2019 AugSept Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin

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Badger &“Wisconsin”

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August/September 2019

Official Publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family

www.wilegion.org

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

24-Hour Viewing midday Thursday, September 5th thru 3 p.m. Sunday, September 8th

The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation invites the public to attend the Celebration of Freedom event running September 4-8, 2019, at Veterans Memorial Field in Portage, Wisconsin. Schools, youth and community groups, families, and veterans are encouraged to join the Wisconsin American Legion Family as they celebrate our freedom, honor those who have and continue to serve, and teach each other about the importance of patriotism. American Legion Riders will escort the American Vietnam Traveling Tribute Wall to Veterans Memorial Field on September

4. This is the largest traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It is an 80% replica in size and 100% in content. The wall will be open for 24 hour viewing beginning midday September 5 running through 3:00 p.m. September 8. Chris Kroeze, Barron County native and 2018 runner-up on NBC’s Emmy Award winning television show, The Voice, takes the stage on Friday, September 6, at 8:00 p.m. Kroeze is sponsored by the City of Portage Tourism Committee. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite (https://bit.ly/ (continued on page 10)

American Legion, Department of Wisconsin 2930 American Legion Dr. Portage, WI 53901

Non-Profit Org US POSTAGE PAID Platteville, WI Permit 2930


PAGE 2 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

LEGISLATIVE REPORT “Badger Legionnaire” & “Wisconsin” The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are the official publications of the Wisconsin American Legion Family and are published six times annually, by The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin. Post Master: Send address changes to Badger Legionnaire and Wisconsin, P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901

“Badger Legionnaire” The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin 2930 American Legion Drive P.O. Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901 Phone: (608) 745-1090 E-mail: badger@wilegion.org Amber Nikolai, Department Adjutant Marie Steffen, Executive Editor 2019-20 Department Officers Department Commander David Wischer Department Vice Commanders Greg Eirich Jerry Lauby Ray Pasbrig Paul Beseler Adjutant Amber L. Nikolai Department Chaplain Mathew Harn Assistant Chaplain John Gessner Sergeant-At-Arms Kendel Feilen Jeremy Nordie Service Officer - James Fialkowski NECman - Robert Shappell Alternate NECman - Dale Oatman Judge Advocate - Nicholas Lange Department Historian, Jeff Antczak District Commanders 1st – David Latimer 2nd – Julie Muhle 3rd – Keith Lovell 4th – Tim Baranzyk 5th – Craig Ellis 6th – Robert Borszich 7th – David Hale 8th – Jean Balz 9th – Jeffery Zwiers 10th – Harry Bauer 11th – Theodore Harvey 12th – Donald Slattery Change of Address & Other Information:

Subscribers: To report any upcoming changes of address, please ask your Post Adjutant to fill out a Membership Data Form and forward it to Wisconsin American Legion Headquarters. The change of address form that will be completed by the Post Adjutant should not be confused with the change of address card filled out at the Post Office. Department financial statements are available to Legionnaires in good standing upon written request through their District Commanders.

“Wisconsin” American Legion Auxiliary Department of Wisconsin 2930 American Legion Drive P.O. Box 140 • Portage, WI 53901 Bonnie Dorniak, Editor Joanie Dickerson, Department President Bonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/Treasurer To change your address: Notify Unit Secretary Unit Secretary: Notify Department Headquarters on a Member Data Form The “Wisconsin” deadline for copy is 4 weeks before publication date.

The Wisconsin Budget for the next biennium went into effect in July. I highlighted the Paul Fisk Legislative Chairman areas which affect the veterans of Wisconsin. The grants for Camp American Legion and the American Legion service office were not changed. The Governor’s recommendation of $75,000 and $100,000 respectively were accepted by the

JFC (Joint Finance Committee). The Administration proposed changing the authorization for transfers from the homes to the VTF (Veterans Trust Fund) on July 1, 2020. The transfer from the homes will be replaced with a supplemental appropriation. The monies could be transferred to the VTF after DOA (Department of Administration) determines there are insufficient monies in the fund. DOA estimated in 2019, the homes would be required to transfer $13.8 million to the VTF.

JFC changed the effective date of the change to July 1, 2019, and increased the appropriation by $13.8 million. They accepted the administration recommendation of $15.8 million in fy 2021. In 2017-2018 WDVA (Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs) spent approx. $2.7 million on contract staffing at King and Union Grove. This budget provides a onetime basis for $750,000/year at King and $250,000/year at Union Grove. The Governor and JFC have agreed to establish the Veter-

ans Outreach and Recovery program as a permanent program. There is additional legislative work required by the legislature and WDVA to implement this. There are several other items which reduce or change funding sources for programs. The County Service Officer grant program has new funding sources as the mortgage loan repayment fund and transfer from the homes have been eliminated. The debt payment schedule has been re-estimated resulting in some savings.

SAL DETACHMENT COMMANDER Over the past years, the Detachment of Wisconsin has pa r ticipated in many projects and acBob Sirovina SAL Detachment complished a Commander great deal. Our members have never hesitated to give of their time and resources to help our veterans, active duty military and their families. As Proud Possessors of a Priceless Heritage our members understand it’s not about individuals, honors or awards, but honoring those who served by showing our “devotion to mutual helpfulness”. With just 49 of 105 squadrons reporting activities, our total con-

tributions to The American Legion programs this past administrative year exceeded $1.2 million! Can you say, “TRIPLE NICKEL”!? That’s right, Wisconsin has earned the coveted Triple Nickel award! The 2nd in our history, and it is only the 5th time it has ever been awarded. To get this award, the goals we had to achieve were: • Five new Squadrons – Squadrons 43 Ripon, 63 West Bend, 234 Omro, 258 Little Chute, 442 Wisconsin Rapids • 85% or greater in renewals – we achieved 92.35% • 105% or greater in total membership – we achieved 106.84% As a new administrative year begins, we look forward to meeting new goals and expanding our

membership so we can continue the outstanding work that has been done in the past. We are excited to keep working with The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and the Legion Riders so we can have a greater impact in our communities and provide more support to our veterans. Going forward we will continue our fundraising efforts to provide comfort items to children of deploying service members and support The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Our special project will be providing assistance to homeless veterans. To find information on helping homeless veterans go to www.va.gov/homeless. We will be sharing more information on how we can help these veter-

ans in upcoming communications. The 2020 Membership Cards have arrived, and they were mailed to your Legion Post address of record. Please check with whoever manages your Legion Post mail. It’s very important that you have the cards so you can begin submitting your memberships now! If you do not have your cards, please contact us: www.wisal.org/contact. I am truly honored to be your Detachment Commander for this coming year. I look forward to working with you and attending events in your area. With your active participation in our programs we will certainly have another record-breaking year for 201920. Please be sure to subscribe atwww.wisal.org/newsletters.

WDVA SECRETARY If not for an explosion and fire just two blocks from my home, I would have much enMary M. Kolar joyed being WDVA Secretary at the annual American Legion and Auxiliary Department of Wisconsin Convention in Middleton on July 19th. Thankfully, no one was hurt but state government and multiple businesses were closed, and traffic lights were out. Travel in the area was not a safe option. Always ready to assist, WDVA Assistant Deputy Secretary Kathy Still was there for me and had the pleasure of meeting many of you and speaking at general session and with the Auxiliary.

I deeply appreciate and commend Frank Kostka for his year of service as department commander. Under his guidance through the past year, the Legion continued its work on behalf of our veterans and their families. He led the charge in fundraising for the “American Legion Family Cabin” at Camp American Legion in Lake Tomahawk. When it’s complete, the cabin will be a comforting place for Gold Star families to join together in a healing environment. We also welcome Dave Wischer as new department commander and the other department officers to their new respective positions. I look forward to growing our relationship as we continue our work together for veterans and their families in Wisconsin. Contributing to our ability to

achieve our mission, I’m encouraged by Governor Tony Evers’ state budget, which was signed into law in early July, with funding for programs supporting Wisconsin veterans and their families. Governor Evers has listened to veterans throughout the state and heard their recommendations on how we can better serve them. He has seen the results and heard from the families of those who have gotten back to a sustainable lifestyle with the help of WDVA programming and benefits. He’s honored his promises and has invested in our veterans and their well-being. The People’s Budget connects the dots on many veteran-related challenges and provides nearly $30 million to support our programming for Wisconsin veterans — the

largest state-funded increase ever. One aspect of that funding is making our Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program permanent across Wisconsin. The budget funds our program with $1.45 million, ensuring at-risk veterans in our state get the assistance they need. Additionally, Governor Evers’ budget provides the largest general purpose revenue increase ever to the Veterans Trust Fund. The $29.6 million ensures that we can continue offering our veterans programs funded through the VTF, which has been a longstanding concern to Wisconsin veterans. I’m proud to say that more than ever, we are working together for veterans and their families in Wisconsin. I look forward to continuing that work under Commander Wischer.

Volunteer Opportunities! Many volunteers are needed to make the Celebration of Freedom a success. Consider assisting in one of these areas: Traveling Wall Escort, Wall Assembly, Opening & Closing Ceremony Honor Guard & Guest Speakers, Computer Locater for Names on Wall, Wall Security, Parking Escort, Information Booth, Clean Up, Lost and Found Booth, Concert Ticket Checkpoint, Dissemble the Wall. Sign-up online at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e4dafad22abfe3-celebration.


AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 3

A Special Welcome Home in the Northwoods As the snow was still falling, ideas were developing, plans were being drafted and enthusiasm was building and as the old adage goes, “so there we were” sitting in the office and discussing ideas for community engagement. As many development secessions often progress between Mike Handrick and I, one idea led to another. I shared a story with Mike about a conversation I had with one of our beloved Viet“Surround yourself with nam Veterans. Last season during good people and they will Vietnam / Korean War Veterans lift you up!” week as the evening was coming to an end and the sun was setOUR MISSION ting on Little Lake Tomahawk, I Helping To Heal - those walked down to the docks to wait who served, continue to serve, for the fishing boats to come in. It and their families, through was there that I had an encounter Wisconsin’s Northwoods with a humble man that captured Experience my emotions and developed a deeper sense of gratitude for OUR VISION Giving Wisconsin Veterans the pathway to quality of life

OUR VALUES Honor and Stewardship To learn more about the mission of Camp American Legion or to get involved with answering the call, visit CampAmericanLegion.org or find us on Facebook.

those from his generation who served. He told me that he wished he never had to leave this place. As he shared his love for Camp he was overwhelmed with emotion and could not put into words his gratitude for everything and everyone here. He went on to tell that his week at Camp was best week of his entire year and that he finds peace, serenity and healing here. He thanked me up and down and I left that conversation feeling that there had to be something more that we could do to show our gratitude to him and others from his generation who served and sacrificed so much. Welcome Home, The Northwoods is Calling… On June 18th we had our first Welcome Home Cruise into Minocqua. Camp was full, 75 campers. All but 2 were Vietnam Veteran era and 2 Korean War era. The day events went like this. We started the morning meeting dockside on Little Lake Tomahawk. Our campers were greeted by the American Legion Riders and they assisted everyone onto the boats. Now let me say, these were not just any boats. Our friends, neighbors and volunteers from as far as Tomahawk brought their beautiful luxury pontoon boats for the day’s adventures. After everyone was boarded we set off on a slow scenic cruise across Lake Tomahawk taking in everything you would expect to see in the Northwoods. Before entering the channel going to Lake Minocqua, we stopped at Lakeside Bar and Grill where once again we were greeted by our Legion Riders and the smiling faces of Guy and his Lake-

side staff. We took a break, s o m e had fries, cheese curds and refreshments. As we entered the thorough fare cha n nel, passed under Mid Lake Road. Bridge there were more Legion Riders and folks from town there with American flags and welcome home signs waving. Just past the bridge a mother Loon sat in the water with her baby on her back as if she was watching all the activity and saying “Welcome Home”. Upon entering Lake Minocqua, the Minocqua Police boat provided an escort into town and as the caravan of 10 boats approached the HWY 51 bridge there a WWII era plane that did a flyover as the Minocqua American Legion Post Color guard and the Minocqua Marine Core “Leather Necks of The North” presented the colors. There were people from town waving flags and showing a huge warm welcome home, Northwoods style. A Northwoods Welcome in Minocqua… We docked all the boats at The Boat House restaurant and our campers were served an amazing lunch. Bill and staff were fantastic. In the end Bill, the owner of The Boat House, paid for the cost of the lunch for all 75 campers and even the volunteers. After lunch our campers

explored town where the local business owners had special discounts and treats for our campers. At the end of the day (7-1/2 hours), our campers arrived back at Camp and you could see that what they experienced was beyond their expectations. When we answer the “Why” we do what we do, there are no limits on what we can accomplish. We put the idea and belief of gratitude in the forefront of planning the day’s events. Everything and everyone involved was there to say thank you and to give our Vietnam and Korean War Veterans a “Welcome Home” in the Northwoods style, a “Welcome Home” that was long overdue. A special thank you to Mike Handrick, Bill Fricke, The Vietnam Veterans group of Minocqua, American Legion Post 89, Leather Necks of the North and all our volunteers. Your efforts, long hours of planning and true passion for showing your gratitude made a positive difference in the lives of many. From our family to yours, have a wonderful summer. Don Grundy, Camp Director

WALLECA Graduates New Cadets

The first ever Post Chaplains Retreat was held at Camp American Legion, May 30-June 1. Topics included: Chaplain duties; The Ten Commandments and the Ten points of The American Legion Preamble, George Washington Prayer to the Nation; The National Chaplains stand on God, Family, then Country; the P.O.W. Table significance; Finances; and Volunteerism and Camp.

The Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (WALLECA) was held June 24th through June 28th at The Wisconsin State Patrol Academy at Ft. McCoy. Ozaukee County Sheriff Jim Johnson, who is also a member of Post 82 in Pt. Washington and is currently the Ozaukee County Commander, is the Director of Training for WALLECA. There were 50 cadets in attendance - the biggest academy class that WALLECA has had yet. The cadets had a very busy week. They started out their days with a 5:00 a.m. wakeup, PT, showers, breakfast, marching, classroom instruction from

8:00 a.m. until Noon, lunch, class room instruction from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. After dinner, evening classes were held. During one evening session, the cadets were given the Law Enforcement Standards Board Physical Readiness test. The large group was split into 4 squads and assigned to

a Squad Leader. The 4 Squad Leaders consisted of State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors. The class room instructors were Law Enforcement professionals from throughout the state of Wisconsin. The academy ended with a graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon.


AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 4

101ST ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN CONVENTION

David Wischer Elected 2019-20 Department Commander 2019 CONVENTION AWARD WINNERS David Wischer was elected Department Commander of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin at its 101st Annual Convention in Middleton on July 20, 2019. In addition to Commander Wischer’s intent to “Focus on the Future”, he explains his mission, “We are losing too many heroes. During my year as Commander, I will strive to bring better awareness and understanding to Veteran Suicide and help provide more effective programs for Veterans in need of assistance with substance abuse.” Commander Wischer was born and raised in Milwaukee and currently resides in West Allis. He served in the Army, 1974-1977, at Fort Polk, Louisiana; 1st of the Fifth Infantry Division, assigned to the 3rd Battalion/77th Armored Division. A 39 year Honorary Life Member of the H.A. Todd Jr. Wisconsin Motor Post #537 of Milwaukee, Wischer has achieved 100% Commander, 100% Membership Chairman and has

Department Commander David Wischer

served as Post Parliamentarian. Wischer’s accomplishments include: National VA&R Committee Member; Department – Vice Commander, Fundraising Committee Liaison, Sergeant at Arms, Membership Committee (1 year as Vice Chairman), Fundraising Committee (1 year as Chairman); American Legion ALEI Course graduate; WI American Legion College Basic & Intermediate Course completion; “Badger Big 10” Membership Recruiting award recipient; 2010 National Convention Parade Marshall; 4th District – Sergeant at Arms,

Chair of many fundraising, memEdward J. Ormsby National Employment Award/ bership, and Troop and Family Law and Order Award Economic Well-Being of Veterans Support Initiatives; Recognized Sergeant Robert J. Berg, DeForest Erika Deal- Workforce Connections by National for his efforts in reviPolice Department Joseph Bauer- Local Veterans talizing the 5th District’s Post 479. Employment Representative Outstanding Firefighter of Wischer volunteers at Badger Geraldine Perry- Disabled Veterans Wisconsin Award Outreach Program Boy’s State and is the Head SerDeputy Chief Charles Beistle, West geant at Arms for the Department Bend Fire Department National Employment Award/ Regional and State Oratorical fiOutstanding Achievement nals. He is a member of the Past EMT of the Year in Veteran Employment Department Sergeant at Arms Lieutenant Bruce Ellis, J Dog Junk Removal & Hauling Club, Past Commanders Club, Allenton Fire Department (Small Business) Department Golf Committee Logistics Health, Inc. and Voiture #1519 of the 40/8. National Guard/Reservist of the Year (Large Business) As The American Legion, DeShane Strong, WI National Guard The American Legion Public partment of Wisconsin focuses on Legislator of the Year Relations Appreciation Award the future, Wischer will reassemCongressman Mike Gallagher Heart of the Valley Times Villager ble a Strategic Planning Committee and work with them to activeSchneider-Emanuel ly develop and execute a plan to: WI American Legion Press Awards Scholarship Winners Class I: Post 496’s Newsletter 1. Assess Organizational Rachel Hicks, Endeavor Class II: Post 470 for Structure Mason Parkhurst, La Crosse “The Legionnaire Sounder” 2. Produce Better Leaders Amberlee Webster, New Berlin Class IV: “The Mighty Fourth” through Training Class V: Post 449’s website “Elm 3. Increase Active Membership Shooting Sports Scholarship Brook Post 449 Cabins” 1st Place: Fin Weber, Elkhorn Class VI: William Ridgley, Editorial 4. Improve Communications Column in the De Forest Times-Tribune 5. Improve Finances Oratorical Winner The Commander has two sons, Timothy Davis, Watertown Americanism Awards Steven and James, and is grand Badger Boy’s State Governor father to Ethan, Jack, and Natalie. Cooper Award and the Jessel S. Whyte

2019-2020 DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Department Commander: David Wischer Department Vice Commanders: Greg Eirich, Jerry Lauby, Ray Pasbrig, Paul Beseler Adjutant: Amber L. Nikolai Department Chaplain: Mathew Harn Assistant Chaplain: John Gessner

2019 DEPARTMENT CONVENTION SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS

Sergeant-At-Arms: Kendel Feilen Jeremy Nordie Natl. Exec. Comm.: Robert Shappell Alternate Natl. Exec. Comm.: Dale Oatman Judge Advocate: Nicholas Lange Department Historian: Jeff Antczak

District Commanders: 1st – David Latimer 2nd – Julie Muhle 3rd – Keith Lovell 4th – Tim Baranzyk 5th – Craig Ellis 6th – Robert Borszich 7th – David Hale 8th – Jean Balz 9th – Jeff Zwiers 10th – Harry Bauer 11th – Theodore Harvey 12th – Don Slattery

$20,000 or Allen Keller Vehicle Voucher from Stumpf Ford $10,000 Glenn Kringle $5,000 Gerald E. Johnson $2,500 Richard Opelt $1,000 Douglas Litscher

Grafton, WI Rice Lake, WI Marshfield, WI Neillsville, WI Rice Lake, WI

Memorial Americanism Award: Post 360-Waunakee Harvey V. Higley Award: Post 415-Milwaukee Harvey C. Oakey Award: Post 427-Greenfield Pendill Award, James F. Burns Award, McCoy Award and National Distinguished Service Americanism Citation: Post 416-Greendale Joseph R. Meeks Gung-Ho Award: Shirley Kubiak, Post 360-Waunakee

Children & Youth Awards 15-99 Members: Post 308, Gays Mills 100-299 Members: Post 220, Soldiers Grove 300-499 Members: Post 54, Marshfield 500+ Members: Post 416, Greendale

Dylan Bradley, Mequon Eagle Scout of the Year Jack Schoepke, Burlington National Emergency Fund Excellence Award Post 245, Cross Plains Past Department Commander 25 Year Commemoration A. J. Halvorson Volunteer of the Year Dave Eulberg, Post 47-Portage Gold Brigade Award & Recruiter of the Year Frank Kostka

Silver Brigade Award Steven Kohnke, Post 434-Oak Creek Historian Awards Fredrick Fink: Post 214-Darlington & County Commander of the Year Martha Marlowe Post Historian Award Mark Kramer, Green Lake County Nick Berg: Post 537- Milwaukee Commander, District 6 Susan Mary Zarnoth: 3rd Place @ 2018 Natl. Fall Meetings, Post 539 100% County Award Nellie DeBaker: Outstanding Historian Thomas Visintainer, Sr., & Cert. of Appreciation @ 2018 Natl. Kenosha County Fall Meetings, Post 236 Charles Augustine, Manitowoc County Michael Titel, Oconto County Martha Marlow Post John Brown, Vilas County Chaplain Award Matthew Kostka, Bayfield County Lester Williams- Post 355, Grafton Arline Rintoul Memorial Award Joan Sallee Delores E. Mueller Service Award Cathy Gorst

All Time High Award 7 Years in a Row Post 269 Cushing – District 12 All Time High Award 5 Years in a Row Post 434 Oak Creek – District 4


AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 5

101ST ANNUAL DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN CONVENTION

Alternate National Executive Committeeman Dale Oatman

Auxiliary President Kiesling & Department Commander Kostka

Schneider-Emanuel Scholarship Winner, Rachel Hicks

Candidate for National Commander Paul Dillard

Major General Don Dunbar, Wisconsin’s Adjutant General

Commander Kostka, Volunteer of the Year Dave Eulberg/Post 47 Portage, Adjutant Amber Nikolai

WI Natl Commander Candidate Daniel Seehafer, Commander Frank Kostka, Silver Brigade Winner Steve Kohnke/Post 434 Oak Creek, Membership Chairman Julie Muhle, National Commander Brett Reistad

Department Commander David Wischer

PCC Homerun & All-Star Legion Bash

National Commander Brett Reistad

Sons of Americal Legion National Vice Commander Matt Christie

Commander Kostka, Badger Boys State Governor Dylan Bradley, Americanism Chairman Karl Stuvengen, Badger Boys State Director Bob Shappell

WALLECA Cadet, Madison Krenz

Commander & Legion Rider Frank Kostka


PAGE 6 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

2019 Badger Boys State Boasts 792 Attendees 792 boys attended the 78th session of Badger Boys State, June 8-15, in Ripon, Wisconsin. Badger Boys State is a youth leadership program sponsored by the American Legion – Department of Wisconsin offering rising high school senior men with a practical program in citizenship. Badger Boys State is unique among the various Boys State programs in that all the counselors are volunteers, with more than 100 people volunteering over a week of their time to serve in various counseling and administrative positions. Dylan Bradley who attends Homestead High School in Mequon was elected Governor

at Badger Boys State. He was sworn in at the 78th Session Inaugural Ceremony by The Honorable Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley who was recognized for her 20 years of issuing the oaths of office at Badger Boys State. The Badger Boys State Board of Directors presented her an award and a Badger Boys State staff polo and thanked her for her support of Badger Boys State. Governor Tony Evers was in attendance. He gave a heartwarming speech and stayed after the assembly for photo opportunities with the boys. A highlight of the Thursday evening assembly was when

Herb Kieferndorf from Post 483 in Allenton was recognized for 20 years of service with Badger Boys State. Herb works in the Badger Boys State Store during the session and is very popular with the citizens. Many other Badger Boys staff were also honored with length of service awards during the assembly. During the Friday night assembly, the 2 boys representing Badger Boys State at Boys Nation July 19-27, 2019, at Marymount University in Arlington Virginia were announced. They are Isaiah Place who attends Lancaster High School and Manish Raj who attends Appleton West High School.

The following are staff members were recognized during this year’s Badger Boys State program for their volunteer service. 5 YEARS Zachary Dickhut (Waupun, WI), Steve Dubois (Balsam Lake, WI), Jack Kelly (Franksville, WI), Mark Kramer (Green Lake, WI), Montana Leggett (Evansville, WI), Jerry Letcher (Lancaster, WI), Garrett Meyer (Kewaskum, WI), Amon O’Connor (Blain, MN), Ben Shaver (Chicago, IL), Ossian Sharp (Lone Rock, WI) Ethan Wise (Richland Center, WI/Madison, WI) 10 YEARS Bob Batty (Cedarburg, WI), Peter Chou (Stanford, CA), Nick Onopa (Wausau, WI/Arlington, VA), Nick Schlavensky (Verona, WI) 15 YEARS Trent Benishek (McFarland, WI/ Washington, D.C.), Jim Hying (Muscoda, WI) 20 YEARS Herb Kieferndorf (Slinger, WI) 35 YEARS John Megna (Fernandina Beach, FL)

Honorable Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley

Top: Kieferndorf honored for 20 years of volunteer service. Bottom: Badger Boys State GovernorDylan Bradley

Josh Dog Visits With Families as Menominee Prepares for Deployment

Josh Dog visited with families in Menominee on July 14 as 400 Wisconsin Army National Guard members prepared to leave their families for deployment in Afghanistan

to support American military operations. Children of parents set for deployment received their own GI Josh Dog. Who is GI Josh? The plush toy dog – wearing a camou-

flage bandana with the Legion emblem – comes with a book and a letter for adults explaining how GI Josh can be therapeutic for children dealing with a deployed parent. “They are not toys intended to distract,” the letter states, “but through a compelling story as shared by Josh, the Golden Retriever, who is going through his own difficult situation, your child can find comfort that they are not going through their difficulty alone.” The dog and the book were the idea of the Sons of The American Legion, who are devoted to serving veterans and their communities. Its development was funded through a grant of The American Legion Child

Welfare Foundation. In Wisconsin, over 1,200 dogs have been distributed since 2014 at a cost of over $36,000. It has been so impactful that the WI Department of Military Affairs

makes it a point to reach out and ask that Josh Dog be present at their deployment ceremonies. To learn more about the Josh Dog program visit www.wisal. org or email josh@wisal.org.


AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 7

LEGACY 100 RIDE A SUCCESS 2018-2019 Department Commander Frank Kostka rallied Wisconsin American Legion Riders in an effort to raise funds to build The American Legion Family Cabin at Camp American Legion. The cabin is being constructed to honor the families who have lost a loved one while serving our Nation. Throughout the year, Riders across the state have held fundraisers for this worthy cause, culminating with the Legacy 100 Ride from Ashland (PDC Kostka’s hometown) to the Department Convention in Middleton.

Wisconsin American Legion Riders Reflect on Past and Look Forward to Future We’ve had a busy summer so far. Numerous parades, fundraisers and rides throughout the state, and even supported our Minnesota neighbors for their Legacy Run out of Rushford. As I write this, I’m packing for the Commander’s ride to support Camp American Legion’s efforts to build the American Legion Family cabin. I’m looking forward to presenting a check for

District #7 in Black River Falls after the first stop. Unfortunately, we have lost a few riders to accidents, disease and other illnesses this year. Pictured is one of the ceremonies where we honored our fallen. We are doing great things in supporting our American Legion Programs, while having a blast riding throughout the state. If possible, support the Celebra-

tion of Freedom September 4-8 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Portage, Wisconsin. For information contact Joyce Jansen at joycejansen5@gmail.com. Our next quarterly meeting is at Amherst-Hansen American Legion Post in St Croix Falls. If interested in learning more about the Riders, please join us. Tim Hyma, President, timhyma@yahoo.com


PAGE 8 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

2nd District Commander Julie Muhle Featured in The American Legion Congratulations to Julie Muhle who was featured in the July 2019 edition of The American Legion for her efforts as Wisconsin’s 2018-2019 Membership Chairman. The following is reprinted with permission. I Am The American Legion: Julie Muhle By Henry Howard June 20, 2019 When her father encouraged her to join American Legion Post 15 in Juneau, Wis., Julie Muhle knew little about the organization and its legacy of service. The more she learns, though, the more

passionate she becomes about all things Legion. In addition to serving as Post 15’s adjutant, Muhle is chancellor of the Wisconsin American Legion College program. Training a new generation of leaders is her way of communicating the Legion’s rich past while helping build for tomorrow. “The inspiration to go out and recruit comes from the education

we’re working on,” she says. “Offering Legion College courses – helping students learn what the Legion is about – is how we inspire people to want to go and talk more about that.” Watching her students grow in their enthusiasm for the Legion adds to Muhle’s energy. “When I see everyone scribbling notes, I think, ‘Hey, I’ve just taught them

100 Year Birthday

60 Years of Service

PDC Frank Kostka presents Bernhardt Hogstrom with his membership card and a Wisconsin Centennial Coin. Hogstrom joined Post 516 in his hometown of Mason after returning home from WWII and has been a continuous 74 year member in The American Legion. He celebrated his 100 year birthday on July 18. His son, Randy, is also a Legion member.

We thank you “Commander Fred Burgardt” for 60 years of faithful service to the American Legion. Your unwavering devotion is highly appreciated. Members of Post 406 are proud to recognize you as their Commander.

something new.’ This is what the learning is all about.” Muhle and other Legion College instructors travel around the state to lead beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Students give up a Sunday to attend. “That’s dedication,” she says. “They take the information back to their posts and implement it. They learn a lot, as I have.”

Many Years of Service

Soldiers Grove Legion Post 220 honored 50 year member Larry Christopherson (left) and 60 year member Elling Davig (right).

Flag Etiquette

65 Years of Service

100th Birthday Celebration

American Legion Post 63 and VFW Post 664, Clintonville, explained Flag Etiquette to the 6th grade wise guys at the Clintonville Middle School.

Merlin D. Peters of Plymouth received his 65-year continuous membership certificate from LadewigZinkgraf Post Adjutant Konrad Kaczkowski. Merlin served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War

Members from Triple Nickel, Post 555 of Sheboygan surround Legion Member Don Harder, U.S. Air Force, as he celebrated his 100th Birthday. Left to right: Finance Officer Francis Koranda, Commander Craig Stewart, Adjutant Todd Richter, Executive Committeeman Kurt Merkel, and Judge Advocate Mike Beringer.

WAUPUN ― Getchel-Nelson American Legion Post 210 presented a $1,048.43 check to Linda Hughes so that she can continue her mission in helping deployed Veterans and Goldstar Families of the fallen. Linda Hughes is a teacher at Rascals and Rockers, a Christian day school in Cambria, WI, and the coordinator of the service learning project “A Case of Caring and Sharing” which sends care packages to troops throughout the world. Hughes started this program after Sept. 11, 2001, and has sent packages ever since. Her students help in preparing the packages as part of a lesson focused on community outreach and developing a sense of volunteerism. Each package also includes a letter and several drawings colored by the students. The funds were collected by the Legion from several donation cans placed at various businesses in Waupun. From left, Post Commander Bob Patrouille, Linda Hughes and Post Finance Officer Gordon Port.

Quilts of Valor Post 432 Auxiliary honored 4 veterans with Quilts of Valor at the Memorial Day celebration in Hammond. Left to right: George Calcagno, Louis Moegenburg, Donald Rode, and James Gullixson. Quilts were made by the Auxiliary.


AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 9

Post 33 Brat Fry

(Abover) Post 33 hosted a brat fry with the Kinsella Irish Dance Academy providing entertainment. (Below) Post 33 sponsors the Wilson Community Outdoor Classroom. Newly elected Post 33 Commander Bruce Schinke and outgoing Commander Bob Borszich are pictured

Vietnam War Memorial A m e r i c a n Legion Post 284 in Holmen, Wisconsin,is a sponsor of the WI Vietnam War Memorial scheduled to be built at Veterans Freedom park in La Crosse in 2020. Legionnaires Stan Roellich and Dale Schermerhon serve on the committee. This project was started by high school student Jordan Briskey in 2016. This memorial will have KIA from the state of WI on the wall and bronze statues, plus etching on the back of the main stone that tells the story. Visit www. wivietnamveteransmemorial.com for more information on how to become involved.

Marinette County Legionnaire of the Year Elmer Mullard was named the Marinette County Legionnaire of the Year. He is a 52 year member of Loomis Post 476 and has held many officer positions. He currently is an avid volunteer at the Iron Mountain Veterans Facility. Elmer and his wife Janet both volunteer several times a week.

The Last

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4 Athens Lester Nowacki 8 Waukesha James Rosenmerkel 10 Wausau Marshall Blaskowski Timothy Rice Gerry Timler 11 Green Bay James Vollmer 33 Neenah Joseph McClellan 35 Evansville Ronald Petterson 40 Bangor Ronald Hansen William Olson 48 Beloit Thomas Brogan James Degan 51 West Salem Donald Buisman Jay Justin 63 Clintonville Dale Blum

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PAGE 10 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

(continued from page 1)

KROEZETIX) and may also be purchased at the gate for $20. Saturday, September 7, events include food and vendor displays, kickball, cornhole, mobile vet center, veterans in construction equipment display, and special programming throughout the day. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to put together teams for the kickball and cornhole tournaments. The Memories, Warren Petryk and Tim Stevens, will perform in

Building 8 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Enjoy a wide variety of popular music, plus special comedy and novelty songs – which are enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Admission is free. Conscious Pilot takes the main stage in the grand stand area at 7 p.m. The players come from Wisconsin’s elite ensembles that include: The Groove Hogs, Separate Ways and Short Stuff (2017 WAMI Hall of Fame inductee). A fresh and powerful sound that is

familiar and fun. Conscious Pilot, a vibe to make you shake, rattle and roll. Their song list includes music by the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Journey, Van Morrison, Elton John, Johnny Cash, Eagles, Steely Dan, and many more! Tickets are $20 and may be purchased through Eventbrite (http:// bit.ly/COFCP2019) and at the gate. Beer and food are available to purchase during Friday and Saturday night performances.

AMERICAN LEGION STATE GOLF SCRAMBLE September 14, 2019

Marshfield Country Club Open to American Legion Family & Friends, Legionnaires, Auxiliary & SAL 10 AM Tee Time • $80 Per Golfer Includes 18 holes, cart, turnaround burger/brat, chips & soda at noon and banquet ticket. Extra dinner tickets available at $25 JOIN IN OUR CELEBRATION Host Post: Marshfield American Legion Post 54 Mike Feirer, Event Chairman - Kfeirer@frontier.com Post/Unit/SAL/Riders Chapter No. _______ (circle your group)

AMERICAN LEGION POST 54 A CENTURY POST, MARSHFIELD, WISCOINSIN

Team Captain: __________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________ Team Email Contact: _____________________________________________________________ 1. ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. ____________________________________________________________________________ Two Legion Family member golfers and two Non-Legion golfers Print Name & Card Number Make checks payable to: Legion Post 54 • Send completed form and check to: Marshfield American Legion Post 54 Golf Outing • PO Box 54 • Marshfield, WI 54449

2019 DEPARTMENT MEETING DATES AND HOLIDAYS August 22-29 National Convention Indianapolis, olis, IN Septemberr 2 Labor Day ay Septemberr 3 Dept of WII L Legion egio io ion on Bi Birthday irtthd hday ay Septemberr 444-8 -8 Celebration io on ooff Fr Freedom reed re edom om m Portage, W WII Septemberr 11 Patriot Day Septemberr 14 State Golf Outing Marshfield, WI

September 18 Air Force Birth Birthday September Sept Se ptem pt tembe em mbe ber e 29 Gold Go ld dS Star taar Paren Parents Day October O Oc ttoobe b r 133 Navy Na vyy B Birthday irth ir th thda hda dayy October Octo Oc tobe berr 116-17 be 6-117 N Na National tion ti onnal Fa Fall all M Meetings Indi In Indianapolis, dian di an napollis, is, IIN N October Octo Oc tobe to beer 18 18-19 8-1 -19 D Depa De epa part rtm rt ment me n Fal Department Fall Meet Me etin et ings in g , Porta gs Meetings, Portage, WI

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Thank you to the following businesses for being proud sponsors of the Celebration of Freedom schedule for September 4-8, 2019. The American Legion Foundation is still accepting sponsorships for this statewide event. Visit www.wilegion.org or call 608-745-1090 for more information.

,000) . of WI


AUGUST 2019

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Excerpted from Joanie Dickerson’s speech at the 2019 Department Convention: Good afternoon and thank you all for joining us this afJOANIE DICKERSON ternoon. I am Department honored and President humbled to be standing before you today. I’ve been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary nearly all my

life but for the majority of it, never envisioned myself standing here as your newly installed department president. As you can see from the photo, we, my siblings and I, participated from a young age in activities involving the American Legion Family. The Legion Family is and always has been, a major part

of our lives. Whether we were attending the Memorial Day service at our local cemetery, riding or marching in a parade, or representing our organization as a Miss Poppy, we were living a life where service to our veterans was a normal, everyday thing. Some number of years ago, an incoming department president stood here, where I stand today, holding her father ’s Legion cap, and shared her memories of his dedication to the issues f a c i n g veterans.

MEMBERSHIP Linda Coppock Dept. Chairman Email: beatrice2554@gmail.com Ph: 920-982-5811 Welcome to the American Legion Auxiliary’s centennial year of membership! Prepare to ‘set sail’ for the 2019-2020 membership year! As we all know, membership is, or should be, everyone’s responsibility, and this year will be no different. Being that the American Legion Auxiliary will be 100 years old this November, we are excited to celebrate by having the first American Legion Auxiliary/American Legion dual member Department President in the history of Wisconsin! President Joanie Dickerson is a retired career Navy veteran and we are lucky to celebrate this in our centennial year. Being a Navy veteran, we will be “100 Years Anchored in Service, Setting a Course for the Future.” If you are not familiar with Naval terms now, you will be by this

time next year! We have set monetary percentage membership goals for units to achieve, so look for “Anchors Away,” “Set Sail,” “Persistent Pilots,” “Notable Navigators,” “Marvelous Mariners,” and “Hot Shot Helmsmen!” I will also present a special award to the district with the highest percentage by December 31, 2019, and for all units with “no goose eggs” (not including PUFL’S) by October 9, 2019. This year’s membership team assisting me will be Becky Mueller, dual-member Julie Muhle, and junior member Olivia Rottman. We are excited to continue the adventure of renewing, retaining and recruiting members for this great organization. This year we will begin doing “Sailor Shout-Outs,” similar to the American Legions’ Buddy Calls, to follow up with members to help continue and/or aide in retaining their memberships. Also this year, membership goals will

Well, I stand before you today with my father’s cap. A cap that traveled across the United States as Dad attended conventions and conferences where he advocated for veterans, their needs and challenges. He wore this cap proudly and was unwavering in his support for protecting our country from all enemies. We supported his efforts as members of this amazing organization, the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization – an organization that has endured for 100 years! During those 100 years, service has been the mainstay of our programs. We are anchored by that selfless giving of our time and talent. This year we will celebrate our century of service with an eye to the future. A future where we rededicate ourselves to serving those who sacrificed for our freedoms, our veterans, our military and their families. This year, let us

set a course for our future, the future of our organization. Our focus shall continue to be on that service. Service to our veterans, those currently serving our great nation, protecting our freedoms, and our communities. The special project I’ve chosen for the coming year is the Homeless Women Veterans Grant Fund. Although I have never been faced with homelessness, I can understand how quickly circumstances can change, placing our female veterans at risk of becoming homeless. I believe it is important for us to maintain our grant fund for those ladies that are struggling to remain off the streets while being productive members of society. This year we will celebrate our legacy of service, but not rest on our laurels. There is still much work to be done. So together, let’s set a course for the future – a course of Service, not Self!

Convention Highlights only increase by one new member from last year’s total unit memberships paid as of July 24, 2019. For every new senior or junior member recruited, you can enter the “2020 Set the Course” drawing. We will select eight winners to receive $75. All entries must be submitted to Department by May 29, 2020 to be eligible. There will be more details in the upcoming unit mailing and under the Membership tab on the department website. Units in need of assistance are encouraged to contact any member of the Membership Team with questions and/or concerns. We are here to help you, along with the ever helpful and efficient Department ALA Staff members – Bonnie, Linda, Carrie and Membership Guru Andrea! Diane Weggen and Virgie Kodl also offered to continue to help. So, ‘swab those decks’ and ‘raise the sails’ as we set a new course for high seas!!!

Char Kiesling presides over the 2019 Department Convention

New Officers are installed at Convention.


PAGE A2 • WISCONSIN • AUGUST 2019

GREETINGS FROM HEADQUARTERS Bonnie Dorniak Executive Secretary/Treasurer Ph: 608-745-0124 Email: deptsec@amlegionauxwi.org Website: www.amlegionauxwi.org Congratulations to Char Kiesling on a successful year as Department President. President Char’s year concluded at the 99th Department Convention at the Madison Marriott West, where the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) was greeted by National President Kathy Dungan, National Commander Brett Reistad, and many other Legion Family dignitaries. Highlights of convention included the Centennial Review, where attendees stepped back in time to enjoy a review of the fashion trends and achievements during the Auxiliary’s 100-year history. A parade of checks with National President Kathy Dungan raised $3675 in support of Wisconsin’s Homeless Women Veterans Grant Program. Honored Past Department President Andrea Page reflected on her year as president in 2004-2005 during her Tribute at the District Presidents’ Recognition Dinner held at the Verona Post. Thank you, Verona Auxiliary for making the evening a great success! Although many units and individuals were worthy of recognition, Char Kiesling presented four Department President’s Awards for Excellence for dedication to the ALA mission. Bonnie Phaneuf of Waunakee Unit 360 received the Unit Member of the Year award and will represent Wisconsin at National Convention. Junior Member of the Year June Harmon and Little Miss Poppy Alexis Roethle shared stories of their year supporting the Auxiliary’s mission to support veterans, the military and their families. Junior Advisor Shannon Daigle and several junior members of Unit 449 in Brookfield were thrilled to be recognized as Junior Unit of the Year. ALA Badger Girls State Governor Robyn George thanked the American Legion Auxiliary for the opportunity to attend the 2019 session and reflected on activities throughout the week. The convention closed with the installation of new district and department officers. Newly elected Department President

Joanie Dickerson is a retired Navy veteran and is the first Legionnaire to serve as Department President in Wisconsin! Her theme for the upcoming year is “100 Years Anchored in Service, Setting a Course for the Future.” President Joanie’s special project is Wisconsin’s Homeless Women Veterans Grant Fund. Units and individuals can support this program by submitting donations and marking #4456 on the Poppy Fund Suggested Donation sheet. In other news from department headquarters, please be aware that 2020 membership cards have been mailed to all units. Any unit that has not received their membership packet should contact Andrea Stoltz at department headquarters immediately. 2020 renewal notices won’t be mailed by the national organization until mid-September, but please don’t wait until then to renew your dues. To expedite processing, you can pay your dues online (www. ALAforVeterans.org) or call the national organization during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm CDT). Members who pay for multiple family members can take care of everyone’s dues with one simple phone call to 317-569-4500! New members for 2020 will be processed after September 1st. If you haven’t done so already, please register for an ALA in the Know conference at a location that works best with your schedule. The curriculum has been updated so there is something to benefit every member – new, old and in between! A registration form is included on page A4. And don’t forget to attend The American Legion’s Celebration of Freedom event at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Portage on September 6-7, 2019! Many great events are planned – including the American Vietnam Traveling Tribute Wall, performances by Chris Kroeze of The Voice, combat-to-construction equipment displays, special programming by ALA Badger Girls State, junior members and the Auxiliary’s Poppy Shop, and softball and corn hole tournaments. Visit www.wilegion.org for more information or to register a team today!

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER continues to fulfill our mission. We are determined to serve our veterans, military, their families and our communities. We base this commitment not only on our belief to this great organization but Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and our love and commitment to God. God understands how our lives change the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who – new beginnings and new endings go was and who is to come, the Almighty.” hand in hand. God drew the original circle – the beginning and the end meeting Convention time – reports are pre- around the diameter of a circle that insented; speakers bring inspiration; new cludes us all. The circle continues as we leaders are elected; new projects are move along the spectrum based on who planned; excitement builds – It’s a new is moving and in what direction. The end beginning for some and an ending for is just a new beginning. East and West others. A change of leadership does not meet somewhere in the middle. It is not mean a change of focus. We don’t start so important of where we are on the cirover – we move a little further along the cle but that we continue to move forward circle. For over 100 years, The Ameri- and backwards in harmony within the can Legion has focused on the 4 Pillars circle. Please join me in a prayer of thanksthat formed the base of the entire organization. The American Legion Auxil- giving: Thank you, Lord, for our leadiary has served with distinction, hand ers this past term and we sing praises to in hand with The American Legion you, God, for their willingness to serve, posts and Sons of the American Legion their humble and loving hearts, and all squadrons over the decades. This past the guidance they provided to us. Thank year we ‘kindled the flame’ in service you, Lord, for our newly elected memto our veterans, military, their families bers who are stepping up into a new and our communities. With the new leadership role. Dear Lord, protect them, year, we will identify with the theme of guide them, and open their hearts and our newly elected president – anchored minds to your wisdom as they assume in service, setting a course for the fu- their new roles and responsibilities. Dear ture – demonstrating how our mission Lord, open our hearts, minds, hands and and vision remain the same. This is du- feet to continue to serve you and to serve plicated throughout the American Le- our organization to the best of our abilities. God, please continue to bless us, gion family on all levels. The roles and titles of our members our organization and our country, all of may change but the commitment of which are founded on your guiding prinall American Legion Family members ciples. Amen. Jesus Shall Reign, Isaac Watts 1719 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does his successive journeys run; His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, til moons shall wax and wane no more. Blessings abound where’er he reigns; the prisoners leap and loose their chains; the weary find eternal rest, and all who suffer of want are blest. Becky Mueller Department Chaplain Email: clarenceandbecky@aol.com Ph: 920-833-6048

CORRECTION: 2019 CONVENTION MEMORIAL BOOK

It was brought to our attention that the names of deceased ALA members listed in the 2019 Department Convention Memorial Book were incorrect. The corrected list is posted on the dept. website, under General Info, on the Program Info tab. We sincerely apologize for this mistake.

NATIONAL SECURITY Karen Degner Department Chairman Ph: 920-918-9772 Email: kdegner88@gmail.com The ALA National Security program provides support for our military and emergency preparedness for all. You can recognize and thank those in uniform and their families especially during National Military Family Appreciation Month in November, Month of the Military Child in April, Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day in May. Ways to support those who serve include: Fisher House of Wisconsin, USO of Wisconsin, providing Blue Star/Gold

Star banners to eligible family members, collecting coupons for overseas commissaries, POW/MIA recognition at Unit meetings, becoming a Family Readiness Group (FRG) volunteer, supporting Sendoff and Welcome Home events for military units, and/or donating to the ALA Department Support Military Families Fund. According to the most recent reports, military and veteran suicide rates are at their highest in the last ten years. Here in Wisconsin, we have programs to give us the tools to help. Suicide Awareness and Prevention Trainings are available to your unit or group at no cost. These trainings range from 1 to 4 hours and are provided by the VA Suicide Prevention

staff and Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) staff. Please contact them to schedule a training session. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press “1.” This provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress. Ready Wisconsin is part of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. It serves as a one-stop shop for emergency and disaster preparedness information and provides links to other relevant national, state, local, tribal and volunteer agencies. It offers suggestions

to make a kit, make a plan, Cyber Awareness, and See Something/Say Something. By being proactive, we can help ourselves and others. To learn more, go to: https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/. Contact me if you would like more information on the suggestions listed or to contact the Suicide Prevention programs to schedule a training session or to get more information on their programs. Remember to collect information throughout the year on your activities, time and monies for your report. I would love to hear from you throughout the year on your activities and ideas. I understand that everyone can’t do everything, but together we can make a difference!


AUGUST 2019 • WISCONSIN • PAGE A3

M. LOUISE WILSON EDUCATIONAL LOAN FUND Joan Chwala Department Chairman Ph: 715-668-5661 Email: ctr68552@centurytel.net Wisconsin’s Mission Met in Unique Loan Fund Program: More than ninety years ago, a lady named M. Louise Wilson had a vision. She wanted to assist women who required financial support to further their education. Because the American Legion Auxiliary made this vision a reality, the lives of unit members have been enhanced as we use these loans to further educate our own members.

Q. What makes this loan so unique? A. It is so simple to apply for the loan. Applicants must contact the program chairman to indicate their interest in a loan. The chairman then sends all necessary information to the applicant. There is no interest on this loan unless the student fails to pay it back. Six months after graduation, payments of $50 per month will be due. Q. What are the requirements? A. The applicant must be a current member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She must submit a copy of the DD214 document for the veteran that made her eligible to belong,

send a transcript of her high school grades, and include three letters of recommendation. A responsible adult must co-sign the promissory note. She must be approved by the program chairman. Note: Most correspondence can be done through email. Q. What is the amount of the loan? A. If approved, the applicant can borrow up to $800 per year for five years. One year from the date of the first loan, the applicant can request an additional $800 by sending a copy of college grades and maintaining membership in the American Legion Auxiliary. If approved, she may

continue to borrow until the amount reaches $4,000 or she graduates from college. Q. Why do you ask for donations? A. By donating, you and your unit ensure that future generations will be able to take advantage of this program. Donations may be submitted using the donation sheet posted on the ‘forms’ tab of the department website or writing “M. Louise Wilson donation” in the memo field of the check and mailing it to ALA-Wisconsin, PO Box 140, Portage, WI 53901. Spread the word about the loans and the need for additional funding.

EDUCATION Lauren Miller Department Chairman Ph: 262-989-0036 Email: hurricanelauren11@gmail.com Have you completed your back to school shopping yet? Soon students and teachers will be back at school and using a variety of items in the classroom. Consider picking up extra scissors, glue sticks, notebooks, pencils, pens, highlighters, colored pencils, and/or erasers and donating them as part of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Give 10 to Education program, which promotes collecting school supplies and donating them to local schools in increments of 10. Backpacks,

folders, 3-ring binders, crayons, rulers, calculators, hand sanitizer, and tissues are also helpful items. Perhaps your unit could have each member bring an item or two to your next meeting or ask to set up collection boxes at local sites so residents can also contribute. These items could also go in backpacks that can be given to welcome military children at school. Although November seems far away, American Education Week, November 18-22, 2019, will be here before we know it. During that week, plan to reach out by sending an appreciative card to local school staff thanking them for all of the work they do. You may also wish to thank

the educators who have helped your children and grandchildren learn. Also, plan ahead and start contacting school principals to see if they would appreciate help organizing a Veterans in Community Schools event around Veterans Day or when learning about U.S. History. Our veterans have experienced monumental events in history and sharing their stories helps our students appreciate the sacrifices individuals and families have made and to pass on important lessons and experiences. There are so many things that our veterans could talk to students about – respect for the flag, their accounts of their time while in uniform, or how young

people can show support for the troops or families with a deployed service member. The Education Program promotes the ALA’s role in providing quality education for children and adults through classroom activities, literacy programs, scholarship promotion, and support of education beyond high school, with a special emphasis on children of veterans and servicemembers. By participating in the Give 10 to Education Program, recognizing American Education Week, and organizing a Veterans in Community School Event, you are helping the ALA, teachers, and students navigate towards a great future!

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY BADGER GIRLS STATE Danyelle Thompson Department Chairman Ph: 920-379-6489 Email: alabgs.chairman@gmail.com The 76th session of ALABGS took place June 16-21, 2019. Six hundred ninety-two (692) delegates representing all areas of Wisconsin attended, along with 72 counselors who volunteered their time and talents to make the program an unmitigated success. The delegates were taught all levels of state and local government, the Oshkosh Legion Post and Riders demonstrated a flag disposal ceremony and answered questions, and many state officials, including Governor Tony Evers, attended the Inaugural. Robyn George

from Menomonee Falls High School was elected the 2019 ALABGS Governor after a hard-fought election. Our host, UW Oshkosh, was gracious and service-orientated, making sure all our needs were met. Forty-five (45) colleges, universities, and every branch of the military attended the Career and College Fair, and the American Legion Auxiliary also had a table to explain more of our mission to the delegates. Some changes occurred this year that helped make our session successful. The brand new website (www.alabgs.org) was updated daily and kept parents informed of what was going on. The brand new store with all sorts of designs and products was a giant hit, both with delegates and parents

– I expect that ALABGS shirts and sweat- ward to what the 2020 session will bring! shirts will be worn around the state in the next year. A big thank you to Watertown and Sauk Prairie School Districts for graciously lending us much-needed chromebooks in order to hold our elections. Two delegates were chosen to attend ALA Girls Nation in Chevy Chase, Maryland from July 20-27, 2019 – Alexis Cramer from Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School and Diya Mehra from The Prairie High School, to represent Wisconsin. I thank all of you who helped in some way – either by sponsoring a delegate, hosting an orientation, or serving as a counselor. This program could not be ALABGS Governor Robyn George with successful without all the help. I look forWisconsin Governor Tony Evers

AUXILIARY EMERGENCY FUND Rose Heinz Department Chairman Ph: 920-734-7570 Email: rozkar@new.rr.com Thanks to a member from Unit 79 of District 1 in Burlington, Wisconsin the Auxiliary Emergency Fund was created 50 years ago in 1969 from a bequest from Helen Colby Small. Helen was an active Auxiliary member, although she never held an officer position. She often was seen during the poppy donation drive with her card table, spending two days collecting donations. (Thank you, Past Department President Reta Bohnsack, for this information about Hel-

en). This program is solely operational based on funds from Auxiliary members. The eligibility determination and administration of the fund is done at the national level and the grant committee keeps all information in confidence. To be eligible, a member must have been a member for a minimum of three consecutive years and the current year’s dues must be paid. The maximum amount a person can be granted is $2,400. Grant payments are made directly to the school, mortgage or utility company, etc., not to the member. The Auxiliary Emergency Fund can only be used during a time of finan-

cial crisis when no other source of aid is readily available to pay for shelter, food and utilities; weather-related emergencies and natural disasters; for food and shelter and educational training for eligible members who lack the necessary skills for employment or to upgrade competitive workforce skills. Applications may be obtained on the Wisconsin ALA website at http:// amlegionauxwi.org. Completed applications must be submitted to an officer of your current ALA unit. The unit president and secretary will complete the unit’s portion and forward the application to the department secretary.

Once the member’s eligibility has been verified, the application will be forwarded to National Headquarters for review by the AEF Grant Committee. If you need help, please contact me and I will get you an application. Be sure to check the Auxiliary National Website at: www.alaforveterans.org and look at the article about frequently asked questions before you begin the process. The website has specific requirements listed. As we go forward this year, we hope to honor our 100-year anniversary by setting the course for the future by continuing this program to assist other Auxiliary members in times of crisis.


PAGE A4 • WISCONSIN •AUGUST 2019

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE UNITS FOR ACHIEVING 100% OR MORE IN 2019 MEMBERSHIP! 0523 0038 0251 0291 0335 0040 0026 0146 0313 0129 0326 0329 0272 0456 0352 0125 0280 0116 0098 0348 0030 0376

Abrams Appleton Argyle Augusta Avoca Bangor Baraboo Beaver Dam Black Earth Black River Falls Boyd Briggsville Butternut Caroline Cassville Chilton Coleman Coon Valley Cumberland DeForest Edgerton Fall Creek

139.39% 100.00% 121.21% 100.00% 101.45% 101.79% 100.00% 101.14% 107.41% 115.79% 101.16% 100.00% 102.74% 100.00% 100.00% 105.41% 104.88% 100.00% 100.00% 104.00% 100.00% 100.00%

0372 0521 0247 0011 0261 0343 0218 0510 0157 0320 0058 0186 0486 0041 0362 0021 0384 0024 0342 0255 0501 0481

Forestville 103.33% Fox Lake 105.71% Glidden 100.00% Green Bay 108.97% Greenbush 100.00% Hancock-Coloma 113.11% Hayward 102.70% Hollandale 106.52% Horicon 103.57% Humbird 100.00% Hurley 100.00% Independence 101.72% Jackson 100.00% Kaukauna 100.00% Kennan 104.35% Kenosha 165.00% Kewaskum 107.35% Lake Geneva 110.64% Lena 112.00% Luck 100.00% Madison 110.17% Madison 104.65%

0226 0054 0437 0534 0424 0254 0479 0444 0331 0001 0415 0455 0351 0454 0033 0267 0141 0263 0080 0434 0091 0074

Manawa Marshfield Mazomanie McFarland Mercer Milltown Milwaukee Milwaukee Milwaukee Milwaukee Milwaukee Milwaukee Montello Mt Calvary Neenah New Auburn New Glarus New London New Richmond Oak Creek Oconomowoc Oconto

National President Kathy Dungan The Department of Wisconsin’s 99th Annual Convention was the site of the official visit of National President Kathy Dungan. When she was introduced, our members welcomed her as only Wisconsin can. Kathy treated us to a wonderful peek into her travels this year, from going to the New York Stock Exchange with the American Legion Family to ring the closing bell, to visiting other Departments to see what their members do to accomplish our mission, to visiting Normandy on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Kathy’s focus this year is “Serving Our Heroes,� with a special emphasis on women veterans, so we held a Parade of Checks with the proceeds going to Wisconsin’s Homeless Women Veterans Grant Fund in her honor. Our members were able to meet

Kathy and present their checks to her. Through the generosity of our members, over $3,800 was raised! We voted for new department officers and National Convention delegates and listened to program reports. President Kathy was impressed with all that we do for our veterans, military, children and youth, and our communities. After addressing our members, National President Kathy went to the Sons of the American Legion convention and returned with her very own mini Josh Dog! Kathy was also honored to be able to address The American Legion convention. The Past Department Presidents hosted Kathy for dinner where she got the opportunity to learn more about their history while serving our veterans. We were also honored to have National Commander Brett Reistad address the Auxiliary. The Past Commanders Club had a live band on Saturday night and the Legion Family celebrated the Legion’s 100 years and distributed membership awards. We were honored to have both national leaders visit Wisconsin to see how our Legion Family is working the mission.

0025 0324 0071 0042 0271 0068 0480 0337 0310 0145 0065 0143 0130 0083 0149 0316 0111 0452 0446 0059 0435 0270

100.00% 100.00% 104.92% 105.00% 100.00% 100.00% 128.57% 109.09% 108.33% 108.16% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.76% 120.00% 103.70% 105.88% 102.08% 100.00% 112.00% 102.04%

Odanah Osseo Pewaukee Platteville Poynette Prairie Du Chien Presque Isle Pulaski Racine Random Lake Rome Saint Croix Falls Sharon Sheboygan Sheboygan Falls Sheldon Somerset Spirit Steuben Stoughton Superior Theresa

0118 0239 0358 0385 0520 0044 0102 0020 0233 0360 0210 0317 0096 0051 0524 0303 0442 0502

100.00% 106.78% 109.33% 100.00% 108.70% 100.00% 103.45% 100.00% 100.00% 145.45% 105.56% 106.78% 100.00% 112.12% 100.00% 100.00% 113.73% 102.00% 100.00% 100.00% 125.45% 108.00%

Thorp Tigerton Unity Verona Vesper Wabeno Walworth Waterford Waterloo Waunakee Waupun Wautoma Webster West Salem White Lake Winter Wisconsin Rapids Wittenberg

100.50% 114.29% 101.45% 106.25% 125.00% 101.56% 103.23% 105.26% 110.81% 100.00% 100.00% 102.94% 100.00% 105.59% 104.88% 107.69% 104.65% 122.22%

(as of 7/9/19)

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN

ALA IN THE KNOW (Important Info for Every Member)

REGISTRATION FORM (Please submit one form per person) Members are encouraged to register early---space is limited! Registrations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations received after capacity is reached, will be returned. No reservations will be accepted on site. Cost is $25.00 per person. Fee includes continental breakfast, light lunch, and program materials. Sessions will include information on a variety of topics and Auxiliary programs. SCHEDULE FOR ALL CONFERENCES: 8:00 am – 9:00 am Registration/Continental Breakfast 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Informative presentation, lunch break, interactive program session, questions & answers 1+'6+ 45/27 )1+'51<

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Thank You! Thank you to the American Legion Family for sharing the evening of my ALA President’s Testimonial on June 1st with myself and family, and the good wishes and many wonderful gifts I received. It was an evening full of very special memories. ~ Past Department President Char Kiesling

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AUGUST 2019 • WISCONSIN • PAGE A5

American Legion Auxiliary Department of Wisconsin

2019-2020 DEPARTMENT/DISTRICT OFFICERS OFFICERS President Senior Vice President First Vice President Second Vice President Historian Chaplain Exe. Secretary/Treasurer NEC Alternate NEC Parliamentarian Sergeant-at-Arms Asst Sergeant-at-Arms

TERM 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2021 Automatic 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020

DIST. 3 7 9 2 3 9 6 4 6 10 3 3

UNIT 482 118 512 288 352 106 329 416 33 326 482 352

NAME Joanie Dickerson Diane Weggen Linda Coppock Maggie Geiger Danyelle Thompson Becky Mueller Bonnie Dorniak Laura Calteux Char Kiesling Teresa Isensee Anna Tolle Morgan Johnsen

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS 1st District President 2nd District President 3rd District President 4th District President 5th District President 6th District President 7th District President 8th District President 9th District President 10th District President 11th District President 12th District President

2018-2020 2017-2019 2018-2020 2017-2019 2018-2020 2017-2019 2018-2020 2017-2019 2018-2020 2017-2019 2018-2020 2017-2019

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

449 355 385 434 1 306 52 10 66 53 25 316

Sam Catura Amy Luft Jenni Syftestad Diana Richard Linda Bartell Patti Westpfahl Becca Gleason Amanda Szalewski Deanna Farley Aimee Korger Barbara Bell Betty Stone

MISSION IN ACTION: UNIT 383

2018-2019 STATISTICS Wisconsin has almost 20,000 members: grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives and direct and adopted female descendants of wartime veterans. Statistics are current as of May 20, 2019 and are based on the annual reports from 197 of Wisconsin’s 390 Units.

OUR SERVICE FOR VETERANS & MILITARY: • • • • •

Number of Veterans/Military assisted: 98,943 Hours volunteered: 344,457 Dollars spent: $297,789 Dollar value of in-kind donations: $85,634 Number of poppies purchased for distribution in Wisconsin: 362,000 • Number of poppies purchased by other states: 119,050 • Poppy dollars raised to support veterans: $337,563 • Number of veterans who made poppies: 17

OUR SERVICE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES: • Number of military families served: 3,399 • Hours volunteered: 26,366 • Dollars spent: $69,832

OUR SERVICE FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH: • Hours volunteered: 18,722 • Dollars spent: $65,372

OUR SERVICE THRU ALA BADGER GIRLS STATE: • Hours volunteered: 16,973 • Dollars spent: $339,463 • Number of ALA Badger Girls State delegates in 2018: 707

SCHOLARSHIPS • Number of scholarships awarded: 178 • Dollar amount of local scholarships: $59,525 • Dollar amount of Department scholarships: $28,500

OUR SERVICE IN OUR COMMUNITIES: • Hours volunteered: 267,891 • Dollars spent: $147,858

JUNE 2019 CALENDAR FUNDRAISER WINNERS

The Lone Rock American Legion Auxiliary Unit 383 held their annual Cabin Fever fundraiser in March. The event, which featured silent and live auctions, live music, bingo, food, and meat paddles, raised $28,610! All funds were donated to the VetsRoll organization to send several coach buses of WWII Veterans, Korean Era Veterans and Rosiethe-Riveters to Washington DC on May 19-22, 2019.

Lone Rock American Legion Auxiliary Unit 383 Junior members had a busy day participating in various projects. Evie and Eleanor Jelinek, with instruction from ALA member Janet Brown, made and sold dog treats to raise $100 in support of K9 Partners for Patriots. The Junior members also made Mail Call cards for area veterans going on Honor Flights or the VetsRoll trip to Washington DC. Their final event of the day was learning about the significance of the Poppy.

ALA BADGER GIRLS STATE: DOOR KEWAUNEE Door Kewaunee Bi-County ALA heard reports from ALA Badger Girls State citizens on June 26th. Pictured (L to R) are Sophie Hanmann representing Casco Unit 319, Kelly Barta representing Kewaunee Unit 29, Delilah Rose representing Forestville Unit 372, Sahara Gardner representing Carlton Unit 538 and Anna Meier representing Forestville Unit 372.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 500.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00

Brenda Aronson Carol Pastorius Elgart Baumann, Jr Kimberly Zembal Debra Glotfelty June Wissbroecker Jeanette Giedl Eileen Shoemaker Janet McCormick Josie Pace Laurie Dehart Kathleen Esser Lori Sadowski Holly Swirkowski Joanne Netland Mary Kelling Theresa Anderson Betty Blume Letta Moon Sharon Connery Vicky Van Linn Debra Kolinski Lorraine Large Doris Merriam Judy Dalberg Beverly Dzienkowski Theresa Schindler Darlene Geiser Jan Feeney Pat Wettstein

Grantsburg Avalon Wausau Twin Lakes Belleville New Berlin Monroe Stoughton Soldiers Grove Mondovi Pewaukee Middleton Milwaukee Bryant Theresa New Berlin New Auburn Marathon Monroe Muscoda Amherst Cedarburg Port Washington Darlington Union Center Cadott Owen Burlington Elk Mound Jackson


PAGE A6 • WISCONSIN • AUGUST 2019

2019-2020 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE/MEMBERS TERM DIST. UNIT NAME ALA in the Know Program Chairman 2019-2021 9 106 Becky Mueller Vice Chairman 2019-2021 2 288 Maggie Geiger Americanism 2019-2020 2 288 Maggie Geiger Aux. Emergency Fund 2019-2020 9 38 Rose Heinz ALABGS Committee Chairman 2017-2020 3 352 Danyelle Thompson Vice Chairman 2018-2021 8 339 SuAnn Pagel-Rast Executive Director 2019-2022 3 42 Delores Woolf Assistant Exe. Director 2018-2021 3 352 Jennifer Grinder Committee 2019-2022 4 416 Laura Calteux Committee 2018-2021 3 352 Bethany Fredericks Committee 2017-2020 2 288 Shirley Krier Committee 2017-2020 3 352 Jennifer Leahy Committee 2019-2022 11 547 Theresa Schindler Department President Automatic 3 482 Joanie Dickerson Senior Vice President Automatic 7 118 Diane Weggen Exe. Secretary/Treasurer Automatic 6 329 Bonnie Dorniak Americanism Chairman Automatic 2 288 Maggie Geiger Bowling Committee Chairman/Tournament 2017-2020 3 385 Jenni Syftestad Director Committee 2018-2021 9 512 Lisa Blom Committee 2019-2022 3 385 Shannon Churchill Committee 2018-2021 9 512 Linda Coppock Committee 2019-2022 3 85 Germaine Hying Committee 2017-2020 11 90 Linda Kostka Committee 2017-2020 4 192 Sue Middlestead Committee 2019-2022 1 209 Zondra Morris Committee 2018-2021 1 209 Debi Stuvengen Dept President Automatic 3 482 Joanie Dickerson Senior Vice President Automatic 7 118 Diane Weggen Exe. Secretary/Treasurer Automatic 6 329 Bonnie Dorniak Children & Youth/LiaisonChild Welfare Fdn 2019-2020 1 449 Kitty Larkin Community Service 2019-2020 6 75 Beth Puddy Constitution & Bylaws 2019-2020 3 360 Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan Distinguished Guests 2019-2020 6 282 Diane Duscheck Education 2019-2020 3 352 Lauren Miller Finance Committee Chairman 2019-2022 6 282 Diane Duscheck Vice Chairman 2017-2020 7 284 Pat Smith Committee 2018-2021 7 81 Kathy Wollmer Office Policy Chairman Automatic 3 360 Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan Alternate NEC Automatic 6 33 Char Kiesling Fundraising 2019-2020 3 42 Vicki Flynn Junior Activities 2019-2020 4 416 Laura Calteux Assistant Jr. Activities 2019-2020 6 33 Char Kiesling Leadership Committee Chairman 2019-2020 4 416 Kathy Baranzyk Committee 2019-2020 4 434 Bonnie Jakubczyk Committee 2019-2020 4 415 Donna Jensen Legislative Automatic 6 33 Char Kiesling Liaison to TAL Communications Committee Editor – Wisconsin 2019-2020 6 329 Bonnie Dorniak Publication M. Louise Wilson Educational Loan Fund 2019-2020 10 326 Joan Chwala Membership Chairman Automatic 9 512 Linda Coppock UD & R 2019-2020 9 106 Becky Mueller UD & R 2019-2020 2 15 Julie Muhle Junior Representative 2019-2020 3 85 Olivia Rottman UD & R 2019-2020 12 District Presidents

COMMITTEE/MEMBERS TERM DIST. UNIT NAME Music (current Chaplain) Automatic 9 106 Becky Mueller National Security 2019-2020 2 243 Karen Degner Office Policy Committee Chairman 2018-2021 3 360 Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan Committee 2019-2022 3 482 LaVon Schurman Committee 2017-2020 4 192 Diana Sirovina Past Pres. Parley/ Cavalcade of Memories Automatic 10 326 Teresa Isensee Poppy Program 2019-2020 6 234 Diane Steinert Public Relations Committee Chairman 2019-2020 3 352 Jennifer Grinder Committee 2019-2020 3 352 Bethany Fredericks Committee 2019-2020 3 220 Brandi Kochera Standing Rules 2019-2020 7 118 Virginia Kodl Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (VA&R) VA&R Chairman 2019-2020 2 189 Mary Petrie Director of Hospital Volunteers 2019-2020 4 192 Sue Hembrook Christmas Gift Shop Supervisor 2019-2020 1 171 Diana Sirovina Christmas Gift Shop Assistant 2019-2020 5 1 Linda Bartell Homeless Women Veterans Grant Chairman 2019-2020 10 53 Judy Walters Service to Veterans Chairman 2019-2020 7 118 Diane Weggen Hospital Representatives & Deputies Chippewa Falls – Wisconsin Veterans Home Representative 2019-2020 10 53 Nancy Randen Deputy 2019-2020 10 326 Joan Chwala Iron Mountain, MI – Oscar G. Johnson USVAMC Associate Representative 2019-2020 9 476 Joyce Sporrer Associate Deputy 2019-2020 9 476 Janet Mullard Kenosha Care Facility Representative 2019-2020 4 192 Sue Hembrook Assistant 2019-2020 1 21 Hilda Krum O’Leary King – Wisconsin Veterans Home Representative 2019-2020 8 161 Nancy Neuroth Assistant Representative 2019-2020 8 161 Alice Bentley Deputy 2019-2020 8 161 Dawn Lind Deputy 2019-2020 8 161 Pat Daniels Madison – Middleton Memorial VAMC Representative 2019-2020 3 84 Rose Wenger Deputy 2019-2020 3 172 Sheila Frye Milwaukee – Zablocki Memorial VAMC Representative 2019-2020 4 434 Bonnie Jakubczyk Deputy 2019-2020 4 192 Sue Middlestead Deputy 2019-2020 1 449 Sharon Miller Deputy 2019-2020 4 192 Sandra Kaebisch Minneapolis, MN – Minneapolis VA Health Care System Associate Representative 2019-2020 10 121 Betty Swenson Associate Deputy 2019-2020 10 121 Jeanne Williams Tomah – VA Medical Representative 2019-2020 7 201 Patricia Flanders Deputy 2019-2020 7 52 Mary Callaway Deputy 2019-2020 7 201 Laura Hubert Deputy 2019-2020 Vacant ove e – Wisconsin Veterans Home Union Grove ntattivve Representative 2019-2020 1 71 Mary Ellen Crandall Deputy 2019-2020 1 294 Lillian Bitters

“Service...not self.”


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