Badger Legionnaire for September 2018 Pages 1-7

Badger &“Wisconsin”

aire

September 20, 2018 Vol. 95, No. 8

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.

2018-19 National Commander of The American Legion Brett P. Reistad was elected national commander of The American Legion on Aug. 30, 2018, in Minneapolis during the organization's 100th national convention. He has been a member of the nation's largest veterans organization since 1981.

A resident of Manassas, Va., Reistad is a life member and past commander of Post 270 in McLean. The Department of Virginia reached an all-time high in membership while he served as department commander from 2005-2006. He retired as a lieutenant with the Fairfax County Police Department after 26 years of service and began a second career as a law enforcement services coordinator for the Regional Organized Crime Information Center of the Regional Information Sharing Systems Program, a congressionally

funded law enforcement investigative assistance program of the U.S. Department of Justice. He holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia's Bluefield College.

Reistad's American Legion membership eligibility is through his honorable Vietnam War-era ser-

National Commander Brett P. Reistad

vice (1974-1978) as an active duty U.S. Army infantryman where he served with the Presidential Salute Battery of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at historic Fort Myer, Va. He participated in the inaugural ceremony for President Carter and other highprofile ceremonies. He has since been honored as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment.

Reistad has served at every level of The American Legion. He is a past president and honorary life member of the National American Legion Press Association.

He recently completed a six-year appointment as chairman of the Department Legislative Committee and two three-year terms as a gubernatorial appointee to the Commonwealth of Virginia's Joint Leadership Council of Veterans (continued on page 5)

THE AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION

The American legion

100TH NATIONAL CONVENTION

FOUR PILLARS OF SERVICE AMERICANISM

DEFENSE

NATIONAL SECURITY

AUGUST 2018 • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Established 1919

YOUTH

AMERICANISM

CHILDREN & YOUTH

PAGE 2

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

“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: badger@wilegion.org Amber L. Nikolai, Executive Editor 2018-2019 Communications Committee Rebecca Laumann, Chairman Joan Sallee, Vice Chairman Greg Eirich, DEC Liaison Linda Pfeiffer Jennifer Rumbold Joan Salle Mike Feirer Angie Chappell, Assigned Staff Member Bonnie Dorniack, Auxiliary Member 2018-19 Department Officers Department Commander Frank Kostka Department Vice Commanders Dave Wischer John Miller Ken Schoolcraft Clarence Davister Adjutant Amber L. Nikolai Department Chaplain Mathew Harn Assistant Chaplain Todd Fanta Sergeant-At-Arms Jeremy Nordie Kendel Feilen Service Officer - James Fialkowski NECman - Robert Shappell Alternate NECman - Dale Oatman Judge Advocate - Nicholas Lange Department Historian, Vacant District Commanders 1st – David Latimer 2nd – Greg Eirich 3rd – Keith Lovell 4th – Raymond Pasbrig 5th – Craig Ellis 6th – Jerry Lauby 7th – David Hale 8th – Ronald Fregien 9th – Jeffery Zwiers 10th – Paul Beseler 11th – Lowell Liberty 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 Char Kiesling, 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 badger@wilegion.org

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER LEGION PROUD Proud of the impact the American Legion Family, the Four Pillars and Programs have on the lives of Veterans, their Families and their Communities!

Have you been “LEGION Frank Kostka PROUD” this Department Commander month?

I know I’ve been PROUD many times starting with our Legion Baseball Tournament in Marinette followed by throwing the first pitch at Brewers Stadium in Milwaukee...where our All-Stars played. I joined about twenty other Wisconsin Legion Riders, departing for Hutchinson KS, to participate in the Annual American Legion Legacy Scholarship Run. The Legacy Run raises funds for the children of our Fallen or Disabled Veterans for College. About 400 riders departed in the rain for two days followed by three days of perfect riding weather until our final destination, the National Convention in Minneapolis MN. I could not

have been more proud riding with other Legion Family Members, waving to citizens young and old holding American Flags. I can still see the families, young children from a Daycare and seniors in wheelchairs in front of a Nursing Home, all waving and cheering us on. The Legionnaires stood in front of their Posts, saluting and holding their flags with pride. I will never forget that lone Veteran standing at attention in front of a remote cornfield in Iowa, hand saluting us as we rode by and holding a full size American flag in his left hand. Our National Commander Rohan rode with us for a couple of days and our Dept.

Adjutant Nikolai took her first motorcycle ride on that last leg.

This year’s Legacy Run raised $352,151 together with other donations at the Convention from

across the country provided a total of $1,256,930 to the Legacy Scholarship Fund. Our Annual Convention had various Program winners and speakers that supported our mission to help Veterans, their families and communities. This further re-enforced my pride in our American Legion and

what it stands for. I look forward to attending your District Conferences and personally handing out my pin to you and the newly designed “GOT ONEʼ pin for signing up a new member I truly hope you too have something youʼre “LEGION PROUD” about and share it with others.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION Greetings American Legion Family!

We turned out in great numbers to attend the 100th National Chris Sherman Convention of Detachment Commander The American Legion in Minneapolis, MN in late August. We, the Sons of The American Legion, received an award for exceeding over 90% membership renewals (90.65%), as well as receiving our 100% ribbon for 2018 membership.

There was an unexpected award for Best Children and Youth Program in the Central Region which went to Squadron 90 in Ashland. This is also the post of our Department Commander Frank Kostka. Congratulations

to Squadron 90!

What a thrill it was to have our very own Denise Rohan address us as National Commander of The American Legion. It was a double-thrill when our very own Diane Duscheck came before us as National President of The American Legion Auxiliary.

The American Legion Family also raised over $500,000 for the Child Welfare Foundation and the “Sons” accounted for $325,000 of that. We had the national parade attended by many in the Wisconsin Family. Congrats to the Legion Band from Oconomowoc, WI for playing “On Wisconsin”!

It was a terrific moment!

As we move forward this year, please remember that we are able to receive these awards due to you, the squadrons, turning in

your consolidated report forms.

Continue to remember to donate to the GI Josh program for our veteran's children as our heroes deploy to keep our freedom (wisal.org/josh) In the end, the Sons of The American Legion elected Gregory “Doc” Gibbs from New York

as our new National Commander.

His motto for this year is “Honoring the past...continuing the legacy”.

Thank you for your service, for all you do to support veterans, and for all you do to support the programs of the Sons of The American Legion.

WDVA SECRETARY W h e n G ove r n o r Scott Walker appointed me WDVA secretary 19 months ago, Dan Zimmerman one of several WDVA Secretary things he asked me to do was ensure that every Veteran who wanted a job had one.

With Veteran unemployment consistently around 1 percent in Wisconsin, I’d say that our employers have done a great job employing our Veterans. But demand for Veterans continues to grow as hundreds of employers eager to hire more Veterans have now registered thousands of jobs on WiscJobsForVets.com. With the pool of Veterans shrinking in Wisconsin and demand growing, our only option is to go out of state and bring Veterans to Wisconsin.

Not only is Wisconsin the national leader in state benefits offered to Veterans and their families, but we also lead the nation in how states attract and employ Veterans and their spouses after military service. On August 24, we officially announced the details of this talent attraction program. Simply put, we don’t wait for Veterans and their families to find out on their own why Wisconsin is the ideal place to be. We go out to where they’re stationed and, in collaboration with Wisconsin’s great employers, get service members and their spouses jobs BEFORE they leave military service and help them transition their families into Wisconsin’s communities.

Separating service members and their families all face one common question when leaving military service – where will

I ship all my stuff? We want that shipping address to be in Wisconsin, and through this talent attraction initiative, we’ll soon see military shipments of “stuff” arriving across the state if we all work together.

For the past 100 years, we have simply waited for separating service members to return home after service and join local VSOs. That might have been effective when everyone returned home to the farm or factory, but it doesn’t work now. Other states are stuck in the past and still waiting, but Wisconsin is leading. We are the only state to partner directly with Hiring Our Heroes and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to reach and employ separating service members and their spouses before leaving service. We are also the only state to directly engage our VSOs in

the process.

We have thousands of familysustaining jobs currently available statewide across myriad industries. We’re No. 1 in healthcare services. We offer a low cost of living in comparison to other states. There are County Veteran Service Officers in each of our 72 counties to act as tireless advocates. Most of all, the Veterans community in Wisconsin is ready and eager to help service members and families make the transition into civilian life. The more than 500 local VSO posts and chapters with more than 100,000 members from Wisconsin make for a friendly voice in which Veterans can rely on.

WDVA is excited to be working in unison with VSOs as we continue building a strong Veterans community statewide!

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

OUR CAMP STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS… THE BACKBONE OF EVERYTHING WE DO It is hard to believe how quickly time passes. August is in the books and while we may not quite be ready to celebrate the fall harvest, the winds of change are certainly noticeable. The evenings have been cooler, the days are getting shorter and the kids are back in school. As summer passes, we are anxiously anticipating the celebration of colors that can only come with the arrival of the Fall season. As we reflect on our successes and make note of our lessons learned, we do so with great pride and gratitude.

If you have ever spent anytime here at Camp then it is likely that you know there is something special about this place. Perhaps it is the fresh air or the towering pines that so gracefully look over us.

Some may say that it is the breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes or the majestic eagles flying above. Whatever it is; for each of us it is different and yet there is often a common shared experience… Healing. No matter where we are in the process, Camp can provide an opportunity of healing experience for each of us. It is this “experience” that we focus on. What we do and how we do it is driven by one core belief; We serve and honor our Veterans, Military and their families because they are the most de-

serving. We like to say this is our “Why” and it is the engine providing our motivation. Yet, all of this is nothing but words if we donʼt have a team of people with this shared vision and willingness to carry out that vision.

Like the Fall season, the winds of change are always in motion. As we say farewell to our friends and teammates who are going back home for the winter season or will be moving on to other endeavors, we say thank you. Thank you for your service and commitment. Your service here has made a positive impact on others. Be PROUD of that! As we invite new people to join our team, we share with them our vision and values that we hold close and we say welcome.Welcome to what very likely will be one of the greatest, at times challenging, but mostly rewarding experiences of your life. This past spring we recruited a handful of new teammates from our local area and some not so local. We have been blessed to have had such a wonderful team here at Camp and now with these new additions to our team we are even stronger.

It has often been said that If you surround yourself with great people, they can and will lift you up.

It is these people who selflessly serve our campers on a daily basis.

PAGE 3

DID YOU KNOW?

DID you know the Impact The American Legion, Deptartment of Wisconsin, birthplace and date?

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if donʼt care who gets the credit.”

–Ronald Regan They serve with a humble passion and they carry out the vision with pride. They focus on the mission while ensuring the “EXPERIENCE” provides the opportunity for healing. It is these people who define “something special” here at Camp. We want to say Thank you to our volunteers and staff.

From spring opening, to our cabin sponsors, to our hard working staff and our seasonal volunteers.

You all have made a positive impact on the lives many deserving Veterans, Military members and their families.

We couldn’t be more proud of this team.

Camp Director Don Grundy

Badger Boys State Marching DO YOU Band in 1964? Are you in this photo? If so, tell us REMEMBER? more... we want to know!

AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL 2018 ALL-STAR GAME Thank you very much for the opportunity to represent Wisconsin Legion Baseball in the Central Plains Division 2 National Regional in Wahpeton North Dakota!!!

We had an amazing and humbling experience at this tournament and it will be an event that we will not forget an event that our fans, parents, legionnaires and program will never forget!!! Our kids competed extremely hard!

Our team was greeted and welcomed with a fantastic banquet Wednesday night. We were very respectful and well mannered throughout the tournament. We recieved compliments about our boys and our program from the tournament directors, other coaches and parents and host family!

On a more personal level, this was our 2nd trip to a National tournament, the 1st in 62 years in our 95 year history of Legion baseball in New London. When I was talking with my wife's grandpa about our accomplishments, he reminded me of when he was 18 years old and went himself. He was able to replay and recall everything that they had accomplished and was glowing just thinking about and talking about his trip so long ago. We were able to give some excitement and life back to the 1st team that went and competed. This to me, meant just as much as being able to experience such an awesome event for myself!

I, and the New London Clippers Varsity Legion Baseball team, are sooooooo beyond grateful for the opportunity that you have given us. We will continue to make you PROUD of what we are doing as we represent the state of Wisconsin via Legion Baseball!

Always Grateful!!

Jim Thorpe New London Clippers Manager

PAGE 4

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

Did you Know... The American Legion Foundation?

The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation, Inc. is approaching its tenth anniversary. The entire premise of the Foundation has been as the charity arm of the Legion to assist the Department and Posts in their Legion endeavors for veterans.

The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation, Inc. is organized as the charitable entity of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin.

The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charitable corporation under the Internal Revenue Service code and was organized as a mecha-

nism to raise funds.

Our mission is to provide financial assistance to promote Americanism, Youth Programs, Veterans Rehabilitation and Community Service across Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation accepts cash gifts and securities. Planned gifts such as retirement plans, insurance policies, charitable gift annuities or remainder trusts and bequests are also accepted. We solicit contributions from individuals, American Legion Posts and members, and other organizations that provide contributions or grants to promote

The American Legion’s programs such as those listed above.

Over the years people change, and many of you are not aware of the work of the Foundation.

Over the next several months, we will feature Foundation activities and assistance that is available to all. If you have a particular need, please feel free to call me directly as your need arises. Don’t wait for a particular article. I look forward to talking with you.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

Department Sponsored Insurance Programs The Legionnaire Insurance Trust has been Your Department’s sponsored member benefits program for over 50 years and continues to fulfill members’ needs while being the only such program to benefit Your Department every year.

Chuck Roloff President, Wisconsin American Legion Foundation

Oratorical Scholarship Competition for 2018-2019 It is time to start working on the Oratorical Scholarship Competition for 2018-2019. The school year has begun, and we cannot wait until later in the year to get started.

The information is posted on the National American Legion website at www.legion.org/oratorical. You can get promotional information that you may need as well as the assigned topics for the 2019 contest by checking the website or by contacting Sheri Hicks by email at sheri@ legion.org, or you can call Legion Headquarters at (608)-745-1090. If your post has any questions about conducting a contest, obtaining information, registering your contestant for the Department contest or information about volunteering to help with the Oratorical Regional and State Competition held at Ripon College, please contact Sheri directly. Please note that all contestants must start competing at the Post level, then proceed to the County and District levels before they are eligible to compete at the Regional and State competition. Therefore, your post needs to announce the date and location of your local contest as soon as possible. Your post should contact local high schools to inform them of the contest dates for the Post, County and District competitions.

The date of the Department of Wisconsin Regional and Final com-

petition is February 9, 2019. The competition will be held once again at Ripon College’s Todd Wehr Hall.

The National Competition will be held on April 5-7, in Indianapolis, IN. In order to maintain the integrity of the Oratorical program, there should be candidates from all 12 districts.

We need to do our best to recruit the best orators from our high schools.

The Oratorical program offers great scholarship opportunities for those who the top place finishers. The National Oratorical contest winner receives an $18,000 scholarship.

As the Department Oratorical Chairman, I am attending the National Americanism conference this

month. I look forward to working with Program Coordinator Sheri Hicks on our Oratorical program.

I would like to recognize Dawn Brauner for all of her hard work and dedication to the Oratorical program. I wish her the best in her new position with the Portage School District. I also want to thank Kim Shanks for agreeing to come out of retirement to assist Sheri in the transition. Kim did a great job with the Oratorical program prior to Dawn coming on board at Department Headquarters.

Now – let’s make our 2019 Oratorical competitions the best yet!

–PDVC Robert Stone Chairman

From Your American Legion Department ©2018 AGIA

45077

For more information on the products and services provided by The Legionnaire Insurance Trust,

Call: 1-800-235-6943 Or visit us on the web at: www.theLIT.com

CAN FISH OIL PREVENT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate if fish oil improves biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and thinking abilities in middle-aged, cognitively healthy Veterans at risk for this common form of dementia.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS: • Veterans aged 50-75 years old • Normal memory and thinking abilities • Parent with Alzheimer’s disease NUMBER OF VISITS AND LENGTH OF STUDY: Nine visits spread over 18 months at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI.

The results of the 81st Annual Oratorical Scholarship Contest Finals: 1st Place Joshua Anumolu - 5th District (3rd from left); 2nd Place; Timothy Davis - 2nd District (4th from left); 3rd Place Zoe Plzak - 9th District (2nd from left);Pictured with the top 3 is Alternate NECman Robert Shappell, Auxiliary President Bonnie Jakubczyk and SAL Commander Chris Sherman.

2019 Americanism Programs & Scholarships IMPORTANT EVENTS, DATES AND DEADLINES Oratorical – Regional and State Finals at Ripon College Jr. Shooting Sports Postal Match ends Scouting Scholarship “Eagle Scout of the Year” Application deadline Schneider-Emanuel Scholarship Application deadline Americanism & Government Scholarship Test Oratorical—National Finals in Indianapolis, IN Badger Boys State Session Samsung Scholarship deadline Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Academy Baseball Scholarship Application deadline

February 9. 2019 March 1, 2019 Mach 1, 2019 March 1, 2019 April 1, 2019 April 12. 2019 April 5, 2019 April 7, 2019 June 8, 2019 June 15, 2019 June 8, 2019 June 24, 2019June 28, 2019 July 15, 2019

POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF TAKING PART IN THIS STUDY: You may contribute to the development of new findings toward the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. You will receive compensation for your time (up to $150), memory evaluations, routine medical examinations, laboratory tests, and access to cutting-edge neuroimaging technology at no charge during the study.

Taking part in a research study is voluntary. Your treatment, payment, enrollment, or eligibility for Veteran benefits cannot be conditioned on you participating in this study. You do not need to take part in this study to receive care. You can stop taking part in this study at any time without any penalty.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Elena Beckman, study coordinator, at elena.beckman@va.gov or 608-256-1901 (ext. 11199)

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN What a week at our National Convention in Minneapolis! Commander Frank and I were very proud to accept three membership awards!

We humbly accepted the awards on behalf of the work so many of you did to get the Department to 100%.

Thank you again for your work!

Now we need to get back to business! What is the best tool for membership? myLegion.org! Why is it so great? Here are some things you can do within this program: • Renew members – no more filling out the transmittal paperwork and the two-part membership card. Just a couple of clicks and all that is left is to send the membership card out • Add a new member – you can add a new member within my Legion.org • Transfer members – as long as the member hasn’t paid for the current year, you can process the transfer through myLegion.org.

• Find Members in My Area – add a zip code and a radius you would like to find members around that zip code a list will be populated of all members who are in the holding post (National and Wisconsin) and who did not pay their 2018 and earlier dues. This list will include members from other posts if they fall within the search radius.

• Members Renewed Online – find out who has paid online so you can keep up with your credits • Consolidated Post Report – fill out the online version. This report can be saved to complete in the future.

• Publish your post’s newsletter – encourage your members to register a member account and save on postage • Materials – the most current Post Officer Manuals, brochures and even some prepared speeches for Patriotic holidays are located here • Under Reports/Labels - Print your membership labels for post mailings - Print your current roster

PROCESS ONLINE! ProcessMEMBERSHIP Membership Online! *myLegion.org account needed

2018-19 MEMBERSHIP LEGION PROUD INCENTIVES ial

Spec ird yB Earl ing!! a r D w

 No need to fill out transmittal sheets or the two-part membership card Initial Bank Account set up • • •

Log into myLegion.org Click on Process Membership (left menu bar) Click on Manage Payment Method (top center)

• •

Enter the information requested on the page and click Save When the Post bank account has been approved, you can begin to enter renewals. **This part may take up two weeks to complete.

• • •

Click on Process Membership Click on Edit (right side of screen) Search for Members by either Member ID or Last Name

• • • • •

Find the appropriate name and click Renew (right side of screen) A popup box will appear with the member’s information. Verify all is correct.

Click the box in the Eligible Renewal Years section Select Renew As you add members, they will show in the Members in this Batch section

• •

Added all your members? Click on Submit Batch.

An email will be sent to the one entered during the initial set up confirming the submission The same email address will receive an email once the renewals have been processed at National You have just renewed your members! All that remains is to send out their membership card.

Entering Renewals

• •

Questions? Contact Julie Muhle, Department Membership Chairman at juneaupost15@yahoo.com or 920-382-4028

- Print a listing of Deceased members • Under the Revitalization folder - Print a form letter and labels for members in the holding post - Print a form letter and labels for unrenewed members - Print your post’s unrenewed roster Whew! It is like having another membership helper in your post!

So what is holding you back? Go to www.mylegion.org, click on the Authorization Form link, enter the appropriate information, print the page and mail or fax it as shown.

National will contact the adjutant regarding log in access. The adjutant can share this access as he or she sees appropriate, especially if someone else handles membership.

Once you have access and have questions, please contact me or another member of the membership team for assistance.

Julie Muhle Dept. Membership Chairman 920-382-4028

DISTRICT

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

1

10/7/18

8:00 AM

Post No. 21-Kenosha

2

10/27/18

9:00 AM

Post No. 470-Saukville

3

11/3/18

8:00 AM

Post No. 214-Darlington

4

10/17/18

7:00 PM

Post No. 416-Greendale

5

10/16/18

7:00 PM

Post No. 331-Shorewood

6

10/28/18

9:00 AM

Princeton

7

9/15/18

9:00 AM

Post No. 439-Melrose

8

10/27/18

9:00 AM

Northwood Banquet Hall-Marion

9

10/6/18

9:00 AM

Post No. 377-Elcho

10

9/22/18

11

10/13/18

Post No. 204-Ellsworth Post No. 93-Tomahawk

12

9/22/18

10:00 AM

Post No. 185-Grantsburg

Department Fall Meetings

10/19/18 10/20/18

9:00 AM-5:00 PM 9:00 AM

Department Headquarters 2930 American Legion Dr. Portage

What are YOUR

Top 10?

The Membership and Communication Committees are collaborating to create a campaign for the Wisconsin American Legion focused on the Top 10 reasons to be a member of The American Legion. We are looking for feedback from YOU, our members, to help develop our campaign.

We are asking that you provide your personal Top 3 Reasons why you are a member of the American Legion and a short explanation of why!

Once we have your input, we will compile the information to determine what the Top 10 Reasons are for our Wisconsin American Legion Family! To fill out the survey, go to https:// goo.gl/forms/DHnYv6qG4dlPmC4s2

SPECIAL EARLY BIRD DRAWING Renew your 2019 membership dues by November 11th, 2018 and you will be automatically entered into a drawing held at Midwinter.

This will also include all PUFL’s.

There will be five $250 dollar cash winners.

POST MEMBERSHIP INCREASE All Posts that increase their membership by at least 10% from the December 31, 2017 membership total by December 31, 2018 will be entered into a drawing to be held at midwinter.

There will be 5-$100 cash winning Posts.

CONTACT David Latimer (414) 940-3271 Greg Eirich (920) 226-0951 Keith Lovell (608) 445-2096 Ray Pasbrig (262) 853-4929 Craig Ellis (414) 313-1357 Jerry Lauby (920) 602-0577 Dave Hale (608) 799-3536 Ron Fregien (715) 459-8571 Jeff Zwiers (920) 460-0678 Paul Beseler (608) 525-2669 Lowell Liberty (715) 966-2777 Don Slattery (715) 558-1683 (608) 745-1090 angela@wilegion.org

Assistance Available for Recent Flood Victims Have you, or your Post been affected by the recent floods? There is help available through The American Legion's National Emergency Fund (NEF).

Please see https://www. legion.org/emergency/apply for more information or contact headquarters for more information.

age.) The drawing will be held at Department Convention.

Sign up 10 New Members and get the Badger Big 10 Pin and 2 chances in the drawing for a PUFL. I GOT 1 PIN Sign up 1 one new member (last paid year 2017 or brand new for 2019) and you will receive an “I Got 1 Pin”.

DISTRICT INCENTIVE $200 will be given to any WIN A PAID UP FOR LIFE District that ends the year (30 days MEMBERSHIP before Convention) in the positive Sign up 5 NEW Members according to the membership (Last paid year 2017 or brand report! new for 2019) and your name will be entered into a drawing for a PUFL Membership. (If you are already a PUFL you will get the cash value amount owed to National according to Advertising Material

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NATIONAL COMMANDER (continued from pg 1) Service Organizations where he Legion. helped coordinate the input of 23 He is a past Legionnaire of the veterans service organizations in Year from Post 270 and a member crafting veteran-friendly legisla- of the Sons of The American Letion and advocating the proposed gion Squadron 10 in Manassas. His legislation before the governor wife, Jessica, and his family, are and General Assembly. He is also proud members of the American a tenured past department histori- Legion Family. an and was recently bestowed an His theme as national commandhonorary life membership by the er is "Celebrating Our Legacy," National Association of Depart- with special emphasis on the orgament Historians of the American nization's centennial.

PAGE PAGE 66

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

The Last

Bugle

3 Antigo H P Thomas Robert Klessig Robert Hall 8 Waukesha Richard Abplanalp 11 Green Bay Gerald Nelis 19 Harford Eugene Mertz Harold Rosenbaum 38 Appleton Donald Bauer Dean Einspahr Percy Blount Darwin Bork Fred Gedemer Hugh Nelson Harry Kimball Dewayne Sorges Werner Lasch 41 Kaukauna Robert Lizon 44 Wabeno Richard Lecomte Herbert Miller 47 Portage Paul Mandli Ron Kierna 53 Eau Claire Ronald Sather Kenneth Bahnson Ellen Bahnson 59 Stoughton John Vorndran 63 Clintonville Raymond Brockhaus

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08/07/18

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08/15/18

66 Athelstane-Silver Cliff Dennis Kitchmaster 67 Lake Mills Sidney Wolff 79 Burlington Claude Robers Glenn Jante Richard Schwochert 81 Mauston Robert Schultz 82 Port Washington Wilfred Krainz George Flierl 85 Muscoda John Beran 91 Oconomwoc Joe Riley 98 Cumberland Richard Poukey William Jansen 113 Mount Horeb Sylvester Sutter 121 River Falls DuWayne Eldred 125 Chilton Delbert Schmidt 137 Turtle Lake Vernon Hammer 143 St Croix Falls Dale Bebault John Glass John Thompson 144 Albany Douglas Reasa Fred Zurfluh 146 Beaver Dam Martin Richardson 154 Mondovi Duane Urness 157 Horicon Thaddeus Pyrek 159 Cadott Darold Wall 161 King John Penney 163 Wautoma Chester Blader 173 Whitewater Jess Deegan 175 Loyal Roy Cook Robert Bertz 183 Genoa City Norwin Watson

K II

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188 East Troy Harold Hruska 189 Watertown Russell Weber Martin Enderle 199 Reedsville John Wagner 208 Rio Myron Missall 209 Orfordville Theodore Miller 214 Darlington Paul Prine 217 Bonduel Gerald Diemel 224 Alma Marcus Schultz 225 Shell Lake Marvin Knoop Clarence Nelson Albert Rock 233 Waterloo Kenneth Wurst Charles Ulam 242 LaValle Roland Cohoon 243 Plymouth Daniel Tenpas Norbert Meyer 253 Spring Green Martin Holzen 258 Little Chute Patrick Kenney Kenneth Vanden Heuvel Clarence Smits 272 Butternut John Wagner 274 Rib Lake Aure Liebl Harvey Peche 284 Holmen James Haug 286 Oostburg James Stubler 288 Cedarburg Myron Lange 294 Hartland Warren Markus Joseph Stortz Vincent Pollock Donald Serres 310 Racine Richard Lui

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316 Sheldon Kenneth Petska K 318 Lake Tomahawk Michael Baker V 336 Onalaska Ronald Espe K 342 Lena Leroy Staidl V Harold Jenquine II William Pytleski II Leigh Konop V John Scheffen II Richard Messenger V Russell Alsteen V Glenn Magnin V 347 Lomira Patrick Champeau K 359 Gillman Dave Jorgensen V William Wald V 360 Waunakee Robert Kessenich II 366 Princeton Edward Borzick II 372 Forestville Robert Pavic K Richard Delwiche V 374 Lac Du Flambeau Gene Ciszek K 382 Menomonee Falls Richard Marks K 387 Franklin Donald Dahm V Wilbert Bauer K 390 Gresham Clyde Hoffman K 405 Dousman Milton Houk V Marjorie Stephan II Howard Cook II 416 Greendale Richard Kolo II Ruth Lepkowski II Jon Ziemendorf V Daniel Rusch II Edward Brown V James Shawlin V 427 Milwaukee II/K Glenn Howard Ray Newman K 432 Hammond John Newton V 436 Wrightstown Gerald VanAsten II

SEPTEMBER 20, 25, 2018 2014 08/21/18 07/30/18 07/25/18 01/10/18 11/12/17 02/17/17 05/11/16 06/06/18 11/05/16 08/12/17 01/30/18 08/01/18 02/23/18 03/14/18 08/04/18 07/28/18 07/30/18 08/17/18 12/14/17 08/05/18 06/21/18 09/08/17 07/13/18 07/24/18 08/12/18 07/02/18 07/10/18 07/12/18 07/22/18 07/28/18 07/30/18 12/13/17 09/17/17

Arnold Tucker V Peter Devos II 449 Brookfield Verne Cutler II Richard Eisenhauer K Elmer Pire II Mark Vermillion G/L Robert Voelz K Malcolm Douglas V Donald Winger K Mark Vermillion G/L 451 Spirit Norman Vanderhoof II Joseph Conlon V 453 Belmont Lee Pelton K 457 Mequon-Thiensville Philip Straub K 460 Belleville Ray Sherman II 169 Marathon Charles Deininger II 477 St Nazianz James Endries V 482 Bagley Donald Cooley V 486 Jackson Roland Nack K 488 New Berlin Robert Naukkari K 492 Rothschild John Crawley V 494 Caledonia Gerald Hansen K 516 Mason Darold Anderson V 518 Green Bay Llewellyn Dickman V 534 McFarland Raymond Vankylen II 537 Milwaukee Ronald Miresse K Carlton Carter K Jerome Martinson II/K George Steller K 540 Haugen Robert McCarthy V 544 Twin Lakes Kenneth Hinzpeter II 549 Lublin Linda Cook PG

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07/28/18 07/27/18

Mount Horeb American Legion & VFW Working Together Over the last several years the Mount Horeb American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9511, and the Vietnam Veterans Chapter IV have been working closer together to serve the community of Mount Horeb, the youth of the community, and the Veterans in the area. We’ve held joint Honor Guard and Pass and Reviews for Veterans funerals, Veterans social gatherings, Veterans Day Programs, Memorial Day Programs, etc…

The Veterans in Mount Horeb are a diverse group with Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Grenada, Lebanon, Operation Iraqi Enduring Freedom. Our Veterans range in age from 18 to 94 but no matter how old or young each of them is they are all behind the effort to build our Veterans Memorial to honor all Veterans for their service and sacrifices.

As this cooperation and collaboration between the three Veterans Service Organizations evolved the three groups decided to explore

building a Veterans Memorial in Mount Horeb that would honor the service of all Veterans with ties to Mount Horeb. This Memorial will also pay tribute to all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for this Great Country.

After the initial briefing to the Village Board in November 2017, the three groups decided to form a 501c3 – Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial Association (MHMVA).

The 501c3 was approved in January 2018. Board Members from the founding organizations and the community at large were selected and installed in January 2018. The MHVMA went back to the Village Board to get approval to build a Memorial on Village land in July. The Village approved to deed the property to the MHVMA until the project is completed and then it would be deeded back to the Village of Mount Horeb to become a Veterans Park.

This Memorial will be a

space that salutes all Veteran's of the Mt. Horeb area, who served and will recognize their sacrifice and service to our nation. It will also recognize the important role the Veterans of Mt. Horeb have played in the successes the villages have celebrated in the past, present and in the future.

To learn more, donate or submit a Veterans Paver go to MHVMA. org. On that site you can also view a video and pictures of our concept for the Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial. We will only be able to

build this beautiful Memorial with the help, financial and otherwise, of our community, our Veterans, and the contractors that will construct this beautiful tribute and Memorial dedicated to all Veterans.

All three Veterans organizations have seen increases in membership. The relationships, events, as well as the work for our Veterans and camaraderie we have developed will allow us to serve our community, youth and families, and Veterans even better.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

PAGE 7

115TH HARLEY ANNIVERSARY PARADE LED BY LEGION RIDERS

Legion PROUD Posts, Veterans and Community Members

Proud to Celebrate The Legion 100th!

Three years ago, Colonel Jim Leffel retired from the United States Air Force and settled with his wife (also a Veteran) and their children in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Shortly after arriving in the land of corn and dairy, Jim and Laura found acceptance in their new home from the American Legion Post 53. Having spent most of their lives in the military community, they felt right at home with the Legionnaires. After attending some of the Post events and participating in Post meetings, both Laura and Jim took up leadership posts, but they wanted to do more to show their support for such a great organization. They especially wanted to help the Legion improve their visibility and show appreciation for local Veterans.

The apple orchard that Jim and Laura own proved to be an excellent opportunity to achieve their goals.

This year, the Leffelʼs 10-acre corn maze has a unique design: the Legion logo with star banners and the American Flag.

Inside the maze, customers are encouraged to find the answers to Veteran and military-themed trivia questions. Questions include, “When was the American Legion officially founded?” and “How

many Medal of Honor winners are/were from Wisconsin?” The Leffels also host an annual Veteran’s Appreciation Weekend the first weekend in October. They are excited to welcome all of their fellow Legionnaires as well as all Veterans for apple picking, apple slinging, pumpkin lopping, and of course mazing! The Leffels are hoping the logo and the Veteran’s Appreciation Weekend produce some visibility about all of the great things the Legion has been doing for Veterans, the commu-

nity, and the country for the last century.

If you’re interested in trying the maze for yourself, or just relaxing with an apple ale and a slice of pie, Leffel Roots Apple Orchard is at W2369 Maple Road in Eau Claire Wisconsin. Directions, as well as other Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on their website, leffelroots.com or at Leffel Roots on Facebook. The Leffels would love to see you act “corny” in the maze, and visit with them this harvest season! They hope to see you soon!

On September 2, 2018, American Legion Post 400 Legion Riders’ members, with a little help from their Rider friends from other Posts and Districts, were proud to lead the 115th Harley Davidson Anniversary Parade in downtown Milwaukee. These Riders and their flags were the first unit of over 6,500 bikes who participated in this parade.

EMT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Post 33 Commander Bob Borszich presents an award to Scott Harding of The Menasha-Neenah Wisconsin Fire Rescue for being named The 2018 EMT Of The Year. Photos by Post 33 Photographer Larry Peterson.

GREENDALE VETERANS MEMORIAL

Chapin Presented With The Harald Kahlert Award LAKE MILLS: Legionnaire, Voyageur and longtime Veterans Advocate Jim Chapin of St. Croix Falls was presented with the prestigious Harald Kahlert Meritorious Service Award at the recently concluded Forty & Eight Grande Promenade held in Lake Mills.

Past Department Commander Jim received this award for his tireless efforts ranging from improvements at Camp American Legion, promoting a strong Veterans presence

in both Madison and Washington D.C., and working to increase

membership in all Veterans organizations.

Harald Kahlert donated almost one million dollars to both the Wisconsin Forty & Eight and Wisconsin American Legion in his will.

We can think of no better way to honor Harald then choosing someone each year who carries on the work of making Wisconsin a great state for all Veterans to live. Jim Chapin more than fits the criteria Harald so believed in.

From the left to right: John Birmingham, Greendale Village President; Commander John Ustruck, VFW 10519; Quartermaster, Ken Keick, VFW 10519; American Legion Commander Tim Baranzyk, 416, Greendale; Adjutant Dave Pier, AL 416; and Todd Michaels, Greendale Village Mtg. We raised over $300,000 for the Greendale Veterans Memorial. Am waiting on groundbreaking and Dedication date. Congratulations to ALL !

Dedication of Gold Star Memorial Marker in Gold Star Memorial Garden Department Vice President Ken Schoolcraft represented Department Commander Frank Kostka at August 22, 2018, Dedication of Gold Star Memorial Marker in Gold Star Memorial Garden on Madison’s Capitol Grounds.

The Dedication drew numerous Gold Star Families, project supporters and others. Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, an affiliate of National Garden Clubs, Inc., funded placement of the Gold Star Memorial Marker honoring families who have lost loved ones in military service. Committee co-chairs for the project were Chuck McCafferty, member of American Legion Post 385, Verona, and Linda McCafferty, member of Unit 333, Sun Prairie.

Department President Char Kiesling spoke during the August 22, 2018, Dedication of Gold Star Memorial Marker in Gold Star Memorial Garden on Madison’s Capitol Grounds. The Dedication drew numerous Gold Star Families, project supporters and others. Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, an affiliate of National Garden Clubs, Inc., funded placement of the Gold Star Memorial Marker honoring families who have lost loved ones in military service. Committee co-chairs for the project were Chuck McCafferty, member of American Legion Post 385, Verona, and Linda McCafferty, member of Unit 333, Sun Prairie.