Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin, October-November 2019

Badger &“Wisconsin”

aire

October/November 2019

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.

Celebration of Freedom with The Wisconsin American Legion

Ralph Snake moved from panel to panel, stopping at each to salute the inscribed names of those who could not be in Portage, Wis., last weekend because they did not come home alive from the Vietnam War. “It’s a legacy – a sad legacy, but it’s a legacy,” the Andrew Blackhawk American Legion Post 129 chaplain told hundreds who gathered last Thursday for the opening ceremony of a Celebration of Freedom by The American Legion Foundation of Wisconsin Sept. 4-8 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Portage.

“We’re here because of veterans, like these gentlemen on the wall.”

The 360-foot American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall, which displays the names of 58,282 U.S. troops who died during the war, is a mobile replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. (The American Legion was the largest financial contributor to the memorial on the National Mall, dedicated in 1982.)

The Celebration of Freedom featured a pavilion filled with American Legion

exhibits and booths, including the 100th Anniversary Observance Committee’s 160-foot traveling chronology tracing the organization’s first century and “The Greatest Legislation: An American Legion Salute to the GI Bill,” which has been traveling the country for more than two years.

Native American veterans from three area posts opened the celebration Thursday. Drums, traditional dancing and a sagesmoke blessing of the wall

by Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle and Kirk DeCora, a HoChunk member and veteran whose brother’s name is on the wall. Elliott DeCora, Kirk DeCora’s brother, lost his life at age 20 on Aug. 16, 1968, during a firefight in Quang Tri. Snake said after his salute of all panels that although he knows a fellow HoChunk is immortalized on the memorial, every name matters equally. “I was thanking them for their service,” he said.

“They are all the same. They are on the wall. They all deserve respect.”

More than 600 high school and junior (Continued on Page 5)

Wisconsin SAL Receives Awards

The Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Wisconsin received many awards at the National Convention in Indianapolis. Awards were for All Time High Membership, First Detachment Central Region to be at 100%, Achieving and Exceeding over 90% Renewals.

We also received the Triple Nickel Award. We were the ONLY Detachment in the Nation to receive this award. A BIG THANK YOU to all our squadrons for making this happen. Please continue to send in your memberships so we can have another great year.

American Legion, Department of Wisconsin 2930 American Legion Dr. Portage, WI 53901

Non-Profit Org US POSTAGE PAID Platteville, WI Permit 2930

PAGE 2 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER “Badger Legionnaire” & “Wisconsin” The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are the official publications of the Wisconsin American Legion Family and are published six times annually, by The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin.

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 Nikolai, Department Adjutant Marie Steffen, Executive Editor 2019-20 Department Officers Department Commander David Wischer Department Vice Commanders Greg Eirich Jerry Lauby Ray Pasbrig Paul Beseler Adjutant Amber L. Nikolai Department Chaplain Mathew Harn Assistant Chaplain John Gessner Sergeant-At-Arms Kendel Feilen Jeremy Nordie Service Officer - James Fialkowski NECman - Robert Shappell Alternate NECman - Dale Oatman Judge Advocate - Nicholas Lange Department Historian, Jeff Antczak District Commanders 1st – David Latimer 2nd – Julie Muhle 3rd – Keith Lovell 4th – Tim Baranzyk 5th – Craig Ellis 6th – Robert Borszich 7th – David Hale 8th – Jean Balz 9th – Jeffery Zwiers 10th – Harry Bauer 11th – Theodore Harvey 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 Joanie Dickerson, 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.

G r e e t i ng s, my fellow Legionnaires.

The last two months have flown by quickly.

I David Wischer Department guess that is Commander what happens when you remain busy, and busy I have been. I want to thank everyone for the support that you have given me in electing me as your Department Commander.

Thank you to all of our Past Department Commanders for your guidance and wisdom that you have shared with me.

Yes, the ball bounced as I threw out the first pitch prior to the Brewers game during our AllStar weekend. Now I want to bounce a few things off of you.

• This membership year will be different from those in the past, with some minor twists thrown in for good measure.

• We will reinstate the Strategic Planning Committee. This will help guide us and give us direc-

tion into the future. Thank you to those who have stepped up and agreed to assist.

• My program for the year is to gain better awareness about suicide prevention. I will appoint a committee that will obtain information and help provide training on this subject to the Wisconsin American Legion Family. I am asking each District Commander to appoint an individual from within their District to be the person that the committee will stay in contact with. We hope to provide training on this subject at the Midwinter Conference.

Watch for further details.

Our Celebration of Freedom event was a huge success. Mother Nature cooperated and those that attended enjoyed themselves.

Were you there? The event helped bring better awareness not only to the community of Portage, but also the entire area, as to what The American Legion is all about. Thank you to all involved, especially the Department office staff. You are amazing!

Now it’s time to talk Membership. I hope everyone is aware of The American Legion Act! If not, here is a brief description. Upon the President signing the Legion Act, all veterans that have served honorably at least one day of active duty became eligible to join our great organization. I’m asking everyone to now take this to the streets and spread the word that our fellow sisters and brothers that served during the “Cold War” are now eligible. Also, some news about The American Legion Auxiliary. Male spouses of eligible veterans are now able to join The American Legion Auxiliary if the veteran is a member of The American Legion. These two items are huge for us as an organization, as it increases the pool of possible members. I hope to see our numbers increase. This will help all of our programs. I sure hope that PDC Kostka has enough membership applications with him. Maybe 200 this year Frank?

A reminder to order your American Legion coins while they remain available. Don’t forget to pick-up a few Department Centennial coins, $20.00 each.

What a deal! We also continue to accept donations for The American Legion Family Cabin.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge the passing of three individuals who left their own mark within our Department: 1988 PDC Robert (Bob) Weyenberg, PDVC David Brisk, and Everett (Wisconsin) Johnson who succumbed to his injuries following an accident while traveling to the National Legacy Run. Well, it’s time to fire up the Caravan (Commanders vehicle) and start visiting the District Fall Conferences.

I hope to see everyone soon.

Maybe at the fall meetings?

Don’t forget to ask for my Commander’s pin.

Remember, we are all equals in this organization, “Forward Together”. It is how “We” will get things accomplished!

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT Over a year ago, the idea of the Celebration of Freedom began as a way to celebrate Amber Nikolai 100th Department Adjutant the Anniversary of The American Legion. This event evolved to not only encompass our American Legion Family, but to reach out into

our community – our extended family. New relationships were developed, old ones strengthened, and a new appreciation and understanding of who The American Legion is and what we do were developed.

I’ve been to several walls that have come to Wisconsin before. Many veterans come out and it’s a healing experience for them. We wanted them to have an experience where they

could be here amongst family, amongst the community, and they could see how appreciative we are as a nation for those who served and lost their comrades.

The Celebration of Freedom was designed to do this while offering fun and healing activities.

Thank you to the 100+ volunteers and sponsors that came together to make this event possible. Each one of you came

away with your own stories, laughter and tears. We’re a family, and we’re a community that gives, helps heal each other, and brings each other home. I think that this event, the whole goal...was to encompass that.

I look forward to working with each of you as we move forward together into the next century of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT As a veterans service organization, we have a resp onsibi l it y to recognize those outside Paul Fisk Legislative Chairman of the organization who work on behalf of the veteran community. One of the major ways we improve the lives of

veterans is to ensure past benefits remain relevant to today’s veterans and improve or expand them when possible. To do this we work with a diverse group of state legislators and the congressional delegation.

The Department has a program to recognize members of a legislative body who are deserving of our thanks. The Legislator of The Year program starts at the post

level each year and culminates at the annual department convention each July when someone is recognized as Legislator of The Year.

Yes, nominations are not required until May 1, 2020, however it is not too early to start the process. Each post should start thinking of candidates at this time, fill out the nomination papers, and submit them to

their district leadership. Each district will then have sufficient time to review the nominations and forward the best nominee to headquarters prior to the May 1 deadline.

In 2019 there were no nominations. There are many members of the Wisconsin Legislature and our Congressional delegation who have supported us. We need to acknowledge them.

~ LEGION ACT OPENS MEMBERSHIP TO MORE ~ President Trump signed a bill on July 30, 2019, declaring that the United States has been in a state of war since December 7, 1941. This allows approximately 6 million vet-

erans access to American Legion serving at least 1 day of active programs and benefits for duty on or after December which they previously had 7, 1941, are now eligible to not been eligible. join The American Legion.

Veterans who were honNew membership materials orably discharged after are being developed to re-

flect this change. Until then, it is recommended that prospective members from a previously undocumented war era write “Other Conflicts” in the eligibility date section.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 3

DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER RETROS P E C T As I have said my before, father (who was also a US Marine) told James Fialkowski me, “A good Department Veteran Service Officer horse gets rode hard.

It will break itself if you are not mindful of its care.” I have found myself consistently finding situations to use this nugget of wisdom. It just fits, especially concerning the Service Office.

There has been one constant in my almost 13 years in the service office, caring. Caring is the main ingredient for a good veteran service representative.

Sure, you need be able to retain knowledge and be able to understand the complexities of the laws involved, but no amount of capability matters if you don’t care enough to go the extra mile.

We have an excellent crew that cares in our Service Office, and we are enjoying the good reputation this has earned. The old joke goes, no good deed goes unpunished and, we may have created a monster. The fundamental truth is that our good reputation has increased our workload. A good benchmark of this workload increase is the number of new claimants we receive over a given period.

In 2013 and 2014 we took about nine months to attain 1000 new claimants. Since 2015, we have averaged 1000 new claimants every 16 Weeks. Another useful benchmark is the number of total clients tracked by our office.

When I started in the office in January of 2007, we had approximately 6,700 claimants; we currently (as of 9/18/2019) have 29,930 clients and expect to hit 30,000 on September 24th, 2019 (we add around 70 clients in 5 days). These clients have put their trust in the American Legion Service Office.

Your office has enjoyed attaining life altering United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) benefits. In the last 12 full months, our active clients have received $391.8 million. Since starting these claims in 2008, I have assisted five veterans and one widow with their DOJ RECA claims. They each received $75,000. NOTE: According to DOJ, “claims under RECA must be submitted on or before the Program sunset date of July 9, 2022. Any claims received after that date will be barred.”

As you can see your Service Office is indeed the good horse and one of my duties is to be mindful of its care, so the office

doesn’t break. I take this important role very seriously. We have made procedural changes over time to reduce the heavy workload and make a more efficient office.

I love being the Department Service Officer. In my position, I get the pleasure of working closely with veterans and their families. I have spoken about the joy I have had in meeting interesting veterans, learning about their extreme hardships, like living through being a Prisoner of War (POW) and their triumphs, such as learning to walk again with prosthesis. Being your Department Service Officer has been delightful and adventurous to date. I am personally very proud of what we have achieved and excited about the possibilities of our future. I am proud that your Service Office is considered the “Good Horse” and that you have entrusted to me the care of this office and the veterans we serve.

BLUE WATER VETERANS I wrote earlier this year on Procopio v. Wilkie (2019) and how it has changed the way Vietnam blue water navy vessels within 12 nautical miles off the coast of Vietnam and their occupants are viewed by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Since that time, the Blue Water Navy Act was signed into law in June

of this year. This has put the approximately 190,000 Blue Water Veterans newly eligible for presumptive service connection for conditions associated with herbicide exposure, such as Agent Orange, claims on hold until 1/1/2020.

In a meeting, the VBA has indicated that previously denied claims by Blue Water Veterans (or their surviving spouses) should submit a supplemental claim. This indicated to us in the service office that even though the Nehmer Court case should apply, the VBA does not intend to automatically adjudicate denied claims. For those that are not familiar, the Nehmer Court case causes VA to adjudicate an in-country veteran’s previously denied compensation claim for a disability that is later added to the Regulations (Reg.) and payment made to the veteran, their relatives, or their estate.

To qualify for Nehmer, the claim must have been active on or after the Nehmer case conclusion 9/25/1985. An example; Vietnam veteran submitted a claim for coronary artery disease (CAD) in 1990 and is denied.

The veteran dies in 2000 and the spouse submitted a claim for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and was also denied.

The spouse dies in 2008 prior to the 8/31/2010 regulation change

adding CAD to the Reg. In this situation the next of kin (by law), or if none exists, the estate, may file a claim for accrued due benefits. The benefits due would include the veteran’s CAD compensation from the 1990 submission date to their date of death in 2000 and the spouse’s DIC payments from the month after the veteran’s death in 2000 to the month before their death.

Those affected should seek assistance with the process of addressing this change.

All U.S. Veterans with service aboard ships that may have been within 12 nautical miles off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, regardless of whether they have filed a claim or not, all survivors of those Veterans whether they have filed a claim or not, or next-of-kin or the executor of the estate of said Veterans and Survivors that may qualify under Nehmer for accrued benefits previously denied claims for Agent Orange presumptive conditions.

Please see your local Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) or call/ come to our office.

To locate/contact your local CVSO: http://wicvso.org/locate-your-cvso/.

Department Veteran Service Office: Phone (414) 902-5722 and Address 5400 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53214.

WDVA SECRETARY I commend The American Legion Auxiland iary, our nation’s largest wartime vetMary M. Kolar erans service WDVA Secretary organization, for 100 years of advocating on behalf of our military veterans and their families. AL leadership and members have been at the forefront of addressing veteran-related issues in our nation and have made positive change happen.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs greatly appreciates the partnership that has been formed with the Legion through decades of mutual efforts. For years, volunteers from the Legion and Auxiliary have been fixtures at our three Veterans’ Homes in Wisconsin, compiling thousands of hours collectively to help us achieve our mission of better serving veterans and their families.

It’s my pleasure to work with Commander Wischer as we “focus on the future” of Wisconsin

veterans, as he recently explained his mission for his leadership term. As Commander Wischer stated at the state convention, we are losing far too many of our heroes every day. One is too many.

We must take our work together to the next level in an effort to raise awareness and provide resources that address mental health and substance abuse in our communities.

We took an enormous leap with this effort in July, when Governor Tony Evers signed into law his biennial budget. By providing

funding for the WDVA’s Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program, it’s now a permanent program in all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

VORP continues to make a difference in our state. Since April 2018, we have assisted over 1,000 veterans with life-sustaining resources.

Additionally, in an effort to raise awareness about the issue, Governor Evers declared the month of September as “Suicide Prevention Month.” With 886 Wisconsinites dying by suicide last year alone, he spoke about how it’s impera-

tive that we invest in much-needed mental health resources in Wisconsin. With an average of about 22 military veterans dying by suicide each day in our country, it’s no different in our veterans’ community.

Permanently funding the VORP is a great start to providing additional mental health resources and programming to our veterans. But there is a lot of work left to do. I look forward to working with Commander Wischer as The American Legion and Auxiliary strive to achieve our shared goals.

AMERICAN LEGION FOUNDATION

Jim Reigel Foundation President

What is happening with the American Legion Foundation? First, the goal of your American Legion

Foundation is to raise $20 million dollars!

How can we do that? We will need everyone’s help and support.

• Are you, or someone you know, 70 ½ years older or older?

• Have you been blessed to

the point that you could donate all or part of your RMD (required-minimum-distribution) of your IRA? If you answered yes, please consider donating to The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation. The good news is your

donation is not reportable, and it will not be added to your adjusted gross income. You can donate up to $100,000 per year.

Before doing anything, consult with your tax advisor and say that you would like to donate this to The Wisconsin American

Legion Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

If you are interested, please call state headquarters or you may call me direct at 715-3843158 and ask for Jim Reigel.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 4

Another Fantastic Season Almost In the History Books

We had another great season filled with gaining new friends, trying new things and making more great memories. Our focus was on the “experience” that our campers had during their stay here at Camp. We also put a watchful eye on our operational budget. If we wish to move Camp into the next 90 years of great experiences, then like any organization, we need to be fiscal watchdogs.

We examined every area of our “Surround yourself with operation for efficiency and flow. good people and they will Our goal was to reduce the budget lift you up!” while minimizing the impact of the services we provide. We made OUR MISSION subtle changes to our daily schedHelping To Heal - those ules, our food menus, our season who served, continue to serve, length and the number days we and their families, through operate each week. All of this Wisconsin’s Northwoods added up to changes in the right Experience direction.

We have had great success recruiting more local volunteers.

OUR VISION We have more active volunteers Giving Wisconsin on our team today than in the past Veterans the pathway several years. These volunteers to quality of life provide an amazing service to our campers. Without our volunOUR VALUES teers working alongside our hardHonor and Stewardship working and dedicated paid staff,

Camp would not have been able to open its doors to nearly 1000 Wisconsin Veterans and their families this season. And then there is you; our Legion family.

We continually received amazing support from all of our Legion family. Our in-kind donations have increased, which has a direct positive impact on our operational budget. In addition, the financial support is also on the rise over the past three seasons. We have said before, but it is worth noting again… Camp would not exist if the Wisconsin American Legion Family was not behind it. Thank you for everything you all do.

As we begin to wrap-up our season here at Camp, we are faced with saying farewell to one of our longtime Camp loyalists.

For those of you that have been to Camp, you know Nancy has been the backbone to our Camp operations for the past 10 years.

When I took over the Director position it was like drinking from a firehose. But yet Nancy was there. She showed us the ropes and provided this unbelievable base of “knowing” who was who,

what this program is about, how this week plays out and what was next. Without Nancy, the transition would have been extremely difficult. We are very happy for Nancy and her husband Rick (a retired Air Force lifer). After over 35 years of serving, moving their family from this base to that one, deployments, and then the past 10 years serving here at

Camp, they finally get to focus on spending time looking after each other. Nancy, you will be greatly missed. You have brought order where there was chaos, a system where it was needed, and a welcoming environment for all to feel at home.

Surround yourself with good people and they will lift you up.

Don Grundy, Camp Director

To learn more about the mission of Camp American Legion or to get involved with answering the call, visit CampAmericanLegion.org or find us on Facebook.

Legacy Ride Donates Over $40,000 to Camp American Legion

I’m happy to announce that that Legacy Ride in July raised over $40,000 for the American Legion Family Cabin at Tim Hyma Legion Rider Camp American President Legion.

Thank you to Ann, John, and the rest of the crew for putting the ride together.

We had 35 motorcycles escort the Vietnam Traveling Wall for the Celebration of Free-

dom. You can check it out on our Facebook page: https:// w w w. fa c eb o ok. c om /A m e r ica n-L egion-R iders-Wisconsin-218517084843627/. I want to thank Joyce Jansen and her crew for the outstanding support during the Celebration of Freedom.

As I write this, we are gearing up for our annual fall ride to Camp. The districts will present donations for the next project. Last year we dedicated over $26,000 for a kitchen remodel.

Unfortunately, we have lost an icon Rider. Everett “Wisconsin” Johnson died doing what he loved to do- riding for the American Legion Riders. He had an accident on his way to the National Legacy Scholarship Ride that started in Florida.

Our next quarterly meeting is on November 2nd at CudworthStenz-Griesell-Smith Post 449 at 3245 N. 124 St, Brookfield, WI 53005. If interested in learning more about the Riders, please join us.

The American Legion Riders held the famous Legacy Ride dedicated to raising money towards Camp American Legion. The Riders also escorted the Vietnam Traveling Wall for the Celebration of Freedom.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 5

Navy Veteran Wins $20,000 Sweepstakes

Allan Keller of Grafton, Wisconsin, is the 2019 WI American Legion $20,000 Summer Sweepstakes winner. His wife, Wanda, and daughter Renee joined him at Headquarters in Portage to claim his check.

After graduating from high school, Keller worked in a factory for a couple of weeks until a friend asked him if he wanted to join the Navy. They joined together as part of the buddy program. Keller served in the U.S. Navy from June 1957 to 1977, retiring after 20 years.

He was a Chief Petty Officer and traveled to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, and Lebanon.

A member of Post 82 – Port Washington, Keller says he never missed an American Legion Sweepstakes entry. Prior to this, the only thing he ever won was an Easter Basket while in First Grade. With a twinkle in his eye, he claims to have flipped 3 times when he received the phone call from Headquarters saying that he had won. Daughter Renee is a Deputy Sheriff with Ozaukee

County and warned, as many others did, that this might be a scam. An official letter from The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, confirmed that yes, he was the winner. Congratulations and thank you for your service!

You too, can be a winner. Watch your mail for your entry into the 2020 Midwinter Sweepstakes.

Proceeds support the four pillars upon which the American Legion was founded: Veterans Af- Children & Youth. The drawing ference being held at the Hofairs & Rehabilitation, Nation- will be held on Saturday, January Chunk Casino & Conference al Security, Americanism, and 18, 2020 at the Midwinter Con- Center in Baraboo.

Celebration of Freedom (Continued from Page 1) high students from the region toured the wall on Friday, guided by members of the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter, as they looked for ancestors and rubbed their names onto paper with pencils. Veterans from area long-term care facilities also came in shuttle buses to see the traveling memorial.

“It’s a real touching time and a good way to recognize our warriors and the sacrifices they have made for the freedoms we get every day,” WhiteEagle told the crowd at the opening ceremony.

Native American color guards, musicians and dancers who got the weekend started included members of Post 129 of Black River Falls; Joseph White Post 442 of Wisconsin Rapids; Sanford WhiteEagle Post 556 of Baraboo; and the Sokaogon Mole Lake Chippewa Color Guard of Crandon.

WhiteEagle told the gathering that the traveling memorial was no place for politics, and American Legion Department of Wisconsin Commander David Wischer agreed. “This is not about politicians and the way this world is working now,” he said. “It is about the sacrifices of those whose names are listed on that wall.”

Wischer invited attendees to take in the Legion centennial exhibits and learn about the organization’s programs, services and history, inside the pavilion at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. “We are still serving our country, in our communities,” he told the crowd.

Exhibitor tents and booths filled the fairgrounds. Membership recruiters met with veterans newly eligible due to the recent passage of the LEGION Act, and visitors learned about such Wisconsin programs as Badger Boys State and Camp American Legion.

Friday evening, country musician Chris Kroeze – runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2018 – gave a concert. The Memories performed Saturday afternoon, followed by classic rock band Conscious Pilot Saturday evening.

Saturday morning’s activities included a family kickball tournament open to all ages, a cornhole competition, face painting, a variety of food trucks and information displays by various veterans groups. A mobile VA Vet Center was also available.

The celebration wrapped up Sunday with a POW/MIA ceremony at the wall, followed by a POW/MIA Silent March, led by the American Legion Department of Wisconsin’s 2nd District.

Actively involved in the planning and execution of the event were local first responders as well as other veterans groups in the Portage community. “I am absolutely blown away, not only by the significance of what we have done here, obviously with the wall being here and those we are honoring who can’t be here today, but the pure significance of the community support,” American Legion Department of Wisconsin Adjutant Amber Nikolai said. “We had the fire department, the sheriff’s

department, the police department, and we had over 50 riders – not just Legion Riders, but other organizations that joined in. We had school groups that were let out early and lined the streets.” Nikolai said she was awestruck to see children waving flags and motorists pulling over, taking off their hats and putting their hands on their hearts, as the wall exhibit was escorted by a motorcycle convoy to the fairgrounds.

The American Legion of Wisconsin Foundation was the sponsoring body of the celebration. “The city came together as a whole to work this event and make everything happen,” said Foundation President Jim Reigel, a past Department of Wisconsin commander. “It’s a real success. And it’s a testament not only to everyone who came.

Each one who came will impact four or five additional people.”

Nikolai said she was delighted by coverage of the area NBC affiliate, Channel 15, which aired multiple live segments from the fairgrounds over the weekend.

“They covered the significance of the wall being here and also the history of The American Legion and some of the prom-

inent Legionnaires from Wisconsin,” she said.

“The display here with the 100 years of The American Legion – people did not know or did not realize the impact the Legion has had throughout the country and in our communities,” Reigel explained.

“What I loved the most is we captured every age group, from little 3-year-olds kicking the kickball all the way up to a lady at the wall who was 98 years old,” Nikolai said. “We brought generations out here through the weekend.”

In Saturday’s concert by the Memories – primarily a ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s music and comedy duo – one song they played by the Statler Brothers was a little more serious and little more recent: “More Than a Name on a Wall.” The 1989 release, about a mother’s grief for a son whose name is etched on the Vietnam War Memorial “left everyone in the hall in tears,” Nikolai said.

In their second concert that afternoon, the Memories played again, but not before recognizing Jim Chapin, a combat-decorated Vietnam War veteran and American Legion past department commander, who not only

came up with the idea to bring the wall to Portage but provided funds for its appearance.

Said Nikolai of Chapin’s gesture: “He said, ‘I want to sponsor the wall. I will pay for it. I will get it here.’ Everything was built around that. It was one dedicated Legionnaire, a decorated Vietnam veteran who was the catalyst who really made this come together. It was his heart. It was his idea, that everything was framed around the wall.”

Nikolai said community events such as the Celebration of Freedom are the best kind of marketing for The American Legion. “An event is where we give them an experience. I believe that what we captured here this weekend was an experience. We gave them an experience of what The American Legion does, what The American Legion is, and that we are bringing the fun, emotion and impact back. Total family. Total community.”

A second annual Celebration of Freedom, she said, is already in the works.

By Jeff Stoffer/ The American Legion

PAGE 6 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019

DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN 2019 FALL MEETINGS DIST. DATE TIME LOCATION CONTACT 1 10/06 8 AM Post 24 David Latimer

Lake Geneva (414) 940-3271

dplsparky@gmail.com 2 10/26 9 AM Elks Club Julie Muhle

Sheboygan (920) 382-4028

juneaupost15@yahoo.com 3 10/12 8 AM Post 245 Keith Lovell

Cross Plains (608) 445-2096

keithlovell@charter.net 10/16 7 PM Post 416 Tim Baranzyk 4

Greendale (414) 628-7081

tbaranzyk@wi.rr.com 5 10/28 6 PM Elks Lodge Craig Ellis

Good Hope Rd (414) 313-1357

alpost455milw@gmail.com 6 10/27 9 AM Oshkosh Robert Borszich

(920) 428-5293

rborszich@new.rr.com 9/21 10 AM Post 51 Dave Hale 7

West Salem (608) 799-3536

davehale2679@gmail.com 8 10/26 8 AM Schofield Jean Balz

(715) 257-7353

jabhmcm@aol.com 10/05 9 AM Post 236 Jeff Zwiers 9

Algoma (920) 460-0678

dzwiers@live.com 10 9/21 601 Main St. Harry Bauer

Augusta (318) 453-2008

safetyman917@gmail.com 10/12 9 AM St. Therese Ted Harvey 11

Church Hall (715) 339-6676 Phillips wabosh6507@outlook.com 12 9/21 10 AM Sheldon Don Slattery

Comm. Center (715) 558-1683

W5594 Main St. dslattery1683@cheqnet.net Department 10/18 9AM-5PM Dept. Headquarters 10/19 9:00 AM (608) 745-1090

2930 American angela@wilegion.org

Legion Dr., Portage

WHAT

THIS

IF . . .

WERE YOU?

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From Your

*This is only an outline of the plans services. Please review your Member Guide carefully. American Legion EA+ is not insurance.

Department © 2018 Worldwide Rescue & Security 43262

101ST NATIONAL CONVENTION

Wisconsin was well-represented at The American Legion 101st National Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 23-29, 2019.

Helping Hands Serve Veterans

“Helping Hands” is a partnership between The Tenth District American Legion Family and Klein Hall in Chippewa Falls to raise money to purchase a 12 passenger van. Klein Hall provides transitional housing for homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, and recovering veterans.

Teresa Steinke and her husband Tenth District Vice Commander Ken Piel are members of Augusta American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 291 in Augusta. Both have gone above and beyond in fundraising for this project and it was them who brought the idea of this partnership to the attention of Past District Commander Paul Beseler.

Upon winning $500 in the 50/50 Raffle during the 101st Convention in Middleton Saturday night, Teresa immediately donated those winnings towards the van purchase. “These veterans have given so much, this is just my

contribution and a thank you to them, to give them a hand UP, not a handout,” said Teresa. “They selflessly sacrificed for us, this is the least we can do in return. We’re over halfway to the purchase of the van and that is so exciting.”

Past 10th District Commander and now Department Vice Commander Paul Beseler noted this type of generosity is the “norm” for Ken and Teresa, “I wasn’t terribly Pictured left to right is Dept Vice Commander surprised. We would not (Past 10th District Commander) Paul Beseler, be near our goal without Past Department Commander Frank Kostka, Ken and Teresa. Much Teresa Steinke and her husband Tenth District Vice Commander Ken Piel. of the money so far was raised through the sales of bratwurst from a stand Ken built. at higher risk of suicide. This adIn fact, he just finished up a sec- dresses Commander Wischers foond stand so one is available for cus on suicide awareness for the other Posts in the District to use, year too. We will get this done raising even more money towards because of people like Ken and the van. When we assist these Teresa! I’m very proud to call most vulnerable veterans, we are them not only Legion Family, but also addressing veterans who are also some very good friends!”

Veterans Day Speech Available NOVEMBER 11, 2019 The American Legion site has a Veterans Day Speech available for your use: www.legion.org/veteransday/speech.

“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” -General Douglas MacArthur “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” -Arthur Ashe

American Legion Members Saluted For Operation Fan Mail

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 7

Legion Baseball 2019 Highlights 217 Teams 3,500+ Players 48 All-Stars 48 Wisconsin American Legion Baseball players were selected to play on the All-Star Team at Miller Park following the Brewers game on August 11, 2019. Commander Wischer threw out the first pitch.

State Champions Class AAA – Oshkosh Class AA – New London Class A – Waupun 17U – Bay Port 16U – Seymour National Regional, Central Plains D1 Appleton: Advanced to 4th Round Oshkosh: Advanced to 2nd Round National Regional, Central Plains D2 Runner-Up: Waupun Third: New London Fifth: Neenah-St. Marys $1,000 Scholarship Winner Neil Braker, Beaver Dam Left to right: Tim Baranzyk, Brian Burdick, Jim Chapin, and Amber Nikolai

The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute to several American Legion members during Thursday’s Packers-Texans game for ‘Operation Fan Mail.’

THOSE SALUTED PRIOR TO THE GAME INCLUDE: • Tim Baranzyk, who is originally from Shell Lake, Wisconsin, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966 and was deployed to Vietnam from 1967-68 during the Tet Offensive as a fire direction control on the DMZ. After deployment, he served in the military police until 1969.

He now serves as a volunteer at the Milwaukee VA, helping homeless veterans.

• Brian Burdick, who is originally from Wautoma, Wisconsin, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1995, and he has been deployed five times, including to Afghanistan in 2009 as a commissioned officer in the Nurse Corps. Commander Select Burdick is currently stationed at Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, where he serves as the assistant department head of the emergency department.

• Jim Chapin, from Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin, joined the U.S. Army in 1967 and was deployed to Vietnam soon after.

He received two Bronze Stars, one with Valor, and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. He currently serves as the State American Legion Finance Chairman.

• Amber Nikolai, who is originally

from Omro, Wisconsin, served in the U.S. Navy as Master-at-Arms from 2002 to 2005, and was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, and Souda Bay, Crete, Greece.

She worked for the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department for six years and served for five years with the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. She currently serves as the Department Adjutant for the American Legion in Wisconsin, where she is responsible for the management of over 50,000 Legionnaires and 500 posts throughout Wisconsin.

Operation Fan Mail, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor families with a member who is on active duty, or a member who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter or sibling. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions will host a family at each 2019 home game and recognize them on the field during pregame activities. A total of 118 individuals, families or groups have been recognized through the program thus far.

To choose families, the Packers and WPS Health Solutions are asking interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular fan should be saluted next season. Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or online at packers.com/lambeau-field/operation-fan-mail.

Hall of Fame Inductees Don Miller, Elk Mound Judson “Jud” Schlieve, Waupun Neil Braker, $1,000 Scholarship Winner

2019 All-Star Stripes Team

2019 All-Star Stars Team

PAGE 8 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019

My Military Rewards:

Missing-in-Action Repatriation Bill

Did you know there Didare youhundreds know there of thousands are hundreds of stores of thousands that willof offer stores that will offer On September 10, 2019, a bipartisan bers across the globe, including more than you discounts as ayou THANK discounts YOU for as ayour THANK service?

YOU for your service?

You served with honor.

You earned your rewards. group of legislators introduced a bill to 1,500 from Wisconsin, are still reported

help find and repatriate the remains of as MIA. With a multi-year backlog in locating the remains of these MIAs, and many WWII, Korean, and Vietnam-era family members advancing in age, time is of the essence.

To date we have approximately To date we have 200,000 approximately locations200,000 across the locations country across the country the more than 1,500 Wisconsin Service Members still Missing-in-Action (MIA) waiting for waiting visit.there It for costs youabsolutely to visit. It costs absolutely andofisstores total nothing andoffer is total Didyou youtoknow are hundreds ofnothing thousands that will you since World War II. Since Pearl Harbor, discounts as a THANK YOU for your service?

Toup. date we have approximately anonymous, we collect anonymous, zero information we collect zero when information signing when signing up. approximately 80,000 U.S. Service Mem200,000 locations across the country waiting for you to visit. It costs absolutely All we ask is thatand All youwe askthe is that app you along pass tocollect our the fellow app along vetsto soour thatfellow they vets so that nothing ispass total anonymous, we zero information when signing up. they All we askcan is that you the apptoo. along to our fellow vets so that they can get can get their rewards, get too. theirpass rewards, their rewards, too. Search “My Military Rewards” in your app store or scan the Search “My Military Search Rewards” in yourRewards” app store in oryour scanapp the store codesor below scan the codes below codes below with“My yourMilitary camera: with your camera:with your camera:

Visit mymilitaryrewards.com Visit mymilitaryrewards.com or facebook.com/mymilitaryrewards or facebook.com/mymilitaryrewards to to Visit mymilitaryrewards.com or download the appdownload and learnthe more! app and learn more!

facebook.com/mymilitaryrewards From one ViettoNam From vet one toViet another vet thank to another you! vet, thank you! download theNam appvet, and learn more!

From one Vietnam Vet to another Vet, Thank You!

Joint Effort Raises Burn Camp Funds

H.A. Todd Jr. Post 537 Sons of The American Legion Squadron held an Italian Dinner fundraiser to benefit Camp Timber-lee Burn Camp sponsored by the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation (PFFWCF).

The burn camp is an annual event held

near East Troy, WI. It is a free, weeklong summer camp that provides remarkable continuation of care for kids with lifechanging burn injuries by promoting healing and peer support and helping campers visualize life beyond their injuries.

SAL Squadron 537 raised $750.00 from the dinner to support the Burn Camp. Additionally, the Brew City F.O.O.L.S. (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society), a fraternal fire fighter organization, provided a matching grant of $750.00 and H.A. Todd Jr. Post 537 American Legion contributed $250.00 bringing the total contribution to $1750.00.

Checks were presented September 3rd at the membership meeting of Post 537. Mike Wos, Director of the PFFWCF was there to receive checks from Mark Sandow, 537 Post Commander, Roger Pufahl, 537 SAL Squadron Commander and Brian Freund, President of the Brew City F.O.O.L.S.

Rep. Ken Skowronski, Rep. Christine Sinicki, American Legion Dept. of WI Legislative Chairman Paul Fisk, VFW Dept. of WI Adjutant David Green, Senator Fred Risser, Senator Mark Miller, Senator Dale Kooyenga

Calling all Legionnaires to the Premier Legion Event of the Winter!

2020 MIDWINTER CONFERENCE January 17-19, 2020 Ho-Chunk Convention Center | Baraboo, WI

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday - 1/17/19 Department Standing Committee Meetings (Meetings begin at 8am) Exhibits Meet your 2020-2021 Candidates for Office (Evening Hospitality Suites) Saturday - 1/18/19 Training Sessions (8am-5pm) Banquet (7pm-Doors open @ 6:30pm) Entertainment, The Memories Sunday - 1/19/19 Four Chaplain’s Service (8am) Department Executive Committee Meeting (9am) WATCH YOUR POST MAILING AND GO TO WWW.WILEGION.ORG FOR REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULE UPDATES.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 9

Thank you to the following businesses for being proud sponsors of the Celebration of Freedom held on September 4-8, 2019.

PLATINUM ($20,000) City of Portage Tourism Committee ELITE ($8,000+) Country Plumber (In Kind) Penda/TriEnda WI American Legion Foundation PREMIER ($4,000) 40 et 8 Cardinal FG Kalahari Resorts Dells Stock + Field GOLD ($1,000) American Legion 4th District($2,000) American Legion Auxiliary Dept. of Wisconsin American Legion Police Post 415 Bank of Wisconsin Dells Culver’s Discover WI (In Kind) Portage Ford Victory 360 Wisconsin River Bank Wisconsin River Title

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SILVER ($500) American Legion Cook-Fuller Post 70 American Legion Post 271 AMPI Blystone’s Towing & Repair Crawford Oil & Propane Divine Savior Healthcare Electric 1 (In Kind) Humana O’Brion Agency (In Kind) Paget Equipment Portage Lions Club Portage Lumber Portage Rotary Union Tech Coop Wieser Concrete BRONZE ($250) American Legion Post 216 Baraboo State Bank Joes Auto & Truck Service Kathy Houzner & Julie GrovesWaddell & Reed Kratz Funeral Home Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Homes Portage Ace Hardware Zimmerman Plumbing

Hubert Mocadlo Wyman Schmidt Arthur Zagrzebski Raymond Zimmerman 8 Waukesha Edgar Artz David Brisk David Kozlowski Donald Schuh 9 Wisconsin Rapids Harold Peterson John Ritchay Robert Schoechert 10 Wausau Larry Derks Robert Dustrude Louis Kraus Harold Millard 11 Green Bay Daniel Bertrand Bert Compton Keith Miller

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VOLUNTEERS The American Legion Family City of Portage (Administration, Police, Fire, Public Works) Portage Chamber of Commerce Divine Savior EMT Ho-Chunk Nation Vietnam Veterans of American-Chapter 21 Portage Youth Baseball Boy Scout Troop #70 Vet Center

Cambria Celebrates 100th Birthday The Cambria American Legion Post 401 honors the 100th birthday with this display in the Jane Morgan Memorial Library.

Uniforms from WWI, WWII, Vietnam to Persian Gulf with various artifacts can be seen.

STAR ($100) American Legion Juneau Post 15 Big O’s Trailers Boy Scout Troop #70 –Portage (In Kind) Culver’s of Portage Dino’s Restaurant & Lounge Dave and Judy Eulberg Paul Fisk Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin River Area Kiwanis Club of Portage Miller Simonson Insurance Agency Neil’s Wine House Gary and Barbara O’Hearn Pardeeville American Legion Auxiliary Portage Elks Portage Plastics Summit Credit Union Tamarack Pizza Trail’s Lounge Supper Club United Country Hamele Auction & Realty VFW Post 1707 Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 221 Vision Printing & Graphics (In Kind) Weaver Auto Parts (In Kind) Richard Nelson Floyd Palmer 13 Richland Center Robert Allen Gerald Klatt Allan Rice 19 Hartford Wilfred Gutschenritter 26 Baraboo Joseph Alt Kenneth Bochler Kenneth Heffernan 33 Neenah Robert Andre William Grambley Charles Mullard Robert Brockman Dale Peterson Robert Schuchart 40 Bangor Aloysius Cavadini

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Greendale Veterans Memorial American Legion Post 416 Legionnaires and members of the GVM Committee, David Krueger and Tim Baranzyk, announced the recent completion of the Greendale Veterans Memorial. “After seven years of Teamwork, the Memorial was dedicated on Oct 5, 2019, at 11am, Greendale.

Praise the Lord!”, exclaims Baranzyk.

43 Ripon Jack Frank Dennis Valstad 44 Wabeno Leonard Klappa 48 Beloit Leo Craney James Macklem 51 West Salem Robert Konrad Galen Turner 52 La Crosse Marvin Beier 53 Eau Claire Robert Field 54 Marshfield Lloyd Adler Anthony Eilers Charles Hennes George Magnin Floyd Nikolai

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PAGE 10 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 Mathias Schauf Paul White 73 Neillsville H R Shaw 74 Oconto Dale Uphill 79 Burlington Robert Zarek 80 New Richmond Sanford Johansen 81 Mauston Vernon Hanson Carl Knudsen 85 Muscoda Leeland Drake 89 Minocqua Eugene Duerst Gary Hiller 91 Oconomowoc Milton Baggenstoss 93 Tomahawk Daryl Egelkrout 95 Delavan Wayne Benstead Richard Imrie 97 Dodgeville Herbert Mortimer 98 Cumberland Anthony Cifaldi Charles O'Dell Albert Zappa 104 Cuba City Harold Beinborn Ronald Busch Ralph Kunkel Thomas Robson 110 New Lisbon Kieran Grogan Otto Wilkinson 113 Mount Horeb Ralph Buechner 114 Eagle River Wilson Scott Ray Shebesta 117 Shawano J Kent Anderson Robert Feinen Roger Guex Donald Gutt Leonard Hess 118 Thorp Harley Swim 121 River Falls Dave Adamek Robert Karras Donald Mitch John Nelson 125 Chilton John Endsley Jerome Forstner Vernon Schwobe 128 Stockbridge Donald Ertl James Millay 133 Camp Douglas Darrell Stowell 143 St Croix Falls Lynnwood Minar 146 Beaver Dam Van Rokicki 148 Bloomington Tyler Wood 149 Sheboygan Falls Donald Fenner Eugene Visser 151 Madison Arnold Chandler 153 Pittsville Jerold Masephol 154 Mondovi Lyle Bloom 157 Horicon Robert Nelson

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161 King Peter Purtee 162 Alma Center Ronald June 166 Fort Atkinson Robert Bolton Hjalmar Roelke 171 Union Grove Randall Holton 172 North Freedom Clarence Frank 175 Loyal Edward Oblak Daniel Roe 179 Chetek Waldemar Ager Martin Carlson James Colvard James Danner James Vogel 183 Genoa City Clyde Johnson 184 Fennimore Steve Becker Kenneth Johnsrud Floyd Monroe Rodney Shaw 189 Watertown Robert Younglove 190 Reeseville Dennis Hutto 197 Brodhead Roger Lentz Ronaldean Pawlisch Bruce Timm 200 Black River Falls Robert Ott 204 Ellsworth Carl Pechacek 205 Janesville Ray Schweitzer 207 Elmwood Jerry Kendall Donald Schmitz 208 Rio Joseph Mayr 209 Orfordville Merlin Hegge Richard Hoium Karl Johnson Betty Meyer 214 Darlington Dean Chambers Larry Glendenning Morris Hermanson Howard Nigh Paul Prine Peter Reichling Gilbert Suthers Dennis Unbehaun 216 Lodi Gordon Jewell 217 Bonduel David Schommer Roger Wood 220 Soldiers Grove Justin Runice 224 Alma Walter Gardner 227 Spring Valley Robert Jenny 230 DePere Patrick Nellis 238 Greenwood Glenn Struss 242 LaValle Clinton Churchill 243 Plymouth Russell Larson 245 Cross Plains Mabelle Ewald Richard Hinrichs Ken Saeman

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246 Genoa Alfred Vento 260 Deerfield Richard Doolittle 264 Gilmanton Ronald Nelson Francis Stamm 272 Butternut Joseph Ledvina Dean Wartgow Harvey Hagedorn Richard Tatu 280 Coleman Alphonse Basak 282 Markesan Forrest Sullivan 288 Cedarburg Paul Grahovac Robert VanDinter 293 Silver Lake Donald Becker Harold Harper David Marsch Dennis McCarthy 294 Hartland Robert Ames Harold Boehler Patrick Flannick Lawrence Halweg Robert Jandt 299 Hales Corners David Karashinski 302 Oconto Falls Ronald Peterson 306 Green Lake Robert Herrmann 310 Racine Gordon Anderson Gus Sorenson 312 Peshtigo Valentine Swiatnicki June Yunke 316 Sheldon George Eckstrom 317 Wautoma Clarence Kovalski Robert Voysey 324 Osseo Robert Hageness 329 Briggsville Kenneth Gray Joseph Pigeon 330 Wilson Kenneth Sortedahl 337 Pulaski Richard Radecki Dan Sampo 338 Cedar Grove Carl Kettleson Garrit Ledeboer Henry Neerhof 340 Berlin Earl Pinkall Charles Rodgers 348 DeForest Leroy Camren Peter Nelson George Schultz 350 Reedsburg Rudolph Geimer 354 Ettrick Raymond Ekern 355 Grafton Robert Matthaeus Joseph Smith Stanley Tackes 360 Waunakee Fredrick Rauls 363 Denmark Gayle Derricks Bernard Watzka 364 Winneconne Anthony Golla

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457 Mequon-Thiensville Elmer Boesch II David Horsefield K 468 Milladore Eugene Richardson II 469 Marathon Stanley Beilke K 471 Hatley Sharon Cherek K John Kasprak K 478 St Cloud Donald Sippel II Denis Wirtz V 480 Presque Isle James Battin V 481 Madison William Niebuhr V 483 Allenton Herbert Beine V Anthony Wolf V 485 Rudolph James Bushmaker K Arlyn Dorshorst K George Kvatek V 492 Rothschild Gary Drake K John Gauger K 497 Keshena Joseph Villagomez V 499 Gordon Merton Warner II 501 Madison Robert Kortsch V Reginald Peterson II Linus Thornsen II 503 Dane Robert Vitense V 509 Rosholt Delbert Anderson K 512 Shiocton Harland Chapman K 519 Stetsonville David Krug K Thomas Seidl V Ralph Vierqutz V 520 Vesper Alfred Krueger V James Kuhn V 521 Fox Lake Robert Alderden K Donald Becker K Boyd Bryant K Edward Buss K James Dehnert V 524 White Lake Peter Beattie GL Gary DeHart V Jack Fairchild II Kenneth Popelka K 537 Milwaukee Dale Gentilini K Walter Hart K Dorothy Murphy II 538 Carlton Martin Tadisch K 540 Haugen Francis Shanks V 544 Twin Lakes Tony Abbate GL Bruno Kiebles II

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7/7/19 9/3/19 7/28/19 8/23/19 9/3/19 8/11/19 7/12/19 7/14/19 7/26/19 7/1/19

OCTOBER 2019 American Legion Auxiliary P.O. Box 140 Portage, WI 53901 alawi@amlegionauxwi.org www.amlegionauxwi.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Celebration time come on!

If you attended our Department Convention, JOANIE DICKERSON you heard those words (and muDepartment President sic!) following PDP Joyce Endres’s report on the Centennial Strategic plan. For the past five years, teams of ladies from across the state have been working toward achieving the plan’s goals. Great progress has been made and work will continue in the coming years. Congratulations to all who worked tirelessly to meet those goals.

But that’s not the only reason we are celebrating. November 10th marks the 100th anniversary of our AMAZING organization!

How many other completely volunteer service organizations have been going strong for 100 years?

There are very few. Does your unit have plans to mark this milestone? If not, the time to begin planning is NOW! I’ve been privileged to attend a couple of joint anniversary celebrations for the American Legion Family and have enjoyed meeting new people and catching up with long-time friends. It has been wonderful to witness the efforts of so many people as they share our story with others in their communities. If you don’t have plans for an event, consider working with your Legion post to celebrate our heritage and bring increased awareness of our mission and value to our veterans, military and their families. Take the time to publicize your events!

Too often our activities go unnoticed because WE don’t share this information outside our own units. Get the word out!

We are vital members of our communities and provide services that are crucial to the continued care and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Without us, life would be very different for our veterans. Our donations, small and great, when combined, have a far-reaching impact. Each year, our VA Medical Centers, Veterans Homes, and outreach facilities rely on our donations to provide items and services to improve the quality of life for those they serve. Wish lists are submitted for items not provided through the facilities’ budgets.

Funds donated by each unit are held at department headquarters to be used for those gifts, which are presented by the Department President on behalf of our more than 20,000 members. That’s just one way YOU make a difference in the lives of veterans.

It’s time to celebrate your efforts and achievements! I look forward to hearing about your events to celebrate our 100th Anniversary.

Take lots of pictures and share them with me and our department historian, Dany Thompson. It isn’t every day you turn 100 years

old. This is definitely one for the history books.

Our course is set to enhance the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, at home and abroad. Next port of call – Hospital Visits to bring greetings to our hospitalized heroes!

President Joanie Dickerson has reached celebrity status in her hometown of Bagley, Wisconsin (population 379!).

CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP

MEMBERSHIP Linda Coppock Dept. Chairman Email: beatrice2554@gmail.com Ph: 920-982-5811 Are you ready to change course?

The new changes in eligibility offer great opportunities for all American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) units!

As you may have heard, all veterans since WWII are now eligible to join The American Legion (TAL). The good news for us is that there are now immeasurable opportunities for the ALA to increase membership numbers.

AND, at the 2019 National Convention, The American Legion voted to allow the spouses of veterans to join the ALA! (I know of

a dual member in my county who has already signed up her husband, and we are excited to have him!)

Our membership numbers can double if we are smart about recruiting new members. It now becomes our responsibility to welcome to TAL all veterans who are not yet members. We as ALA members need to help advocate for our fellow Legionnaires the advantages of belonging to this great organization. We need to make all veterans feel welcome and comfortable in belonging to TAL. Before we can recruit Auxiliary members that are now eligible, it should be part of our Americanism, VA&R, Poppy and

Community Service programs to show all veterans and their families what we have to offer and why they should want to belong to our organization.

I keep hearing “fences need to be mended” as many veterans may feel slighted from being excluded to membership in the past.

That said, we need to be the fence menders and make ALL veterans and their families feel the warmth and compassion so many of us feel from our friends in the American Legion Family.

I personally contacted a veteran who wanted to join over 20 years ago. I mentioned, should he consider membership, I know he has a sister that has wanted to

be a member for as long as I have known her. This is the best news I have to offer my sister-in-law, who has felt left out of all family conversations that involve the ALA. Not to mention, her daughter and granddaughter have been members since their birth! I am very excited for this opportunity for her to join!

So “Mateys,” are we ready to set a new course, pull up anchors, sail more ships and tender a few dinghies ashore to find members, old and new?!? “Aye, Aye Captain”!!!!

Let’s embrace and mentor members so we remain strong while “Anchored in Service” for the next 100 years, as we continue “Setting a Course for the Future!”

Financial donations are needed for the Christmas Gift Shop (CGS). Checks payable to ‘ALA-Wisconsin’ may be mailed to Department Headquarters noting #4402-Christmas Gift Shop in the memo field. Money is used to purchase gifts for family members of hospitalized veterans at no cost to the veteran. Thank you for supporting this program!

SETTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE District 3

District 2

District 4

District 5

District 9

District 7

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

38.56%

35.90%

34.01%

33.33%

30.92%

28.39%

District 12 District 1 District 10

WISCONSIN 2019 OCTOBER

District 6

District 8

District 11

7th

8th

9th

10th

11th

12th

27.76%

26.78%

26.33%

23.12%

22.33%

19.75%

PAGE A2 • WISCONSIN • OCTOBER 2019

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Becky Mueller Department Chaplain Email: clarenceandbecky@aol.com Ph: 920-833-6048 Joshua 6:20 (the Battle of Jericho) “So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat.”

Recently, the American Legion Family won a victory of our own. President Trump, with the bipartisan support of Congress, signed the LEGION Act into law. Now all service members and veterans who served since Pearl Harbor are eligible to join The American Legion.

Let us SHOUT our welcome to the family! Praise God their service is finally being recognized regardless of place or time of their enlistment. Their sacrifice is being honored and remembered.

During TAL National Convention, it was voted to change the word wives to “spouses” in the American Legion Auxiliary eligibility requirements. Let us SHOUT for inclusion. We are continuing to work to include all our military and veterans’ families in our American Legion family. There is still work to do but we have made strides. We must continue to work together keeping our eyes on the goal.

My prayer is that we remember that the Battle of Jericho was won by the nation of Israel working in action together. The leaders heeded the word of God and practiced it in their lives. The priests bore the Ark taking God before them.

The people marched as one body to accomplish their mission – doing the same thing day after day – marching around the walls before them – not knowing the outcome but doing what was asked of them in unity. Finally, the day arrived when the results were seen and all shared in the victory SHOUT. We have our own walls before us – the wall of trauma and disease, the wall of PTSD and brain injuries, the wall of family discord, the wall of financial struggles and unemployment, the wall of indifference to the sacrifices made, the wall of discouragement and defeat. Let us march as one family as we circle the walls – led by God – and work to bring those walls, and others, down for the glory of God and the good of our veterans, military, their families and our communities. Let us SHOUT our victory as we continue our mission of service not self.

In God’s holy name we pray. AMEN. Marching to Zion (Words by Isaac Watts, refrain and music by Robert Lowry)

Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known, Join in a song with sweet accord, join in a song with sweet accord, And thus surround the throne, and thus surround the throne. We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion.

We’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.

GREETINGS FROM HEADQUARTERS Bonnie Dorniak Executive Secretary/Treasurer Ph: 608-745-0124 Email: deptsec@amlegionauxwi.org Website: www.amlegionauxwi.org Nicole Clapp of Iowa was elected National President for the 2019-2020 administrative year. Her theme for the year is “Celebrating a Century of Service.”

With her background in the healthcare field, Nicole is dedicated to serving our veterans and is especially interested in adaptive therapy programs.

Wisconsin was recognized with several awards at national convention. A complete listing is available on page A6.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) has new membership eligibility criteria.

The LEGION Act, signed into law on July 30, 2019, established two war eras for membership eligibility in The American Legion: World War I (April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918) and from World War II until the end of hostilities, as determined by Congress (December 7, 1941 to present). These new membership eligibility dates apply to the ALA as well. Until updated membership applications are available, new members joining the ALA who do not fall in the preprinted war eras may simply write “other conflict” or “LEGION Act” on their applications.

Eligibility for membership in the ALA is determined by The American Legion.

At the 2019 American Legion National Convention, delegates voted to replace the word “wife” with “spouse” in their constitution and bylaws, opening membership in the ALA to male spouses of US veterans and servicemembers who served during the war eras defined by the LEGION Act. If an Auxiliary applicant applies for membership through the service of a veteran who is living, the veteran must be a current member of The American Legion.

Wisconsin made national history – Mike Rohan, Past National Commander Denise Rohan’s husband, was the first male member to join the ALA. He is now a proud member of Verona ALA Unit

385. Congratulations, Mike!

National Headquarters recently mailed the 2020 membership renewal notices.

Don’t be surprised if you received a renewal notice even though you recently paid your dues. National pulled the mailing list in early August before most memberships had been processed so things may have “crossed in the mail.” If you have questions or think you received a notice in error, please contact your unit membership chairman to confirm she forwarded your dues to department headquarters for processing.

Members may pay their dues through their unit, online at www.ALAforVeterans.org, or over the phone. Online dues can only be accepted for the 2020 membership year. If you pay by phone, please call national headquarters at 317-5694500, Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (Central Time). Members can pay for multiple family members at one time or for previous years if their dues have lapsed.

The 2020 Daily Sweepstakes were mailed in August. If you want additional entry forms, please call department headquarters. Only original entry forms will

be accepted for the drawing. Daily prizes are $15, Sunday prizes are $25, and there is a chance to win $500 each month.

Remember, you could win 366 times because winning entries are returned to the barrel after each drawing and there is an extra day due to leap year! The last day to enter is December 31, 2019. THANK YOU to everyone who already responded. Please remember that although a donation is not required to enter the sweepstakes, the money raised supports Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary programs so donations are greatly appreciated. Official sweepstakes rules are posted on the department website.

If your unit does something unique to support the Auxiliary’s mission, please send me pictures of the mission in action along with a brief caption so I can highlight it in the Wisconsin. Submissions should be sent to deptsec@amlegionauxwi.org within 60 days of the event, including a contact person’s name, daytime phone and email address in case I need to clarify any information. Your ideas may be of interest to others who would like to replicate your work in their own community.

Mike Rohan, Past National Commander Denise Rohan’s husband, is the first male member to join the ALA.

VOLUNTEER? WHY ME? Sue Hembrook Director of Hospital Volunteers Ph: 262-843-4791 | C: 262-945-9791 Email: genesuehem@wi.rr.com Many of us ask ourselves, “What service can I be, I am just one person?” Well, one person can be a bright spot in the otherwise lonely day of one of our veterans who are hospitalized. You can assist with simple things like helping them play bingo when they have mobility or hearing issues. By listening to their stories – or sometimes their complaints – you let them know that someone cares. It is the small things that mean so much to our hospitalized veterans. Many are far away from family and

friends, so reaching out to provide them some companionship means so much in what is normally a dreary lonely day.

There is a process to volunteer at one of the veterans’ facilities and each facility has their own standards. You will be finger printed and submit a background check, which is required of all volunteers, so do not feel singled out by these procedures.

The VA must protect those who are vulnerable, and it is only fair that everyone comply. Also, if you volunteer at more than one facility, you must be vetted (cleared) by each facility.

You may say, “Well, I do not live near one of our VA facilities. How can I be of

service?” There are many things that you can do at home. You can send cards – especially on Veterans Day and other major holidays. If you are crafty, you can make tray favors, afghans, walker bags or other little comfort items. Each facility has a list of wish items for the veterans. These can be donated either individually or your unit as a group can collect items and send them to the facility of your choice. Contact the hospital rep at the facility and she will provide you with many opportunities to choose from.

If you are interested in volunteering, please give me a call or email me and I will answer your questions or concerns.

OCTOBER 2019 • WISCONSIN • PAGE A3

PUBLIC RELATIONS Jennifer Grinder Department Chairman Ph: 608-495-2733 Email: jennifer.grinder@gmail.com The dedicated, passionate members of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) are one of the reasons our organization is able to serve Wisconsin’s veterans and their families. Our people, you, make us unique.

However, often times we are humble or bashful about the hard work we do.

Part of a good public relations strategy is awareness – making known what you do as a volunteer and member of the ALA. I en-

courage all of you to speak as passionately about the organization as you work for it.

Speak about the importance and impact of the organization. Use facts such as we operate over 15 unique programs designed to help veterans and their families, including programs to help children and homeless women veterans.

In addition to human to human conversations about our organization, I also encourage you to share on social media. Let your online friends know about an upcoming event your unit or post is holding and how veterans and their families benefit from

the event. Share photos of events and unit meetings so your online friends can see the ALA in action.

There are many other ways you can contribute to the public relations efforts of our organization, too. Reach out to your local newspaper or radio station when your unit has a newsworthy event to see if they would like to cover it. Your unit could start its own Facebook page if they don’t already have one. Develop a social media strategy and set measurable goals to achieve throughout the year. You could also prepare a fact sheet for the members of your

HISTORIAN Dany Thompson Department Historian Ph: 920-379-6489 Email: alabgs.chairman@gmail.com Happy Fall! It is going to be a crazy and busy year for most of us, both personally and as part of the American Legion Auxiliary. As we celebrate our 100th year and look back at all we have accomplished, let’s not forget to record how we are celebrating this year and using the past to look forward to the future. I know that sounds contradictory, but in order to prepare ourselves for the next 100 years, we need to know where we have been and what we have done.

Take the 100th Celebration that Port Washington Unit 82 had in August. They celebrated the 100th year, and part of that celebration was for the kids in attendance to find different Unit and Post members and ask them questions. They learned about the organizations and got to know the stories of those who helped build our American Legion Family.

This year will be so important to record where we are and what we are doing, 100 years after we were founded. This is more than just dates and names. Those are important, but they don’t tell the story of who we are. So record personal thoughts, pictures, etc. Interview those who attend your programs and meetings, even if it’s just a few sentences. Have your junior members interview older members about

unit to use as talking points. Some things you could include are the number of members in your unit, the number of events you hosted, dollars raised for specific programs, and amount of loans, grants or scholarships given out to veterans and their families.

I am happy to assist you and your unit in any way I can this year as I serve as the Public Relations Chairman. If you are interested in any of the suggestions mentioned above but aren’t quite sure where to start or how to implement them, please contact me by email, phone or you can find me on Facebook and reach out that way.

LEADERSHIP

how the ALA impacted them personally.

Find ways to make our 100th year real and tangible, so when members look back during the 200th celebration, they will know the stories and the people behind the dates and names.

Kathy Baranzyk Department Chairman Ph: 414-628-6030 Email: kbaranzyk@wi.rr.com Co-Chairs: Bonnie Jakubczyk & Donna Jensen Welcome to a new ALA Leadership Program. My Leadership Co-Chairs and I will be offering a variety of classes to provide valuable educational materials for those who are leaders and those who are interested in becoming leaders. We will present topics on everyday applications and inference to our organization. Choose from the following: I’M A MEMBER , WHAT NEXT: Become familiar with the history of the ALA – its purpose, growth, development, mission and vision. New members will learn all about ALA jargon, the structure of our organization and how to get involved.

Seasoned members will have the opportunity to learn how to mentor and work with new members, using positive communication to foster individual and group performance and how to get the most out of their membership.

REPORTING – MAKING YOUR NUMBERS COUNT: Learn how to make reporting fun. Participants will learn the reporting structure, what forms to use and how, when to use them and where to send them. Attendees will see how they fit into the big picture of our organization. New members have knowledge and understanding of the process and experience so members can achieve a greater effectiveness.

Participants will learn how to utilize the Program Action Plans and apply for awards.

HOW TO RUN A MEETING & USES OF TECHNOLOGY. Learn how to develop and improve protocol when running a meeting. Participants will learn how to be knowledgeable, informed leaders and how to use our organization’s websites to gain greater knowledge and insight into our programs and resources available to them.

CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS AND COMMUNICATION: We are all aware of conflict and no one likes to deal with it, but at times it does make its way into our units. Participants in this program will learn how to foster a culture of goodwill within our organization. You will learn positive ways for dealing with stressful situations with difficult people, how to solve the situation effectively with communication and leadership skills.

We encourage each unit to hold at least one Leadership class of their choice. Classes include handout materials and a handbook.

Cost is $5.00 per person. The hosting unit is encouraged to have a lunch or light refreshments, which are the responsibility of the host unit. Classes will run from approximately 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Don’t wait! Contact the Leadership Chairman today to secure your session. Classes will be held from October-July 1st. It is recommended to choose two or three dates to allow flexibility with scheduling.

LEGISLATIVE Char Kiesling Department Chairman Email: char.kiesling@gmail.com Established in 1923, the American Legion Auxiliary’s (ALA) National Legislative Committee remains committed to one primary purpose: to provide information and assistance to ALA members to advocate for the legislative agenda of The American Legion (TAL). TAL’s legislative policy is determined by elected delegates to national convention and duly elected members of the National Executive Committee. NO OTHER PERSON OR GROUP IS AUTHORIZED TO FORM OR DETERMINE NATIONAL LEGIS-

LATIVE POLICY. That is why it is so important that we follow these initiatives and support this committee’s purpose.

The most effective way we can support TAL’s initiatives is to COMMUNICATE and SHARE with unit members. Auxiliary members can then share the issues and express their views with their representatives by way of email, phone calls, Legislative Alerts, fax messages, or the most effective method of all...personal letters.

These contacts can have a powerful and effective influence on members of Congress. Although other issues are important to our country’s welfare, it is the issues that impact our veterans, military, and

their families that fall within our legislative realm and efforts.

Stay informed and react when you receive or hear of veterans’ concerns from your National and Department Legislative chairmen, sign up to receive TAL “Dispatch”, go online for the Legislative group page, and develop a relationship with your law-makers by interacting frequently about your concerns and questions. Stay in tune to not only NATIONAL alerts but also look at Wisconsin’s STATE level legislation!

Recent legislation passed with the assistance of the ALA includes the LEGION Act, Bluewater Act for Navy Veterans, pay

to our Coast Guard, suicide prevention, increase homelessness healthcare, and to increase mental health care.

The recent LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service) was the biggest news shared at National Convention. It redefines eligible war eras for TAL membership eligibility, from December 7, 1941 until the U.S. is no longer at war, as determined by Congress. Now ALA members can recruit eligible descendants under the newly eligible veterans, increasing the possibilities for membership!

Help TAL and ALA “set the course” to fulfill our MISSION!

PAGE A4 • WISCONSIN • OCTOBER 2019

SERVICE TO VETERANS Diane Weggen Department Chairman Ph: 715-644-2668 Email: dsweggen@gmail.com For the past 100 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has been “Anchored in Service” – Service, not Self. Under the 20192020 leadership of President Joanie Dickerson, members will be “Setting a Course” of serving veterans, military, their families and communities “for the future”.

Anchors away as members move into the future sharing their time, talents and resources with veterans in the community, state and nation.

When a member shares with non-related veterans or military families, her/his time and resources count as service to veterans and may be recorded for personal recognition and reported in the unit year-end impact report. Activities can range from preparing a casserole or baking a cake at home for a home-bound veteran and/or family, to providing transportation to appointments.

What else can members do to serve veterans?

• Check with the unit or post for opportunities to serve area veterans.

• Write articles/letters to the editor telling the community what unit members are doing for veterans.

• Visit homebound veterans or veterans in care facilities.

• Read to and/or write letters for veterans.

• Help a veteran use the internet.

• Sew quilts for the Quilts of Valor Foundation (www.qovf. org/).

• Assist with yard work or housework.

• Volunteer at a VA facility or Camp American Legion.

• Make tray favors and/or sew lap robes.

• Volunteer to call Bingo or provide snacks at a veterans’ facility.

• Attend or assist with stand downs or job fairs.

• Care for a veteran to give the caretaker a break or some free time.

• Contact the Legion Service Officer at the post and offer to be on the list of people to call when a veteran or military family needs help or transportation.

• Learn about resources to help veterans access all their VA benefits, not just health care.

The “Service to Veterans” program recognizes volunteers who provide service to veterans or servicemembers and their families outside a VAMC. Members who report “Service to Veterans” hours become recipients of a “Service to Veterans” pin that has been designed to reflect the work of those who volunteer in their communities and at home for veterans. Volunteers maintain their own recordkeeping and dollars spent.

All Auxiliary members who attended or participated in the Celebration of Freedom in Portage in September had fun while honoring veterans, especially Vietnam veterans, and supported Department of Wisconsin Legionnaires.

Thanks to all who were there!

We are overwhelmed with the prayers and expressions of sympathy sent to us since the passing of our sister and aunt, Teri Williams. She remains a treasured memory always in our hearts.

Thank you for your support and kind words. They comfort us during this sad time. God Bless our American Legion Family!

YOU CHANGED A VETERAN’S LIFE! Department recently received a grant application from a female service member who needed assistance with her rent and telephone bill. Thanks to the generous donations of Auxiliary members throughout the state, the review committee approved her application so she could get back on her feet. Thank you for making this possible!

To the American Legion Auxiliary, I would just like to thank everyone for the absolute generosity that has been given to me. I originally joined the Army because I wanted to be in a team environment and help in the bigger picture. After being approved for one of your grants I know the bigger picture spreads farther than just what happens in uniform but also out of uniform.

After a constant struggle I was finally admitted for my mental health for wanting to end my own life. I have always had an issue transitioning back to civilian life. I found myself starting to drown in medical debt from improper processing of paperwork and having no guidance as to how to get help.

With the help of [a Family Assistance Center Specialist] referring me to the American Legion Auxiliary your committee was able to approve me for one of your grants. The day I found out I was approved for your grant was the first day in over 2 years I felt that there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

Before this grant I was hardly able to stay afloat or even have food for myself.

Since you have helped, I have been able to get caught up enough to where I was able to finally have my medical bills changed and put on a lower payment plan, I have got caught up on my regular bills and am getting better every day.

I can never be able to fully express or put into words how thankful and appreciative I am for having your help. This has honestly made such a big impact in my life. Please keep doing what you’re doing. I know suicide is a very big thing happening with veterans. Just to know there are Committees like this to help when things are tough, and veterans are not alone is one of the best feelings.

Thank you again for letting me be a part of the bigger picture!

Thank You!

~ Past Department President LaVon Schurman, President Joanie Dickerson and family

ALA POPPY PROGRAM Diane Steinert Department Chairman Ph: 920-573-1846 Email: djdmsteinert@gmail.com ALA Department President Joanie Dickerson’s theme is “Anchored in Service, Setting a Course for the Future.” One hundred years ago a woman ‘anchored in service,’ Moina Michael, ‘set a course’ to remember those who served.

The Remembrance Red Poppy began on November 9, 1918, as a memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in WWI after Moina Michael read a poem written by Lt. Col. McCrae entitled, “We Shall Not Sleep” (later entitled “In Flanders Field”) in the November issue of Ladies Home Journal while she was on duty at the 25th Conference of the Overseas YMCA. She purchased twenty-five poppies and distributed them to the businessmen in New York attending the conference. Ms. Michael went

on to lead a campaign for the adoption of the poppy as the national symbol of sacrifice and on September 27, 1920, the Red Poppy became the official flower of The American Legion Family to memorialize the soldiers who served during WWI. We continue to follow the course, working the Poppy Pro-

gram to honor veterans for their service and sacrifice by promoting circulation of the poppy, educating all people of the poppy’s history, and the significant financial benefit realized by our nation’s veterans as a result of its distribution.

Members of the American Legion Family can assist with poppy

distribution throughout the year.

Poppies should be ordered prior to December 15, 2019. Members can write articles for their local newspaper or letters to the editor to help educate the community about the ALA Poppy Program.

Units can sponsor a Poppy Poster Contest by contacting local schools and other youth groups to

encourage them to enter the contest.

There is so much we can do to promote the ALA Poppy Program.

The 2019-2020 Poppy Program Action Plan and Poppy information and worksheets are available on the department website (www. amlegionauxwi.org) or you can contact me with any questions.

Veteran Poppy Maker James Miles demonstrates how to make a poppy at the Karry Kultgen, Diane Burkhalter and Mary Marchese, members of ALA Unit Celebration of Freedom Event held in September. Mary was an avid learner! 82 in Port Washington, bagged almost 500,000 labels for the Zablocki Poppy Shop for production this coming year. Thank you, ladies!

OCTOBER 2019 • WISCONSIN • PAGE A5

American Legion Auxiliary Well Represented at 2019 National Convention in Indiana “Serving our Heroes” was the focus of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) 2019 National Convention. National President Kathy Dungan stated, “Serving our heroes, promoting patriotism, fostering good citizenship, and supporting The American Legion…that’s the heart of our mission and our principles.”

With program, constitution and bylaws updates, Central Division Caucus lead by PCDNVP Teresa Isensee, and the Wisconsin Caucus filling our Saturday, delegates felt educated and inspired to learn more during the National Convention. The national parade held on Sunday bought states together in friendship and fun.

I asked Wisconsin 2019 National Convention delegates to share their thoughts about their convention experience. Delegates agreed that PDP Patricia Smith said it best. Pat shared, “I found Jan’s Past Presidents Parley report to be the best program - it had everything! The eulogy to Wisconsin’s PNP Pearl Behrend revealed the true circle of life as Pearl had installed Nicole Clapp as National Honorary Junior President. It was very moving that the Wisconsin delegation stood alone in memory to and honor of Pearl. The Women Veterans of the Year represented all five branches. Their

stories made us all feel extremely proud of their service. As if that were not enough, Jan went on to introduce the three Women of the Year. Each of these incredible women were amazing, determined and exemplary in the ways they found to reach out and raise up homeless veterans. They truly set a fine example of “Service not Self”. I also found the Legion’s efforts to explain the LEGION Act and to make their rules of governance less gender specific as a tremendous step forward to the unification of the American Legion Family.”

PNP Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan shared, “I’ve always been so appreciative of belonging to the Department of Wisconsin because I am constantly asked to share much that members in Wisconsin have put together for the good of the organization. In fact, many said we should package it and sell it. My response is always, if we can help with something we’ve created, we are happy to share with others.”

Indianapolis is the home of the new ALA headquarters office.

Wisconsin’s Member of the Year, Bonnie Phaneuf shared, “I enjoyed the whole national convention experience. Seeing the ALA National Headquarters really put a ‘face’ on the organization.

Thank you for the opportunity to experience this event.”

In addition to the LEGION Act making a huge difference in the make-up and culture of American Legion Family, there is also a change in the ALA membership eligibility requirements. “Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary shall be limited to the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion, and to the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during any of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941; or who, being citizens of the United States at the time of their entry therein, served on active duty in the Armed Forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during any of said periods, and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.” A woman who is eligible for American Legion membership is eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary regardless of whether or not

ALABGS Counselors/Staff were well represented at the 2019 National Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana!

she is a member of The American Legion. However, eligibility of her female relatives and/or spouse depends upon her membership in The American Legion.

Personally, I had mixed feelings about the eligibility changes, but now understand and feel the timing of these two major changes are especially fitting as we begin our next century of service for God and Country.

PDP Char Kiesling summed up other comments shared by delegates, “I enjoy how those who attend a National Convention seem to solidify friendships and share experiences and knowledge. We are so busy here and there and have little time elsewhere where

we can get to know each other and appreciate each other’s degree of dedication to our ALA. We can also learn and share with other Department delegates. It was a great reunion between our Girls Nation group, and we continue to have a special bond! I feel relationships between one another on the whole are closer after a convention together.”

I share these comments as a reminder to continue to share your ALA knowledge with other members. The more we are engaged, inspired, share and learn, the better we will serve the mission of the ALA and the American Legion Family as a whole.

By PDP Joyce E. Endres

IN MEMORIAM: PEARL BEHREND

Pearl Behrend (1923-2019)

Pearl Behrend passed away August 13, 2019 at the age of 96 years. Pearl was a proud PUFL member of Racine Unit 310 and served as Department President in 1970-1971 and National President in 19871988. The following excerpts are from Pearl’s eulogy, presented by Past National President Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan.

Pearl was a native New Yorker and joined Automotive Unit

#1179 in New York in 1946, eligible through the World War II and Korean Air Force service of her husband, Bing. Additional eligibility was established through the Vietnam service of her son Bill. She transferred her membership to Harvey R. Hansen Unit #310 in Racine, Wisconsin where she was honored with a life membership. She served in many positions at the unit, county and district level before serving as Department President in 1970-1971. Pearl was emphatic that ‘service, not self’ should be the main concern of the Auxiliary, proving this by driving to and from Milwaukee as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center there for five years.

Pearl’s theme for her year as National President was “Unity with Purpose”. She promoted a Smithsonian Institute study of the American Indian veteran by providing a funding source through the Auxiliary. Other special projects included encouraging units

to establish hospices at Veteran Administration medical centers through the country, and the establishment of Women Resource Centers to aid runaways, abused and neglected children and pregnant teens. In addition, she chose to assist the youth of the nation by providing additional scholarship funds for deserving students.

Pearl always brought a spirit of fun to every meeting in which she was involved, yet she was extremely serious when it came to the Auxiliary and its needs and the issues we faced. Patriotism was also a large part of Pearl’s character and was one reason among many for joining the Auxiliary.

This patriotism and her gregarious spirit found a true home in the Auxiliary and her community in Racine.

Those of us privileged to call her friend, knew her to be larger than life and a voice to be reckoned with. There was never a dull moment with Pearl around.

She thoroughly enjoyed life and it

showed in every aspect of her life.

She was a very close friend of PDP Loretta Shellman, who also served as a National Historian.

They traveled together often, always shared a room at convention and we all wondered how they managed to fit their electric carts, their luggage, and their clothes in the room provided by the hotel.

I suggest that we would all have enjoyed the laughter in that room, as they tried to navigate their enclosure, bumped into each other or their carts, and shared their life stories.

Pearl was also in a league by herself. Rules were made to be broken when good could be accomplished. When she served as National President, she broke with precedent and appointed another Wisconsin Auxiliary member as her National Parliamentarian. Barbara Kranig served in that capacity during Pearl’s term in office and Barb went on to serve as National President herself, ten years later. Prior to this unusu-

al appointment, the National Parliamentarian had always been a Past National President.

So, Pearl in her wisdom set some precedents that we’ve all learned from. Changes can be made if they are done for the right reason, the greater good, rather than necessarily sticking to the old habits or previously outdated rules without investigating the possibility of something new and exciting and better suited to the organization.

Pearl was generous with praise, filled with passion for her family and friends and The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. It was truly the love of her life, next to her wonderful family.

She was indeed larger than life, a good friend, a mentor, a joy to be around. So, for you dear Pearl, I hope every day you have a great joke to enjoy and laugh at, a snifter of scotch, and a wonderful piece of chocolate to share it with. Happy Trails.

PAGE A6 • WISCONSIN • OCTOBER 2019

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY • DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN

2019-2020 NATIONAL AWARDS AMERICANISM Dorothy Pearl Plaque for Most Outstanding Americanism Program by a Unit in Central Division Landt-Theil Unit 470 Saukville ~ District 2

RECRUIT 5 AWARDS: Anita (Sam) Catura, Mary Ellen Crandall, Maureen Dalton, Elizabeth Hallen, Myrna Kudronowicz, Lois Marshall, Marilyn Miller, Marsha Rohlf, Nicole Vidal PAST PRESIDENTS PARLEY Unit Member of the Year Bonnie Phaneuf Sponsored by William Lansing Unit 360 Waunakee, 3rd District

Americanism Essay Contest Class I, Best Essay in Central Division Claire Meyer (Sponsor Unknown)

POPPY Poppy Poster Contest, Class V (Students in Grades 10 & 11) Courtney Peterson Sponsored by Athelstane/Silver Cliff Unit 66, 9th District

Americanism Essay Contest Class V, Best Essay in Central Division Ben Nowak Sponsored by Thorp Unit 118 ~ 7th District Americanism Essay Contest Class VI, Best Essay in Central Division Alexander P. Phillipps (Sponsor Unknown)

Poppy Poster Contest, Class VI (Students in Grade 12) Emily Shaw Sponsored by Athelstane/Silver Cliff Unit 66, 9th District

CHAPLAIN Certificate of Appreciation Department of Wisconsin Becky Mueller, Department Chaplain

Best Overall Poppy Poster in Central Division Courtney Peterson Sponsored by Athelstane/Silver Cliff Unit 66, 9th District

HISTORIAN Certificate of Merit for Best Department History in the Central Division Maggie Geiger, Department Historian JUNIOR ACTIVITIES Best Overall Department Junior Activities Program in the Central Division Department of Wisconsin Lorrie Barber, Department Chairman MEMBERSHIP $25 Gift Card to New Units Chartered between 9/1/18 – 7/1/19 Stanley Handrich Unit 226 Manawa ~ District 8

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION Gold Award for Donations to National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Department of Wisconsin Char Kiesling, Department President Citation Plaque for Most Outstanding VA&R Program by a Unit in Central Division Rose Harms Unit 355 Grafton, 2nd District

VAVS MEETINGS PERFECT ATTENDANCE CARD

Rose Wenger, Hospital Representative Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI

Certification of Appreciation Most Influential Person in Chartering New Unit Mike Dziedzic

Manawa Post 226 ~ District 8

Bonnie Jakubczyk, Hospital Representative Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI

MISSION IN ACTION: UNIT 372

George W. Goetz Unit 372 ALA members participated in the Belgian Days Parade in Brussels, Wisconsin. A few Auxiliary members rode the float and others walked and handed out information on the meaning of the Missing Man Table and what the ALA represents. The unit supports Adopt-A-Soldier, which serves veterans in Door and Kewaunee counties.

JULY 2019 CALENDAR FUNDRAISER WINNERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

15.00 15.00 15.00 500.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00

Laverne Nowak Marjorie Broker Kathleen Franklin Darlene Pedersen Nancy Adams Marcella Danti Lorna Hilliard Betty Swenson Donna Ditter Gerry Peterson Janet Born Chris Potter Cheryl Hirschfield Gloria Geoffroy Beulah Manteufel Jodi Franke Janel Errthum Corinne Mueller Barbara Moore Margaret Clark Carla Corbin Maureen O’Connor Shirley Rowe Diane Kohr Donna Ditter Reinhilde Hoffman Sharon Pearson Lisa Otis Nancy Henschel Morgan Johnsen Mary Spearow

Milwaukee St Croix Falls Sun Prairie Prescott Tomah Livingston Endeavor River Falls St Cloud Janesville Shawano Seymour Janesville Waukesha Barneveld Horicon Lodi Plymouth St Francis Madison Onalaska Campbellsport Baraboo Pewaukee St Cloud Jackson Frederic Sun Prairie Howards Grove Wausau Readstown

AUG 2019 CALENDAR FUNDRAISER WINNERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

15.00 15.00 15.00 500.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00

Patricia Radandt Nora Schmidt Gloria Konieska Marybeth Nachreiner Susan Dvorak Joyce Hoffman Mary Knudtson Karen Klunck Judy French Anna Will Karen Pena Shirley Hillyer Beverly Krass Linda Flanagan Kelly Bukowsky Laurel DuBois Emma Hughes Diane Zais Valerie Feldmann-Lopez Norma Arts Tommy Carlson Cal McChesney Connie Murphy Marian Czarnecki Karen Nelson Robert Holewinski Roxanne Radakovich JoAnn Sebo Georgeanna Blackburn Pauline Glentz Maureen Dalton

New Holstein Reedsburg Burlington Plain Lone Rock Abbotsford Gays Mills Sheboygan Milwaukee Preston MN McFarland Minocqua Milwaukee Argyle Delafield Balsam Lake Hartford Stanley Plymouth Holcombe Green Bay Yuma AZ Lone Rock Wild Rose Hixton Pulaski Milwaukee Valders Mesa AZ Alma New Richmond

MISSION IN ACTION: UNIT 360 The American Legion Family in Waunakee hosted a party to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of The American Legion.

Bonnie Phaneuf, 2019 Department Unit Member of the Year, was also honored during the program.