The American Legion

THE AMERICAN LEGION IS THE NATION'S LARGEST VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION

CAMP AMERICAN LEGION

A Place for Healing for Veterans and Families

Camp American Legion is more than a fishing camp. Camp is a place for Wisconsin Veterans, Military and their families to come together in a safe place. A place where others may have shared life experiences. When you first arrive at Camp you will notice the abundance of opportunities to unwind, relax and rejuvenate.

There really is something about the north woods experience that helps us to find value in the little things in life. It can help families to reconnect, bring a new appreciation for each other for couples and helps us to heal on our journey to find our own quality of life.

Camp is free to all Wisconsin Veterans and their families and is funded by generous supportors such as you!

Camp American Legion has been operated by The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin since 1925 in conjunction with the State of Wisconsin - Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

Located on 300 acres of pristine lakefront property in Oneida County, Camp American Legion is nestled within the heart of The American Legion State Forest. Comprised of 19 cabins, a main lodge, a women’s quarters, recreational building, and main chapel providing an ideal setting for veterans, those still serving and their families to rest, recover and reconnect in a safe place.

In 2018, The American Legion Family, along with other generous supporters of Camp American Legion, identified a need for cabin dedicated to helping Gold Star Families who have endured unimaginable loss and hardship heal. On May 23, 2021 the ribbon was cut to officially welcome these deserving families.

Camp American Legion has and continues to serve and support patients of Veterans Administration hospitals, clinics; PTSD groups, long term care groups, community support programs, mental health intensive care management groups, spinal cord groups and more.

Camp has also built collaborative working relationships with many programs whose sole focus is helping our “High-Risk, Suicide Ideation” veterans by creating supportive, “Battle Buddy” type programs to help these veterans and their families heal in a Northwoods environment. Camp American Legion is taking an active role in stopping the high number of veterans and active duty military from taking their own lives.

“This place is a slice of heaven for those in pain! Now I know you are all here.”

– Louis, Veteran Camper

“Thank you for working so hard to make this an enjoyable experience. Without the chance to come to camp and engage with other veterans, I would likely continue to isolate.”

– James, Veteran Camper

Wisconsin American Legion Baseball

Wisconsin American Legion Baseball remains one of the most visible and active youth programs for The American Legion, and Wisconsin has the 3rd largest program in the country. The core purpose of the program is to provide an outlet to allow young adults to learn the lessons of life through the game of baseball, to learn the lessons of teamwork, and promote the values of The American Legion through sportsmanship.

220 registered teams players a year 3500

3 largest Legion Baseball program in the country

As we put a wrap on the 2023 Legion season, a ton of reflection that can best be summed up in an image. No pictures will ever do complete justice of the live moment The players’ expressions are a true reflection of exactly why this young, underdog team was a game away from Championship Tuesday of the Legion State Tournament They continued to play selfless baseball, ALWAYS picking each other up and supporting each other regardless of their role They are each other’s biggest fans, a true TEAM-FIRST mindset that will always bring out your individual best in the process It’s been an honor for our coaching staff to share the field with these young men The love and learning is a two-way street

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS

The American Legion Oratorical Contest

The Oratorical Contest is a Constitution Speech Contest. It develops leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and those participating are better prepared to accept the duties and responsibilities for the rights and privileges of American citizenship. Each District winner will receive an Oratory Medal

• Each Regional participant will receive a $600 scholarship

• The winner of each Regional contest will receive a $1000 scholarship

• The Department finalist receive $2000 for first, $1500 for second, and $1000 for third

• National finalists receive $25,000 for first, $22,500 for second, and $20,000 for third

Each Department (State) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s 1st round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the 1st round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship.

The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

https://wilegion.org/oratorical-scholarships/

Schneider-Emanuel American Legion Scholarship

Three deserving graduates of any accredited Wisconsin high school will be awarded the sum of $1000 to be applied to the cost of continuing education at any degree-granting college or university within the United States of America. (Due March 1 of each year)

American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund

The American Legion wants to ensure higher education is a possibility for children whose parents lost their lives while serving our country. Beginning with the 2017 award year, The American Legion expanded the scholarship to include children of VA-rated, post-9/11 veterans with a combined disability rating of 50 percent or higher. The American Legion and the Legion Riders offer support through the Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Eagle Scout of the Year

The American Legion is proud supporters of the scouting programs. Each year The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin chooses an Eagle Scout of the Year, who is eligible to receive a $10,000 scholarship to be awarded over a four-year period. (Due March 1 of each year).

JUNIOR SHOOTING SPORTS Respect for Firearms, Excellence in Shooting

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program that encompasses the basic elements of safety, education, enjoyment and competition. All phases of the Individual and Team postal match will be conducted in accordance with this Official Match program and the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle rules. The Department of Wisconsin’s Junior Shooting Sports Program begins November 1 and ends on March 1 of the following year.

PURPOSE

A postal match offers junior air rifle shooters a competition designed to encourage and reward individual marksmanship skills. The match can be shot at a club range without a lot of expense or travel. This Department Postal Match is separate from the National competition.

ELIGIBILITY-

WHO MAY COMPETE

Entry in either the Individual or Team Postal match is limited to competitors who are active members of a Junior Shooting Club sponsored by or affiliated with an American Legion Post.

A representative from a sponsoring Post MUST be present when the match is fired.

An individual may enter this match only once per this postal tournament. Any person between the ages of 8 to 18 years is eligible to compete. This postal match is for the Sporter category only.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES:

3P Sporter—Beginner, 8-11 years old

3P Sporter—Junior, 12-14 years old

3P Sporter—Senior, 15-18* years old

*An athlete may compete until August 31 of the year they graduate from high school

For more details, contact The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin by calling (608) 745-1090 or visit our website wilegion.org

TEAM

Teams of four (4) participants must register BEFORE the match is shot. The team match is an unfired match generated by the fired scores of four participating individuals. Shooters may fire on only one team per this postal tournament.

AWARDS

Each competitor will receive a participation medal from Headquarters. Trophies will be awarded for first place in each age category. A trophy will be awarded to highest team score (total of top four scores from one club). Scholarships will be awarded to the 3 highest individual match scores in the Senior category (15-18 yrs. old) as follows: 1st place - $1,000; 2nd place - $750; 3rd place - $250.

Michelle DuVall & Doug Brown Quar tet

SAT, SEP 30, 2023 | 7:30pm

Performing some of the most swinging and refined jazz around, DuVall returns to her WI roots!

www.dougbrownmusic.com

Sponsored by Sean Malone-State Farm Insurance & Fairway Mor tgage

The Whiskey Farm SAT OCT 21, 2023 | 7:30pm

“Straddling the line between Bluegrass and folk,” this MAMA award-winning, Madison-based Americana band delivers layered harmonies and lyric driven songs.

www.thewhiskeyfarm.com

Sponsored by Por tage Lumber

The Jimmys

SAT JAN 20, 2024 | 7:30pm

This powerhouse, seven piece band, influenced by raw Chicago Blues to second line New Orleans funk, has garnered Wisconsin’s top honors in Blues!

www.thejimmys.net

Sponsored by Fairway Mor tgage & Sean Malone-State Farm Insurance

Andreas Transø & Lilies of the Midwest

SAT, MAR 9, 2024 | 7:30pm

Traditional Irish music with mandolin, guitar, ballad style singing, concertina, drum and a bit of stor ytelling mixed in!

www.charleneadzima.com/projects

Sponsored by Festival Foods

The MadHatters

SAT, APR 6, 2024 | 7:30pm

UW-Madison’s favorite men’s a cappella group since 1997 returns

WISCONSIN AMERICAN LEGION LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER ACADEMY

Why is our WALLECA so important? Agencies across the state and even around the country are constantly in need of quality applicants entering the law enforcement field.

That’s why Legion Wisconsin launched WALLECA, designed to provide first-hand experiences and insight into the operation of law enforcment agencies. The program is exclusively for current Juniors and Seniors in high school who are in good academic standing. Application process will open in January.

THE PARTICIPANTS

The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, along with their sponsors holds a Law Enforcement Career Academy open to 52 Wisconsin high school juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing. Students should also be of good moral character and possess a desire to learn about law enforcement professions. The program provides hands on experiences and insight into the operations of law enforcement agencies. The instructors are law enforcement professionals who are subject matter experts. The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin has partnered with the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy to use their training facility at Ft. McCoy. The academy is 5 days, cadets stay in the dorms of the academy. There is no cost to the cadets, the academy is supported by our generous sponsors.

THE CURRICULUM

• Physical Fitness

• Crime Scene Investigation

• Computer Crimes

• Firearms

• Ethics

• Drug/OWI Enforcement

• Crash Investigation

• Crimes against Children

• Human Trafficking

https://wilegion.org/walleca/

A huge thank you for the absolutely amazing experience I had this week. It’s something I’ll truly never forget, and it cemented my desire to work in law enforcement one day.

~Jaime S.

I want to thank you and everyone for a wonderful week last week. I had a great time and learned so much. Everything was outstanding, including the food! I left even more certain that law enforcement is the right profession for me. Please thank everyone for allowing me to take part in WALLECA last week. I will never forget the experience.

~Theadora

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin will select, approve and place students in the program. Applications will be available in January at https://wilegion.org/walleca/ with a deadline in February. Call (608) 745-1090 with any questions.

THE SPONSORSHIP PROCESS

Any individual, civic organization, or business can be a sponsor of this program. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this great program, call The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin (608) 745-1090 for more details.

WISCONSIN LEGION SOFTBALL

Wisconsin is proud to be one of the first states in the U S to offer Legion Softball, complete with postseason play and scholarhship opportunities In it's inaugural year, Wisconsin started off with a solid 30 teams in two divisions State tournaments wrapped up the season in late July at the Deforest Athletic Complex Wisconsin Legion Softball upholds the same core values that are a part of the previously existing American Legion youth programs. Legion sportsmanship, character and values follow players long after the game is complete.

2 divisions of play

10 Legion Softball program in the country th

It is not a requirement for a Legion Softball team to be sponsored by a Legion Post Posts and other organizations may share sponsorship or another organization/business may carry full sponsorship A Legion Softball team may also be a self-funded nonprofit with money raised through events, raffles and fees Registration and full year insurance coverage totals just $450 per year

Consider Legion Softball for your 2024 season to take advantage of scholarship opportunities, postseason play and additional program development time Visit wilegion org/legion-softball for more details, team contacts and FAQs and findus on Facebook @wilegionsoftball

Contact Jen Swenson, Program Coordinator at 608-745-0338 or email softball@wilegion org

THRIVE

★ Baraboo News Republic

★ Juneau County Star Times

★ Madison.com

★ Portage Daily Register

★ Wiscnews.com

★ Wisconsin Dells Events

★ Wisconsin State Journal

THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

Proud Possessors of a Priceless Heritage

The Sons of The American Legion is a service organization built on the foundation of patriotism and honoring those who have served. We have squadrons all over Wisconsin that come together to promote Americanism, honor the service of our veterans, and instill a sense of patriotism in our young people. The Sons support veterans and veterans’ causes. As part of “The American Legion Family”, we strive to serve our State and Nation through community service, support, and programs.

The Sons of The American Legion was born during the 1930’s in the midst of the Great Depression. The establishment of The Sons of The American Legion as a non-profit, nonsectarian civilian organization, was authorized by action of The American Legion’s 14th National Convention in Portland Oregon; September 12-15, 1932. The 1933 National Convention officially changed the name of the Organization to “The Sons of The American Legion”, authorized use of the abbreviation “S.A.L.”

The Sons of The American Legion participate in deployments, where they distribute Operation A.L.F. (American Legion Family) Dogs to children of those deployed. This stuffed dog brings comfort to children while they are missing their deployed parent.

For more on the Sons of The American Legion, go to https://wisal.org/.

BADGER BOYS STATE

Badger Boys State is held in June at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Upon arriving at Badger Boys State, participants will become citizens of one of 27 cities and one of 9 counties within Badger Boys State. Citizens are tasked with electing public officials at the city, county, and state levels and governing effectively throughout the session. Through the process, young leaders not only learn the fundamentals of civics, but also develop the interpersonal skills and confidence necessary for the next generation of leaders to feel empowered to be leaders in their local communities. The next generation of leaders, just like any before them, have immense societal challenges to address, and our staff takes seriously our responsibility in helping young leaders develop the education and skills needed to make a positive impact.

“The week has been so impactful for me in an amazing way that will guide me to be a better human being for the rest of my life. … Badger Boys State has taught me to be a better public speaker, prior to BBS I was very scared to speak in front of people.”

~ Rex C.

“This week I have made many friends that I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life. The experience at Badger Boys State has changed my life as a whole. I have learned so much like how to be a leader and about real life situations.”

~Lukas W.

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS ASSOCIATION OF WISCONSIN

In the fall of 1993, the original American Legion Riders idea was a shared dream of then Post Commander Bill (Polka) Kaledas and Chuck (Tramp) Dare at Post 396 in Garden City, Michigan. The idea was to start a motorcycle association that would operate within the American Legion. It consisted of members of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion who shared an interest in motorcycling. It was meant to be a family oriented group just as its parent organization, The American Legion. The American Legion Riders is not an M/C, and does not practice M/C rules or regulations.

Since then, several groups have been formed throughout the country. These American Legion motorcyclist groups all share a common interest in riding. Riding, participating in parades and ceremonies, promoting the mission and image of the American Legion. Also, many of the Wisconsin districts have been

instrumental in raising funds for numerous charities, helping to contribute to those in need.

Whether it is working together on Veteran’s issues, participating in a local parade as a motorcycle color guard, raising monies for a charity or cruising together on a beautiful fall colored highway, the American Legion Riders program has provided a lot of enjoyment for those members who share a common interest in motorcycling.

American Legion Riders did a 3-day state run this past July that raised over $31,000 for Camp American Legion.

THE AMERICAN LEGION AMERICANISM AND GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

PURPOSE:

To promote “Americanism”, love of country, knowledge of government and allegiance to the U.S. flag to our youth. Eligible students are tested on their knowledge of U.S., Wisconsin and County Governments, the U.S. Constitution and flag etiquette.

WHAT IS IT?

The test consists of 50 questions; true/false, multiple choice, matching, and an essay question that must be answered in order to qualify for the scholarships. Students are not allowed to use outside resources for answers while taking this test.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any student in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in any public, private, parochial or home-schooled within the State of Wisconsin may participate. Students may only take the test

1 time per year; however, students may participate all 3 years and be eligible for the scholarships for multiple years.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Annually, 33 students throughout the State of Wisconsin are awarded scholarships selected by the Americanism Committee of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin. The following scholarships are awarded:

11 students in Grade 10 receive a $250 scholarship

11 students in Grade 11 receive a $300 scholarship

11 students in Grade 12 receive a $750 scholarship

WHY YOU SHOULD BELONG TO THE AMERICAN LEGION

The American Legion is a not-for-profit Veterans Service Organization chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919. We’ve been around for over 100 years!

The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in your communities, advocating Americanism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service-members and veterans.

The American Legion focuses on Family and Community. The American Legion Family consists of:

1. The American Legion

2. Sons of the American Legion (SAL)

3. American Legion Auxiliary

4. American Legion Riders-(Members of riders must be members of The American Legion, Auxiliary or Sons)

https://wilegion.org/join-now/

OVER 53,000 MEMBERS VETERANS

500 POSTS STATEWIDE DEFENSE

The American Legion offers Special Discounts for being a member-car rentals, home services, financial and insurance, medical, moving and relocation, travel and other industries-you can got to legion.org/discounts for the entire listing.

The American Legion provides life-changing assistance and guidance for veterans, military personnel, their families and communities in thousands of ways every day around the world. Help comes in the form of personal assistance, cash grants, donated goods, disaster relief, labor, networking, volunteerism and advocacy.

The mission of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.

OVER $34,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED ANNUALLY

REACHING OVER 8600 YOUTH EACH YEAR

VETERANS

The American Legion is a not-for-profit Veteran Service Organization (VSO) chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 and is the nation’s largest wartime VSO. The American Legion was founded on 4 pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, Children & Youth. Each of these pillars encompasses a variety of programs that benefit our nation’s veterans, its service members, their famlies, the youth of American Legion and ordinary citizens. These programs make a difference in hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Under the National Security pillar, Legion Wisconsin works with WI National Guard units and the Family Readiness Teams to make sure military families are taken care of here at home while their service members are deployed. Over $35,000 scholarships were awarded to youth in various Legion Wisconsin programs.

SEE SOME OF THE WHYS WHY OTHERS JOINED THE AMERICAN LEGION

“My Why is Camaraderie with fellow vets. To take care of our veterans and learn their stories.”

-J.Z., Member

“Thank you to all the guys who took my son out fishing. One of his last memories of his father is fishing near our house. He really enjoyed the ‘guy time’ so thank you all for going above and beyond every day. We had a very peaceful healing week here.”

-Wife of a fallen soldier who attended Gold Star Family Week at Camp

“Working for The American Legion allows me to change lives.”

“My Why- so not another veteran takes their life.”

-B.R., Member

“My Why is to give back all the support our military family gave us when our little boy passed away. We will continue to serve because we are blessed to be part of a bigger family.”

– Member

– James, D.V.S.O

“To Thank my father and both grandfathers for their service. To Teach our youth so they know the truth. To Honor my fallen commrades. To Preserve our organization/post history and accomplishments.“

- Post 243, Angela & Echo