mosinee, and photo contributors as noted.

TOP LEFT: Gold Star Mothers (in white) await the opening ceremony of the Gold Star Memorial Statue unveiling in Rothschild on Gold Star Mother’s Day, September 27.

Lee Gajewski photo.

BOTTOM LEFT: A very proud American Legion Post 492 Gold Star Team poses with the statue following the unveiling. Team members include (front, from left): Jessica Maple; Deb Denissen; Paul Gwidt and Randy Slagoski.

Back row (from left) includes: Joe Kelbley; Gloria Sonnentag; Julian Sonnentag; Lee Gajewski; Catherine Newby; Joan Campbell and Kathy Drake.

Photo courtesy of Cathy Newby and Jessica Maple.

The Statue depicts a Mom who has just received the dreaded Western Union telegram stating that she has lost her son, and she realizes that he is not coming home in the way she had planned.

Mike Heilmann photo.

LAST CALL!

Berlin Journal Newspapers Publisher Ty Gonyo (left) and VFW State Quartermaster Tom Heath display the 2021 Raffle Calendar on “pickup” day.

(Yes, those are future WI VFW NEWS issues in the rolls behind them ... oh, and maybe other papers printed there too!)

Berlin Journal photo.

2021 Raffle Calendar LAST CALL! The DEADLINE for sales of the beautiful 2021 Raffle Calendar is December 28, 2020, with all monies and stubs due to State Headquarters by the close of business that day.

REMEMBER – PER STATE LAWS, NO funds or tickets may be sent via U.S. Mail or other carrier – all items must be hand carried to Headquarters or to someone

Page 15

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

else in VFW leadership who will bring them to the State Quartermaster by the deadline. Please note that Headquarters will have special hours of operation during holiday time, so make sure you call ahead to ensure the office is open!

Questions? Contact Quartermaster Tom Heath at 608221-5276 or qm@vfwwi.org. Thank you for your support of the 2021 Department of Wisconsin Raffle Calendar!

OCT. / NOV. 2020

LAST CALL! October 31, 2020 is the DEADLINE for student entries in the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Student Essay contest to reach their local VFW Post. No exceptions!

Post judging in both programs should be completed by November 15, 2020, with winners sent immediately to District Chairmen for District judging. District judging must be completed by December 15 and winners sent to the State Chairmen right away so they can conduct State judging and meet their next deadline to National.

District Chairmen information for both VFW and Auxiliary are listed below, along with Department Chairmen info. Please contact John or Dee Dee if you have questions!

VFW Dept. Chairman

John Kleinmaus 633 S. 14th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095 262-334-5529 jkleinmaus@charter.net

Auxiliary Dept. Chairman Deanna “Dee Dee” Haugen 600 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 920-728-1176 dhaugen@c21affiliated.com

Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen District Chairmen

VFW District 1

James Cairo 419 Red Coat Ct. Waterford, WI 53185 262-237-2593

Auxiliary District 1 Terry Hannaman 3824 14th Ave. Kenosha, WI 53140 262-344-0196

VFW District 2

Adam Wallace

617 Anne Dr. Stoughton, WI 53589 708-574-7676

Auxiliary District 2 Faith Elford 1414 Montclair Pl. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 920-568-9278

VFW District 3

John Walker

204 High St. Shullsburg, WI 53586 608-214-2033

Auxiliary District 3 Send to VFW Dept. Chair John Kleinmaus

VFW District 4

Tom Tradewell N58W23367 Aster Dr. Sussex, WI 53089 262-246-4085

Auxiliary District 4 Julie Wetzel W153N11812 Daniels Dr. Germantown, WI 53022 414-750-1197

VFW District 6

John Kleinmaus 633 S. 14th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095

262-334-5529

Auxiliary District 6 Joann Seymour 705 S. 22nd St. Sheboygan, WI 53081 920-457-3715

VFW District 7

Scott Colburn

952 Cty. Rd. J Friendship, WI 53934 608-339-7127

Auxiliary District 7 Mary Kimmel 2817 Center St. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-341-6299

VFW District 8

Rod Fifield

9256 Holtz Rd. Oconto Falls, WI 54154 920-412-8151

Auxiliary District 8 Heather Fifield 9256 Holtz Rd. Oconto Falls, WI 54154 920-412-8151

VFW District 9

Ron Ramos

195 6th Ave. Baldwin, WI 54002 715-928-3606

Auxiliary District 9 Barb Fischer W21813 Erlien Rd. Strum, WI 54770 715-533-8927

VFW District 10

Dennis Hurst

P.O. Box 848 Woodruff, WI 54568 715-439-0095

Auxiliary District 10 Jackie Gregory W5463 Apple Ave. Medford, WI 54451 715-748-5373

VFW District 11

Tracy Woodman

701 Wolcott St. Sparta, WI 53546 608-269-0214

Auxiliary District 11 Marlene Powell 204 Case St. Baraboo, WI 53913 608-393-0502

Support Our Troops 5" x 7" Large Window Decal

Page 16 OCT. / NOV. 2020

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

AROUND THE STATE

Thorp VFW Post 9057 Remembers SP/4 Walter W. Lobacz Thorp VFW Post 9057 held a 50-year Memorial Remembrance Service at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Lublin, WI in late July. Lobacz died at the age of 21 in Augsberg, Germany on February 18, 1970, after being crushed by heavy machinery while serving in

Post 9057 Commander Bill Buss (at right) presents a flag and plaque to two of Walter’s surviving sisters, Georgia Mollerud (left) and Carol Fredrickson.

the U.S. Army as a tank driver. He left behind his bride of one year; his parents; five sisters and his grandmothers.

Info and photos submitted by Cindy Baehr on behalf of VFW Post 9057.

The Post 9057 Honor Guard participate at a safe social distance at the Memorial Remembrance for SP/4 Walter Lobacz.

Post 1530 Celebrates Membership Achievement

Howard-Suamico Lions Club Names Top Community Volunteer

VFW District 11 Chief-of-Staff Willie Stokes (at left) poses with Thomas Rooney Post 1530 (La Crosse) Quartermaster José Leon (center) and Post Commander Jamie Eklov (right), following the Post’s annual inspection. The QM and Commander look pretty happy about the flag streamer the Post received for their 100% membership in 2020. Congratulations!

Photo and info submitted by Post 1530 Commander Jamie Eklov.

Combination Meetings DO Work!

Like many Posts (and Auxiliaries), Lt. Marion C. Cranefield VFW Post 1318 in Madison has found a winning combination to conduct Post meetings: in-person AND virtual attendance. Blessed with a large meeting hall, the Post is able to allow a number of members to attend in person (socially-distanced of course). And thanks to the electronic talents of key Officers, members and guests from all over the country are able to attend as well.

This wonderful screen-shot from September shows the physical Post meeting in the upper left, as well as numerous other attendees, including State SVC Cory Geisler in the top row, (second from left) and Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Matthew “Fritz” Mihelcic (second row, below Cory). Note all of the different locales, some even outdoors. It works!

Many District meetings are now offering an online component as well. If your Post needs assistance in getting started electronically, contact your District Commander and they will get you in touch with an “expert”!

Photo courtesy of State SVC Cory Geisler.

Each year, the Howard-Suamico Lions Club recognizes a Community Volunteer of the Year, a Howard-Suamico resident who has helped enrich the quality of life in the community through a pattern of significant contributions. Yvonne Lemerond of Duck Creek VFW Auxiliary 7534 was selected for 2019, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the award was not able to be presented last spring as in past years.

So, the Lions Club surprised Yvonne at the Auxiliary 7534 meeting in September. Art Becker, H-S Lions President, (center front) made the presentation, recognizing her for her many years of volunteering in Village Blood Drives; VFW Poppy Drives and Brat Frys and other fundraising events.

Other identified Lions in the

photo include Pat Harvey and Tim Tousey (at left behind Yvonne) and Deb Delie (at right).

With thanks to Bruce Sorensen and Jamie Steeno of VFW Post 7534 for info and photos.

Page 17

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OPERATION LOGAN

OCT. / NOV. 2020

Operation Logan Continues to Support Vets and Troops You may recall an item in the May/June 2020 WI VFW NEWS about a VFW Post 1621 donation to Operation Logan. Created in 2015 by then 4-year-old Logan Barritt, the annual project packs and mails Christmas packages to deployed troops – so “they can have some fun”. Growing from just 17 packages that first year, to a whopping 72 boxes in 2019, Operation Logan is now gearing up for its 2020 gifts. Logan and his younger brother Landon continue their mission to remember our service men and women with carefully selected packages, consisting of snacks, personal items and of course some “fun” stuff.

This year, Operation Logan is also “adopting” the Veterans at a homeless shelter in Janesville in addition to remembering the troops overseas. We know they too will appreciate the care and concern.

Perhaps your Post or Auxiliary is looking to support a worthwhile project with your Relief Funds? Operation Logan will gratefully accept your donation checks, payable to Operation Logan, at: Operation Logan PO Box 232 Milton, WI 53563 Donations may also be made through PayPal. Be sure to check out the Operation Logan Facebook page and contact operationlogan@gmail. com if you have questions or need more info.

Thank you Logan and Landon for remembering our Veterans!

Mary M. Kolar Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Operation Logan Founder (and Chief Creative Officer) Logan Barritt (right) and his brother Landon Barritt are all smiles as the 72 packages sent in December 2019 are ready for mailing.

Photo courtesy of Becky Barritt.

Talking Spirits Cemetery ToursContinue Despite Restrictions For a 22nd year, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum will continue its renowned “Talking Spirits Cemetery Tours,” but with a spin. The “Talking Spirits Cemetery Tours: Myths and Realities” will be presented as a 360-degree virtual tour, launching October 15, 2020 at MadisonCemeteryTours.com.

Due to current restrictions on gatherings set forth by the City of Madison, the museum was unable to obtain a permit for the event at the historic Forest Hill Cemetery on Madison’s near west side. That did not deter the staff from devising a plan to tell the stories of Wisconsin veterans and others interred there.

“This year’s tour presents a unique challenge, and an equally unique opportunity.

Using virtual technologies to show you the cemetery, we can take you to remote locations on the grounds and provide you with more stories and details which we haven’t been able to tell on previous tours,” said Museum director, Chris Kolakowski.

Embedded in the virtual tour are all the anticipated features of the in-person tour.

It includes featured vignettes performed by actors who bring to life the tales of four intriguing people. Learn about the man for whom Truax Field is named; Madison’s oldest woman—who has a secret;

a Civil War soldier who was shot in the head—and lived and the Capitol’s Veteran gardener who suffered a tragic loss on the Fourth of July.

In addition to these riveting tales of Wisconsinites from the past, museum guides share accounts of unique points of interest on the grounds, such as the Caitlin Chapel,

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Requester Publications Only) 1. Publication Title Wisconsin VFW News

2. Publication Number

4. Issue Frequency Every other month

5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6

1

0

6

1

_

3. Filing Date 4

5

9

1

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4 ®) Physical Address - 4622 Dutch Mill Road, Madison, WI 53716 Mailing Address - PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716

September 30, 2020 6. Annual Subscription Price (if any) $15.00 Member $10.00 Non-Member Contact Person Thomas Heath Telephone (Include area code) (608) 221-5276

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) Physical Address - 4622 Dutch Mill Road, Madison, WI 53716 Mailing Address - PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) Thomas Heath Physical Address - 4622 Dutch Mill Road, Madison, WI 53716 Mailing Address - PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716 Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Marla Morgan 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449

Union Rest, Confederate Rest, the effigy burial mounds within the veterans section of the cemetery, stories from the 1918 Pandemic, and more. This production is costumed in part with the assistance of Children’s Theater of Madison and the Madison Arts Production Center. More information is available at MadisonCemeteryTours.com.

13. Publication Title Wisconsin VFW News

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below May 2020

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Veterans Newspaper - every other month

Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541.

(Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet (1) requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.)

(4)

(1)

d. Nonrequested (2) Distribution (By mail and outside the mail) (3)

(4)

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box. x None Complete Mailing Address

28,250

25,659

26,067

Along with beauty, fall brings with it a more unpleasant counterpart – flu season.

I realize that as these months go on, it becomes tempting to let your guard down when it comes to viruses. But we need to keep up our good, safe practices to help keep one another healthy. By protecting ourselves from the flu, we also protect the people around us and keep our entire community safe. Simply put, if you don’t get sick, then you’re less likely to get others sick.

As we experienced in our Veterans Homes over the past few months, viruses can spread quickly in small communities. Once COVID-19 entered our Union Grove campus in August, for example, it spread over the course of just a few weeks, even with our strict infection control protocols, and infected dozens of members and staff. It is especially important for those in our Veterans Homes that we take precautions to keep both the flu and COVID-19 from spreading in our communities and then coming on to campus.

Veterans are no strangers to rolling up our sleeves and doing what needs to be done – and in this case, what needs to be done is getting a flu shot. The flu shot, combined with healthy habits like staying home when you’re sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing your hands thoroughly and often, and wearing a face covering to protect from COVID-19, helps to keep you and the people around you from serious illness. Please continue to look out for one another – get your flu shot and continue to take precautions against COVID-19. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and stay home as much as possible.

Finally, we look forward to Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11. Like many important observances in 2020, Veterans Day will be different this year. While WDVA typically hosts in-person ceremonies and events, this year we are planning for a virtual ceremony to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country. We look forward to sharing the details of our Veterans Day virtual tribute soon!

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Requester Publications Only)

16. Electronic Copy Circulation

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Previous 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c Í 100) I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies.

17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the issue of this publication.

Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®)

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4))

10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)

Complete Mailing Address Full Name PO Box 6128 State of Wisconsin Monona, WI 53716 Veterans of Foreign Wars

28,041

b. Legitimate Paid and/or In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541.

Requested (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet Distribution (2) requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, (By mail employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.) and outside Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter the mail) (3) Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS®

Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Marla Morgan 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449

Full Name

Can you feel the weather changing? I certainly can here in Madison. We have had a break from the heat these past couple of weeks and I am enjoying brisker air. Wisconsin is a wonderful place to live in the fall, and I know you must also be enjoying the stunning colors of the changing leaves and exploring our state’s lakes and trails.

18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner 25,659

November 2020 Date

26,067

Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources)

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g., First-Class Mail, nonrequestor copies mailed in excess of 10% limit mailed at Standard Mail ® or Package Services rates) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (Include pickup stands, trade shows, showrooms, and other sources)

e.

Total Nonrequested Distribution [Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)]

300

300

881

728

1181

1028 27,095

f.

Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e)

26,840

g.

Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3))

1,201

1155

h.

Total (Sum of 15f and g)

28,041

28,250

i.

Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100)

95.6%

96.2%

* If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3.

12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: x Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.)

PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 [Page 1 of 4 (See instructions page 4)] PSN: 7530-09-000-8855

PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com.

PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4)

PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 3 of 4)

PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com.

Page 18

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

Time to Win! 2020 WI VFW Christmas Club Sweepstakes Please find your 2020 Wisconsin VFW Christmas Club Sweepstakes Entry Forms inserted in this newspaper. We are giving away 20 prizes of $500 each, totaling $10,000! Please consider a donation of $5 for

CHRISTMAS CLUB SWEEPSTAKE 2020 Wisconsin VFW Christmas Club Entry Form

2020 Wisconsin VFW Christmas Club Sweepstakes

$10,000 IN PRIZES 20 PRIZES OF $500 EACH

Address_____________________________________________________________

Return by Dec. 4, 2020

Please consider a donation of $5.00 each, six (6) for $20.00 or twelve (12) for $40.00 (or more) Drawing to be held at VFW Department Headquarters • 4622 Dutch Mill Rd Madison, WI 53716 • Draw date December 8, 2020 at 11am.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY See reverse side for mailing instructions.

DONATION DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING

each entry or $20 for six; or $40 for twelve.

Let’s support the VFW Department of Wisconsin and have a little fun giving away some

e l p Sam

Name_______________________________________________________________

money. Everyone can use a little extra cash before Christmas!

The complete rules are online at vfwwi.org. Please note that a donation does not improve your

City/State/Zip________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________ Return by December 4, 2020

odds of winning.

Thank you for your continued support of the Department of Wisconsin VFW. ALL entry forms MUST be postmarked

B2020CC

by December 4, 2020. Prize drawing is at Department Headquarters in Madison on December 8, 2020 at 11:00 am.

Good luck!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Due to the ever-changing status of COVID-19 restrictions in different areas impacting our VFW and Auxiliary meetings, you are encouraged to check with your District leadership and watch the State website for updated meeting information. Many event details may fluctuate as conditions warrant canceling or meeting via video-conferencing only.

You are also strongly urged to watch for official notices and call ahead before you travel anywhere, to ensure that the meeting is definitely being held and to stay in compliance with current restrictions. Stay tuned - and stay safe and well!

NOTE: Info for State Representatives to these meetings was not available at press time.

Post 10262 Assistant Adjutant Norb Strasser (left) shows off the new patio with Post member Mike Zynda (right) and patio project construction donor Ron Firkus (center) of Firkus Masonry, Inc. County Materials Corporation donated the cement and materials for the project.

Post 10262 Receives Patio Donation Greater Plover Area Memorial VFW Post 10262 has added an outdoor cement patio area on the north side of their building, thanks to donations from County Materials Corporation and Firkus Masonry, Inc., both of Stevens Point.

County Materials Corporation provided cement and materials for the new 20’ x 22’ patio and Firkus Masonry, Inc. provided the masonry workers who completed the patio over two days in late August. The combined donation of materials and masonry construction is valued at approximately $2,000.

Post member Mike Zynda initially contacted the businesses for information and

estimates on the proposed patio, and both chose to donate to the project. “I am most proud and honored to support our Veterans through this project, as I am a disabled Veteran myself,” said Firkus Masonry Founder, Ron Firkus.

The new patio will be used to facilitate outdoor cooking, dining, entertainment and other Post events and activities. Post 10262 is located at 2970 Hickory Drive in Plover and is open to the public from 2:00 to 11:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

Photo and story contributed by Post 10262 Newsletter Editor Debbie Manthey of Auxiliary 10262.

Post 6709 Thanks Poppy Princess

Shelby Rinehart, age 11, (center) was presented with a keepsake plaque thanking her for representing Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 as Poppy Princess for 2019-2020 and participating in Post activities promoting the Buddy Poppy program. At left is Post 6709 Judge Advocate Todd Snow (Shelby’s Uncle) and at right is Post 6709 Commander Frank Mesa.

Submitted by Post 6709 Adjutant Larry Duer.

October 24

Wisconsin/Missouri Annual Fall Festival – VFW National Home for Children and National Home Life Member Annual Meeting – CANCELED

October 31

Deadline for Post Audits to State Headquarters

November 6-8

MOC/MOCA 86th TOMB TREK – CANCELED

December 4

Deadline for 2020 Christmas Club Sweepstakes Entry Forms

December 4

Deadline for January/February 2021 Wisconsin VFW News

December 5

Cootie Christmas Party at VFW National Home for Children, Eaton Rapids, MI – CANCELED

December 5

6th District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 1:00 pm (Registration 12:30 pm) – hosted by VFW Post 3153 at the Eagles Hall, 1041 E. Chestnut St., Chilton, WI 53014

4th District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 9:00 am (Regis. 8:00 am) - at Clifford’s Supper Club, 10418 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130

December 8 Drawing for 2020 Christmas Club Sweepstakes Winners – 11:00 am at VFW State Headquarters December 6

December 28

Sales of the 2021 VFW of WI Raffle Calendar END – Money and stubs due to State Headquarters by 5:00 pm.

January 8-9, MOC/MOCA Mid-Winter Conference and Grand Testimonial for MOC

2021 Commander and MOCA President – Hosted by Pup Tent/Aux. 9 in Janesville, WI (See form and info in the Cootie Corner!)

2nd District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 9:30 am (Regis. 9:00 am) – VFW Post 7591, 310 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI 53716

January 9

January 15

Deadline for Registration and Hotel for 2021 Mid-Winter Conference

January 16

1st District Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – 9:30 am (Regis. 8:30 am) – VFW Post 2306, 2711 S. Afton Rd., Beloit, WI 53511

January 16

11th District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 9:00 am (Regis. 8:00 am) – VFW Post 2112, 121 S. Rusk Ave., Sparta, WI 54656

January 24

7th Dist. Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Regis.

9:00 am) – hosted by VFW Post 1866 at the Eagles Club, 1104 S. Oak Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 – advance registration for meal required.

January 31

Deadline for Post Audits to State Headquarters

February 5-6

VFW/VFWA Dept. Mid-Winter Conference, Holiday Inn, Manitowoc, WI (See forms elsewhere in this issue – may also register and pay online at vfwwi.org.)

February 14

4th District Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – 12:00 noon – Joint District awards for Voice/Pen; separate meetings follow at 1:00 pm - at Clifford’s Supper Club, 10418 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130

February TBD

8th District Meeting – VFW and Auxiliary! – plans for a Winter meeting – in-person or electronic – were uncertain at press time – watch the January 2021 paper for updated info.

February 19

Deadline for March/April 2021 Wisconsin VFW News

February 21

3rd District Meeting – VFW ONLY! – 10:00 am (Regis. 9:00 am) – hosted by VFW Post 2344, at 507 S. Monroe St., Lancaster, WI 53813.

Feb. 28-Mar. 4

VFW National Legislative Conference – VIRTUAL MEETING.

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

LONNIE'S LEGACY

Page 19 OCT. / NOV. 2020

Lonnie’s Legacy – Disabled Vet Wanted Post 3071 Awards Scholarship Each year, Lester J. Crane VFW Post 3071 in Oconto awards a $500 scholarship to an Oconto High School graduating Senior.

This year the scholarship was awarded to Alayna Westenberg, who is heading to UW-Madison to major in neurobiology. Her job goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Among Alayna’s many accomplishments at Oconto High School are National Honor Society Vice President; Student Council President; Brass Captain (Band); Badger State Girl and 2020 Valedictorian. Post 3071 Commander Jim Aerts (left) awarded the scholarship check at her home on behalf of the Post and Alayna left the next day to check in at UW-Madison. We wish her much success with her studies.

Photo and info submitted by Carl Plaster of VFW Post 3071.

Lonnie L. Grau enlisted in the United States Army immediately after graduation from High School in 1965.

After basic training, he joined a MUST unit (Medical Unit Self-contained Transportable) and became a gas turbine engine specialist, flying to different locations as a trouble-shooter for the engines that inflated the hospitals. After 22 months in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged in 1968.

Due to a spinal cord injury in 2006, Lonnie was confined to a wheelchair for the next 13 years of his life.

Purchasing this van in 2018, and the subsequent accommodations made to it, gave Lonnie a much-needed level of independence that he had been missing for so long.

Unfortunately, less than 2 years after purchasing the van, Lonnie succumbed to a progressed form of cancer, likely due to exposure to Agent Orange. His wife of 51 years, Marilyn, has donated Lonnie’s 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with only 1,268 miles on it, to the Wisconsin VFW

Foundation. Her wish is for another severely disabled Veteran to experience the freedom and independence that Lonnie felt when he had the van and she knows Lonnie would want the same. She asked that we pass on this simple, yet poignant message: “To whomever receives this van, God Bless and Thank You for your service!”

The VFW-Department of Wisconsin is honored to remember Lonnie’s legacy of service and assist in locating the van’s next home amongst one of our members in Wisconsin! If you are a member of a Wisconsin VFW Post who is in need of this van, please visit the state website – vfwwi.org – for more photos of the van and the application and details. DEADLINE to return the application to VFW State Headquarters is January 15, 2021. Questions may be directed to State Quartermaster Tom Heath at qm@vfwwi.org or by phone at 608-221-5276.

With thanks to Andy Mansfield for the photo.

A Busy Time in Chilton

Despite the complicating factors facing us in 2020, Calumet County VFW Post 3153 and its Auxiliary have been busy doing what they have done best for over 70 years: supporting Veterans, their families and the community of Chilton. This summer, the Post and Auxiliary continued to operate a full-service food stand at the Thursday night open air Band Concerts, featuring the Chilton City Band. Post Adjutant Dan DeTroye indicated there have been “lots of changes over the years from working out of an old ice shanty and cooling refreshments with ice water to today’s modern permanent food stand equipped with modern day coolers and freezers, running water and bathrooms.”

Pictured here are the members of the Post and Auxiliary, the backbone of these events (Front row, from left): Sue Seckel; Sue Ott; Kathy Fagg; Bonnie Weber; Betty Schnell; Barb Schmitz and Pat Halbach. In the back row (from left) are: Marty Seckel; Richard Schmidt; Jerry Ott; Linda DeTroye; Dan DeTroye; Morris Fagg and Scott Fagg.

Photo and info courtesy of Post 3153 Adjutant Dan DeTroye.

LEFT: Auxiliary 3153 Secretary Sue Seckel (left) and 70-year member Rose Mary Woelfel. CENTER: Seventy-year member Cleta Woelfel of Auxiliary 3153. RIGHT: Auxiliary 3153 Secretary Sue Seckel (left) and 60-year member Dorothy Bowe.

Auxiliary 3153 Honors Longtime Members Three more longtime members of Calumet County VFW Auxiliary 3153 in Chilton have been recognized for their membership milestones. The last remaining Charter Member, Rose Mary Woelfel, received her 70-year pin. (Best wishes on your 99th birthday this fall!) Cleta

Woelfel was also celebrated for her 70-year membership as was Dorothy Bowe for 60 years.

Congratulations to all and THANK YOU for your service to Veterans and the Auxiliary!

Photos and info courtesy of Auxiliary 3153 President Kathy Ott and member Linda DeTroye.

Page 20

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE

2021 Mid-Winter Conference Despite the continuing challenges of COVID-19, plans for the 2021 Mid-Winter Conference are still progressing. Slated for Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6, 2021, the Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc.

While no word on National Reps was received by press time, we are providing very general, tentative agendas for both the VFW and Auxiliary so that you can plan your attendance. We will continue to monitor health and safety concerns throughout the fall and early winter and will hopefully be able to proceed with the weekend, taking all necessary precautions. Stay tuned ...

And make your reservations! Note the Hotel reservation deadline of January 15, 2021.

The Meals and Registration deadline is also January 15, 2021 – and once again this is a FIRM DEADLINE – NO Late meal reservations will be accepted as this is the date we turn in our final count!

CONTINUING this year: both VFW and Auxiliary members may now order and pay all Conference Registrations and Meals ONLINE using Credit Card, Debit Card or PayPal. Visit vfwwi.org or wivfwaux.org (links to VFW State website). Mail-in Registrations are still available – ALL should be sent to VFW Dept. Headquarters at PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716-0128. More info to follow on the websites and in the January/ February issue of the NEWS.

Will Your Post Qualify for the Red Carpet?

Posing with the truckful of donations are (from left): Meg Goode and President Barb Goode of Auxiliary 1865; their friend Riley Storz; and from Auxiliary 7308 Adria Hoelters; Sonja McClure; Maryah Kraning; Virginia Hardesty and President Kim McWilliams.

Auxiliaries 7308 and 1865 “Fill the Truck” Pleasant Prairie Memorial VFW Auxiliary 7308 and Junker-Ball VFW Auxiliary 1865 of Kenosha joined forces for a food drive project in late September. Held at the Festival Foods in Somers, the “Fill the Truck” fund-

raiser will benefit Veterans Outreach in Racine. (Visit vetsoutreachwi.us for more info on their mission and services.) Awesome job!

With thanks to Auxiliary 7308 President Kim McWilliams for photos and info.

All Post Commanders and Quartermasters have an opportunity to qualify for these Awards and recognition at the 2021 Mid-Winter Conference.

District Commanders too!

Take another look at page 13 of the 2020-2021 State Program and Membership Book and get busy! Requirements per Post size are listed for five different Divisions and District Commanders.

REMEMBER, your Post Membership as shown in the VFW National Reporting System on December 31, 2020 will be used, so be sure you have everything reported!

See you on the Red Carpet!

VFW Mid-Winter 2021 February 5-6 Holiday Inn Manitowoc, WI VFW Agenda

Schedule of Events subject to change

Meg Goode (right center) and Riley Storz (far right) help an unidentified volunteer unload the food donations at the Veterans Outreach Center in Racine.

Auxiliary Mid-Winter 2021 February 5-6 Holiday Inn Manitowoc, WI

Friday, February 5 Registration is open 9 am – 6 pm.

9:00 am – 12:00 noon Committee Meetings 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm Past Commanders’ Luncheon 1:30 – 2:30 pm Committee Meetings continue 2:30 – 2:45 pm Break 2:45 – 5:00 pm Council of Administration New Business: By-Law Changes Membership District Commanders’ Reports

Line Officers’ Reports

Saturday, February 6 Registration is open 7 – 9 am.

8:30 am – 5:00 pm Council of Administration 8:30 – 8:45 am Opening Ceremony 8:45 – 11:45 am Committee Reports 11:45 – 11:30 am Closing Remarks, JVC, SVC, Cdr 12:00 noon – 1:45 pm Awards Luncheon - Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen/ Teacher of the Year 2:00 – 3:00 pm Guest Speakers 3:00 – 4:00 pm Training Session (TBD) 5:00 pm Red Carpet Award Cocktail Reception (By Invitation Only) 5:30 pm Banquet Social Time (Cash Bar, All Attendees Welcome) 6:10 pm Head Table and Red Carpet Awardees Line-Up 6:30 pm Red Carpet Awards Banquet

VFW Auxiliary Agenda

Schedule of Events subject to change

Friday, February 5 Registration is open 9 am – 6 pm.

10:30 – 11:30 am Dept. Line Officers’ Meeting 12:00 noon – 1:15 pm “Dutch Treat” Luncheon with National Rep. (All are welcome) 2:00 pm Council of Administration (Open to all attendees) 3:30 pm (approx.) Break 3:45 pm Membership Training – Faith Elford 5:00 pm Dinner/Evening on your own 7:00 pm Sr. Vice President Organizational Meeting (By invitation only)

Saturday, February 6 Registration is open 7 – 9 am.

8:00 -11:45 am Program Chairmen Promotional Reports 12:00 noon – 1:45 pm Awards Luncheon - Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen/

Teacher of the Year 2:00 pm Program Reports (continued) 2:45 pm (approx.) Break 3:00 – 4:30 pm Training Sessions: Using the MALTA system, Secretary

Training, Treasurer Training 5:30 pm Banquet Social Time (Cash Bar, All Attendees Welcome) 6:10 pm Head Table and Red Carpet Awardees Line-Up 6:30 pm Red Carpet Awards Banquet

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE

Page 21

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

Wisconsin VFW & Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference

OCT. / NOV. 2020

Passing the Torch ... and the Can

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After 32 years as the Buddy Poppy Chairman for Combined Locks VFW Post 10544, Leroy “Moose” Meyer is passing the can to Post Quartermaster Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson. Buddy Poppy Drives have always been very special to Moose and his wife Kaye he ran them all like a well oiled machine. Thank you “Moose”, for three decades of exemplary service to the Buddy Poppy Program!

Info and photo courtesy of Sally Lamers, Auxiliary 10544 Secretary.

Wisconsin VFW & Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference

Wisconsin VFW & Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference

February 5 – 6, 2021 Holiday Inn Manitowoc

February 5 – 6, 2021 Holiday Inn Manitowoc

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4601 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc, WI 54220 920-682-6000

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Page 22 OCT. / NOV. 2020

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

AROUND THE STATE Post 7485 Donates Clothing to Zablocki VAMC

Post 7694 Honors Comrade

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Storerooms at Clement J. Zablocki VAMC will now accept only new clothing. Fortunately, thanks to a generous donation from the family of a deceased comrade, Krecji-Braun-Meier VFW Post 7485 was able to supply a large number of items to Zablocki. Here, Post 7485 Commander Jack Meidam, gives the clothing to an unnamed Hospital staffer.

Submitted by Post 7485 Quartermaster Daniel Odya.

On a beautiful late summer evening in August, the Prairie du Sac Fire Department and the Sauk City Fire District joined with Lachmund-Cramer VFW Post 7694 in honoring Veteran Robert “Rob” Michalak of Prairie du Sac, following his return home from a one year deployment to Ukraine. A Post 7694 member, Rob is also a First Lieutenant with the Wisconsin National Guard. He and approximately 150 other members of the Headquarters Company, 32nd Brigade, provided training assistance to the Ukrainian military. Pausing here before a Fire truck parade though Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, are (from left): Dillon Shaker, Prairie Fire Department; Don White, Sauk Fire District Department; James Schulenburg, Prairie Fire Department Chief; Rob Michalak holding son Dimitri; Lizzie Michalak holding son Levi; Post 7694 Commander Kevin Krohn and Post SVC Jarett Nelson.

Submitted by Post 7694 Service Officer Bart Mauch.

Classified Listings

Wanted

Raffle Calendar Winners Date

Auxiliary 2778 Supports “PajamaRama” for Children The Community Clothes Closet in Menasha provides free clothing to children, women and men in need who are referred to them through any human service organization, school or church. Clients are able to “shop” free of charge twice a month, for up to a year, to help them get back on their feet and into a better financial situation.

The goal of the Closet’s annual “PajamaRama” is to help 300 children, ages 2-12, with each child receiving a new pair of pajamas; blanket; pillow and pillowcase; book and stuffed animal. All items are new and every $1,000 donated helps 33 needy children from the Fox Valley.

Presenting – and gratefully receiving – a $1,000 donation to the Community Clothes Closet for this year’s “Pajamarama” are (from left) Auxiliary 2778 Treasurer Judy Borg; Community Clothes Closet Executive Director Lisa Jones; Auxiliary 2778 President Patty Martin and Secretary Sheila Kudrle. Nice job!

Submitted by Auxiliary 2778 Treasurer Judy Borg with thanks to the Community Clothes Closet for the photo.

Post 690 Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

Mustered in September of 1945, Chequamegon Memorial VFW Post 690 in Ashland received their Diamond Jubilee Certificate issued by Commander-in-Chief Hal Roesch, at the fall meeting of District 10 in Weyerhaeuser. Department Representative Donald Lynch, PSC (left) presented the recognition with Commander Jason Janecek (center) and Quartermaster Keith Tveit accepting on behalf of Post 690. Congratulations!

Photo courtesy of JVC Michele Rathke.

Ticket Name

City, ST

Prize

Sep. 04 9167 A. & J. Kadecek Phillips $50

8843 N. Zuelke Wis. Rapids $50

13626 R. Vantine Minneapolis, MN $50

8493 D. Adams Plover $50

12056 D. Schultz Appleton $50

7899 D. Davis Spencer $50

10628 K. Kramer Laona $50

Sep. 11 15146 VFW Post 7908 Holman $1,000

3441 VFW Post 6377 Sussex $50

2127 R. O'Brion Beaver Dam $50

774 R. Smith Bristol $50

8768 G. Imhoff Marshfield $50

6632 W. Sternik Fond du Lac $50

7887 L. Herbert Spencer $50

Sep. 18 10025 J. Affeldt Hales Corners $1,000

8346 P. Otto Almond $500

437 D. Axelsen Milton $50

10645 VFW Aux 6823 Laona $50

2250 C. Ogren Portage $50

60647 C. Isacson Chicago, IL $50

15684 M. Clark Warrens $50

Sep. 25 5154 P. Scaffidi New Berlin $50

2097 P. Markquart Oregon $50

14129 P. Fall Clear Lake $50

3333 D. Evenson Cambridge $50

13220 D. Mannel Sparta $50

17562 K. Zolper Fort Atkinson $50

2977 C. Stamborski Muskego $50

Oct. 02 2731 C. Geisler Hartland $1,000

14219 L. Roberts Amery $50

8371 S. Kramer Bancroft $50

14744 R. Hjerstedt Mercer $50

2711 C. Geisler Hartland $50

13703 A. Shemaker Osseo $50

16766 D. "Gopher" Wimann Monona $50

Oct. 09 547 P. Malecki Franksville $50

17187 D. Klarich Oregon $50

17753 L. Grayson Walnut Grove, MS $50

10690 S. Bandt Laona $50

17558 D. Lenz Cambridge $50

8941 J. Goetsch Merrill $50

16056 D. & L. Quackenbush Cashton $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 & EVENTS, then scroll down to VFW Raffle Calendar News.

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)

Wanted WANTED TO BUY: Pre-1970 Sports Cards and Pre-1970 Packers Material. Will travel. George Husby, PO Box 61, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

Phone: 920-493-2077.

3/21 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

Service VACUUM SOOT REMOVAL: Restoration of Pellet stove flues, fans, vents and chimney piping, Serving Central and Northwest Wisconsin – call Leo Kelly of Tech Services at 214-769-1705.

9/20

HOMEFRONT EXHIBIT

Page 23

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

OCT. / NOV. 2020

On the Homefront Exhibit On Now at War Memorial Center The War Memorial Center’s On the Homefront exhibit is on display now through December 30, showcasing the powerful story of the greater Milwaukee area efforts to help manufacture victory during World War II. Milwaukee manufacturing played a major role during WWII by helping to produce everything from munitions and motorcycles, to parachutes and dive equipment, and even participating in the Manhattan Project. Most companies employed women to assist in manufacturing production in order to meet the needs of the war effort. Some performed to such levels of excellence, that they received the Army Navy E Award, which was displayed and worn as a badge of honor.

The exhibit is sponsored by WaterStone Bank. Milwaukee County Historical Society; Harley-Davidson Museum; Johnson Controls; Jockey; South Milwau-

The On the Homefront exhibit is on display at the War Memorial Center in Milwaukee through December 30.

kee Industrial Museum and many others provided artifacts and input for the exhibit. The sacrifice of 2,972 Milwaukee County residents who died in WWII is also told through personal artifacts and stories on display.

Located off the North Entrance parking lot in Freedom Gallery, the exhibit is free to the public. The War Memorial Center (WMC) building is open Mon. - Fri., 8 am – 8 pm.

Face coverings are required and social distancing is strongly encouraged due to COVID-19 concerns. The parking lot is automated and requires payment, with all parking fees supporting the WMC - $8 per vehicle, first 30 minutes free. Call ahead to ensure that the Center is open – (414) 273-5533. The address is 750 North Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Photo and info courtesy of Dan Buttery, WMC President/CEO.

Operation Ruck 22: A “Virtual” Success Like so many other groups, the organizers of the Operation Ruck 22 in Madison had to get extra-creative to make sure that the 5th Annual Ruck would still be held in the month of September. By all accounts, it looks like a “virtual” success.

On average, 22 Veterans commit suicide each day. One Veteran suicide is too many. Operation Ruck 22 is a symbolic 22-mile march to raise awareness of Veteran suicide. Participants carry 22 pounds in their rucksack to remember those Veterans we’ve lost.

A collaboration of VFW Posts 1318, 7591 and 8483 in Madison, as well as many other dedicated volunteers, this year’s “virtual” 22-mile march was held over the course of the entire month of September. Marchers could break up the 22 miles in any way they saw fit – some participated daily; others every few days as schedules permitted; still others did the entire distance in one day.

The $10,000 proceeds from the 2020 march, donations and merchandise sales will be donated to four worthy Veterans’ causes: Back to Basic Training; Cover Me Veterans; Veterans on the

VFW State Sr. Vice Commander Cory Geisler prepares to do his 22-mile hike on the Lake Country trail that goes through Oconomowoc, Hartland, and Delafield, on a beautiful September day. He said “It was a perfect day to do it.”

Photo courtesy of Cory Geisler.

Fly and Connected Warriors.

For more information about Operation Ruck 22, visit operationruck22.com.

The Operation Ruck 22 Leadership Team gathers for a photo op during the culminating merchandise pick-up/drive-thru Brat Fry on September 26 at VFW Post 7591. From left are: President Kerry McAllen; Trustee Scott Groff; Trustee Carolyn Morgan; Website Coordinator Jamie Hermann; Trustee Bryan Durnen and Vice President Taryn Lindemann with her son Odin Immelmann.

Jessica Durnen photo, courtesy of Taryn Lindemann.

Page 24 OCT. / NOV. 2020

Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News

POW/MIA

Remembering Those Who Have Not Returned As of October 2, 2020, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), reports that more than 81,900 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts. Out of that total, 75% of the losses are located in the Indo-Pacific, and over 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea (i.e.

ship losses, known aircraft water losses, etc.). Visit dpaa.mil/Our-Missing for more information about their mission to provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel from past conflicts to their families and the nation, as well as a listing of recently accounted for service personnel. You are not forgotten.

Utilizing an actual Wisconsin Assembly-style chair, the Memorial also includes a POW/MIA sash draped across the arms, leaving the chair perpetually empty, for those who have not returned. Numerous Chairs of Honor are located throughout the state, including WVH-Union Grove; Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee; and two in Kenosha County, among others.

Photo courtesy of Cdr. Jason Johns and Adjutant David C. Green.

The view of the Original Memorial (behind the Chair), erected on the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda by the Veterans’ Memorial Commission in 1933. The eight flags flanking the Memorial were presented by the VFW Dept. of Wisconsin and its then-Ladies Auxiliary in April, 1982.

Photo courtesy of Adjutant David C. Green.

Obtained from the same Italian quarry as the existing marble, the base of the Chair of Honor recognizes the two primary sponsors of the project.

Photo courtesy of Cdr. Jason Johns and Adjutant David C. Green.

Gathered in front of the Chair of Honor following the unveiling are (from left): VFW State Adjutant David C. Green; Rolling Thunder State Liaison Mark Herrmann; Rolling Thunder member Stevan Nelson and VFW State Commander Jason Johns.

Photo courtesy of WI Dept. of Revenue Staff Photographer Scott M. Green.

Burger King and the VFW Unmet Needs Fundraising Campaign November is Veterans and Military Families Month and it is the PERFECT time to support the Burger King Fundraising Campaign for VFW Unmet Needs. Since its inception in 2004, the Unmet Needs Program has provided over $11.9 million in financial assistance to more than 10,500 military families. The grants of up to $1,500 provide help for items such as rent/ mortgage payments; utilities; vehicle repair; medical expenses and food/basic necessities.

Burger King’s involvement began in 2007, spearheaded by a very familiar friend to the Wisconsin VFW, Franchisee Michael DeRosa.

What started with just a few Wisconsin and Midwest locations is now a national effort that has contributed over $6.3 million to the

VFW Foundation for Unmet Needs. While no longer a franchisee, Mike is still serving on the National VFW Foundation Board of Directors.

And his legacy continues to grow through the participation of Burger King restaurants in nearly every state in the country.

Please visit the National VFW website – vfw. org/assistance/financial-grants – for more about the VFW Unmet Needs program, as well as an interactive map of participating Burger King locations across the country. Like so many fundraising efforts this year, we are facing some extra challenges due to the pandemic, but you can safely visit a Burger King drive-through window and support this very worthwhile program AND a local business at the same time!