Badger
“For God & Country”
&“Wisconsin”
aire
Official Publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family
December 18, 2014 Vol. 91, No. 10
www.wilegion.org
The mission of The American Legion, Department Of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
DECADE OF HONOR
Walworth County rallies keep troops in hearts and minds
(Reprinted with permission from The Gazette – copy by Anna Marie Lux, photos by Dan Lassiter) Grace Hirte found comfort in strangers when her son Benjamin deployed to Afghanistan in 2004. Benjamin left home in June. Two months later, casualties among U.S. troops were especially high. Later in the year Hirte attended a Support the Troops rally at the Government Center in Elkhorn, where she did not know anyone. “It was a lifeline for me as a mom,” she recalls. When she heard Bob Webster read her son’s name, she no longer felt alone. “It was a gift to know someone besides me cared about my son,” Hirte said. Webster, his wife, Lavonne, and a dedicated group have honored the names of Walworth County troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan every Monday for a decade. The only exception was on Memorial Day each year. Barring any new military action, the last service member with ties to the county is expected home later this month. “I didn’t think I would live to see everyone come home,” said 86-year-old Webster, chairman of the Support the Troops Committee and an American Legion member for more than 60 years. Lavonne is honorary chairwoman. After 509 rallies, the committee of the Walworth County Council of The American Legion will stop the weekly meetings November 24. The group has cited 443 men and women, and their names will go on permanent file in the veteran’s room of Elkhorn’s Heritage Hall. Lavonne tracked down many of the names and got permission to read them aloud. In addition, committee members read the names of family members and troops who returned home; sent 10 tons of care packages filled with food and personal supplies (the cost of mailing alone was $23,000); spearheaded fundraising to send packages to troops once or twice a month (Beverly McLaughlin bought items, packed boxes and mailed them for several years, Cathy Jacques stepped into the big job after McLaughlin died, Leo Schneider has been an active fundraiser, many other people and businesses
have made large donations which included Packer tickets from Bob and Diane Voss for raffles); and placed billboards in the county to thank all veterans and those on active duty. More than 12,000 people have attended at least one rally in the last decade. The effort began because of a lesson learned during the Vietnam War. “Us older veterans realize we did a disservice to the Vietnam troops,” Webster said. “When they came home, we were busy with our families. We ignored them unintentionally. We regret that.” In an effort to not commit the same error, the Walworth County American Legion Council met in fall 2004 to talk about how to honor returning service members. “Someone suggested we have a rally once a month,” Webster recalls. “I suggested we do it once a
week. We couldn’t think of a better way to let the troops know we have not forgotten them.” At the time, Webster’s health was frail. “I was going day by day and week by week,” the World War II and Korean War veteran said. Chris Jordan, Walworth County Veterans Service officer, praises the effort. “The Websters are devoted to making sure our service personnel and their families know their fellow citizens are behind them,” she said. “A core group has been very devoted through the years.” Webster is proud of the rallies. “I have a saying: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness,” he said. “Instead of saying we were too busy to do anything, we have accomplished something. It has been an honor to do this. We don’t want anyone to feel overlooked or neglected.”
Veterans Day Parade
Department Commander Bob Shappell of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedarburg was joined at the Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8th by his wife Pauline. Pauline is a Paid-up-for-life member of The American Legion and earned her eligibility through her service as an officer in the US Air Force.
SAVE THE DATE
Commander Bob’s Testimonial Dinner
Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 5PM Cocktails - 6PM Dinner Country Inn & Suites 350 E Seven Hills Road • Port Washington WI Come join in a celebration of who we are and what we do! More info to follow……
2015 Membership Goal 85.49% District 12 Photo courtesy of The Gazette, Janesville, WI - Bob Webster leads a weekly Monday meeting honoring Walworth County troops. The meetings, which have been going on weekly for a decade, will come to an end later this month (November) when the last Walworth County service member returns from Afghanistan.
1st PLACE
83.40% District 6 2nd PLACE
81.68% District 9 4th PLACE
81.43% District 2 5th PLACE
79.55% District 8 7th PLACE
78.16% District 7 8th PLACE
77.19% District 11 10th PLACE
77.03% District 4 11th PLACE
Photo courtesy of The Gazette, Janesville, WI - Bob Webster and his wife, Lavonne, are part of a group that has been honoring Walworth County troops at weekly meetings for 10 years. Bob is chairman of the Support the Troops Committee, and Lavonne is honorary chairwoman.
59,600
81.91% District 3 3rd PLACE
80.70% District 10 6th PLACE
77.59% District 1 9th PLACE
70.13% District 5 12th PLACE
December 11th Total: 49,142 82.00%
PAGE 2 “Badger Legionnaire” & “Wisconsin” The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are the official publications of the Wisconsin American Legion Family and are published ten times annually, once every five weeks, by The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin 2930 American Legion Drive P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901. Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WI and additional mailing offices. USPS ID Number 010-135 ISSN: 2154-2627 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: info@wilegion.org David A. Kurtz, Executive Editor 2014-2015 Communications Committee Kendel D. Feilen, Chairman Jeremy Nordie, Vice Chairman Ensley Brown, DEC Liaison Bernard Olson Phil Ingwell Harold Rihn Rory Burns Greg Eirich, Historian Loretta Shellman, Auxiliary Liaison Bonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison 2014-15 Department Officers Commander Robert Shappell Vice Commanders Dale Oatman Rich Ruland John Thurk Dave Brisk Adjutant David A. Kurtz Sergeant-at Arms Charles Roessler Dave Wischer Service Officer James Fialkowski NECman Steve Krueger Alternate NECman Ken Rynes District Commanders 1st – Tom Strey 2nd – Dan Seehafer 3rd – Mary Lloyd 4th – Claire Goodfellow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Jeff Puddy 7th – Mark Lesko 8th – Jerome Krofta 9th – Bob Lemke 10th – Ed Cooper 11th – Frank Kostka 12th – Jim Chapin 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 Teresa Isensee, 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.
Publication Schedule All articles due to the Editor four weeks before publication date. Send all copy to info@wilegion.org
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
DECEMBER 18, 2014
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER As I prepare to write this article, Thanksgiving is just behind us, soon to be followed by Christmas Bob Shappell and New Year’s Department Commander Day. It’s time to be thankful for all that we have, and spend time with our friends and family. As we spread good tidings and cheer, we also need to spread the good word about The American Legion and all the amazing things our 509 posts in Wisconsin do every day for veterans, their families, and our communities. At this time of year, Santa Claus can provide us some excellent leadership tips for things we can do during the holiday season.
Make a list and check it twice. Have a plan for a few things you want to accomplish at your post over the holidays. You could call all your members and wish them a Merry Christmas. You might even visit the homes of some members you haven’t seen in a while. You might even visit some of those folks who used to be members, but haven’t renewed for the past few years. Drop by, wish them a Merry Christmas, and maybe even give them a small Christmas gift. And don’t forget to tell them how much you would like to have them back as members of your post. Listen to the elves. Take this time to find out what your members would like the post to do in the new year. Send a short survey to (or visit) your newest members
from the past 2-3 years, and ask what ideas they have for the post in 2015. Be open to new ideas; consider them your most precious Christmas presents. Share the milk and cookies. Go out of your way to spread the holiday and Legion spirit by thanking each Legionnaire and Legion Family member for their contributions to the post over the past year. It’s also a good time to look at all the individual and post level awards available each year, and make sure deserving people are recognized. Who knows – you might even get your post or a deserving person a district or state-level award. Be good for goodness sake. Set the Legion example for everyone around you. Be positive about your Post and all that it
does. Wear your Legion cap and Legion apparel proudly, and not just to Legion meetings. As you can see, we can learn a lot from Santa. I’m sure it’s not easy being Santa sometimes, the same way it’s not easy doing the many vital things we do for veterans and their families. But, like Santa, we do it because we love what we do. Our veterans, military members, and their families need us…in many ways they depend on us. Like Santa, we are doing something very important, and recognizing that importance can give us the energy to keep growing, learning, and serving. Merry Christmas to all my Legion Family Friends! Have a great New Year!
department SERVICE OFFICER We consider it a privilege and an honor to represent The American Legion, Department of WisJames Fialkowski consin. It comService Officer forts me to know that veterans, and their family members will receive their benefits and possibly one day a college education because we were able to help. Your Service Office has had another busy year, continuing to earn our good reputation of which we are proud. We are currently tracking a record high for the office 16,800 claim files. Over the last 12 months, your Service Office assisted veterans and their families in attaining over 156 Million dollars in due benefits. This equates to over 13 million dollars a month in federal dollars coming into Wisconsin. To accomplish this goal we completed over 45,000 Veteran client services. During 2014,
we have received almost 18,000 pieces of mail, nearly 10,000 phone calls and assisted over 2,300 walk-in clients. Benefits administered include education, vocational rehabilitation, burial, compensation, pension, death pension, automobile allowance and dependent indemnity compensation. We are proud of our accomplishments assisting in attaining VA benefits and equally proud of the day to day guidance and help we give to others that may walk in or contact our office seeking assistance in other areas. Just today we had a young Navy veteran who was looking forward to a welding position interview. His dilemma was the requirement of a helmet to do the hands-on portion of the interview. He had recently lost his welding helmet to thievery. Fortunately after a few calls he was directed to your Service Office to find a possible solution. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of a great Legion-
naire, Joe Campbell and his nephew Ed Mueller, the former Sailor now has a new helmet in hand and will be able to showcase his talent at welding and hopefully land the much needed position. This is one of the many stories that fill me with pride in our veteran community and the way we take care of each other. Another area of assistance your Service Office is leading the way in is a little known benefit called RECA. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) represents an apology and monetary compensation to individuals who contracted certain cancers and other serious diseases following their exposure to radiation released during the atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, or following their occupational exposure to radiation while employed in the uranium industry during the Cold War arsenal buildup. RECA establishes lump sum compensation awards for individuals who
contracted specified diseases in three defined populations. Uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters are paid $100,000; “Onsite participants” at atmospheric nuclear weapons tests are paid $75,000; and Individuals who lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site (“downwinders”) are paid $50,000. RECA may be applied for through the U.S. Department of Justice. Next of kin may qualify if the claimant is deceased. For more information or to see if you qualify, go to the following website, http://www. justice.gov/civil/common/reca. html. You may contact RECA at 1-800-729-RECP (1-800729-7327) or you may call The American Legion Service Office at 414-902-5722 if you have further questions. Thank you again for your continued support of the Service Office, thus allowing us to provide assistance to so many over the years. I am looking forward to helping so very many more.
WDVA SECRETARY Wisconsin Remembers Pearl Harbor
FDR said at the time that it was “a date which will live in infamy.” It John A. Scocos was an attack WDVA Secretary that surprised the United States and killed thousands of Americans. The attack hit our naval fleet bringing us into World War II, which had already been raging for years in Europe and Asia. That infamous date was December 7, 1941. The empire of Japan attacked military targets by surprise on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, mainly at Pearl Harbor. In less than two hours,
the Pacific Fleet was devastated. Twenty-one ships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet were sunk or damaged. More than 2,400 Americans died and another 1,100 were wounded. All eight battleships moored on Battleship Row – the Arizona, California, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia – were sunk or damaged during the Japanese assault. Seventy-three years later we still remember this day. Many of us know it as history from books and film. There are still a few among us who were there, including Wisconsin servicemembers. There are many others who
died in the action. Of the 2,433 Americans killed in the attack, one was Navy Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh, commander of the USS Arizona. On just the Arizona alone the Navy lost 1,177 sailors. The USS Arizona itself was also lost and today rests as a memorial under the water in Pearl Harbor. Another Wisconsinite who was there that day was Milwaukeean Cassin Young, the commanding officer of the USS Vestal. During the attack, Young manned the Vestal’s anti-aircraft gun and was blown overboard when the nearby USS Arizona was bombed, but not before he was
able to maneuver his ship far enough away to survive. Both Young and Van Valkenburgh were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions that day. Those young men who served in Hawaii on that fateful day are now older, most in their 90s, but still carry memories of that day and remain witnesses to the tragic events that dragged the United States in to WWII. Of the nearly 30,000 veterans of World War II still living in Wisconsin, a precious remaining few Pearl Harbor survivors are still with us as witnesses to that fateful day.
Best Wishes for A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
DECEMBER 18, 2014
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
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Wisconsin Guard Families Deploy to Camp American Legion
T h i s y e a r ’s camp season saw us reach out and help Wisconsin National Guard military families in a very special way. We were able to conduct our first “Families on Deployment Week” for the 829th Engineer Company. The 829th may sound familiar. Last fall, the 829th Engineers conducted the main Boat Landing construction project at Camp. This was part of Innovative Readiness Training and proved to be a great experience. Following the completion of the boat landing, the unit left Wisconsin for Afghanistan and yearlong deployment. Knowing that these soldiers were leaving behind their families, we reached out to these families and brought them to Camp American Legion for support through camaraderie, companionship, fellowship, and fun. When the 829th service members serving in Afghanistan heard of this special week at Camp for their families many of them called and told their families, “Go, Just Go. You will love it at Camp American Legion”. Those service members had been here before and they knew their families would have a great time! So they came and here is what some of the families said: ***It’s hard to put into words the wonderful experience my children and I had at Camp American Legion during the 829th deployed retreat. It was one of the best vacations I had ever experienced minus the obvious missing piece of my husband. I can’t remember the last time I felt so special as they made us feel at camp.
There were so many experiences that I was able to enjoy with my children that I would normally not have had the chance to even do. We probably had the very best time fishing. There would have been no way I could have taken 3 kids on a pontoon myself. They had a blast! The crew was phenomenal. The entire staff at camp made us feel at home rather than visitors. I especially loved how they made the kids feel extra special. Camp could not have come at a better time for our family. We were in the heart of the season that we most loved with our soldier. We were feeling lonely and missing him in a very strong way. Camp helped us rebuild our relationship with each other and helped us for brief moments forget about the obvious. God bless everyone who supports Camp American Legion. I know my family is forever indebted to camp. There is no way we could ever repay anyone for the joy that week brought to our lives. I have made it my personal mission to tell all veterans and their families about Camp American Legion. Camp will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart. - Janelle
***Our family was incredibly excited for the opportunity to experience Camp American Legion. Due to an unexpected death in the family we almost canceled at the last minute. I am so glad we didn’t! Our first day there, we were greeted by the families of the 829th, and also welcomed by members of the Camp. Our cabin was warm, clean and inviting. The staff was kind and incredibly friendly, and were busy planning crafts and events for us to do. I let my kids, aged 12 and 8 choose our daily activities, and it came as
no surprise that they chose FISHING for mornings and evenings. The fishing was such a comfort to them since this is an activity that we spend our summers doing with my deployed husband. I wish our time there could have been longer. It was a great atmosphere for bonding with other Army Wives (and kids). This was especially nice since we are from a different unit. When we left, my kids raved about our time there for WEEKS afterwards. We were able to send photos overseas, bragged about making the “fishing wall of fame”, enjoyed a campfire and s’mores at night, and the camp experience of the bell when food was about to be served. We are very excited for next summer, when the soldiers are home, to be able to share our experiences and reconnect as a family after this deployment. We are also very thankful for the opportunity provided to us by Camp American Legion! - Terra ***I enjoyed the constant laughter and smiles from my children while at Camp American Legion. The hospitality and kindness of Camp American Legion was remarkable, and it was an experience I will always treasure. - Amy
***My daughter and I attended the retreat for the 829th while my husband is deployed. What an amazing experience! Everyone there was so nice and went out of their way to entertain the young group of children there. My daughter still talks about the fun times she had and wants to take Daddy there when he comes back. Thank you for giving us this great gift of time to bond with other military families and have a little relaxation. - Becky and Abigail
Volunteers Needed for 78th Annual Oratorical Competition The Department is proud to announce the 2015 High School Oratorical Scholarship Competition. The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship program is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about the Constitution of the United States of America. This year is the 78th year of the Department’s program. Twelve students representing each District will compete for the Department title at Ripon College on February 14, 2015. It takes many volunteers to have a successful event – from moderators, to time keepers, judges, escorts, tabulators and sergeant at arms - if you’ve been a part of the competition in the past, we hope that you will join us again – if you are new to the program but would still like to volunteer, please do so as it will be well-worth your time. Please fill out the volunteer application that appears in this addition of the Badger Legionnaire and mail it to Department Headquarters. Fillable volunteer forms are also available on the Wisconsin Legion website (http://www.wilegion.org/page.content/programs/oratorical-scholarship-program ). You will be notified at a later date what your assignment will be. Thank you for your support.
The American Legion • Department of Wisconsin
78th Annual High School Oratorical Regional/State Contest
Wisconsin National Guard military families from the 829th Engineer Company gathered at Camp American Legion for a week while their soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan. Last fall, the 829th Engineers reconstructed the main Boat Landing at Camp as Innovative Readiness Training. Many of the family members wrote Camp and provided testimonials of how the Camp American Legion experience helped them meet challenges in their lives as their service member was serving overseas. The families of the 829th are pictured here in front of the Main Lodge building at Camp.
***So many wonderful thoughts come to me in regards to the week spent at camp. For me I would have to say the best part was the feeling of escape, even if just for a week. I truly felt I was able to just let go of most of the sadness I had from being away from my husband, as he is deployed. It was also wonderful to spend my time with other spouses and family members. I enjoyed watching my children bond with other kids whose daddy was gone also. As well as some adult time with people who understood my feelings more than my friends and family can right now. As for my children, ages 3 and 6, they still will tell stories about our week at camp. Being able to sit by the campfire and “wind
down” at the end of the day was incredible. Enjoying S’mores and sharing stories about the wonderful day we had. - Andrea We are reaching out and helping those military families who are going through challenges in their lives as their service member is serving overseas. This is one way that we can demonstrate that The American Legion is here for them; doing what we do; making a difference and positively impacting lives. I thank you for supporting Camp American Legion. We are all doing incredible work! God bless. Kevin Moshea, Camp Director
1st District Riders Attend Snowy Monument Dedication
February 14, 2015 • Ripon College I would like to volunteer for the following during the Department Oratorical Contest: My First Choice:____________________________ My Second Choice:__________________________ Name:__________________________________________ Post #:______________________ District #:__________ Address:________________________________________ City:___________________________________________ email address: ____________________________________ Zip Code:_______________________________________ Phone #:________________________________________ Comments: ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ Please submit no later than January 12, 2015 Mail form to to: WI American Legion, Attn. Dawn, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901
On a very snowy November 24, 2014 several 1st District Legion Riders braved the elements and attended the dedication of the Walworth County Monument for the local military personnel who have served from the Gulf War to the present. The monument is located in Elkhorn. The 1st District Riders pictured from left to right are; Kim “Milkman” Dary - Vice President, Tom “Mogie” Mogren – Treasurer, Frank “Phantom” Konieska - President. (And NO, they did not ride their bikes that day…. but claim that they really wanted to…)
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THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Jeremy Nordie Candidate for Department Sergeant at Arms
Department Sergeant at Arms Candidate Jeremy Nordie is a member of Post No. 354 in Ettrick in the 10th District. Jeremy’s eligibility in The American Legion is a result of his service in the United States Marine Corps during the Persian Gulf conflicts. Jeremy has been married to his wife Laura for 23 years. Laura is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, as is his grown daughter Kathleen. He also has a grown son, Michael. He and his family are active members of their church. Jeremy works for the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. One can easily say Jeremy lives by the principles and values of a “good American citizen.” Jeremy is an active member at his Post and has been the Trempealeau County Adjutant for four years. He
has been the 10th District Sergeant at Arms the past three years as well. He is also a charter member of the Tenth District American Legion Riders, as well as a member of the Forty et Eight. Jeremy is a regular face at all Department Conventions and Midwinter Conferences. He is no stranger to assisting Department staff while serving as an Assistant Department Sergeant at Arms during these functions. He is also proud to serve on the Departmental Communications committee. Having received endorsements by unanimous vote at his Post, Trempealeau County and the Tenth District this “young” Legionnaire, Jeremy Nordie, seeks your support in electing him to the high office of Department Sergeant at Arms.
DECEMBER 18, 2014
Ed Cooper
Candidate for Department Vice Commander
10th District Commander Ed Cooper announces his candidacy for the high office of Department Vice Commander. Ed enlisted in the US Army in June 1971 and was discharged in December 1978 with the rank of Sergeant. He was trained as a Senior Morse Code Intercept Operator and served at Field Station Shemya in Alaska, as well as Vint Hill Farms Station in Virginia. He ended his enlistment with a 5 year stint at Augsburg, Germany. While in Germany, Ed attended the 7th Army NCO Academy in Bad Toelz and the following year attended the 16 week NCO Electronic Warfare Cryptologic Supervisor’s Course at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Ed joined The American Legion in 2006 and became a member of ButlerHarmon Post No. 80 in New Richmond. In 2010 he was elected Commander of the post for two years and created a membership team, which has attained AllTime Highs in membership at the post in each of the last four years. He was instru-
mental in the formation of SAL Squadron No. 80, which has won two membership awards. He has served as ViceCommander and Membership Chairman for the St. Croix County Council. Prior to becoming District Commander, he has served the 10th District as 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Commander and Membership Chairman. He served as Department Membership Committee Vice-Chairman for two years. He has also served as DEC liaison to the VA&R Committee and is currently serving as DEC liaison to the National & Homeland Security Committee. He has recently been appointed to the National Security Council and is a Board Member to the Selective Service System, which is a 20 year Presidential appointment. He and his wife, Janet have been married for 44 years. They have two sons, Eric and Scott who are both Squadron No. 80 members, and a daughter named Amy. They have 6 grandchildren, and have operated a silo repair business since 1979.
Past Department Sergeant of Arms Meeting The Past Department Sergeant at Arms meeting will take place during the Midwinter Conference on Friday, January 16th at 12 noon at the Stand Rock Buffet in the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center. Spouses and Guests are welcome to attend.
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THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
DECEMBER 18, 2014
Steven DuBois Candidate for Department Commander
Past Department Vice Commander Steven DuBois has announced his candidacy for the high office of Department Commander. Steve is eligible for The American Legion through his service as a Pilot in the US Air Force from 19731995. Steve flew B-52H bombers and T-39’s on active duty and C-123’s and C-130’s in the Reserves. Steve has received the endorsement of his Post, County, and District. Steve served as the Commander of Post No. 278 in Balsam Lake for six years, 12th District Vice Commander for four years, and District Commander for two years. On the National level, Steve has been a member of the Americanism Commission for two years. On the Department level, Steve has been Department Vice Commander, Chairman of the Camp American Legion Committee for two years, Chairman of the Department Fundraising Committee, DEC liaison to the Hospital Committee, and a Fundraising
Committee member for three years. Steve has served as a Director and President of the Past Commanders Club. Steve is an 18 year Paid Up for Life member of The American Legion and the Military Officers Association. He is also a member of the 40 et 8 Voiture No. 236 and a member of the Sons of The American Legion. Steve is active in his community. He is a board member of the Balsam Lake Home Owners Association. Steve recently retired as a Captain from United Airlines after 21 years of service. Steve has a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. “We are all volunteers in this organization. We need to recognize that effort.” Steve believes that saying “Thank You” and telling our members we appreciate their hard work is the best way to help motivate each other. “As your Department Commander, I promise to deliver on that. I ask for your support. Thank you for your service!”
Chuck Roloff Candidate for Department Commander
Chuck Roloff, a 46 year member of Cudworth Post No. 23 in Milwaukee announces his candidacy for Department Commander. He is a Past Commander of Cudworth and has held most of the other offices in the post over the years. Chuck is a past Department Vice Commander and was the 5th District Commander for almost four years. (He served the majority of his predecessor’s term, who fell ill in office.) Chuck was the first District Commander of receive the “Dirty Dozen” membership award in 2011-2012 and helped the District to be the first 100% Wisconsin District in several years in 2013 Chuck has been President of the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation for seven years, and one of its founding Directors. The Foundation has received hundreds of thousands of dollars for Wisconsin Legion projects. During the past year he has visited many Districts with his presentation on the Foundation. After his 15 minute presentation including a DVD, he explains how the Foundation might be helpful for local projects.
Chuck has served on several Department Committees, including Membership, Fundraising and Finance. He was Chairman of Fundraising for a year and Finance for three. Chuck was the Wisconsin American Legion’s representative to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Council on Veterans Programs, and was chair for 18 months during the rewriting of the Bylaws and the WDVA’s transition to a Governor’s Cabinet level agency. Chuck believes that the key to a strong Legion begins at the local Post, the primary place where the public meets the Legion as their friends and neighbors in their community. There can be no Department or District organization without an extremely strong Post presence. The County, District and Department officers are support personnel for the local Post. Chuck has been President and majority shareholder of his company, Lake Geneva Financial Services, since 1987. He is married to Donna and they have three grown children.
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Dale Oatman
Candidate for Department Commander
Department Vice Commander Dale Oatman announces his candidacy for Department Commander. Dale is a life and 45 year continuous member of Post No. 524 in White Lake. He has received endorsements from his Post, County and District. His eligibility was earned through 20 years of service in the US Air Force with a tour of duty in Vietnam. He has a bachelor’s degree in business. Dale is a graduate of The American Legion Extension Institute. He served as DEC liaison to the Department Policy and Communications Committees and currently serves on the Membership Committee. He served on the National American Legion Health Administration Committee. He attended Boys State as a student and is currently a staff member at Badger Boys State. Dale was named 2006 Legionnaire of the Year for service to Post No. 524 and his community. Dale is a life member and past Post Commander of VFW Post 9438; life member and current officer of DAV Chapter 23; life member of Vietnam Vet-
erans of America Chapter 206; and Passe Chef de Gare of Voiture 1204 and Passe Grand Box Car Directeur of the 40 et 8. Dale and his son Ryan are both SAL members. Dale is currently the Langlade CVSO but will retire at the end of this year. Dale’s fellow CVSO’s elected him to the WI CVSO Association Executive Committee; CVSO Advisory Committee to the WI Department of Veterans Affairs; and Secretary/Treasurer of the WI Commissioners Association. He served on the committee for “LZ Lambeau”, the Vietnam Homecoming held in 2010 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Dale’s community involvement includes past officer of the Knights of Columbus and past 15-year Boy Scout Leader. Dale is supported by his wife Rita of 43 years, an Auxiliary member. Dale has proven to be a true advocate for veterans with his wealth of knowledge of veteran’s benefits at the state and federal levels, as well as his dedication to serving Veterans Service Organizations.
Midwinter 2015 (continued from cover page) 115th Fighter Wing operates the F-16C+ “Fighting Falcon” as its primary weapon system, as well as, the RC-26B aircraft in the global Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission. Colonel Wiegand received his commission in 1989 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. His past assignments include flying duties at five US Air Force fighter wings. Previous commands include the 115th Maintenance Group, 115th Operations Group and the 176th Fighter Squadron. Colonel Wiegand deployed to the Iraqi Theater of Operations six times and led the 115th Fighter Wing Air Expeditionary Force Aviation package into combat in Iraq two times. He is a command pilot with over 3,300 flying hours, including over 3,000 in the F-16. At the conclusion of the Team-building Banquet the $1,000.00 Membership “Get One” Bounty drawing will be held. During the Saturday training sessions, the Americanism Programs Resource Center will help you learn how to promote traditional American values in your community through the programs of The American Legion. National American Legion staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide details on how you and your post can become involved.
Hawaiian Vacation!
In addition the Midwinter Conference will also feature several exciting training sessions for Legionnaires at all levels of the organization. Briefings will include Care and Maintenance of the M1-Garand rifle along with Funeral Honors training, membership recruiting and retention tips, sessions on the various Americanism programs and Veterans Benefits. This schedule is subject to change depending on demand. Legion members who sign up a new member, or renew any former member who has not paid for 2 years (since 2012) can qualify to win a First prize of $1,000 or a Second prize of $500 at the Conference. Simply sign up a new member, or renew any former member and enter you name. The drawing will take place on Saturday evening following the Teambuilding Banquet. There is no limit to the number of times an individual can qualify – recruiters get one chance for every new member they recruit. Please mark your calendars and save the dates of January 15 through 18, 2015. Bring your family and enjoy the indoor water parks, attractions and many activities offered in the Wisconsin Dells. Register and reserve your hotel room online at www.wilegion.org now.
$10,000 Vehicle Allowance NEW 2015 OR $20,000 CASH! VEHICLE from Boucher!
55” BIG Screen TV! New Hunting Rifle!
PAGE 6
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
The Last
Bugle
1 Germantown Kenneth Andree K 11/17/13 Emil Mateicka K 9/23/14 Raymond Mueller K 11/10/14 Gilbert Lucka K 11/16/14 4 Athens Ralph Westfall K 11/5/14 7 Rhinelander William Prahl II 10/29/14 8 Waukesha Robert Teschner II 2/19/14 10 Wausau Edward Smith II 5/11/14 Michael Zych II 10/2/14 Alvin Deffner K 12/27/13 Jack Strek K 11/26/14 David Marzynski II 11/22/14 Herbert Hintze II 11/27/14 Roger Blom K 11/16/14 11 Green Bay Benedict Waerzeggers II 7/14/14 13 Richland Center William Hannawell II 11/30/14 14 Iola Emil Netzler K 10/25/14 17 Arcadia Violet Jones II 11/15/14 19 Hartford Jeffrey Petroviak G/L 4/6/14 Willard Weber V 11/10/14 21 Kenosha Robert Stukel II 10/29/14 26 Baraboo Warren Bidwell K 11/1/14 Calvin Hill II 10/22/14 William Hill II 11/7/14 Roy Meyers II 11/15/14 30 Neenah Roger Bramm II 11/27/14 36 West Bend Carl Dittrich II 9/11/14 38 Appleton Emery Waters V 11/9/14 Daniel O’Leary II 12/4/14 40 Bangor Kenneth Olson K 10/23/14 Gerald Herman V 11/4/14 42 Platteville Cletus Wunderlin II 11/10/14 Donald Wunderlin K 5/15/14 Teddy Wilkison II 4/15/14 Clayton Stark K 7/24/14 Larry Olson V 9/18/14 James Kuhn II 12/6/13 Jack Key V 7/16/14 T J O’Neill K 11/29/14 44 Wabeno Ronald Verlinde II 10/26/14 Keith Rachoner V 10/28/14 52 LaCrosse James Inderberg II 8/2/14 53 Eau Claire David Hillman V 11/3/14 Richard Amunson K 4/14/14 54 Marshfield John Smrecek II 11/4/14 James Holler V 10/17/14 63 Clintonville James Schwentner K 10/27/14 Rodney Zabel 11/13/14 66 Silver Cliff Bruce Robinson V 10/28/14 69 Mayville Richard Bender V 10/27/14
73 Neillsville Raymond Schnitker K 74 Oconto Giles Donlevy II 80 New Richmond Leo Germain K 85 Muscoda Richard Hinkle V 88 Manitowoc Richard Nolan K James Jacquart K 89 Minocqua Henry Tonar K William Schell II 93 Tomahawk Carl Kangas K 98 Cumberland Henry Lueck II Myron Sorensen II Norm Torkelson II Nick Capra II 108 Clear Lake Douglas Booth II 111 Somerset James Leverty V 112 Stanley Willis Stanek II 118 Thorp John Lagasse II Jeffrey Alexander G/L 123 Owen James Riley II 125 Chilton Harvey Schmidt II 126 Brillion Gaylord Unbehaun PG 130 Sharon Paul Donley II 131 Colfax Larry Schleusner V 138 Viroqua Harold Krueger II Rick Stellick V Richard Hoveland K 143 St Croix Falls Louis Ruettimann V 148 Bloomington Dolores Zenz II 149 Sheboygan Falls Willard Grutenhuis II 150 Wausaukee Antone Schmidt II 151 Madison Daniel Kokott K 152 Menasha Russell Webb V John Gollner II 154 Mondovi Orlyn Rud K 161 King Calvin Neuman II 167 Sauk City Albert Weeks II 170 Mineral Point Douglas Carley V 175 Loyal Robert Langfeldt V 189 Watertown Donald Key K Clarence Hesse V Francis Semon II Herbert Steinbock II 192 Franklin Raymond Heebsh II 200 Black River Falls Richard Horn II 201 Tomah Chalmer Daines II Joseph Benoit V Richard Dana K 202 Chaseburg Arnold Manske K 204 Ellsworth Eugene Cook V Eugene Jonas K Carl Pearson II 209 Orfordville James Jankowski V 210 Waupun Calvin Terbeest K
6/5/14 11/06/14 10/27/14 11/5/14 10/24/14 11/8/14 10/13/14 11/5/14 11/11/14 10/16/14 10/21/14 6/6/14 10/18/14 10/29/14 11/2/14 10/22/14 10/18/14 10/10/14 11/25/14 10/26/14 11/16/14 10/6/14 10/30/14 3/6/14 5/5/14 11/12/14 11/9/12 11/20/14 11/27/14 11/14/14 11/9/14 2/13/14 11/21/14 10/29/14 7/11/14 12/2/14 11/24/14 12/5/14 9/17/14 10/22/14 7/14/14 9/13/14 11/14/14 11/1/14 9/14/14 10/29/14 11/22/14 11/24/14 10/18/14 11/7/14 11/25/14 5/12/14 11/1/14
Carl Cihlar K Rolland Ruenger II 212 Barron Norman Otto II Virgil Edson II 215 Pardeeville William Hartman II Robert Baillies II Donald Stabenaw V 220 Soldiers Grove Stephen Swiggum V William Valentine K Louis Biddle II 228 Milwaukee Raymond Heitkemper II 229 Mount Hope Carl Wachter II 234 Omro Albert Stamborshi V 239 Tigerton Michael Thiel V 245 Cross Plains Deines Brehm K Al Schwab II Vernon Bratton 250 Adams James Kane V Richard McGuire II Charles Miller V Arthur Irving II James Monroe V Harold Reichhoff K 258 Little Chute Merlin School K 263 New London Delbert Otis II 274 Rib Lake William Marschke V 280 Coleman Louis Sotka K 284 Holmen Robert Marker K 286 Oostburg Robert DeSmith K 288 Cedarburg Harvey Krueger II William Sekas II George Helm V Delmar Kluball K 294 Hartland Barbara Mallow Herbert Hancock K 299 Hales Corners Melvin Longrie II William Maas V 301 Woodville Donald Leibke K 306 Green Lake Richard Brus II 312 Peshtigo Bernard Becker K Francis Dupuis II 317 Wautoma Raymond Jarvis II Neal Boneck V 318 Lake Tomahawk Larry Auckland II 319 Casco Sylvester Ullsperger II 323 Connorsville George Evaska K 324 Osseo Hobert Knowlton II 329 Briggsville Ray Newstrom II 333 Sun Prairie Reuben Birrenkott K 335 Avoca David Olson II Al Ciesielski II 337 Pulaski Eugene Krysiak II 338 Cedar Grove Robert Klein II 342 Lena Myron Janik K 343 Hancock William Muehe K 346 Centuria William Ihrig II
2/27/14 11/16/14 11/7/14 11/26/14 11/5/14 11/28/14 12/4/14 11/4/14 11/9/14 11/26/14 10/23/14 10/12/14 11/7/14 11/2/14 7/18/14 3/7/14 7/7/14 9/19/14 9/12/14 8/2/14 5/11/14 5/6/14 11/13/14 10/27/14 11/6/14 10/21/14 11/22/14 11/17/14 11/14/14 10/29/14 10/27/14 10/25/14 11/21/14 10/19/14 10/17/14 10/31/14 10/4/14
September DECEMBER 18, 25, 2014
351 Montello Raymond Niven V 355 Grafton Eugene Hadler II 363 Denmark Henry Kreft II 371 Saxon Roy Ilminen II John Trojahn II 375 Mukwonago Mark Pommerich V Owen Williams II Frank Tamas II 376 Fall Creek Leonard Madsen V 382 Menomonee Falls Norman Gotz II Edward Skorcz II James Garity II LaVerne Becker II 386 Cascade Byron Bilgo II 391 Fremont Theodore Benker II 395 Kingston David Lager V 415 Milwaukee Ralph Moder II Robert Finger K 416 Greendale Felix Kostuch K Fred Ludwig II Joseph Piskula Gerald Scheel K Suzanne Canney V Brian Charney V Ralph Lassen II Walter Muth II 431 Three Lakes Milton Novak K Terence Main II 432 Hammond Duane Lewis II 433 Barneveld Dennis Carden V 434 Oak Creek Joseph Lukasik V Al Krymkowski K 436 Wrightstown Harvey Hafeman II 442 Wisconsin Rapids Jimmy Uteg V 444 Milwaukee Daniel Bruski K 448 Milwaukee Naomi Horwitz II
Doris Dawson II 11/21/14 449 Brookfield John Minkley K 10/17/14 Jerome Rinzell K Dennis Meyers V 11/11/14 Richard Steinberg K 451 Boulder Junction 11/12/14 James Schmiechen II 11/14/14 George Noble II 481 Westport 11/8/14 Harold Jochmann II 11/11/14 485 Rudolph 11/26/14 Marvin Bushmaker II Lawrence Zimmerman II 11/14/14 488 New Berlin Wesley Gorder II 11/6/14 491 Cazenovia 11/18/14 Raymond Grauvogl II 11/5/14 492 Rothschild 11/30/14 Wayne Smith K 494 Caledonia 10/27/14 Michael Sarnowski II Glen Rogers II 11/5/14 George Kortendick K 501 Madison 8/28/14 Rodney Rossdeutscher II Frank Skonie K 11/14/14 Edsel Nofsinger K 11/4/14 507 Mindoro Donald Jerome K 6/16/14 510 Hollandale 6/19/14 Otis Gilbertson II 7/18/14 521 Fox Lake 7/29/14 Alfred Wagner II 10/6/14 Werner Dinkel K 10/20/14 Earl Zumm II 9/2/14 Robert Steinfeldt II 9/4/14 523 Abrams Dale Vandenlangenber K 10/31/14 531 Port Wing 7/17/14 Robert Gustafson K 534 McFarland 10/27/14 Roman Michalski II 540 Haugen 10/21/14 Alphonse Willger II 543 Plover 11/15/14 Kenneth Barden K 11/27/14 Duane Bosben II 544 Twin Lakes 10/9/14 Roy Rohde V 552 Somers 11/14/14 Alton Free V Thomas Murphy V 2/7/14 578 Green Bay Gary Mettler K 10/30/14
8/19/14 5/22/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 11/3/14 12/17/12 10/23/14 7/21/14 10/15/14 11/25/14 6/13/13 11/12/14 10/8/14 10/25/14 7/23/14 11/10/14 11/2/14 11/3/14 10/20/14 11/3/14 10/27/14 10/28/14 10/28/14 10/26/14 11/11/14 11/12/14 11/27/14 4/30/14 10/27/14 11/25/14 6/10/14 10/29/14 10/10/14 10/2/14 11/14/14
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DECEMBER 18, 2014
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
PAGE 7
Campaign for Wisconsin’s Candidate for National Commander From now until Department Convention, the campaign team will be selling raffle tickets with the main prize being an American Legion Centennial Pistol. There will only be 100 of these pistols created and at this point, this is the only one in Wisconsin. Tickets are $20.00 each or 3 for $50.00. We are looking for people willing to sell and buy tickets. Stan & Barb Erlandson are in charge of distributing the tickets, please contact them to obtain packets to be sold: call (608) 348-2112 or email s_berland@centurylink.net. Tickets will be available at Midwinter for sale and distribution. N R ICA LEGI0 N
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70 YEARS F
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70 Year LegionNAIRES
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The Campaign for Wisconsin’s Candidate for National Commander continues to move forward and we thank you for your continued support. During the Midwinter Conference the American Legion Auxiliary will be hosting a Poker Run to raise funds for the campaign. You purchase your entry form at the campaign table in the lobby, then draw cards as you enjoy stops at candidate hospitality rooms. Your cards will be judged on Saturday to determine the winners. And, plan to attend the Midwinter Saturday night banquet where a new and fun 50/50 style event will take place.
ME
MBERSH
IP
Thank you to the following rently planned events include: April 18, 2015 • Dinner American Legion posts for meetPost No. 59 Stoughton ing or exceeding their donation January 31, 2015 goals: Posts No. 42, 70, 85, 106, Karaoke Night June 27, 2015 • Golf Outing 109, 141, 151, 197, 234, 251, 364, 2nd District Riders (details pending) Reedsburg County Club 375, 415, and 481, and for other February 14, 2015 donations or jar collections from: If you would like to schedule Dinner and Dance Posts No. 11, 60, 63, 114, 375, 400, a fund raising event for Denise’s Post No. 52 La Crosse 412, 436, and 469. campaign please contact her at Thank you to the following deniserohan@tds.net (608) 225April 11, 2015 • Dinner American Legion Counties for 1423 or Mike at mdnrohan@tds. Post No. 245 Cross Plains their donations and jar collections: net (608) 837-9763 for availability. Grant, Green, Vernon and Waupaca. Thank you to American Legion Auxiliary Units: 70, 141, 364, and 385, Dane County American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 355, American Legion Districts: 3, 4 and 9 as well as Echelon 11, American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin and American Legion Rider Districts 2, 4/5, and 6. We are grateful to have you all as part of the team and extremely thankful for your continued support. Details about upcoming fundraising events can be found on the “Post Events” calendar on www. wilegion.org website. Some cur-
Wisconsin American Legion College Class of 2014
Black Creek American Legion Post No. 332 presented WW II Veteran Ralph Sassman with a 70 continuous year membership certificate at their Veteran’s Day party on Saturday November 15. Pictured with Ralph are Post Adjutant Pat Nachtwey and Post Commander Frank Lindsley.
Department Commander Bob Shappell had the honor of presenting three 70-year members with their continuous membership certificates at the same time during a ceremony held at the Landt-Thiel Post No. 470 in Saukville. From left to right, the recipients are Merle Doege, Elroy Maechtle, and Wilmer Helm. Elroy is the oldest at 96.
Florian Frank has been a continuous member of American Legion Post No. 383 in Lone Rock for 70 years. Presenting the award to Florian is Post Commander Art Temby at the Veteran’s Day Program in Lone Rock.
Friday, October 31st was graduation Day for attendees at the 2014 National American Legion College. Pictured in the front row with National Commander Michael Helm is Julie Muhle of Juneau Post No. 15. In the back row left to right are; Paul Beseler of Post No. 354 in Ettrick, Facilitator Mike Rohan of Post No. 385 in Verona and Dudley Markham of Post No. 32 in Menomonie.