Badger
“For God & Country”
&“Wisconsin”
aire
Official Publications of The
Wisconsin American Legion Family
January 22, 2015
Vol. 92, No. 1
www.wilegion.org
The mission of The American Legion, Department Of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
Badger Boys State Gearing Up for 2015 Commander Backs the Pack!
Good news! More young men
will have the opportunity to attend Badger Boys State in 2015.
An increase in the available
rooms at Ripon College will
allow sponsors to select more
youth to attend this program.
The sponsorship fee of $250 per
student covers all costs for the
student to attend except transportation to and from BBS.
Reservations are on a first
come first served basis. As long
as there are slots available, BBS
will accept reservations. Call
Sandy Ryce at Department headquarters to check availability at
(608) 745-1090.
Sponsors and post officers can
visit Boys State during the week
to see the program in operation. Details for visits should be
cleared with the director as to the
time and date of a visit. A day
long visit would be rewarding
for any sponsor.
ELIGIBILITY
Young men who have completed
their junior year in high school are
eligible. Home schooled students
are eligible, but must compete for
slots with the students in their
area school district. Participants
should be from the upper third
of their class, but this may be
waived due to student population
in smaller schools. Each school
should have a selection process to
choose a deserving student. The
local American Legion Posts who
sponsor students may be involved
in the selection process depending
on local tradition. Other sponsors
paying for students will follow
the general guidelines set forth in
Badger Boys State policies.
REGISTRATION
Only after sponsorship fees are
paid will registration cards be
mailed to sponsors. The sponsors
are then responsible to assist the
student and the school in registering. Sponsors and schools are
encouraged to name alternates for
every student sponsored. In many
of the past years a number of alternates have been chosen to attend
BBS when the primary candidates
can’t attend. In the event a school
cannot fill the number of sponsorships it has, Badger Boys State
requests sponsors contact Sandy
2015 Membership Goal
al
90.34%
District 12
1st PLACE
87.62%
District 6
2nd PLACE
86.71%
District 9
4th PLACE
86.32%
District 2
5th PLACE
85.45%
District 8
7th PLACE
83.98%
District 1
8th PLACE
83.75%
District 11
10th PLACE
82.66%
District 4
11th PLACE
59,600
59
86.99%
District 10
3rd PLACE
86.24%
District 3
6th PLACE
83.76%
District 7
9th PLACE
75.43%
District 5
12th PLACE
January 14th Total: 52,361 88.00%
Ryce at (608) 745-1090 for suggestions.
ORIENTATION
Sponsors are encouraged to view
the Badger Boys State web site to
become familiar with the program
requirements. Citizen candidates
are encouraged to attend a live orientation. The schedule for orientations is posted on the website at
www.badgerboysstate.com.
All questions can be referred to
Sandy Ryce at (608) 745-1090 or
sandy@wilegion.org.
Commander Bob Shappell attended the Green Bay Packers game
on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Lambeau Field. The Packers
defeated the New England Patriots that day by a score of 26 to
21. Prior to the game, Commander Shappell joined the SullivanWallen Post No. 11 Color Guard on the field for the pre-game
ceremonies. Pictured here left to right are; FRONT ROW: Norb
Zelewske, Jerry Willems - with our Nation’s flag, Jack Gillis, and
Dennis Counard. MIDDLE ROW: Tom Salentine, Commander
Shappell, Tom Christensen. BACK ROW: C.J. Kelhner and Color
Guard Captain Mike Kellner.
Volunteers Needed for the 78th Annual
Oratorical Competition on February 14th
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 State 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
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: _____________________________________
Home Phone #: _________________________________
Cell Phone #: ___________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________
______________________________________________
Please submit no later than January 30, 2015
Mail completed form to to: WI American Legion,
Attn. Dawn, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901
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
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
On April 29,
1945, Desmond
Doss’s company
captured a piece
of land on Okinawa overlooking a 400-foot
Bob Shappell
cliff.
Days later,
Department Commander
the enemy attacked, and almost immediately 75
men fell wounded. The remaining
troops retreated down to the base
of the cliff. Left at the top of the
cliff were the wounded, the Japanese, and Desmond Doss. For the
next five hours, while his wounded
comrades fought back their attackers, Doss began to lower man after
man to safety down the face of the
cliff using little more than a tree
stump and a rope. A few weeks
later, Doss was wounded when a
grenade blew up next to his leg. He
bandaged his own wounds. As he
was being carried off the field they
passed another critically wounded
soldier. Doss rolled off the litter
and told the medics to take the oth-
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
JANUARY 22, 2015
er man. He and another wounded
soldier started to hobble off while
supporting each other. Doss had
his arm across the other man’s
neck when he felt a bullet slam into
his arm. It shattered Doss upper
arm, which in turn, saved the other
man’s life. On October 12, 1945,
Doss received the Medal of Honor
from President Harry Truman.
On February 9, 1969, Tom Bennett’s company was ambushed in
the Chu Pa Mountains of South
Vietnam. Three men went down.
Everyone else dived for cover except Tom Bennett. Despite the
enemy rounds striking around
him, Bennett tended to the three
wounded men. Then he carried
each man to safety. Throughout the
day, he patched wounds and moved
other wounded comrades to safety.
At least twice more he ventured
into the open to pull a casualty to
safety. By nightfall the firing had
died down. Bennett was up all
night treating his many patients.
As dawn broke, enemy snipers shot
several more soldiers, and Bennett
instantly moved to their aid. Near
day’s end another soldier was hit
by sniper fire. Bennett jumped up,
intent only on saving the wounded
man. Rifle shots rang out. Bennett
fell, his body riddled with bullets.
On April 7, 1970, what would have
been Bennett’s 23rd birthday, his
parents received the Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon.
Both men served their country
with honor. Both men were also
conscientious objectors. When
they entered the Army, both men
were shunned and ridiculed by
their fellow soldiers. They quickly,
however, earned their comrades’
respect as they consistently showed
that they did not have to fire weapons or take lives to serve their
country. Both men, despite their
religious convictions, felt a commitment to serve their country. In
a letter to his parents when he enlisted in the Army, Bennett wrote,
“If I am called to Nam, I will go.
Out of obligation to a country I
love I will go and possibly die for a
cause I vehemently disagree with.
It is my obligation to give service to
my country. I believe in America.”
It is not the firing of weapons or
participation in armed combat that
defines the American service man
and service woman. It is what’s inside their hearts and their souls. It
is their desire to serve and unselfishly fulfill their obligations to a nation that gives them more freedoms
and opportunities than any other
nation in the world. I suspect that
most of those who have protested
and opposed our military would
have difficulty understanding the
motives of Desmond Doss and Tom
Bennett. We, the Legion Family,
must continue to support everyone
who serves and continue to educate
those around us of why our soldiers,
sailors, airmen, and marines put
themselves in peril to serve their
nation. Let us steadfastly honor all
those who serve in the military today, no matter where they serve or
what jobs they perform.
CAMP DIRECTOR
It’s very quiet
this time of year
up at Camp
American Legion. With the
holidays behind
us and a few
Kevin Moshea
Camp Director
more weeks of
winter left, I have time to reflect
on the many successes of 2014
and look forward to an exciting
2015 season. But while I’m making
plans, I’m also thinking about all
the great people that make Camp
really work on behalf of Wisconsin
veterans and their families.
The operation of Camp depends
upon the hard work and dedication
of a very special group of people.
Our most important and valued assets are our volunteers and building sponsors. Without them Camp
would not be able to operate at the
level it now does. When the Camp
season is in full swing and things
are really humming these people
make it all happen.
There are some extremely dedicated volunteers who give of themselves here at Camp American Legion. Their desire to help others is
an integral part of them. It is who
they are. It’s dangerous to give
names because someone is usually
inadvertently left out but special
thanks go to Gary, Kinthy, Bob,
Dave, Matt (PUFL the Clown),
Nimrod (Captain Nimo) and Jim the bus driver. Along with Jerome,
Jay, Brian, Mike, Grenville and all
the others, they are serving veterans
every day during the season. Each
day these folks are piloting boats,
driving campers to activities, cutting grass, cleaning the dining hall
and performing kitchen chores.
Great folks like Jennifer, Larry and
Mary, Jay, Carol, Dale and Sherry
come every weekend to help prep
for the new week ahead. Jerry
paints, Dick tinkers and others are
doing this and that. Some come
in the spring and fall to help open
and close the Camp. They all give
of their time and have fun as they
do. Doing volunteer work at Camp
positively impacts these people in
their own individual ways. Some
are Legion members and veterans,
others not. What makes them come
is their love for this place and our
healing, caring mission. It all happens every day throughout the season because of these very special,
giving volunteers.
Then there are the Camp Legion
Sponsors who are our cornerstone.
Building sponsorship is a commitment of time, talent and financial
resources. Sponsors take on the
responsibly for maintenance and
upkeep. On every cabin a Post or
County sponsorship sign proudly
hangs. Some have been sponsors
for more years than anyone can
remember and many new sponsors
have recently come on board. All
of our twenty-two cabins have a
sponsor. Every part of the Legion
Family is represented. Even the
fish cleaning shack has a sponsor.
Currently there are other buildings in need of sponsors. The
Main Lodge, Women’s Quarters,
Library, Bathhouse, Craft Shop,
Smoke Shack and the Rainbow
Flowage Pavilions are all looking
for sponsors.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or sponsoring a
building at Camp, give me a call.
Volunteering makes any person
stand a little taller and sponsoring
a building can help develop a stronger sense of purpose and reason
for a Legion Family group. Being
a volunteer or sponsor is a commitment and sometimes requires sacrifice but it is incredibly rewarding.
Volunteers and Sponsors “ARE”
Camp American Legion. They
are the fabric that holds it together
and make Camp American Legion
what is it.
WDVA SECRETARY
The Wisconsin
Department of
Veterans accomplished much in
2014 for Wisconsin veterans
and we look forJohn A. Scocos
ward to doing the
WDVA Secretary
same in 2015. We
will continue to honor our state’s
veterans by building upon our successes and remaining the best state
in the nation for programs, benefits
and services.
The WDVA has chartered a renewed focused on taking care of
our veterans and their families who
have given so much for our state
and nation. We set new priorities to
reflect modern day realities and the
needs of all generations of veterans.
We set our priorities in the 20132015 Budget and have been steadily acting on them in the past two
years. We improved the long-term
solvency of the Veterans Trust
Fund by adding an additional $5.3
million, extended the Veterans and
Surviving Spouse Property Tax
Credit. We also increased funding
to our state veteran service organizations that provide assistance
to veterans and their families.
These are only a few examples of
the many steps we’ve taken to empower, improve and strengthen the
resources available to our veterans.
Another of our top priorities is
helping veterans find employment.
We created a $500,000 annual
grant program for employers who
hire veterans. WDVA has part-
nered with various agencies and
organizations to host dozens of
veteran career fairs statewide over
the past four years, serving nearly
14,000 veterans. Last year alone,
over 4,000 veterans and spouses
attended these career fairs.
We also want to ensure our veterans have a high quality of life in
Wisconsin. WDVA operates three
veterans homes serving nearly
1,000 veterans and their spouses
across the state. Over the past three
years, we have improved the financial condition of these homes, in
turn improving the quality of life
for veterans living there. We turned
a $12.9 million deficit related to operations of our homes into a high
positive income level.
In order to expand access to in-
formation about WDVA programs,
we created the Veterans Benefits
Resource Center (VBRC), which
includes phone services, online
chat, walk in and email communications. This ensures every veteran
who contacts us during business
hours is able to immediately speak
to center support staff. This is part
of our continuing effort to reach
our veterans – providing outreach
to them and increasing their access
to the things they need the most.
We care about our veterans and
are proud to serve them – just as
they have faithfully served us. We
will build upon the successes of the
past year as we enter 2015 and continue Wisconsin’s great tradition of
meeting the needs of our veterans
as they return home from service.
JANUARY 22, 2015
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Revitalization in Manitowoc Sets
the Pace for 2015 Membership
Department Commander Bob
Shappell and Membership Chairman Dan O’Brien recently led
revitalization efforts for Manitowoc Post No. 88 of the 6th
District. Other major membership revitalization efforts since
the Department Fall meetings
have been held in the 3rd and 7th
Districts. Other efforts are slated
for February in the Appleton,
Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha
areas.
A typical Revitalization Drive
begins with a meeting of volunteers where Legion Family
members are provided with an
overview of the activity and contact information for local area
veterans who can be recruited
or transferred into the local post.
Extensive lists of Holding Post
and Expired members are pro-
vided by the National organization. The effort is preceded by
Press Releases directed to local
media outlets and Public Service
Announcements.
Volunteers combed the Manitowoc area for two days and were
able to round up 50 new members for Post No. 88 through renewal, recruiting and transfers.
The Revitalization was capped
by an Open House at the post
with sandwiches and refreshments. Department Service Officer James Fialkowski and representatives of the Manitowoc
County VSO were in attendance
to answer questions from local
veterans regarding VA claims
and benefits.
Following the Open House,
Commander Shappell called
a special meeting to order and
spoke on the past, present and
future of Post No. 88. Commander Shappell focused on the
Four Pillars of The American
Legion, how burnout can affect
an organization and the need
for periodic change. 6th District
Commander Jeff Puddy of Fond
du Lac Post No. 75 then installed
a new slate of Post Officers and
pledged the future support of the
District to ensure success. The
new Officers of Post No. 88 are
Robert Cavanaugh, Commander;
Brian Blashka, Vice Commander; Lance Furst, Adjutant; Dave
Soukup, Finance Officer; Fritz
Blashka, Sergeant at Arms.
For more information on Post
Revitalization contact Chris
Schmidt by email at chris@wilegion.org or call (608) 745-1090.
FREE SKI JUMPING FOR VETERANS!
No, we’re not kidding. Once
again the Snowflake Ski Tournament will allow veterans
to attend the competition free
of charge. The 92nd Annual
tournament will be held Friday
evening, January 30th and the
following day starting at noon
at the Snowflake Ski Club near
Westby, 25 miles southeast of
LaCrosse. Over twenty jump-
ers from across the US, and up
to a dozen jumpers from several
foreign countries will jump on a
“118 meter hill,” used in Olympic competition.
The Snowflake Club has been
recognized by The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin
for their generous support of the
Wisconsin National Guard.
On Friday, January 30th, at
7PM a spectacular night competition will be held. Jumping
at night with lighting provides
an exciting and unique atmosphere! Saturday’s competition
will begin at noon. Results of
both competitions will be used
to determine winners.
In addition to the normal jumping for points, crowd pleasing
“Standing Long Jumps” will
take place on Friday and Saturday after the end of regular competition. Jumpers who are brave
enough try to have the longest
jump of the day without falling.
This is normally where new hill
records are set!
Friday night will also feature
a large fireworks display followed by live music and dancing. There will be opportunities
for children to sled on smaller
hills and dig in a large snow
pile for over $100 in quarters.
Food and refreshments will be
available both days. Horse and
Sleigh rides will also be available.
The Ski Club, with the assistance of Logistics Health Incorporated (a LaCrosse based company), is admitting all veterans
and their spouses at no charge
upon display of a DD Form
214 or membership card in The
American Legion.
There is plenty of free parking,
and if you arrive early enough you
may be able to find a spot to watch
the jumping from your car.
Check out the club’s web site for
pictures, a map, admission fees
and an exciting YouTube video:
www.snowflakeskiclub.com
PAGE 3
Catch the Spirit of Wisconsin!
Department Commander
Bob Shappell continues
to present the “Spirit of
Wisconsin” pin to deserving Legion Family
members.
This
special,
limited
edition
is awarded
to
Legionnaires, SAL,
Auxiliary
Members, and
Riders to recognize special
achievements in all
aspects of the Legion
and our many programs.
Anyone can recommend
someone for the award, but
Post, County, and District
Commanders should make
Post No. 105 Assists Local Kids
The McCann - Richards Post No. 105 of Shullsburg recently presented
a check in support of the Shullsburg School Christmas Fund and the
Lafayette County Child Advocacy Fund. The funds will be used to
assist with basic needs such as shelter, food, utilities, and clothing.
Pictured are Shullsburg School Principal Joseph Diedrich and Post No.
105 Commander Dan Christopher.
REVERSE MORTGAGES
Call for a free consumer
guide and personal quote.
-- Must be 62 or older.
-- Never make a monthly
mortgage payment again.
-- Receive a lump sum of
cash, credit line or monthly
payments.
-- Income and credit not
required.
BADGER BOYS (Continued from Front Cover)
welcomed to the Board included;
Dr. Dave Schuler, Dr. Nathan
Gruenwald, Bill Kewan, Eric
Torstenson and Rich Mannisto.
Some of them have since moved
on to be replced by Erik Brown,
Atty. Steve Sorensen and Bill
Cosh.
The program staff became increasingly empowered to shape
the program. This acceptance by
Legionnaires and Legion leadership came about because of the
long-time dedication of counselors and real-life professionals
like Bishop Tom Skrenes, Dr.
Mark Matosian, Dr. Gary Saunders, Bill Field, U.S. Atty. James
Santelle, and Pat Braatz among
others. Those individuals have
been dedicated to the program
for many years and make The
American Legion proud.
These positive changes have
come about because of the trusting relationship between the
Board of Directors and those
staff members who were major
contributors to the program. It
has taken a high degree of trust
and confidence within the Legion
ranks and the assurance that the
program would remain intact, for
this partnership to work and improve the program.
Today the BBS Board of Directors continues to serve the
program. Our staff counselors
and support personnel maintain
the high level of excellence this
program has achieved and work
towards continued improvement.
It is our responsibility to nurture the program and the partnership that has been built over the
past decade and a half, a partnership of Legionnaires, nonLegion staff and Ripon College
employees. Badger Boys State
is an American Legion program
and always will be an American
Legion program. I am proud to
have witnessed this transformation and proud to have been a
part of it.
Russ Hanseter,
Chairman of the Board
every effort to identify deserving individuals for this recognition. Simply submit the
deserving individuals name
to Commander Bob.
This special edition pin is only
presented
to
recognize the
efforts of Legion Family
members. It
is not randomly handed out
and Commander
Shappell will make
every effort possible to
personally present the pin.
To nominate someone for the
award contact Commander
Shappell via Department headquarters at (608) 745-1090.
NMLS ID #283509
Let a retired active duty
veteran you can trust
show you how you may
benefit from a Reverse
Mortgage.
Mike Kraus
7365 Kirkwood Court North, Suite 300
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-355-8540
mkraus@muihomeloans.com
PAGE 4
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
JANUARY 22, 2015
Vietnam Veterans Week
Highlights Camps’ 90th Season
The 2015 Camp American Legion season starts on May 25 and
is looking to be the most exciting
season ever. Here is the line-up of
the special weeks scheduled this
year. Please spread the word!
Vietnam Veterans Week, June
8-14 at “FB (Fire Base) Camp
American Legion” – Calling all
Vietnam Vets who served “inCountry”. You are invited to attend
this “50th Anniversary” week-long
gathering. It will be a special week
of camaraderie, storytelling, battle-buddy sharing, remembrance,
celebration and FUN. We encourage all Vietnam Vets to come for
the whole week but if you cannot,
we still want you to come as a “day
visitor” to your Fire Base Camp
American Legion.
Operation Home Front - Working Together to Eliminate Veteran Homelessness, June 1-7 –This
week at Camp American Legion is
designed to assist Homeless Veter-
ans and those who are at-risk.
Women Veterans Week, June
15-19 – This will be our 5th year
of hosting Women Veterans Week.
We are reaching out to women vets
and encouraging them to attend a
Camp experience that will positively impact their lives.
Post 9/11 Veterans Week, July
20-26 – With more post 9/11 veterans coming home from Active
duty we are working to help address the physical and psychological wounds some have received.
We are working to reach out to
them and their families.
Caregiver Respite Retreat,
August 10-14 – This retreat is for
caregivers of significantly wounded “Post 9/11 veterans”. The Camp
experience can lift the heavy load
off their shoulders even if just for
those few days.
Camp Serenity, Families of
the Fallen, August 14-16 – This
special, sacred weekend is for any
family who has lost a family member who has served in the military
at any time. It includes any branch
of service. It is regardless of type
of casualty; meaning it does not
have to be a combat death and
it includes retirees as well. This
weekend Camp is run by the Wisconsin National Guard’s Survivor
Outreach Services.
Vision & Hearing Loss Veterans Week, August 17-23 – 2015
will be the fourth year for this
program and it keep getting more
FUN every year. This week is for
“any age” veteran with vision or
hearing loss.
Diabetes Camp, September 11-13
It is a very powerful weekend of
education and learning to teach
veterans how to manage their
diabetes and live a better life. Research states that 25% of VA patients have diabetes. Nearly one in
four veterans receiving care from
the VA has diabetes.
Calling all ALEI Graduates!
Jerome Krofta
Wisconsin American Legion College
Basic Training
March 28, 2015 – 8:00AM - 5:30PM
Ridge Hotel - 2900 New Pinery Road - Portage WI 53901
Candidate for
Department Vice Commander
√
Do you want to know more about The American Legion?
√
Do you want to be a better American Legion recruiter?
√
Do you want to move up in The American Legion?
√
Do you want to go to National American Legion College some day?
√
Have you taken The American Legion Extension Institute Course?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, do we have the perfect
learning experience for you!
Part of the Wisconsin American Legion’s 5 Year Membership Plan is for the National American Legion
College graduates put together a Wisconsin American Legion College program. Well, we have done it!
•
•
•
AMERICANISM, CHILDREN & YOUTH (1 Hr)
PUBLIC RELATIONS (1 Hr)
LEADERSHIP (2 Hrs)
•
•
•
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES (1 Hr)
POST OFFICERS (1 Hr)
MANUAL OF CEREMONIES (1 Hr)
Be one of the first in Wisconsin to be a Basic Course Graduate!
Registration can be done online by clicking on WI Legion College Basic Course on our Department website:
www.wilegion.org. A fee of $20 can be paid online during registration, mailed to Department Headquarters at
The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901-0388 or paid at the door.
Registrations are due by March 16. Late Registration will be $25.
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•
“Need to Know”
You don’t need to take the entire course in one sitting. A registrar will keep track of your progress.
Having taken the ALEI Course is a requirement.
Recommended for All Family Members. Same fee of $20 for all participants. Multiple ways to pay.
There will also be Intermediate and Advanced Courses offered for graduates of the previous level.
Eighth District Commander Jerome (Jerry) Krofta announces his
candidacy for the high office of Department Vice Commander. Jerry is a
Paid up for Life member of Post No.
9 in Wisconsin Rapids. He served in
the US Army from 1969 to 1971 as a
Finance Clerk. He also served in the
Wisconsin Army National Guard in
the finance area from 1980 until his
retirement in 2006. He took great
pleasure in assisting soldiers on financial matters while looking out for
the interests of the taxpayers.
Throughout his 22 years of American Legion membership, he has
served as Post Commander, Adjutant
and Finance Officer, as well as Commander and Adjutant at the County
level. He was twice a 100% Post
Commander. He also enjoyed being the Post chairman for the 2008
Midwinter Conference and serving
on committees for The American Legion State Bowling Tournament and
American Legion State Golf Outing.
Jerry is also a member of the 40
et 8, Secretary-Treasurer of the Allied Veterans Council of South Wood
County and Secretary-Treasurer of
his neighborhood association.
Commander Jerry is endorsed by
Post No. 9, the Wood County Council and the 8th District.
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
a little about the organization,
they gave me an application
and invited me to their next
meeting. A month later I went
to the County Fair and ran into
the same group from the local
post. They once again invited
me to their next meeting. Well,
I figured I better check the next
meeting out before I ran into
them again. So I attended the
next meeting not knowing anyone and walked out a member
of The American Legion.
After attending a number of
post meetings, I attended my
first Department Convention
and heard Camp Director Kevin
Moshea share his passion about
Camp American Legion. Another memorable speaker was
a young veteran who was accompanied by his service dog.
At the following Midwinter,
I heard a camp attendee speak
about what it was like to attend
camp. Along the way, I got to
meet many interesting Legionnaires. I always felt welcomed
and a part of something great.
Learning more about the Legion
made me more excited about
this organization. I decided to
join our Post Honor Guard and
after my first funeral, I under-
stood why so many serve on
the honor guard. It’s something
that can only be felt and not explained.
FEELING WELCOMED
Did you know that the critical
point in membership is when
a Legionnaire reaches the 4
or 5-year point? If a veteran
reaches that point of continuous membership, they tend to
remain members for the long
run. So how do we get them to
that point? By taking pride in
our Post and getting out into
our communities to invite veterans to your next meeting.
Make members feel welcomed
and appreciated at every meeting and outing. Encourage
them to get involved, educate
them on the Legion. We learn
by observing and participating.
Remember, we are all apart of
the Legion Family whether we
are Legion members or Auxiliary members or the SAL. Take
it upon yourself to welcome
a new member, take them under your wing and teach them.
Attitudes are infectious-make
sure yours is a positive one.
Darla Porter,
Post No. 10 - Wausau
Camp Helps Veterans Manage Their Diabetes
Federal health statistics show
that 13% of Americans 20 and
older have diabetes. Another
37% have pre-diabetes, a condition marked by higher-thannormal blood sugars. That’s up
from 27% a decade ago. Studies
also show pre-diabetes not only
set the stage for diabetes but also
increases the risk of cancer by
15%. The Veterans Health Administration states that “25% of
VA patients have diabetes. Nearly one in four veterans receiving
care from VA has diabetes”.
In response to this growing concern, Camp American Legion conducted our third “Diabetes Camp”
during the 2014 season. This program has become very successful
and doubled in veteran attendance.
The Diabetes Camp is a focused
educational program to teach veterans how to manage their diabetes
and live a healthier life.
This Camp program was initiated by Ms. Diane Kesler, Registered Nurse & Certified Diabetes
Educator at the VA Community
Based Outpatient Clinic in Appleton. Diane and other professionals are committed to helping our veterans with diabetes.
Campers go through the weekend
documenting the food they eat
at meals in their personal note
books; having discussion groups
in the dining hall or around the
camp fire and getting helpful
print information on diabetes.
The Diabetes Camp is very
much a part of our “Help to Heal”
mission and we look to continue
it and grow it. It is one of the
most important programs we do
at Camp. To get a participant’s
personal perspective on how the
Diabetes Camp positively impacted his life see the letter by
Steven. Steven states “All this
help changed my outlook on life
if not even saved my life”.
Diabetes Camp is yet another
successful result of all of our
work in making Camp American Legion a very meaningful
and relevant place for our veterans. The 2015 Diabetes Camp is
scheduled for September 11-13,
2015. We look forward to it.
Kevin Moshea
Camp Director
ME
N
R I CA LEGI0
70 YEARS
F
O
Membership is always a topic
that is much discussed at all
levels of the organization – after all, as a membership organization, without members, we
wouldn’t exist. Members of The
American Legion share a common bond of having served our
country. This organization is
where veterans of all eras, from
World War II through the Iraq
and Afghan wars, stand side by
side, “Still Serving America”.
There are so many facets of
membership that one could
discuss such as our membership count or how important it
is for each and every one of us
to bring in new members. But I
think it’s best to speak from my
own experience and how I feel
about The American Legion.
I had been out of the service
for eight years when I first met
members from the local American Legion Post. I had taken my
Dad to see the static display of
the WWII B-17 bomber at our
local airport. While walking
around, a few members came
up, thanked my father for his
service and were about to leave
when I spoke up. I told them
that I was a retired Air Force
veteran. After they explained
Legionnaire
Recognized for
70 Years of Service
N
MEMBERSHIP MEMO
PAGE 5
A
JANUARY 22, 2015
ME
MBERSH
IP
What does it mean to give back? American Legion in Cross Plains.
We’ve all heard about it and we It amounted to soliciting donawould like to give you an out- tions for scrap metal, aluminum
standing example. Post No. 245 in cans, etc. He then processed the
Cross Plains recognized Legion- donations to sell to a scrap dealer
naire Bernard “Buddy” Schroeder. at his own home. Over the years
Buddy, as he is known, has given he has raised over $100,000. He
for over 70 years. He
also made a large perserved his country in
sonal donation to the
the military proudly.
latest addition at the
Buddy has been a
post which included a
member of the Cross
handicapped elevator.
Plains Post for over 70
Buddy also served 4
years. During those
years as Commander
70 years he has been
of Post No. 245, Dane
an outstanding examCounty Commander
ple of giving back to
and as Chaplain for of
the community and his
the 3rd District.
country.
Now as Paul HarBernard (Buddy) Schroeder
Buddy started sevvey used to say;
eral programs. Fifty eight years “Here is the rest of the story –
ago he started “Toys for Tots” in Buddy Schroeder is 90 years-old
Cross Plains. For years he was and has been battling cancer for
the organizer for loaning equip- over 2 years. He still keeps givment like wheel chairs, walkers, ing and overseeing many of the
crutches to those in need. He also programs he started. Buddy alstarted a food basket program for ways has one of the most positive
the less fortunate. This program attitudes folks in Cross Plains
has grown to nearly 100 deliveries have ever known. Buddy has a
per year. He has donated hundreds saying: “If you think you have
of hours of work, cash and in-kind it bad, just look around.” After
donations to Wisconsin Badger a short stay in rehab, he is back
Camp for challenged youth and to home at 2721 Baer St., Cross
Camp American Legion.
Plains, WI 53528. We are sure
In 1992 Buddy started “Sanford he’d appreciate a card or a note
and Son.” That effort raised mon- letting him know how much his
ey for the charities on behalf of The life of service is appreciated.
Madison VA Receives Honors
MADISON, Wis. — William
S. Middleton Memorial Veterans
Hospital in Madison yesterday was
recently named a 2013 Top Performer on key quality measures
by a leading accreditor of health
care organizations. The hospital
was recognized as part of The Joint
Commission’s 2014 annual report
“America’s Hospitals: Improving
Quality and Safety,” for attaining
and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance
for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care.
The Madison VA Hospital was
among 1,224 hospitals in the nation and one of only 33 Wisconsin
hospitals to earn the Top Performer
distinction for sustained excellence
during 2013.
The Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving
performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients
with certain conditions, including
heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care and stroke, as
well as for inpatient psychiatric services and immunizations.
This is the second year the Madison VA Hospital has been recognized as a Top Performer. The hospital was also recognized in 2012
for its performance.
“We know what matters most to
patients is the quality and safety of
the care they receive. That is why
we have made it a top priority to
improve positive patient outcomes
through evidence-based care processes,” said Judy McKee, director of the William S. Middleton
Memorial Veterans Hospital in
Madison. “Our hospital is proud
to be named a Top Performer as it
recognizes the knowledge, teamwork and dedication of our entire
hospital staff,” McKee said.
This is the second major national
recognition the Madison VA Hospital has received recently. The
hospital was recognized by the
American Nurses Credentialing
Center for excellence in nursing.
“These honors reflect great credit
on all the caring professionals who
are dedicated to providing the very
best care to the Veterans we serve
every day,” McKee said.
William S. Middleton VA Hospital is a 129-bed facility providing health care for about 40,000
Veterans who live in 15 counties
in south central Wisconsin and in
northwestern Illinois. The hospital also operates an annex primary
care clinic in Madison and community-based outpatient clinics in
Baraboo, Beaver Dam and Janesville.
For more information about the
Madison VA Hospital, visit www.
madison.va.gov or www.facebook.
com/MadisonVAHospital.
PAGE 6
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
The Last
Bugle
3 Antigo
Ben Hoerman
II
John Fermanich II
William Kidd
K
4 Athens
John Braun
K
8 Waukesha
Merlin Nader
II
Calvin Castner K
10 Wausau
August Wendorf II
Melvin Wilke
K
Dwayne Russ
II
11 Green Bay
Elmo Reed
II
13 Richland Center
Robert Bailey
K
17 Arcadia
Ralph Haines
II
21 Kenosha
Edward Jenkins II
26 Baraboo
Roger Stieve
V
27 Milwaukee
Edward Heffner II
A J Citro
II
32 Menomonie
Alfred Olson
II
33 Neenah
Donald Gomoll II
38 Appleton
Gerald Wyhoski V
Paul Hertziger
II
Earl Grelson
K
40 Bangor
Rodney Neumann V
George Kapanke K
42 Platteville
Patrick Kemnitzer V
44 Wabeno
Edward Shacklett K
Gaylord Johnson II
Joseph Mattson K
46 Merrill
Russell Scheu
V
47 Portage
George Anacker K
Russell Hurd
II
51 West Salem
Mannard Jacobson K
53 Eau Claire
Willard Breden II
Paul Schmidt
II
Cecil Jenson
II
Francis Carr
II
Harrison Tietz
II
54 Marshfield
Marvin Wienke K
Max Nelles
II
Gene Loos
V
60 Kimberly
Edward Klarner II
Eugene DeBruin K
Robert Olive
II
65 Rome
Andrew DeFelice V
70 Oshkosh
Richard Shields K
71 Pewaukee
Dennis Gerke
79 Burlington
Norman Scherrer K
Herbert Lukas
II
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80 New Richmond
Cyrel Frye
II
83 Sheboygan
Allen Wangemann II
Norman Voigt
II
Elroy Miller
K
85 Muscoda
Charles Gray
II
89 Minocqua
Donald Fredenhagen K
Vito Defrancisco V
94 Crandon
Win Abney
II
95 Delavan
Robert Gallup
II
Franklin Stoneburner K
William Cummings II
105 Shullsburg
Joseph Shepherd V
106 Seymour
Carlton Stellmacher II
120 West Allis
Robert Strommen II
William Leahy V
128 Stockbridge
Elroy Hegewald K
133 Camp Douglas
Walter Koppa
K
136 Niagara
James Gussert
146 Beaver Dam
Earl Farwell
II
149 Sheboygan Falls
Richard Gilsdorf II
152 Menasha
John Helms
II
153 Pittsville
John Peaslee
II
154 Mondovi
Orville Roetter K
155 Westby
Burton Iverson K
Marlowe Nelson K
Herbert Olson
II
Randolph Constalie II
Norman Rose
K
Blaine Haugen II
Harlan Fremstad II
LaVern Thompson K
Eddie Fredrick K
Lincoln Stafslien V
Earl Deaver
II
Howard Johnson II
Alton Berger
II
Merwin Bjornstad K
Harlan Johnson V
Merle McSchooler V
Verlyn Sagmoen II
Larry Nustad
V
Curtis Nelson
K
Ernest Erlandson K
Harley May
II
Argyle Hagen
V
Gaylen Brudos V
Richard Goss
II
Owen Koch
K
Orbeck Larson II
Alan Aspenson K
Marvin Bakkestuen II
Leo Olson
II
Myron Storbakken II
Harlan Olson
K
Rudolph Berger II
Thomas Jacobson V
156 Fond du Lac
Eugene Becker II
158 Vietnam
Robert Zich
V
167 Sauk City
Harley Lichtenwalner K
169 Amery
Joseph Roberts II
Gregg Judge
V
175 Loyal
George Foelsch K
Earl Tieman
II
Donald Cole
II
176 Weyauwega
Roy Anderson
II
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180 Milwaukee
Kenneth Schmidt
182 Park Falls
Dale Falstad
V
184 Fennimore
Kenneth Adams K
Mark Napp
II
James Lomas
K
188 East Troy
Robert Welch
K
198 Marion
Alex Kroening K
205 Janesville
Paul Finley
K
Thomas Karleski K
207 Elmwood
Frank Binkowski V
210 Waupun
Clarence Zarndt II
Carl Neumann
K
Walter Riel
II
215 Pardeeville
Wayne Walker
II
216 Lodi
Roger Clemens K
220 Soldiers Grove
Doyle Lombard V
James Nutter
K
Marvin Peterson K
226 Manawa
Robert McCarville V
233 Waterloo
George Wolfe
V
Gene Shepard
II
Joe Haberman
K
238 Greenwood
Robert Henchen II
Floyd Plautz
K
246 Genoa
Robert Johnston II
251 Argyle
Paul Phillipson II
258 Little Chute
Leonard Verhasselt K
262 Luxemburg
Leonard Zimmer V
Richard Cmeyla II
280 Coleman
Robert Cudnohufsky II
282 Markesan
Charles Ondrejka K
286 Oostburg
Lloyd Tendolle K
288 Cedarburg
Kenneth Jones
II
Chester Jeziorski II
294 Hartland
Dennis Leonard V
301 Woodville
Stephen Sabol
V
306 Green Lake
Dewilton Ladwig II
Jerry Bartow
V
308 Gays Mills
Patrick Boland V
315 Stoddard
Erling Helgeson K
329 Briggsville
Clark Petersen
K
Thomas Duddy K
351 Montello
Lacey Dewitt
K
359 Gilman
Walter Scholbrock II
360 Waunakee
Paul Syftestad
II
James Endres
V
361 Wilmot
John Rausch
V
Frank Rausch
II
366 Princeton
John Weiske
K
372 Forestville
Merrill Peters
K
375 Mukwonago
Lawrence Lutwitzi II
Richard Schwall V
377 Elcho
Raymond Krueger K
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SEPTEMBER
JANUARY 22,
25, 2015
2014
382 Menomonee Falls
John Schleicher II
Rufus Peterson K
394 Loretta
Gary Grinnell
V
401 Cambria
Russell Rataczak V
417 French Island
Kenneth Davidson II
434 Oak Creek
David Kenealy V
David Paradise V
436 Wrightstown
Robert Stadler
II
440 Clinton
Ira Williams
II
Ivan Risseeuw
K
446 Steuben
Donald Watters V
449 Brookfield
Harold Fleenor V
454 Mt Calvary
Evelyn Sippel
II
Lawrence Mueller V
455 Milwaukee
Patrick Reidy
II
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457 Mequon-Thiensville
Charles Smith
II
469 Marathon
Roland Hall
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Charles Stieber K
481 Madison
Robert Imhoff
II
Donald Welch
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483 Allenton
Allen Zautcke
K
Thomas Hartley K
488 New Berlin
Louis Macakanja V
494 Caledonia
Ernest Westrich II
Arnold Volz
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501 Madison
Maurice Reese II
Roland Paul
II
Dwight BeaversonK
518 Green Bay
Clement Bastien II
519 Stetsonville
William Spreen K
534 McFarland
DonaldQuandt V
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Who Will Help You?
Today’s travel can involve unexpected financial risks.
But you’re GUARANTEED help in case there’s a medical
emergency away from home.
The Legionnaire Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+)
Program offers you and your family security you need
while traveling. EA+ delivers high-value benefits to
protect you such as:
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This information is only an overview of the plan’s features. Terms & Conditions apply.
©2014 Worldwide Rescue & Security
34932
Please see the February Issue for
all of the Midwinter Highlights
along with a listing of 2015
Midwinter Sweepstakes Winners!
E
O F WI S
CO
100%
IN
POST COMMANDERS
14
5
munity. Mark your calendar for
April 18th and support their
event for Denise’s campaign.
More details will follow in the
next edition of the Badger Legionnaire.
Past Department Commander
Ted DeMicchi is working hard
on the Golf
Outing scheduled for June
25, 2015 in
Reedsburg
at the Reedsburg Country
Club. More
information
will be coming soon but
we ask that
you “save the
date” on your
calendar
so
that you don’t
miss this fun summer event. Ted
has promised us some exciting
prizes for each hole with a major prize for a hole-in-one. Denise has told us that she is not a
golfer but that she will ride with
the drink cart for the day and
make sure no one gets dehydrated! We hope to see you there.
We continue to sell raffle
tickets for our American Legion Centennial pistol. If you
would like information on how
you can get tickets to buy or
to sell or other ways you can
help Denise raise the funds
she needs to run a successful
campaign for National Commander you can contact her at
(608)225-7253, deniserohan@
tds.net or by mail at: Denise
Rohan for National Commander, PO Box 930100, Verona, WI
53593-0100.
RIT
20
The Campaign for Wisconsin’s Candidate for National
Commander is excited about
all of the support Denise has
received from posts across the
state.
The whole American Legion
Family of Post/Unit/Squadron No. 52
is having a
dinner
and
dance fundraising event
on February
14, 2015 at
their post in
La
Crosse.
The evening
starts
with
a roast beef
dinner from
4:00 to 7:00
PM and the
Seven River
Jazz Band will kick off the
dance at 8:00 PM until 11:00.
Denise will be there and hopes
that all Legion Family members will come out for a fun
evening.
Cross Plains American Legion Family is planning a fundraising dinner from 4:00 to
9:00 PM on April 11, 2015 at
their post. If you’ve never been
to their post for a meal you
are really missing out on some
great food. Stop out and talk
with Denise and see the new
renovations at the post.
The following week Stoughton American Legion Family is
planning a dinner also at their
beautiful clubhouse at 803
North Page Street in Stoughton.
The post has worked hard to
transform their new clubhouse
into a show piece for the com-
PI
PAGE 7
NS
Campaign for Wisconsin’s
Candidate for
National Commander
S
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
TH
JANUARY 22, 2015
20
1
Post No. 461 • Pembine
Rodger French and Ed White
Post No. 479 • Milwaukee
William Strong
Post No. 65 • Rome
Jim Kitchen
Post No. 30 • Edgerton
Allen Decker
Post No. 153 • Pittsville
Marvin Kummer
Post No. 138 • Virooqua
Pedar Swanson
Post No. 520 • Vesper
Ron Swensen
Post No. 506 • Iron River
Art Booth
Post No. 468 • Milladore
Tom Hollar
Post No. 234 • Omro
David Steinert
Legion Riders Play Santa at Union Grove Veterans Home
Members of the 1st District
Chapter of the Legion Riders of Wisconsin spent some
quality time at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union
Grove this past holiday season where they presented gift
certificates to the residents of
Boland Hall. Pictured here are
the Riders serving root beer
floats at the Christmas Party
held on December 13th.