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July 10, 2014 Vol. 91, No. 6
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.
Governor and National Commander to Keynote Convention Sessions The 96th Annual Department Convention will open on Friday, July 17th with keynote remarks from Wisconsin’s 45th Governor, the honorable Scott K. Walker. Walker was first elected Governor in 2010 and was sworn in on January 3, 2011. He attended Badger Boys State and represented the Department of Wisconsin at Boys Nation in 1985.
The convention is being held at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel and Convention Center in Appleton which last hosted a Department Convention in 2011. Headquarters staff will be on hand at the convention site on Wednesday, July 16th. Initial meetings that day will include the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation Board of Directors. The various
standing Department Committees will begin meetings at 7AM on Thursday, July 17th. The early starting times are necessary in order for the business of the sub-committees to be completed in advance of the Department Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 4 PM. District Caucuses will be held on Friday, July 18th at 7:30 AM followed by the Opening Ceremonies at 9:00 AM. First time attendees will have a great opportunity to socialize and learn about the business of The American Legion first-hand. Convention Committee Meetings will take place at 2:00 PM and consider a number of Resolutions related to Legion business and
(continued on page 5)
DANIEL DELLINGER National Commander
SCOTT WALKER Governor - Wisconsin
veterans issues at the state and national levels. Among Resolutions being considered are possible amendments to the Department Constitution and Bylaws as well as a series of Resolutions
that deal with Immigration and Naturalization issues. If adopted, Resolutions with potential National policy implications will be forwarded to The American (Continued on Page 3)
RHINO’S RUN REV’S UP!
Scholarship Fundraiser to Roll July 14th to 16th “Rhino’s Run�, the 3-day motorcycle fundraising effort for children of service members killed since 09/11, will roll out of Portage on Monday, July 14th and cover over 900 miles before arriving in Appleton on Wednesday, July 16th. En route the Riders will travel to Camp American Legion and the cities of Eau Claire and Janesville, visiting the following American Legion posts on the tour;
TUESDAY, JULY 15TH • Sparta Post No. 100 Arrive at 9:30 AM Depart at 10:30 AM • Richland Center Post No. 13 Arrive at 12:20 PM Depart at 2:15 PM • Darlington Post No. 214 Arrive at 3:30 PM Depart at 5:20 PM • Orfordville Post No. 209 Arrive at 6:30 PM
MONDAY, JULY 14TH • Depart Portage at 7:00 AM • Rosholt Post No. 509 Arrive at 8:30 AM Depart at 9:30 AM • Camp American Legion Arrive at 12:20 PM Depart at 2:00 PM • Bruce Post No. 268 Arrive at 4:35 PM Depart at 5:35 PM • Brackett Post No. 550 Arrive at 6:50 PM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16TH • Mukwonago Post No. 375 Arrive at 8:30 AM Depart at 9:45 AM • Oak Creek Post No. 434 Arrive at 11:00 AM Depart at 12:00 Noon • Grafton Post No. 355 Arrive at 12:50 PM Depart at 2:15 PM • New Holstein Post No. 124 Arrive at 3:15 PM Depart at 4:45 PM
The ride will culminate with a reception for the Riders featuring National Commander Daniel Dellinger of Virginia at the Johnston-Blessman Post No. 38 in Appleton at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 16th. All times are approximate. Funds raised by the event will fund scholarships for children of military personnel who died while on active duty. Commander Rynes has set an initial fundraising goal of $50,000. Posts, units and squadrons are encouraged to raise funds locally and present the proceeds to Commander Rynes and the Riders at stops along the way. Individuals interested in supporting with their tax-deductible donations can register on-line at www.wilegion.org. All registered will receive a patch, pin and commemorative booklet while supplies last.
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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 2013-2014 Communications Committee Kendel Feilen, Chairman Harold Rihn, Vice Chairman Dale Oatman, DEC Liaison Butch Van Rossum, Member Bernie Olson, Member Phil Ingwell, Member Barb McDaniel, Member Cecil Groves, Historian Loretta Shellman, Auxiliary Liaison Bonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison 2013-14 Department Officers Commander Ken Rynes Vice Commanders Robert Shappell John Wolfe Dan Rindt Larry Wrycza Adjutant David A. Kurtz Sergeant-at Arms Charles Roessler Dave Wischer Service Officer James Fialkowski NECman David L. Gough Alternate NECman Steve Krueger District Commanders 1st – Dave Brisk 2nd – Dan Seehafer 3rd – Rich Ruland 4th – Claire Goodfellow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Jeff Puddy 7th – John Thurk 8th – Jerry Krofta 9th – Dale Oatman 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 Joyce E. Endres, 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 BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
JULY 10, 2014
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER Dear Fellow L eg ion n a i r e s, Since this is my last article as your Commander I have spent quite a bit Ken Rynes Department Commander of time trying to find the words to sum it all up. It all goes back to a simple heart felt THANK YOU! This has been an experience that ranks up at the top of the many, many things I have done in my life. In typical fashion I have traveled nearly 40,000 miles on your behalf. Put in a numerical value it sounds overwhelming, but day by day it accumulated. During a recent radio interview the host asked what I would remember most. That is an impossible question to answer as every event had
its own significance. I will always remember my friend and our Department Chaplain Greg Simonis. I lost my mom during my tenure. I had my first 2 grandchildren come into this world. I and Ann had an incident with a dog in Texas and the list goes on and on. I had goals going in, as every person should have during any period of life. The main one was to leave it better than I found it. We missed some goals and overachieved on others so it is a balance. I am very proud of progress at Camp American Legion as may be judged by the recent dedication of Cabin #14, the new Chapel and new waterfall. Other items in the last year include the new dock that was constructed by the National Guard. The dock and chapel were significant in the fact
that The American Legion partnered with other organizations to accomplish the improvements. I encourage all of you at every level to try doing collaborative efforts with other organizations. It is a win, win because you are getting physical help that is needed and without even knowing it, you are creating an awareness of The American Legion that will bring in new members without any effort. I have interacted with so many fellow veterans; from Medal of Honor recipients to Vietnam POW’s to Pearl Harbor survivors to veterans of great battles in all wars since WWII. I have escorted the caskets of veterans that gave their young life for us. I have spent time with the Gold Star kids of some of these heroes. I have
spoken to the states youth at both Badger Boys and Girls state and must say I am still an optimist for a great future. I have dined with amputees and paralyzed vets only to come away feeling upbeat and blessed for I never met one that complained. I have been humbled by all of your efforts to promote and guard the words of our Preamble. So instead of answering the question of what will I remember most, I will end with what I learned after all of my experiences as your Commander. I have learned that sometimes in life we get so involved in the pursuit of happiness that we don’t pause to take a look around and realize that we are already there. Thank you all again. -Commander Ken
DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT As we head into the 96th Annual Convention of the Department of Wisconsin we can look back at a year of tremenDavid Kurtz Department Adjutant dous progress on a number of fronts. We were able to accomplish many important initiatives while still maintaining budget discipline in a challenging economic environment. The Headquarters building in Portage got a facelift last fall with resurfacing of the exterior and a new American Legion Emblem that measures six feet in diameter. The Legion Baseball and Boys
State programs remain strong and both have put procedures in place to better protect participants by using mandatory background checks for volunteers. The Americanism and Government Scholarship competition has added additional scholarships and enjoyed tremendous growth with over 5,000 participants. Participation in the Junior Shooting Sports program has also ballooned with the addition of a Postal Match that allows competitors to submit targets by mail and compete for scholarships. The Department Service Office at the VA Regional Offices in Milwaukee continues to set the standard for advocacy and
service to veterans. Our Service Office recovers over 12 Million Dollars in benefits and payments for Wisconsin veterans each month, with a grand total of over 150 Million recovered in the last year. It’s a great service to Wisconsin veterans and a measure of the dedication of the Service Office staff’s work. Camp American Legion has continued to develop and thrive. In addition to new programs created to focus on veterans and their families, Camp now features a new boat landing, as well as a new Chapel and Water Fountain since last summer. You may have heard radio commercials promoting The American Legion over the past few
months. The Department has implemented an aggressive public relations campaign across the state designed to raise awareness of our programs and encourage members of the public to support us in our mission. The growth and progress of the past year would not have been possible without the leadership provided by Department Commander Ken Rynes, Auxiliary President Joyce Endres and SAL Detachment Commander Dan Daily. On behalf of the entire staff, at Headquarters, Camp and our Service Office, I would like to thank them for their leadership and support this past year.
WDVA SECRETARY Independence Day MThis 4th of July as we celebrate Independence Day, take pause to John A. Scocos remember all WDVA Secretary those throughout American history who fought to found our great country and keep her free for more than two centuries. Independence Day is a time to celebrate our independence and our freedom; neither of which we would have today if it weren’t for the brave men and women that have fought, and still fight, to protect this great nation. We should never take for granted the contributions and sacrifices that our servicemembers and our nation’s veterans have made in the effort towards preserving life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness for us and for our future generations. On this 4th of July, please take a moment to reflect on our American way of life, and remember our service members, especially those that made the ultimate sacrifice; they too believed that the end was more than worth all the means. On this Independence Day, join with your family and friends in celebrating our nation’s independence because the great principles Americans hold so dear are worth celebrating. Our nation has been tested many times in the past 238 years. Each time, from the very first shots of the revolution, our servicemembers have stepped up to serve. Take for instance, D-Day. On
June 6 we recognized the 70th anniversary of D-Day at the State Capitol with veterans of that great battle and turning point in World War II. Those veterans personify American courage and what it means to serve and sacrifice. And when those veterans defeated forces of fascism and military imperialism, they returned home and built America into an economic superpower and a model for democracy for the entire world. Or remember those who fought in Korea. The inscription on the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. reads: “Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.” Later
this month, on July 27, we will recognize “Korean War Armistice Day” in Wisconsin as a way to pay tribute to those who fought, died, or are still considered Missing in Action as a result of the Korean War, ensuring that none of our veterans are ever again “forgotten.” Our veterans, of all generations, and of all branches of the military, who have served our nation all around the world, back to the first Independence Day, have left us a legacy of courage and honor. Finally, remember, we are still at nation at war with troops still serving in combat in Afghanistan. Each and every member of the military and our veterans are symbols of America and what it means to be free .
Past Commanders Club Party at Convention Publication Schedule All articles due to the Editor four weeks before publication date. Send all copy to info@wilegion.org
The annual Past Commanders Club party and reception will take place on Saturday, July 19th at 7:00 PM at the Johnston-Blessman Post No. 38, 3220 W College Avenue in Appleton. All Legion Family Members are invited to attend. Admission is only $5. Snacks, beer, soda and entertainment is included.
JULY 10, 2014
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
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Camp American Legion Hosts Initial Vietnam Veterans Week The year 2015 will begin the Department of Defense’s official observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Official commemoration activities have already begun. Camp American Legion has joined the commemoration in our own special way. This year Camp had our first Vietnam Veterans Week the week of May 12-18 and it was a great success. All week long campers and day visitors came together and had a great time. For myself personally, I saw and experienced something unique with this group of Veterans that I have not with any other group or week. Sometimes you hear people say the phrase “a vet, is a vet, is a vet” as though all veterans are the same. Well, that is true but we are also all unique individuals living in our own unique times. There are certain groups of veterans who have served during
special times in different conflicts which set them apart. The very nature of their service sets them apart because their service era was unique to them as individuals and to “history” in general. The camaraderie, storytelling, laughs, smiles, tears, sharing, hugs, and remembering amongst these Vietnam battle buddies was something special to see and experience. They really connected with each other. I have never seen longer meal times. Most weeks at Camp everyone is in such a hurry to do this and that. This week was the complete opposite. The meal hours went on forever because they just talked and talked. Time stood still! It was marvelous. Vets that went fishing spent more time talking than fishing. Personal sharing trumped everything else. Yes, they had fun but all activities throughout the week seemed to be simple backdrops to meaningful, passionate conversation and camaraderie. While sharing memories
of their time in Vietnam they truly bonded. Remembering their days in service became the focus of the week for these veterans. The Tuesday Peer Support gathering was full. Vietnam Veterans still have a lot to say and a lot on their hearts. The Wednesday chapel/spirituality service was full, so their faith is strong and deep. The Vietnam War experience is still very much within them in body and mind. The feelings they all have about that time in their life is still there and alive. It will always be. That is why Camp will have this special Vietnam Veterans Week every year from here on. Camp American Legion will create our own Vietnam Veterans “history”. Those vets can now add it to their own individual histories. I want every Wisconsin Vietnam Veteran to know of this special week at Camp American Legion just for them. See you next year! Kevin Moshea Director
Here are a few of the many who attended Vietnam Veterans Week.
DEPARTMENT HISTORIAN As we close in on another successful year for The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin and all the Cecil Groves posts in Districts Department Historian 1 through 12, it has become obvious to me that all Legion members are or should be Historians to some degree. In making such a statement, please let me explain. No Historian, whether Post, District, Department or National can cover all the events that should be documented in some form or fashion. In my opinion, it is the responsibility of all American Legion members to document the various proceedings that relate to the events of post, district or department and pass it on to the historian, especially if the historian is unavailable.
Please remember that when taking pictures and passing them on to the historian it is very important to provide the basic information regarding your photograph, i.e. who, what, where and when. In some unorganized random pictures it is not possible to identify all the subjects, but the what, where and when can be provided and perhaps a noted individual or two in the picture. By assisting the historian with pictures or other information, our basic history is more completely documented. The task of collecting and assembling the various pictures and related information remains the responsibility of the historian. In some regards, the process is similar to the way a newspaper gathers information with a number of reporters all providing information to a single source to review for possible publication.
In my opinion, a good historian is not unlike a good adjutant. When you have a good one, you do everything you can to assure that you retain that person as long as possible. Both historian and adjutant must have the desire and drive and ability to do the job and be cognizant of a potential replacement and nurture them to step into your position when that time arises. Although the Historian’s position is appointed, every post, district and department should be seeking out an individual that wants to do the job, not someone that is saddled with the responsibility without the drive and desire required. In my opinion, if we truly seek out and HELP our historians in the information gathering then every post district and department will be served. Maybe then we won’t have the burnout and all too frequent historian turnover.
St. Croix County Council of The American Legion Invests in Local Children and Youth Program Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens and The American Legion takes our role of investing in children seriously. Charlie Grant, the Children & Youth Chairman for the St. Croix County Council, visited the Baldwin Play and Learn earlier this spring and presented the St. Croix Valley Family Resource Center with a $500 donation. Funds were raised through the St. Croix County American Legion’s 38th Annual Golf Tournament.
Campers enjoyed a quiet moment of camaraderie around the campfire
County Service Officers Sponsor Veterans Advocacy Award The County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) Association of Wisconsin is accepting nominations for its’ Veterans Advocacy Award. Nominees for the award need not be a veteran. However, they must provide, or have provided outstanding service to veterans and their families and have demonstrated a high degree of compassion for their constituents. Nominations are limited to three pages, including a narrative of not more than two double spaced pages, and an identification page. The identification page will include the nominee’s name, (Continued from page 1) Legion National Convention in Charlotte, NC for consideration this August. Saturday will feature a keynote address by American Legion National Commander Daniel Dellinger of Virginia. Commander Dellinger, an Army veteran of the Vietnam era, has distinguished himself this year in advocating for reform of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The annual election of Department officers will also take place on Saturday with polls opening at 8:30 AM. Department award winners will also be recognized for their accomplishments. Every one is welcome to attend the annual Past Commander’s Club party and reception which will com-
address, telephone number and occupation, as well as the name address and telephone number of the individual submitting the nomination. Anyone may submit a nomination. For further information, contact Tony Tyczynski at (608) 434-7509 or tyczynski_ tony@yahoo.com. Deadline for submitting nominations is August 1, 2014, and nominations should be sent to: CVSO Association of Wisconsin Attn: Tony Tyczynski 505 Broadway Baraboo, WI 53913
mence at 7:00 PM on Saturday evening at Post No. 38, located on College Avenue in Appleton. The 96th Annual Department Convention will wind up on Sunday. The Memorial Service will begin at 8:00 AM in the convention hall. Following the installation of the newly-elected officers and the closing ceremonies, the Grand Prize winner of the Convention Sweepstakes will be drawn. The grand prize is the winner’s choice of either $20,000 in cash or a new vehicle from the Boucher Automotive Group. All in all it is anticipated to be a busy and exciting weekend in Appleton. Register for the event by logging on to www.wilegion.org. Registration on-line is fast and easy.
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Dave Brisk
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Dale Oatman
Rich Ruland
JULY 10, 2014
John Thurk
Candidate for Department Vice Commander
Candidate for Department Vice Commander
Candidate for Department Vice Commander
Candidate for Department Vice Commander
First District Commander Dave Brisk is a candidate for Department Vice Commander. Dave is a Paid-up for Life member of the Daniel J. Martin Post No. 8 in Waukesha and served as a sergeant in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, mobilizing for the Berlin Crisis. He has served his Post as Service Officer, Vice Commander and Commander with 100% membership in 2009 and 2013. He also served as Honor Guard Captain for 8 years. He was named 2006 Legionnaire of the Year at his post and has served on the Department Legislative Committee as well as the National & Homeland Security Committees. He is presently Liaison to the Department Convention & Activities Commission and is a graduate of The American Legion Extension Institute. Dave and his wife Gerry have been married for 52 years and have a son Lee, a daughter Gina, and four grandchildren - Alison, Katie, Tara and Cole. Gerry is currently President of Auxiliary Unit No. 8 and Gina, Alison, Katie and Tara are Auxiliary members. Commander Brisk has the support of his family and the endorsement of Post No. 8, the Waukesha County Council and the 1st District. Dave believes that supporting Veterans in need and their families, along with recruiting new members and retaining our current members, should be top priorities for all Legionnaires.
Ninth District Commander Dale Oatman is a candidate for the office of Department Vice Commander. Dale has been a 44 year continuous Life Member of the AndersonSather Post No. 524 in White Lake. His Legion eligibility was earned through 20 years of active service in the US Air Force, with a one-year tour of duty in South Vietnam. He has a bachelor’s degree in business. Dale is a graduate of The American Legion Extension Institute. He served as Liaison to the Department Policy Committee and is currently Liaison to the Communications Committee. He has been appointed by the National Commander to the National Health Administration Committee. He attended Badger Boys State in high school and is a strong supporter of the program. Dale was named the 2006 Legionnaire of the Year by his post for his service to his post and the community. Commander Oatman is member of DAV Chapter 23, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 206 and past Chef de Gare and current Grand Box Car Directeur of 40 et 8 Voiture Locale No. 1204. Dale is currently the Langlade County Veterans Service Officer and plans to retire next year. His fellow CVSO’s elected him to the CVSO Association Executive Committee and their Advisory Committee to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. He served on the coordinating committee for LZ Lambeau, the May 2010 Vietnam Homecoming at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Dale is a past officer of the Knights of Columbus and was a Boy Scout Leader for 15 years. He is supported by his wife of 42 years and is endorsed by his Post, County and District. Dale is a true advocate for veterans with a wealth of knowledge of veteran’s benefits at the State and Federal levels
Third District Commander Rich Ruland is a candidate for the office of Department Vice Commander. Rich earned his eligibility to join The American Legion by virtue of his service in the United States Air Force from 19691973. Rich served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1970-71 and is endorsed by the Severson-Cairns Post No. 501 of Madison, as well the Dane County Council of American Legion Posts and the 3rd District. Commander Ruland is a graduate of The American Legion Extension Institute. He currently serves on the Department Executive Committee and as Liaison to the Hospital Committee. Rich is a retired carpenter and has one son who is a member of the Sons of The American Legion. Rich has devoted a lot of time to the Legion Family as well as to his community. He is committed to Troop and Family Support activities, having supported numerous veterans Job Fairs and Business Symposiums. A vote for Rich brings a passionate, knowledgeable Legionnaire to help move our organization forward.
7th District Commander John Thurk is a candidate for the office of Department Vice Commander. John earned his eligibility to join The American Legion by serving in the United States Army during the Korean War era. Commander Thurk has been an American Legion member since 1996 and is proud to belong to the Coon Valley Post No. 116. John has served in a number of positions at Post No. 116 including 5 years as Post Commander. The post reached all-time highs in membership 3 times during his tenure. John has served as Vernon County Commander and currently serves as 7th District Commander. Commander Thurk has also served as the Department Americanism & Government Scholarship test program Chairman for 4 years. John encourages everyone to ask a veteran they know to join The American Legion and is asking for your support and your vote for the high office of Department Vice Commander.
Mount Horeb Post Honors WWII Members
Legion Bowling Tournament Concludes More than 60 teams participated in this year’s American Legion State Bowling Tournament hosted by Post No. 189 in Watertown. The winning four member team was the “Freedom Four” of the host post. Pictured from left to right with the traveling trophy are Josie Kubly, Adam Saeger, Wayne Brady, and Dave Dricken.
The Frank E. Malone Post No. 113 of Mt. Horeb hosted a dinner on May 22nd to honor area veterans who served during World War II. Pictured here from left to right are Gordon Martinson, Al Bendickson, Willis
Martinson, Wes Field, Arnie Schoville, Art Dietrich, Wayne Yapp, Pete Eckstein, Lorne Hook, Don Beghin, Max Rosenbaum, Phil Halverson, Ray Cunneen, Bob Ellestad and Ralph Buechner. Photo by Geoff Shields.
Tree Cutting Service Needed at Camp Heavy weather in the Northwoods has damaged many trees at Camp American Legion. Any American Legion Family member who operates or knows of a Professional Tree Cutting service that would be willing to donate their services to Camp would be greatly appreciated. We have many
large trees that will need to come down. Other trees will need hanging branches and tops trimmed and removed. A high, bucket truck is required plus skilled and experienced tree cutters. Any interested individuals are asked to contact Camp Director Kevin Moshea at (715) 2772510 or campal@newnorth.net.
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
JULY 10, 2014
Bob Shappell
Candidate for Department Commander
Department Vice Commander Bob Shappell is a candidate for the high office of Department Commander. Bob is a Paid-up for Life member of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedarburg. His Legion eligibility was earned through 26 years active duty service in the US Air Force after graduating from the US Air Force Academy. He previously served as Second District Commander, Ozaukee County Commander, and three years as a 100% Post Commander. Bob served two years on the Department Membership Committee, including a year as Membership Chairman. He also served three years on the Children & Youth Committee. He was County and Post Adjutant, as well as Post Service Officer. He is a member of the Sons of The American Legion (in honor of his father, a 63-year Legionnaire), 40 et 8 Voiture No. 1330, life member of the Military Officers Association of America, and life member of the Air Force Association. Bob is supported by his wife, Pauline (also a Paid-up for Life Legionnaire), Post No. 288, the Ozaukee County Council and the Second District. He is an affiliate faculty member of Cardinal Stritch University and teaches classes in business, management, human resources, and leadership. Bob has a master’s degree in management and supervision, and has completed all coursework toward a doctoral degree in business administration. Bob believes the keys to success for The American Legion are displaying outward pride in one’s Post and in all Legion programs; maintain integrity in all we do; having respect for everyone’s opinions; demonstrating and fostering initiative; and promoting greater teamwork within the Legion Family at all levels. Instilling these factors in all aspects of our Legion activities will go a long way toward achieving the final key to our success – strength in numbers and growth in our membership.
Clifton Sorenson Charles Roessler David Wischer Candidate for Assistant Chaplain
Candidate for Department Sergeant At Arms
Candidate for Departmemt Sergeant at Arms
Clifton (Clif) Sorenson of Post No. 53 in Eau Claire wishes to announce his candidacy for the high office of Assistant Chaplain. He earned his eligibility to join The American Legion by virtue of his four years of service in the United States Air Force included duty at four bases in the United States and two bases in Vietnam. Clif is drawn to this office by his background of service to Veterans. The late Department Chaplain Greg Simonis encouraged him to apply after many conversations on the topic of the religious side of issues and the holistic approach to dealing with veterans and their families. Clif has been working with others on spiritual and religious matters since grade school and hopes that he can achieve much in this position. Clif holds a Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Minnesota and also did graduate work there. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He’s a member of and an officer in numerous veterans and social services boards and organizations. He is currently the Chairman of the Department Homeless Veterans Task Force, was previously the 10th District Chaplain and has counseled Homeless Veterans during the week set aside annually for Homeless Veterans at Camp American Legion. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Eau Claire and has taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Clif is married, with three children (one deceased), five grandchildren and one great grandchild. His two sons have both served in the military, the eldest having served in the Marine Corps. One son and one grandson are still serving in the US Army.
Charles Roessler earned the privilege of joining The American Legion through service in the US Air Force from 1975– 1979. Charles also served with the 128th Aerial Refueling Wing, WI Air National Guard from 1982– 2003 where he retired as a Master Sergeant with 27 years of military service. Charles served as a Milwaukee Police Officer for 25 years and has over 30 years of total law enforcement experience. He served 2 terms as Milwaukee Police Post No. 415 Commander reaching 100% membership each year. He also served 2 terms as the 4th District Sergeant at Arms and is presently serving as the Department Sergeant at Arms. He is currently a consultant to the National American Legion Counter-subversive Activities Committee (3 years) and served on the Department Fundraising Committee for three terms. Charles served on the 2010 Milwaukee National Convention Committee as a board member, provost and distinguished guest chairman. In 2005 he was named the Department Edward Ormsby Law Enforcement Officer of the Year as well as National American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He has been married for 28 years to his wife Nancy and has two children, Daniel and Valerie. It has been his honor to serve the Department and he looks forward to continuing to serve as your Sergeant at Arms in the future. .
David Wischer is a candidate for re-election as a Department Sergeant at Arms. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era and is an Honorary Life Member of the H.A. Todd Jr. Post No. 537 in Milwaukee. He has served twice as Post Commander and achieved 100% in membership in each term. David also served as the 4th District Sergeant at Arms for five years and was instrumental in support of the 2010 National Convention held in Milwaukee. He is a graduate of The American Legion Extension Institute and served on the Department Membership Committee for seven years. David attended Badger Boy’s State as a High School student and is currently involved with orientation and registration at Badger Boys State. His wife Trish and their two sons and two grandsons are all members in The American Legion Family. He has the endorsement of his Post, the Milwaukee County Council, and the 4th District. “It has truly been an honor to serve as one of the Department’s Sergeant at Arms this year and I would like to continue assisting the Department and its Members.”
Stephen Krueger Candidate for National Executive Committeeman Stephen “Steve” Krueger is a candidate for the office of National Executive Committeeman. Steve served as Department Commander in 2001-2002 and is an Honorary Life Member of the O.L. Arnold – D.K. Slayton Post No. 100 in Sparta.
PAGE 5
He has been a member for forty continuous years and served as a 100% Post Commander in 1991-1992, both years being an all time high. Steve was also a 100% County Commander for two years. He has served on and chaired many Department Committees including the
Americanism & Government Testing program, Membership Committee, Safety Committee, Hospital Committee, Fundraising Committee, Convention & Activities Commission, the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation and the Department Executive Committee for seven years. He has attended every Department Convention and Midwinter Conference since 1988. He has attended nine National Conventions, serving on both the Americanism Committee and the Security Council. He has served at various levels of the Forty et Eight and is a charter member of the Past Chef De Gare Club. Steve has been appointed to review applications for Military Academies by Congressman Ron Kind for the
past eleven years. Steve earned the right to join The American Legion by serving in the Navy from June 1966 to October 1969, most of which in Vietnam. After a short stint in the Naval Reserves, he joined the Wisconsin National Guard and retired as a First Sergeant in 1990. He worked at G. Heileman Brewing until 1990, when he froze his retirement and went to work at Fort McCoy. In 2006 he started his own trucking company. Steve works to improve the Department of Wisconsin. He believes in The American Legion Family and that service to fellow veterans, their families, community, state and nation are the most fulfilling acts a veteran can perform.
PAGE 6
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
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THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
PAGE 7
100% POST COMMANDERS
Post No. 184 • Fennimore Membership team
Charles King Post No. 406 member Frederick J. Burgardt presented a $1000 donation to Department Commander Ken Rynes on behalf of the Myron Reed Masonic Lodge during the 5th District Spring Conference in Milwaukee. The donation will go to Camp American Legion. Post No. 538 • Carlton Joseph Cherney
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