Hometown Heroes for 2019

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PUBLISHED BY SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS 2019

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HONORING THE VETERANS WAYS TO GIVE BACK LEGION CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

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HOMETOWN HEROES

NOV. 2019

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HOMETOWN HEROES

Explore the history of

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Veteran’s Day Service members make numerous sacrifices in defense of their countries.

While the debts to service members may never be the kind that can be repaid in full, paying tribute to veterans, on Veteran’s Day and throughout the year, can be a great way to show them just how much their efforts are appreciated.

VETERAN’S DAY BEGINS WITH ARMISTICE DAY Veteran’s Day is a byproduct of the end of World War I, when Germany and the Allied Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles, formally ceasing fighting and establishing terms of peace.

On Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the signing of the treaty, the first Armistice Day events were held. Armistice Day was initially a legal holiday to honor the end of World War I only, states History.com.

The United States Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday starting in 1938. However, in 1954, after

the country had been embroiled in both World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the Act of 1938 by renaming the commemoration “Veteran’s Day” to honor veterans of all wars.

VETERAN’S DAY IN OCTOBER? According to Military.com, for a short time, thanks to the Uniform Holiday Bill, which in 1968 established threeday weekends for federal employees by celebrating national holidays on Mondays, Veteran’s Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October – the first being Oct. 25, 1971.

However, many people did not agree with this decision, continuing to honor the holiday on the original date.

In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a new law that returned Veteran’s Day to Nov. 11 beginning in 1978. Since then, parades, memorial events, volunteer efforts, and other celebrations revolving around veterans have been held on Nov. 11.

VETERANS AROUND THE WORLD Many countries, including the United States, celebrate veterans on or near November 11. America’s closest neighbor to the north, Canada, commemorates veterans on Remembrance Day (also Nov. 11), as does the United Kingdom.

Britain also has Remembrance Sunday, which is the second Sunday of November.

Remembrance Day also is called Poppy Day, when people of the Commonwealth member states wear a red poppy flower in honor of military members who have died in the line of duty.

PAYING TRIBUTE There are various ways to honor veterans on Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day. Federal government closings, educational efforts in schools, parades, and visits to military hospitals or cemeteries may take place. In Europe, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every Nov. 11.

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Hometown Heroes Veterans Day 2019 A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115

(262) 728-3411

EDITOR: Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR:

Vicki Vanderwerff FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134 ABOVE: Veteran’s Day and its sister holidays mark the honoring of veterans of all wars, with a particular focus on living veterans. It is a day to celebrate the dedication and selflessness of hardworking military men and women.

ON THE COVER: Lt. Franek Kulik, a native of Lake Geneva, serves with the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (14), working with one of the Navy’s true workhorse aircraft at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego. See Page 7 for more information.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

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Ways to give back to

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service members Military service in the United States was once more common than it is today.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the draft for military service was ended in 1973, a point in time when 2.2 million men and women made up the country’s active military personnel. By 2018, the number had dipped below 1.3 million.

Military service in Canada is also somewhat uncommon, as the Department of National Defence reports that active military personnel totaled just 68,000 as of 2018.

The vast majority of people in countries where military service is not compulsory will never serve in the military. But that does not mean non-military personnel do not appreciate the sacrifices service members and their families make. In fact, a recent report conducted for Canada’s Department of National Defence found that while many Canadians seem only vaguely aware of what their military does, appreciation for service members was high.

Service members and their families make many sacrifices to protect the lives and freedoms of their fellow citizens. The following are three unique ways to give back to these selfless men and women, who often benefit greatly from even the simplest of gestures.

SERVE AS A DRIVER FOR VETERANS Unfortunately, many service

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families during difficult times in their lives. Access to such support systems can be a big help as veterans work to recover from their injuries.

Sponsor a service dog A significant percentage of veterans return home with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD has been linked to a host of conditions, including depression and anxiety.

However, programs such as Companions for Heroes, an organization that places service dogs with veterans, has helped many veterans successfully cope with PTSD. By sponsoring a service dog through an organization such as Companions for Heroes, adults who want to help service members can provide an invaluable service to men and women fighting to regain their quality of life.

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members return from overseas missions with disabilities, some of which prevent them from driving. Adults who want to help service members can serve as drivers for veterans who can’t drive themselves.

Such a gesture ensures they won’t miss any appointments with doctors or physical therapists, helping them get on the road to recovery that much quicker.

DONATE YOUR AIRLINE MILES Some disabled veterans receive medical treatments far away from home at facilities that specialize in treating certain types of injuries, which can make it difficult for their families to be there for them during their recoveries.

By donating airline miles to military families, ordinary adults can ensure injured servicemen and -women can still see their

ABOVE: There are many ways for ordinary citizens to show their support for the brave men and women who selflessly serve in the military. Simple things like donating air miles can help the men and women serving in the armed forces. CENTER: Service dogs can help veterans successfully cope with PTSD and the other stresses they may encounter after coming home.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

NOV. 2019

We Salute SeRGeaNt MajoR R.a. MeyeRhofeR foR hiS MaNy yeaRS of aRMy SeRvice

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Lake Geneva native serves with U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez NAVY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Lt. Franek Kulik, a native of Lake Geneva, was inspired to join the Navy.

Now, four years later, Kulik serves with the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (14), working with one of the Navy’s true workhorse aircraft at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.

Kulik, a 2011 graduate of Badger High School, is a pilot with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter.

“I’m responsible for flying the aircraft safely and executing whatever mission we have, given the day,” Kulik said.

Kulik credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Lake Geneva.

Lt. Franek Kulik “I learned the value of a hard day’s work,” Kulik said.

HSC 14 provides all-weather, combat-ready aircraft and crew to conduct anti-surface warfare, personnel recovery, special warfare support, search and rescue, and logistics for aircraft carrier air wings and navy shore installations.

HSC 14 flies the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter, a state-of-the-art design that provides the Navy with true versatility, able to complete a number of mission requirements, according to Navy officials.

The MH-60S with its glass cockpit incorporates active matrix LCD displays, used to facilitate pilot and co-pilot vertical and horizontal situation presentations. Another major design of the MH-60S is a “common cockpit,” which is shared with the MH-60R. This allows pilots to shift from one aircraft to another with minimal re-training.

“The aircraft is unique for its capability of fitting us into whatever role they need us to do that given day,” Kulik said. “Whether it’s transporting people or saving people, there are endless tasks on any given day. It just depends on what they need us to do.”

Being in the Navy means Kulik is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer said. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Kulik is most proud of completing an around-the-world deployment without any major issues or mishaps for the squadron along the way.

“I feel like the media focuses on what’s going wrong, but there’s a lot more that goes right that people don’t publicize,” Kulik said.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Kulik and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means taking care of everybody who’s out there with you,” Kulik said. “It’s ‘How can you help out your fellow sailors who are out there serving with you?’ You’re out there serving so people back home don’t have to.”

We salute bravery in action Merrill Lynch proudly supports and thanks our military men and women for their courageous and patriotic service to the United State of America.

Tinder Creek Follis Merrill Lynch 2600 Browns Lake Drive Suite A Burlington, WI 53105 262.514.7960 fa.ml.com/tcfgroup

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HOMETOWN HEROES

NOV. 2019

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AND

Celebrating American Legion’s 100th Anniversary

By Heather Ruenz

Area Legion Posts

STAFF WRITER

The heart of The American Legion beats loudest, as we all know, at the local post…

Whether (it) was chartered in 1919 or 2016, whether it’s an American Legion Baseball powerhouse or a beacon of hope for needy children at winter – or more – it has a story that needs to be told,” a piece about the national Legion’s 100th anniversary celebration eloquently states.

After World War I in 1919, in France, a group of active military personnel established the American Legion as an organization to help veterans and teach democracy in America.

On March 15-17 of that same year, the American Legion was born and was later recognized by the United States and approved in all 48 states.

This year is the centennial celebration of the American Legion. In addition, efforts throughout the nation, many local posts, including some in southeast Wisconsin, are planning events, and one of them is also in the midst of celebrating 100 years.

“Also in 1919, a group of World War I veterans in Elkhorn gathered to start a local post. In August of 1919, American Legion Kelly Post 45 was chartered,” said Post 45 member Jim Boardman.

The post celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sept. 29, National Gold Start Mothers Day, at Heritage Hall in Elkhorn.

Post 45 members hoped to connect with descendants of the 10 charter members. The post has a photo of from 1969, for the 50th anniversary it shared.

The 10 charter members he was referring to were: Otto Bublitz, Clarence Buchholz, Alfred Godfrey, Elmer Evenson, John Sigmund, Grove Harkness, Lee Dooley, Leslie Arp, Ray Babcock and Herb Zwiebel.

“Through the years, as we lost citizens in wars, names were added to the Post 45 name. We’re also hoping to hear from descendants of the four people our Legion is named after since they contributed so much to our organization and community,” Boardman said.

The original name of American Legion Kelly Post 45 was from 1919 in honor of Harry E. Kelly, from World War I. “For World War II, Wayne Gardner was added, then the Korean War was Ross Katzman and the fourth name was added during the Vietnam War and that was Michael Stoflet, thus the current

American Legion Posts in the Southern Lakes area include the following, listed by community: Kelley-Gardner-Katzman-Stoflet Post 45, Elkhorn Rutledge-Boviall Post 95, Delavan Frank Kresen Inc. Post 24, Lake Geneva Rice-Lemmerhart-Smith Post 327, Lyons Wilkins-Kelly Inc. Post 450, Darien Ingalls-Koeppen Inc. Post 102, Walworth Loomis-Martin Inc. Post 188, East Troy Thomas-Holcomb Inc. Post 304, Palmyra Sargent-Splechter-Schmidt Post 535, Eagle Ross Wilcox Inc. Post 79, Burlington William Graham Inc. Post 173, Whitewater Moser-Ortmann Inc. Post 130, Sharon Community Post 375, Mukwonago Sponholtz-Deignan Inc. Post 183, Genoa City Essman-Schroeder Inc. Post 20, Waterford Twin Lakes Inc. Post 544, Twin Lakes Semrau-Scott-Rausch Post 361, Twin Lakes Schultz-Hahn Inc. Post 293, Silver Lake Bixby & Hansen Inc. Post 171, Union Grove HEATHER RUENZ Hometown Heroes

name of Kelly-Gardner-KatzmanStoflet,” Boardman explained.

Assuming they hear from descendants, Boardman said Post 45 plans to share short biographies on the 14 veterans – 10 charter members and four namesakes – in the local newspapers.

Anyone with information on the veterans listed above is asked to contact him at boardman312@gmail.com or 262949-4646.

Rich history The American Legion was founded in March 1919 in Paris, France, by U.S. World War I military personnel stationed there who were dedicated to four pillars of service and advocacy: veterans, military personnel, youth and patriotic values, according to facts shared by the American Legion about the centennial celebration.

Today, the American Legion consists of 55 “departments” in each of the 50 states as well as the District

of Columbia, France, Mexico, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. There are approximately 13,000 local posts worldwide, it states.

Current national membership is about 2 million. Combined with the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion, membership in what is known as the American Legion Family exceeds 3 million, according to the Legion.

American Legion membership is open to military personnel and veterans who have served their nation on active duty during wartime. Eligibility has been open to all who have served on active duty since Aug. 2, 1990 – the beginning of continuous U.S. armed conflict in the Middle East and other locations around the planet, the Legion states.

The Legion states it has been instrumental in the creation of a number of major institutions of American society, including formation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, creation of U.S. Flag Code, passage of the GI Bill

and more.

Supporting others According to the national American Legion, posts throughout the country: • Donate more than 3.7 million hours of volunteer service in their communities; • Provide assistance on more than 181,000 VA benefits claims and cases; • Donate more than 80,000 pints of blood to collection centers nationwide,

See AMERICAN LEGION, Page 14 ABOVE: This memorial is on display in downtown Sharon thanks in large part to efforts by members of Moser-Ortmann Inc. Post 130. Throughout the area, state and country, American Legion posts are staples in their local communities, from leading parades and programs to continually honoring and remembering men and women who served.

In honor of the organization’s centennial celebration, many are planning special events for this year.

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Thank you for your service Dennis and Kim Bolles are the 2019 Putting Our Military on Top recipients of a free roof from James R. Taylor and Sons, East Troy. This is the sixth year the construction company has provided a free roof to a veteran.

Dennis Bolles served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was on the front lines during the Vietnam War. Pictured with the recipients are Stevie and Jim Taylor.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hometown Heroes

Gavin,

Thank you for your commitment to our country.

Congratulations on making it to Washington D.C. Your perseverance gave you an admirable return.

We are honored to call you our son.

All our love, Dad and Mom

3rd Generation Family Owned Since 1937

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Know the difference

How Memorial Day and Veterans Day differ from each other

Memorial Day and Veterans Day each honor the military, though the two holidays are not the same. Memorial Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Monday in May, honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the American military.

Many communities host memorial ceremonies honoring their fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, ensuring such soldiers’ bravery and sacrifices are never forgotten.

While many people now view Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer, the weekend should not be celebrated without also pausing to reflect on and recognize the military personnel who lost their lives in defense of freedom and the American way of life.

Veterans Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 and recognizes all men

and women who have served in the military. Veterans Day coincides with Remembrance Day, which is celebrated by the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of 53 member states with connections to the British Empire.

Though Veterans Day and Remembrance Day are each celebrated on Nov. 11, the latter recognizes armed forces members who died in the line of duty, making it more similar to Memorial Day than Veterans Day. It’s not uncommon for people to recognize fallen soldiers on Veterans Day, but many use the holiday to express their appreciation to existing veterans.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

How to show appreciation for

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MILITARY PERSONNEL

Military personnel are unsung heroes whose sacrifices for their country make it possible for hundreds of millions of people to enjoy freedoms that many people across the globe do not have.

In recognition of those sacrifices, many people want to show their appreciation to both active and retired servicemen and women. Fortunately, there are many ways to do just that.

Pitch in at home

According to the United States Department of Defense, the United States military currently deploys active duty personnel in nearly 150 countries. Many of those troops are separated from their families for months at a time, and that separation can make things difficult for their loved ones back home. If a neighbor’s spouse is deployed overseas, offer to help around the house.

Whether it’s mowing their lawn, dropping their kids off at school or inviting the whole family over for dinner one night each week, such gestures can go a long way toward easing the burden faced by spouses of deployed military personnel.

Send gifts to active personnel

Servicemen and women on active duty do not enjoy many of the luxuries that tend to be taken for granted back home. But men and women who want to show their appreciation can send care packages to active personnel serving overseas.

An organization such as Operation Gratitude (operationgratitude.com), which to date has sent nearly 1.3 million care packages to active personnel, sends care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, personal hygiene products and handmade items.

This provides active personnel a taste of home while

also letting them know their extraordinary efforts are appreciated and not forgotten.

Volunteer at a veterans hospital

Unfortunately, many servicemen and women return home from their deployments with injuries or health conditions that require long-term care.

By volunteering at veteran hospitals, men and women can help veterans overcome their injuries and provide much-needed help to staff at hospitals that could use a helping hand. Visit volunteer. va.gov for more information.

Make a financial donation

For those who want to support servicemen and women but don’t have much free time to do so, financial donations can go a long way toward improving the quality of life of active and retired military personnel. Many programs work with veterans to improve their quality of life, and such organizations rely heavily on financial donations to make their missions a reality.

The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), for example, works to honor and empower servicemen and women who incurred physical or mental injuries or illnesses on or after Sept. 11, 2001. The organization relies on the generosity of individuals who want to help wounded military personnel overcome their injuries and illnesses.

Based on recent audited financial statements, 80.6 percent of total expenditures went to services and programs catering to wounded military personnel and their families, assuring prospective donors that their donations will go toward helping those in need.

With veteran unemployment on the rise and a growing need for home health aides, veterans should consider how a job in the home-based healthcare industry might be right for them.

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STOCK PHOTO Hometown Heroes

What veterans should know about caregiver jobs Today, there are over 18 million U.S. veterans, many of whom are seeking civilian jobs. Experts say that the caregiving industry – which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to an aging population – is particularly wellsuited to the skills and experience of those who’ve served their country.

“Veterans bring many valuable attributes to the table that make them amazing candidates for caregiving careers,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief executive officer of Caring Brands International and Interim HealthCare Inc. “Given their tried and true ability to lead, think critically and solve problems in a demanding environment, as well as a service-focused mindset, it’s often a great fit.”

In honor of Veterans Day, celebrated Nov. 11, the experts at Interim HealthCare Inc. are offering some tips and information to help veterans know what to look for before taking a position in the caregiving industry:

Track record of hiring veterans There are many ways that civilians can express their gratitude to active and retired military personnel.

STOCK PHOTO Hometown Heroes

Companies with a proven track record of hiring veterans may be more likely to value the skills veterans bring with them, and may be more likely to accept military training in place of civilian training.

Diverse opportunities

Veterans should seek employment with companies that offer opportunities for growth, as well as exclusive benefits to veterans. In the case of Interim HealthCare for example, the company offers comprehensive continuing education and in-service programs, and is actively seeking veterans to fill office and field staff jobs.

Support

Does the company offer resource groups for veterans? Look for signs that you will be supported once you are hired.

Meaningful, interesting work

After having served one’s country, finding work that’s meaningful is of importance to many veterans. Helping patients stay vital and healthy has a positive impact on individuals, families and communities, and for many in the industry, is an immensely rewarding career path. What’s more, caregiver jobs are interesting and dynamic and no two days are the same.

For job opportunities, visit interimhealthcare.com/careers.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

NOV. 2019

The roles of the different branches of the U.S. military The United States military is one of the most comprehensive, effective and respected armed forces in the world.

Without the tireless commitment of military personnel — from the soldiers on the ground to the support staff behind the scenes — America could not be the world power it is today.

Each branch of the U.S. military has a unique mission, and here is a brief rundown of what those missions entail, courtesy of Military.com and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Thank You Vets for your Service and Keeping us Safe!

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Army The Army is one of the three military departments that reports directly to the Department of Defense. The Army conducts operational and institutional missions around the world, typically handling land-based missions. The Army also guards U.S. installations and properties throughout the world.

Navy Serving to protect the freedom of

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phone: 262-248-2031

the seas, the Navy is another branch of the military that reports directly to the Department of Defense. Among its many missions, the U.S. Navy serves to make the seas safe for travel and trade.

Air Force The Air Force also reports directly to the Department of Defense and trains for and maintains global superiority in air, space and cyberspace. Air Force personnel fly planes, helicopters and even satellites.

Marine Corps The Marine Corps is a component of the Department of the Navy. It carries out global missions on both sea and shore and serves as an expeditionary force. Marines are a rapid-reaction team and are usually the first boots on the ground in a conflict.

Coast Guard The Coast Guard safeguards maritime interests through both civil and military

See BRANCHES, Page 14

Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army National Guard – has its own unique mission.

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NOV. 2019

Page 13

Combat veterans and the threat posed by

PTSD

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very day men and women in the military put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and freedoms of their fellow countrymen. These brave men and women pay a steep price for their service, spending time away from their loved ones and putting themselves at risk of long-term physical and mental injuries.

Many men and women, even those who never served in the military, are aware of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event.

Combat veterans are vulnerable to PTSD, and the percentage of veterans who deal with it each day is alarming. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as many as 20 percent of veterans who served during Operations Iraqi Freedom

or Enduring Freedom have PTSD. In addition, the USDVA notes that estimates now suggest as many as 30 percent of Vietnam veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.

Though it’s not exclusive to men and women who have served in the military, PTSD has long been linked to combat veterans. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association notes that PTSD has been referred to as “shell shock” and “combat fatigue” in the past.

While the APA notes that a diagnosis of PTSD requires exposure to an upsetting traumatic event, that exposure can be indirect rather than firsthand. Because some people may assume that only firsthand exposure to trauma can lead to PTSD, many may be suffering in silence.

That makes it all the more important that people learn to recognize the symptoms of PTSD. According to the APA, symptoms of PTSD, which can vary in severity, fall into four categories.

Intrusive thoughts

Avoiding reminders

Arousal and reactive symptoms

Negative thoughts and feelings

Flashbacks, distressing dreams and repeated, involuntary memories are examples of intrusive thoughts symptomatic of PTSD. The APA notes that some people with PTSD experience flashbacks so vivid that they feel they are reliving the traumatic experience or that it is unfolding before their eyes.

These symptoms may include irritability and angry outbursts; reckless or self-destructive behavior; being easily startled; or have difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

PTSD poses a significant threat to the men and women who serve in the military.

Additional resources about PTSD is available at www.ptsd.va.gov and www. psychiatry.org.

Some people with PTSD may avoid people, places, activities, objects, or situations they feel will trigger distressing memories. Soldiers, for example, may avoid interacting with fellow combat veterans. Avoiding discussions about a traumatic event and how they feel about it is another symptom of PTSD.

The APA says that negative thoughts and feelings may include ongoing and distorted beliefs about oneself or others; ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame; considerably diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed; and a sense of estrangement and detachment from others.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that about 20 percent of veterans who served during Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom have PTSD. Combat veterans are at an increased risk of developing the condition.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

NOV. 2019

• American Legion

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which makes the Legion the nation’s single largest blood donor; • Awards more than 8,000 medals to Junior ROTC students; • Sponsors more than 2,500 Scouting units serving more than 64,000 young people; • Awards more than $4 million in college scholarships.

The American Legion’s 100th anniversary mantra is “Legacy and Vision” – both a celebration of past accomplishments and a renewal of the organization’s resolve to serve communities, states and the nation for a second century.

Among the prominent Americans serving on the national 100th anniversary Honorary Committee are: chairman Theodore Roosevelt IV, grandson of American Legion co-founder Theodore Roosevelt Jr.; Tom Brokaw, former

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American Legion Baseball player and American Legion Boys State participant; Mitch Daniels, Purdue University president, former American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation participant and former two-term governor of Indiana; Jamie Corkish, former American Legion Junior Shooting Sports champion and 2012 U.S. Olympic gold medal winner; Diane Carlson-Evans, Vietnam War combat nurse; Gen. Patrick Brady, Medal of Honor recipient; Val Nicholas, NBC News vice president; and Susan Eisenhower, international policy adviser and granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower.

For more information, including American Legion history through a variety of avenues, to order merchandise and to access several tools to assist local posts in sharing their own history, visit legion.org/centennial.

(Continued from page 12)

missions. The Coast Guard operates around the world and in domestic waterways and ports.

905 East Geneva Street Delavan, WI 53115 Tel: 262-728-6319 Fax: 272-728-6693 Check us out VA Contracted on Facebook

(Continued from page 9)

Army National Guard The oldest branch of the U.S. military, the National Guard serves as a complementary force to active duty. Those in the National Guard are trained to be versatile, providing for humanitarian aid, domestic emergencies, combat missions, and homeland security operations.

The Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and Navy Reserve are the other

branches made up of servicemen and servicewomen who primarily work civilian jobs but may be called to full-time military duty if necessary.

The U.S. Armed Forces are headed by the President of the United States. The Secretary of the Department of Defense reports directly to the Commander-inChief. The DOD controls each military branch, except for the Coast Guard, which is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security.

Learn more about the U.S. military at dod.defense.gov.

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Honoring all heroes this Veteran’s Day Veteran’s Day, which is celebrated annually on Nov. 11, commemorates the hardworking men and women who sacrifice their time and put themselves in harm’s way to defend the country’s core values of freedom and opportunity.

While Veteran’s Day certainly is a chance to honor those who have donned the uniform during wars and military installments, it also can be a chance to recognize the unsung heroes of wartime – those who step into roles so that soldiers and strategists can focus their attention elsewhere.

Take for example Naomi Parker Fraley.

In 1942, Fraley was a machine shop worker at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, Calif.

She was one of scores women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, helping to produce munitions and war supplies.

Parker was 20 years old in 1942 and served as the inspiration for what would become one of the most indelible images of the era, known as “Rosie the Riveter.”

Parker unknowingly inspired the iconic image after she was photographed at work bent over an industrial machine in a jumpsuit with her hair tied back in a polka-dot bandana. In 2018, Naomi Parker Fraley died at the age of 96, not nearly the household name she perhaps should have been.

Rosie the Riveter helped to tout the contributions of female war employees who were defending America by working on the

HOMETOWN HEROES

NOV. 2019

Page 15

homefront. Rosie was a successful moralebooster, and some may be surprised to learn that Rosie has various incarnations.

Norman Rockwell’s depiction of a female riveter, which appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on May 29, 1943, became an iconic staple of that time.

Muscular, with a rivet gun on her lap, a sandwich in hand and a boot stomping on a copy of “Mein Kampf” – and timed perfectly to coincide with the release of a song called “Rosie the Riveter” by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb – Rosie became a household name. But another Rosie image actually predates Rockwell’s Post cover.

Naomi Parker Fraley was reportedly the inspiration for an ad created by a lesserknown artist named J. Howard Miller.

Miller produced a “We Can Do It!” poster for Westinghouse Electric in 1942 aimed at boosting spirits among the company’s workers. The poster helped to recruit new female personnel, according to scholar James J. Kimble. This Rosie was portrayed in a red bandana with her bent arm flexed, rolling up her shirtsleeve.

Both Miller’s and Rockwell’s depictions of female war workers became ingrained in popular culture. Rockwell’s cover art was eventually loaned to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for use in war bond drives for the duration of the war.

Miller’s version has been emulated for generations and still epitomizes a strong female presence in the workforce.

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