American Legion Celebration of Freedom 2020 by Madison.com

CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2020

A publication by Capital Newspapers

SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

AMERICAN LEGION HEADQUARTERS 2930 American Legion Dr. | PORTAGE, WISCONSIN 8 AM POW:MIA Silent March 9 AM to 2 PM Blood Drive

E HOUNDS 2-5 PM ★ TH

Children’s Activities Museum Tours Program Displays Food and Beer Garden

6-9:30 PM ★ R OAD TRIP

THE EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

1 ★

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

Thank You!

Thank you for your past and continued support of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin Celebration of Freedom. My name is David Wischer, and I am the Department (State) Commander. While this year’s event may be smaller in size due to Covid-19, the event will be the place to be on Saturday, September 12th. I look forward to seeing everyone there, and hope that everyone has a great time experiencing what The American Legion has to offer. We currently have in excess of 70,000 members within the Department American Legion Family. These members continue to serve in their communities by their involvement in many of The American Legion programs. As Commander, it is my pleasure to travel to many communities where The American Legion is the center for information concerning issues important to not only our fellow veterans, but also the children and youth of this “Great” nation. Camp American Legion, Badger Boy’s State, Legion Baseball, our Oratorical contest, Junior Shooting Sports and the Wisconsin

American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy, are just a few of the many programs that The American Legion has a long history of providing. With what The American Legion has to offer to so many people, it makes sense to belong to an organization that upholds the “Values and Pride” of being an American. The goals that we have are for all concerned. When these goals are reached, it is then that we will move “Forward Together”. Join and see the difference that The American Legion is making! Very Respectfully; David Wischer The American Legion Department Commander

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

Celebration of Freedom 2020

Thank you so much for supporting our Veterans and continuing this year’s “Celebration of Freedom 2020”. My name is Nathan Gear, Department Adjutant for The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin. Working with the Department Commander, we set goals striving for excellence within the Veteran Service Organization. Part of these goals includes modernizing and professionalizing our services across the state as we march into the next 100 years. We owe it to our Legion Family (The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and American Legion Riders) to provide excellent service to our veterans, their families and their communities. When asked what do I like most about my position, “I enjoy speaking to veterans and their families.” So many great people of passion represent our Legion Family from all generations and each one is unique. I love the stories and camaraderie which make up an important piece of our Wisconsin Legacy.

family.” Legion Wisconsin has something for the whole family to be part of and proud of: youth programs, Camp American Legion, Badger Boys, American Legion Baseball, Junior Shooting Sports, Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy, and many more. The Legion has over 500 Posts across the state, making it convenient to serve in your local community.

Veterans Wanted, God Bless! Nathan Gear Visit us at wilegion.org.

When asked, “Why should I become member of Legion Wisconsin?” I say, “Where should I start? There are so many great programs that educate, engage, and provide services to our

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

CAMP AMERICAN LEGION Camp American Legion has been operated by The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin since 1925 in conjunction with the State of Wisconsin - Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Located on 300 acres of pristine lakefront property in Oneida County, Camp American Legion is nestled within the heart of The American Legion State Forest. Comprised of 19 cabins, a main lodge, a women’s quarters, recreational building, and main chapel providing an ideal setting for veterans, those still serving and their families to rest, recover and reconnect in a safe place.

In 2018, The American Legion Family, along with other generous supporters of Camp American Legion, identified a need for cabin dedicated to helping Gold Star Families who have endured unimaginable loss and hardship heal. Funds for The American Legion Family Cabin have been raised and is currently under construction.

Camp American Legion has and continues to serve and support patients of Veterans Administration hospitals, clinics; PTSD

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groups, long term care groups, community support programs, mental health intensive care management groups, spinal cord groups and more.

“Thank you for working so hard to make this an enjoyable experience. Without the chance to come to camp and engage with other veterans, I would likely continue to isolate.”

Camp has also built collaborative working re– James, lationships with Veteran Camper many programs whose sole focus is helping our “High-Risk, Suicide Ideation” veterans by creating supportive, “Battle Buddy” type programs to help these veterans and their families heal in a Camp American Northwoods en- Legion has operated by The American L vironment. of Camp Department Wisconsin since conjunction with the DNR and American Legion Camp continues to support pati VAishospitals, taking anclinics; active PTSD group term care groups, mental role in stopping intensive care management and Camp American Legi themore. high number also built collaborative w of veterans ac- many pro relationships and with whose solemilitary focus is helping our tive duty Risk, Suicide Ideation" vetera from taking their creating supportive, "Battle B type to help these ve ownprograms lives.

and their families heal in a North environment. Camp attendan increased by 38% since 2014, s over 1,100 veterans and their f last year, at no cost to them.

The American Legion is a not-for-profit Veteran Service Organization (VSO) chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 and is the nation's largest wartime VSO. The American Legion was founded on 4 pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, Children & Youth. Each of these pillars encompasses a variety of programs that benefit our nation's veterans, its service members, their families, the youth of American and ordinary citizens. These programs make a difference in hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Under the National Security pillar, Legion Wisconsin works with WI National Guard units and the Family Readiness Teams to make sure military families are taken care of here at home while their service members are deployed. In 2019 alone, over $35,000 scholarships were awarded to youth in various Legion Wisconsin programs.

r u o Y r o F

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The American Legion, Department of Wis Service Office is among the best in the coun 2019 the Service Office performed over client services, totaling over 393 million do

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

BADGER BOYS STATE

A program to change a lifetime, Badger Boys State educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. During the program, high school students between their junior and senior years learn how our government system works by creating their own city, county, and state level governments. Over 850 participants leave feeling inspired by the lifelong lessons and relationships developed at Badger Boys State.

Students Badger Boys State strives to inspire the best representatives from each high school to return to their communities as more impactful leaders. Badger Boys State is not a government, military or sports camp; it is a week-long opportunity for you to learn about civic responsibility and leadership.

You and 850 young leaders will leave feeling inspired by the lifelong lessons and relationships developed at Badger Boys State.

Sponsors All 850 participants who attend Badger Boys State are 100% funded by donations. For the upcoming session, the cost to sponsor a student is $400. We greatly appreciate the generosity of all our sponsors, who help make our program successful year after year. Why Should You or Your Organization Sponsor a Delegate? By sponsoring participants, you will be providing future leaders with lifelong les

“Badger Boys State was the most transformative week of my life. My over 800 peers and I spent our days learning about how our state government is run and perusing government topics that interest us, while also making time to do competitive sports and run a campaign or two. I would recommend Badger Boys State to any Junior who cares about improving themselves and learning in unique and immersive way. “ Dylan Bradley , 2019 BBS Governor.

Thank You

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

sons that will benefit participants and their communities for years to come. Colleges and universities, military academies, and employers view Badger Boys State participation as a sign of an individual’s strong leadership abilities and character. Sponsorship covers all costs for an emerging leader to attend the program, with the exception of transportation to and from Ripon College. Because Badger Boys State is fully funded by sponsorships, students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic status have an equal opportunity to attend. 2021 Session The 2021 Badger Boys Session will be held June 12 – 19, 2021 at Ripon College. For more information on the program or how to become a sponsor, visit our website, badgerboysstate.org. or call The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, (608)745-1090.

“The program transformed me, not just because of the politics, it was about the public service. Everyone will gain something remarkable from this experience by being around great leaders” Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker – 1985 Badger Boys State citizen and Boys Nation attendee

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ “Badger Boys State was truly a life-changing week for me. It provided a thrilling, and educational experience that will last a lifetime. BBS transformed my view on self-governance and the importance of performing my civic duty.” Luke D. – 2016 Badger Boys State citizen

k n a Th You To All the Men and Women Women ome For Your Commitment Sacrifice and Service!

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

JUNIOR SHOOTING SPORTS

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program that encompasses the basic elements of safety, education, enjoyment and competition.

All phases of the Individual and Team postal match will be conducted in accordance with this Official Match program and the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle rules. The Department of Wisconsin’s Junior Shooting Sports Program begins November 1 and ends on March 1 of the following year. Purpose A postal match offers junior air rifle shooters a competition designed to encourage and reward individual marksmanship skills. The match can be shot at a club range without a lot of expense or travel. This Department Postal Match is separate from the National competition.

Eligibility- Who May Compete Entry in either the Individual or Team Postal match is limited to competitors who are active members of a Junior Shooting Club sponsored by or affiliated with an American Legion Post. A representative from a sponsoring Post MUST be present when the match is fired.

An individual may enter this match only once per this postal tournament. Any person between the ages of 8 to 18 years is eligible to compete. This postal match is for the Sporter category only. Individual Categories: 3P Sporter—Beginner, 8-11 years old 3P Sporter—Junior, 12-14 years old 3P Sporter—Senior, 15-18* years old *An athlete may compete until August 31 of the year they graduate from high school

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Team Teams of four (4) participants must register BEFORE the match is shot. The team match is an unfired match generated by the fired scores of four participating individuals. Shooters may fire on only one team per this postal tournament. Awards Each competitor will receive a participation medal from Headquarters. Trophies will be awarded for first place in each age category. A trophy will be awarded to highest team score (total of top four scores from one club). Scholarships will be awarded to the 3 highest individual match scores in the Senior category (15-18 yrs. old) as follows: 1st place - $1,000; 2nd place - $750; 3rd place - $250. For more details, contact The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin by calling (608)745-1090 or visit our website, wilegion.

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

The American Legion Oratorical Program

The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is “A Constitutional Speech Contest” which presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The Oratorical Program is open to all area high school students. Each participant must be sponsored by a local Legion Post. The contests begin at the local or post level, with the opportunity for participants to advance to the county, district, regional, state and, ultimately, the national level.

constitutional topic. There are four assigned topics and, because they are randomly selected by the Oratorical Chairman at each competition, students must be prepared to speak on all of them.

The use of notes, props, a lectern, prompting of any type, and amplification devices are not allowed during the actual oratorical presentations.

Each contestant delivers two orations, the first being a prepared eight to 10-minute oration about some phase of the Constitution of the United States, emphasizing the duties and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.

“The American Legion’s High School Oratorical Program is designed to instill a greater knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States. Other objectives include the development of leadership, the ability to think and speak clearly and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. This year the National Oratorical winner will be awarded a $25,000 scholarship.”

The second oration consists of a three to five-minute speech on a randomly assigned

– Robert Stone – Wisconsin American Legion Oratorical Chair

We Salute Those Who Serve

It is our pleasure and our privilege to serve and salute our veterans. To the men and women in our community and around the country who have sacrificed to protect our freedom, we thank you greatly for your service.

We have and Always will give anyone with a military ID

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020 Participants are ranked by a panel of qualified judges whose decision is final. Specific rules for breaking possible ties are strictly adhered to. Scholarship Opportunities: District winners qualify for Regional Competition Participants eliminated at the Regional level receive $600

Three Regional Winners receive $1000 and compete for the State title The State 2nd runner up receives an additional $1000 The State 1st runner up receives an additional $1500 The Department Winner receives an additional $2000 *Additional scholarship awards are presented to participants speaking at the National level

“The American Legion did more than just pave a path to my education and future through financial scholarships. It helped me develop a skillset and passion that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Through The American Legion Oratorical Contest, I was able to advance my public speaking & literary comprehension skills, historical & civic knowledge, time management & writing, as well as many other academic, personal, and social improvements. But most of all, The American Legion gave me a place, a competition, and a group of kids where I felt at home.” Braiya N. – 2020 Wisconsin American Legion Oratorical Contest winner

The 84th Annual High School Oratorical Regional and Final Contests are tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Todd Wehr Building on the Ripon College Campus.

Plans are being made for the 2021 contest. The assigned topics and rules are posted on our website –https://wilegion.org/oratorical-scholarships/. Contact The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin (608) 745-1090 for more details.

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy The Participants The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, along with their sponsors holds a Law Enforcement Career Academy open to 52 Wisconsin high school juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing. Students should also be of good moral character and possess a desire to learn about law enforcement professions. The program provides hands on experiences and insight into the operations of law enforcement agencies. The instructors are law enforcement professionals who are subject matter experts. The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin has partnered with the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy to use their training facility at Ft. McCoy. The academy is 5 days, cadets stay in the dorms of the academy. There is no cost to the cadets, the academy is supported by our generous sponsors.

students in the program. Applications will be available January 4, 2021 at https:// wilegion.org/walleca/ with a deadline of February 21, 2021. Call (608) 745-1090 with any questions. The Sponsorship Process Any individual, civic organization, or business can be a sponsor of this program. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this great program, call The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin (608) 745-1090 for more details.

The Curriculum

• Crimes against Children

• Physical Fitness

• Firearms

• Drug/OWI Enforcement

• Human Traﬃcking

• Crime Scene Investigation

• Ethics

• Crash Investigation

The Application Process The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin will select, approve and place

• Computer Crimes

“The academy really helped me learn discipline with any job in emergency services and helped me learn a lot about all different fields I could pursue within law enforcement. I cannot thank all of the people involved enough for the experience the law enforcement career academy gave me.” - Madison, K. 2019 WALLECA graduate

Thank You to all the Men and Women for their Commitment and Sacrifce!

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

“As a law enforcement officer for 29 years and as a Legionnaire for 25 years, WALLECA has given me a greater sense of purpose. I’m truly blessed to be a part of the team that delivers this program for The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin. This program has introduced me to Wisconsin’s future law enforcement leaders. The drive and determination displayed during our program will surely propel them to be leaders in the field. These young people are focused, respectful, hardworking, and hungry for knowledge. The cadets are stellar examples of their communities. Canceling this year’s session in the midst of a pandemic was the hardest decision I had to make as a Legionnaire.” Ozaukee County Sheriff Jim Johnson, WALLECA Director of Training

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

The American Legion Americanism and Government Scholarship Program

Purpose: To promote “Americanism”, love of country, knowledge of government and allegiance to the U.S. flag to our youth. Eligible students are tested on their knowledge of U.S., Wisconsin and County Governments, the U.S. Constitution and flag etiquette. What Is It? The test consists of 50 questions; true/false, multiple choice, matching, and an essay question that must be answered in order to qualify for the scholarships. Students are not allowed to use outside resources for answers while taking this test.

Who Is Eligible? Any student in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in any public, private, parochial or homeschooled within the State of Wisconsin may participate. Students may only take the test

1 time per year; however, students may participate all 3 years and be eligible for the scholarships for multiple years.

The test is available online in the Spring of 2021. Students Register online when taking the test. The test link is found at: https://wilegion.org/scholarship-opportunities-are-here/ The link is only active during the test window.

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Scholarships

Annually, 33 students throughout the State of Wisconsin are awarded scholarships selected by the Americanism Committee of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin. The following scholarships are awarded:

11 students in Grade 10 receive a $250 scholarship 11 students in Grade 11 receive a $300 scholarship 11 students in Grade 12 receive a $750 scholarship For more information contact The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin (608) 745-1090 or check out our website at wilegion.org

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

At the end of the civil war the care of veterans became a state issue. Soldier’s homes were located in several states including Wisconsin. President Lincoln signed the authorization for the Soldier’s home in Milwaukee. It is located on the current grounds of the VA hospital and VA regional office. The Old Soldier’s Home is currently being restored to once again provide service to veterans. As so often happens when the WWI veterans returned home, the public did not want to provide the cost of needed care. There was a high suicide rate among the returning soldiers. It was called shell shock at the time. Many more had been subject to chlorine gas or mustard gas. This resulted in many respiratory problems upon return. We had almost 5 million veterans return to overload the existing healthcare system.

The Legion was not idle after this. We had to safe guard the gains made. We were also active on several other fronts. This was a time of a shrinking economy and veterans were suffering alongside of everyone else.

1943

The American Legion decided that the nation needed a national system to care for disabled and indigent veterans. Since 1639 the care of veterans fell on the local community or colony. This started in the Plymouth colony after the war with Pequot, a native American nation.

The American Legion saw this and within 2 years of receiving its charter from Congress wrote and delivered the nation’s leadership, a report on the state of veteran’s healthcare and the facilities used. It was hoped that veterans would no longer be housed in facilities for mentally challenged children. This report and the pressure exerted by The American Legion brought the issue out into the light of day. Aug. 9, 1921: The Legion’s efforts result in the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, forerunner of the Veterans Administration. The Bureau was elevated to Administration status during the Hoover Administration and finally to cabinet level during the Reagan Administration.

1937

The American Legion began advocating for veterans as the first order of business after its founding in 1919. The veterans of the great war returned from France just after the benefits for Civil War Veterans peaked. The country wanted to cut spending on veterans’ benefits.

1921

1919

American Legion Legislative Timeline

July 2, 1937: The American Legion fights for, and gets, approval for 24-hour guarding of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The “sentinels” of the tomb are members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” which originated in the Revolutionary War. From midnight July 2, 1937, through today, the tomb is continuously guarded, regardless of conditions.

In 1943 The American Legion wrote the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act. This bill is known as the GI Bill and is considered by some to be the most significant piece of legislation since the 1862 Homestead Act. This legislation is responsible for increasing the standard of living and creating the middle class. It is said that for every dollar the government spent on education it received seen dollars back in tax revenue. This also provided unemployment payments to returning veterans although at a lower payment than non-veterans. This is also the start of the veteran home loan program which is unchanged since 1944.

2020

CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

The advocacy of The American Legion continues to this day. We have a broad agenda that we work with Congress and the administration on. We monitor conditions in the VA hospitals to ensure proper implementation of new statutes and administrative law. We work to ensure our women veterans are able to get the care they need in appropriate settings. We advocate for a strong defense as that will deter aggression and protect the nation. We always strive to improve the lives of not only veterans and their families but also current members of the armed and naval forces. That is why we support legislation to ensure the Coast Guard gets paid during those times of government shutdown. Why should someone who retired from the military see their retirement pay reduced because they are receiving disability compensation from the Veterans Administration or a widow who is receiving Survivor Benefit Payments from the spouse’s retirement pay see that reduced because of his disability status. We are continuing to correct these unfair practices.

That American Legion is not only active on the National scene but also here in Wisconsin. The benefits veterans receive here are some of the most generous in the nation. These benefits range from educational benefits to the state operated veteran homes. The programs administered by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs must be monitored to ensure they serve the current veterans and their families. The American Legion has been active on many bills that not only support veterans, service members, and their families but also the state and its economy. This past session there were bills we supported that recognized out of state professional certifications of military and veteran spouses. This enables them to contribute to the Wisconsin economy at a higher level. Many members of the National Guard are also students in either the University or technical college system. We supported legislation to protect their academic status while deployed. We also supported legislation to protect those going to school and the federal

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GI bill payments that go to the school from financial in the event of a Federal Government shutdown. The American Legion has been walking the halls of both the congress and the state capital for over 100 years to advocate for veterans and their families. This has resulted in a better quality of life for many veterans. It has supported them through the unique challenges they face and at the same time strengthened the communities they call home. Most Recently: American Legion National Commander James “Bill” Oxford called on the White House to extend federal orders to thousands of members of the National Guard whose current deployments in coronavirus relief efforts fall one day short of the 90-day period required to obtain many benefits including home loans, education and retirement. For which the President responded by extending National Guard orders authorizing domestic coronavirus response missions through mid-August.

For a Legion Timeline go to https://www.legion.org/history

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

The American Legion Service Office The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, Veterans Service Officer and seven support staff work tirelessly to assist veterans and their families with VA disability benefits, provide referrals, resources on education, employment, business, death benefits and other important topics. The Department Service Office annual operating budget is approximately $400,000. The economic impact of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin’s Service Office is extraordinary. In 2019 our Service Office performed over 30,000 client services totaling over $393 million dollars in earned benefits. Resulting in a successful future for these Veterans and their families, while impacting their communities. “Your Service Office is proud, knowing that veterans, war widows(ers) and orphans will receive their due benefits and possibly one day a college education because we were able to help.”

The American Legion, Department of WI, Veteran Service Office located at the VA Regional Office in Milwaukee, WI.

“Thank you Mitchell for all the hard work that you put into my claims. I am very fortunate to have the VA American Legion help me through this process. Thank you and the staff for staying open during COVID19 to keep working on claims. I would probably still be waiting in turmoil for a decision. You and the staff are certainly my HEROES! Stay healthy and safe during these uncertain times. God Bless You All and God Bless America.” - Sincerely, USN Veteran

To whom it may concern, I, Joseph Tripp (7168), served 4 years Active Duty and 1-year reserves in the United States Marine Corps and accumulated some injuries during this time. Upon my exit from military service I had reported to the VA Benefits Office and started working with one of the organizations on trying to get my injuries service connected. Fortunately, that organization was able to help me get service connected for some of my issues , but not all of them. That organization then went through personnel changes and I felt I was no longer getting the same assistance I had before. I had asked for assistance with increase and new claims, but just kept getting the same assistance I had before. I had asked for assistance with increases and new claims, but just kept getting the run-around. This is when I started asking around and was advised by other co-workers/veterans that I should try speaking to The American Legion Office located at the Milwaukee VA Regional Office. I am very glad I listened to my co-workers/veterans and spoke to them. Immediately after speaking with the Veterans Service Officers I switched my claims file from the other organization to The American Legion. They assisted me in eventually getting my Service Connection Rating from 60% to 80%. Over time some of my service connections became worse, at which time I again spoke to The American Legion Office. They were again extremely helpful in this process. They didn’t make me feel like another number just trying to get money, but a proud veteran that had honorably served my time and unfortunately had some serious medical issues. The Veterans Service Officer sat down with me and went over each thing I was already service connected for to see what might rate an increase and any new claims. They even had me sign an ”Intent to File” letter right away so that the date filed was from that date and not a later date while I gathered information. With The American Legion’s guidance my Disability Rating was recently raised to 100%. I feel without The American Legion’s assistance I would probably still be rated at 60%. Also because of this office (Milwaukee American Legion Office) I finally joined as a full member of The American Legion. Respectfully,

Joseph S. Tripp

CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020 Camp American Legion has been operated by The American Legion, To whom it may concern, Department of Wisconsin since 1925 in conjunction with DNR and WDVA. I have been employed at the VA for 13the years as a psychiatrist Camp continues to support patients of which includesVA requests from my Veterans to support theirlong hospitals, clinics; PTSD groups, service connection This has not been mental easy and thehealth termclaim. care groups, management direction fromintensive our chain of care command is to do nothing,groups “All more. Camp American Legion has the necessary and information is the medical record. Yet, this does also built collaborative working not serve the Veteran’s best interest and they are oft en left in relationships with many programs the middle of whose VHA andsole VBA.focus is helping our "HighRisk, Suicide Ideation" veterans by There is one person I rely on to navigate the"Battle system andBuddy" succreating supportive, type to help veterans cessfully address the programs service connection needsthese of my Veterans: and their families Legion. heal inHea isNorthwoods Mitch Woytych from The American consistent, environment. Camp attendance has reliable, assertive, and more knowledgeable about the increased by 38% since 2014, workserving ings of VBA than anyone I have everand worked with.families Perover 1,100else veterans their last year, attraining no cost to the them. haps that is a product of his with 82nd Airborne.

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT OUR VETERANS!

Voted Best Hamburgers In Town! Camp AmericanPIZZAS Legion has been HOMEMADE operated by The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin since 1925 in & BEST COCKTAILS! conjunction with the DNR and WDVA. Camp continues to support patients of

VA hospitals, clinics; PTSD groups, long Happy Hour Drink term care groups, mental health intensive care management groups and more. Camp American Legion has Specials, Menu working also built Full collaborative

relationships with many programs whose sole focus is helping our "HighRisk, Suicide Ideation" veterans by creating supportive, "Battle Buddy" type programs to help these veterans and their families heal in a Northwoods environment. Camp attendance has increased by 38% since 2014, serving over 1,100 veterans and their families last year, at no cost to them.

412 E Wisc. St., Portage • 608-742-6424

Whatever it is, we need more service officers like him.

Respectfully, Michael McBride, MD Staff Psychiatrist

Legion Wisconsin Service Office

30,000+

Annual Operating Budget

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Benefits Earned

393 MILLION

IN EARNED BENEFITS

The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin Service Office is among the best in the country. In 2019 the Service Office performed over 30,000 client services, totaling over 393 million dollars in earned benefits, all at no charge to the veteran. Benefits include: Education Vocational Rehabilitation Burial Compensation Pension Death Pension Automobile Allowances Dependent Indemnity Compensation The Legion Wisconsin Service Office also assists veterans with obtaining awards, decorations, as well as applying for discharge upgrades. "Your Service Office is proud, knowing that veterans, war widow(ers) an orphans will receive their due benefits and possibly one day a college education because we were able to help."

Thank you for your Service and Commitment!

544-4471 West of Sauk City

Ser ving your area since 1982

The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin Service Office is among the best in the country. In 2019 the Service Office performed over 30,000 client services, totaling over 393 million dollars in earned benefits, all at no charge to the veteran. Matthew R. Olson, D.D.S. • Brian M. Hart, D.D.S. Benefits include: Education Vocational Rehabilitation Burial Compensation 225 Gunderson Drive • Portage, WI 53901 Pension Death Pension 608-742-3272 Automobile Allowances Dependent Indemnity Compensation www.hartolsonfamilydentistry.com The Legion Wisconsin Service Office also assists veterans with obtaining awards, decorations, as well as applying for discharge upgrades. "Your Service Office is proud, knowing that veterans, war widow(ers) an orphans will receive their due benefits and possibly one day a college education because we were able to help."

Hart & Olson Family Dentistry

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CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020

WHY YOU SHOULD BELONG

The American Legion is a not-for-profit Veterans Service Organization chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919. We’ve been around for over 100 years!

The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in your communities, advocating Americanism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. The American Legion focuses on Family and Community.

The American Legion Family consists of: 1. The American Legion 2. Sons of the American Legion (SAL) 3. American Legion Auxiliary 4. American Legion Riders-(Members of riders must be members of The American Legion, Auxiliary or Sons)

The American Legion provides life-changing assistance and guidance for veterans, military personnel, their families and communities in thousands of ways every day around the world. Help comes in the form of personal assistance, cash grants, donated goods, disaster relief, labor, networking, volunteerism and advocacy.

The American Legion offers Special Discounts for being a member-car rentals, home services, financial and insurance, medical, moving and relocation, travel and other industries-you can got to legion.org/discounts for the entire listing.

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

See some of the why’s why others joined The American Legion “When I go VA hosp t sick and was in ita from Vie l after I came h the ome tnam, T he A Legion A uxilary c merican ame to took suc visit and h joined t good care of m he Ame e rican Le , so I gion.” - Jim Ch apin , Past St ate Com mander

th father and bo “To Thank my e. for their servic grandfathers youth so they To Teach our . To Honor my know the truth e des. To Preserv ra m m co n e ll fa ry on/post histo our organizati shments. “ and accompli o gela & Ech - Post 243, An

“My wh y isAmerican to give bLegion has been the sCamp ack all Legion, upport by The operated American ouofr m Wisconsin since 1925 in familDepartment il it ry and WDVA. y gave u with theaDNR conjunction s whetonsupport patients of continues little bCamp our groups, long VA clinics; PTSD oyhospitals, p a s s e term care dgroups, health a We wilintensive w ay. mental groups l contin care management u and more. Camp American Legion has e tcollaborative becausalso o serve working e we built a r e blewith many programs a part orelationships ssisedhelping whose to beour "Highf a b sole gerfocus Risk, ig Suicide Ideation" veterans by F A M ILY.”"Battle creating supportive, Buddy"

type programs to help these veterans - Uheal and their families nkn inwanNorthwoods environment. Camp o attendance has increased by 38% since 2014, serving over 1,100 veterans and their families last year, at no cost to them.

Legion Wisconsin Service Office

CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 2020 Even National Recording Country Artist and Marine, Josh Gracin is a member of The American Legion. Please contact The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin Headquarters at 2930 American Legion Dr., Portage, WI 53901. Phone 608-745-1090 or email Chris@wilegion.org for joining or helping find a current post.

Not just today, but every single day,

Thank You

for serving America with honor, courage and commitment

Thank You!

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