Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin Dec2019/Jan2020

Badger &“Wisconsin”

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Official Publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family

December 2019January 2020

www.wilegion.org

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

Plenge Receives MacArthur Award

Monroe native, Badger Boys State Coun- State Alumni Association. Plenge was reselor and Wisconsin American Legion cently selected for promotion to Major and member Chad Plenge received the presti- currently serves as a West Point instructor gious General Douglas MacArthur Leader- and operations officer for the U.S. Army ship award during a ceremony at the Penta- Center for Junior Officers. He has served gon on June 21, 2019. on the staff of Badger Boys State for thirOnly 30 company-grade and warrant teen years. officers received the award this year out of more than 100,000 who were eligible. Soldiers were selected by their commands for demonstrating the ideals MacArthur stood for, including duty, honor and country.

“It’s humbling to be chosen alongside this group of officers,” said Captain Chad Plenge, West Point psychology professor and General Douglas MacArthur Leadership award winner. Plenge said that he was proud to represent West Point at the ceremony. “To be one of the people somebody thought deserved this award is an honor,” Plenge said.

At Badger Boys State, Plenge serves as the County Counselor of Sawyer County. He is also the Left to Right: Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, director of the BBS Assistant Director of Public Army staff; Captain Chad Plenge; retired Marine Relations and currently serves as Col. William Davis of the Gen. Douglas MacArthur the President of the Badger Boys Foundation.

SAL Troop Deployment

Left: The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed from Camp Douglas for a nine-month mission on October 4, 2019.

The mission includes around 165 soldiers from 64 Wisconsin Communities.

SAL Vice Commander Steven DuBois was on hand to present kids of deployed soldiers with a special JOSH Dog. Above: Three present and past Sons of the American Legion Commanders share the story of G.I. Josh at the Spooner deployment on October 19 from WI Army National Guard’s 829th Engineer Vertical Construction Company. Left to Right: PDC Mike Kollmansberger, Commander Robert Sirovina, Jr., PDC Gary Lubich.

MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVES ANNOUNCED

100% Posts Any Post that reaches 100% of their membership goal by December 31, 2019 will be entered into a drawing at Midwinter for a Legion Mint Proof Clad Half Dollar. The posts will be divided by the membership totals: • 1-100 members • 101-300 members • 300 + members District Incentive The first District Commander that reaches 100% of their District Goal (30 days before convention) will receive the Legion Mint Silver Dollar.

New Member Incentive Any member that signs up 5 new members (which includes any member not renewed before or as of 2018) will be entered into a drawing at Department Convention. There will be 5 winners: (2)-$1000 cash winners and (3) American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Three-Coin Proof Set. The cut off is 30 days before convention. Must have names to Department no later than July 1st.

If a member gets 10 new members he/ she will receive the Badger 10 pin and get 2 entries in the drawing. If a member gets 25 new members he/she will receive the Silver Brigade award and 5 entries into the drawing. If a member gets 50 new members he/she will receive the Gold Brigade and 10 entries into the drawing.

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 • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

“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.

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER Greetings everyone.

Well, it looks like Mother Nature has cheated us again.

AuDavid Wischer Department tumn was Commander brief before we headed straight into winter. So much for enjoying the Fall colors, but did you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day? The area surrounding Camp American Legion was gorgeous.

Sorry Don, you can’t take credit for that.

I was fortunate to travel there twice in October, and had a chance to unwind. But only for a short time.

With the conclusion of the District Fall Conferences and the Department Fall meetings, there was no time to slow down as I started the hospital visits along with Department President Joanie. Our first stop was in Milwaukee at the Zablocki Medical Center. The tour was brief, but valuable infor-

mation was exchanged. Our next stop was in Union Grove. I have to say that we were very impressed, not only of the facilities, but also the staff. Commandant Natalie, the nursing staff, and volunteers are all a fabulous group of caring individuals that watch over our fellow veterans in need.

WDVA arranged an opportunity for me to visit with the Governor at his residence. I have to mention that our own Paul Fisk is doing a bang-up job in Madison; keeping a solid presence at the State Capitol, so that our elected officials know that The American Legion is watching and listening to what is going on with legislation concerning Veterans and their families.

The Department was fortunate to have a visit from our NVC Richard Heigert during the Veterans Day weekend.

Our NEC man, Bob Shappell, did a fine job in escorting the NVC to multiple locations during his visit. Thank You Bob. From Beaver Dam to Greenfield, Ce-

darburg, Kenosha and Grafton, it was a full weekend. Special thanks go out to Tim Baranzyk, the Fourth District Commander. Thank you also to Kenosha County Commander Tom Visintainer for putting together the event at the Kenosha Post where the NVC and I had an opportunity to talk about The American Legion and its programs. NVC Heigert spoke briefly about the Legion Act, which was broadcast live on Saturday and rebroadcast throughout the day.

We are now approaching our Midwinter Conference. The office staff has been hard at work putting this year’s event together. There will be training on a variety of subjects to help build and inform all members of The American Legion Family. Take advantage of this weekend that brings together members from around the state.

Oh, don’t forget that there will be

time to relax a little in the evening. On Friday, visit department candidate’s hospitality rooms. On Saturday, enjoy the banquet with entertainment provided by the Memories. It’s time for all of us to make our own memories.

As we come closer to the Holiday Season, try to keep in mind all of those in need. We can make a difference in someone’s life, even if it is only for a short time.

Anita and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Remember, “Forward Together” and let’s Focus on the Future.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT The Department’s legislative efforts are progressing. We are tracking over 30 bills with Paul Fisk bills Legislative Chairman more ready to be introduced in the next month or two.

All of the bills from the fall floor session will be sent to the Governor in early December, for his approval. We also had a bill drafted and introduced that will be of benefit to the Veteran Service Organizations who maintain a Service at Zablocki.

Currently the Wisconsin standard hours of instruction for nursing aids is higher than the Federal standard. A bill has passed the Assembly and the senate which will reduce the Wisconsin requirement to the national standard.

There are several bills relating to veteran education advancing. Senate Bill 142 removes any penalties for veterans for the late payment of tuition and fees caused by a delay in receiving their Federal payments. This is usually the result of a shutdown of the federal government. This bill will also go to the Governor in December. Other educational bills have been adopted by one house and are awaiting action in the other.

The Speakers Task Force on suicide made several recommendations, while not specific to veterans, they are good bills that will help the veteran community in this critical area. They have passed the assembly and await action by the senate when it returns to the floor in January.

The legislature has a limited amount of time left on the floor. In March they will adjourn and begin

the process of running to retain ed by then will need to be reintrotheir seats, anything not complet- duced in January of 2021.

WI American Legion Legislative Chair Paul Fisk testified in favor of Assembly Bill 75. A public hearing was held on October 3 at the State Capitol. Under this bill, a municipal restriction on the discharge of a firearm may not be enforced against an honorary discharge of a firearm that involves the use of only blanks and that is part of an event honoring a current or former member of the military, law enforcement officer, or fire fighter or of military honors provided at a cemetery on Memorial Day or Veterans Day or at a veterans memorial site. Left to Right: Representative Rob Stafsholt, WI VFW Joe Hines, American Legion Legislative Chair Paul Fisk, Senator Dave Craig, Retired First Sergeant Marine Timothy La Sage.

2019 WISCONSIN SAMSUNG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Nathan Wolf, a 2019 participant of Badger Boys State, received one of the 10 national Samsung Scholarships worth $10,000. Over 4,660 applications were submitted for this prestigious award. Nathan lives in Kaukauna and attends Freedom High School.

The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is available for high school juniors who participate in the current session of Boys State or Girls State and are direct

descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. The Samsung scholarship supports undergraduate studies (e.g., room and board, tuition and books), and each applicant is selected according to his or her involvement in school and community activities, academic record and financial need. For more information about the scholarship, visit www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung.

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 3

WDVA SECRETARY This past Veterans Day, as we honored the millions of military veterans th roughout Mary M. Kolar our country, I WDVA Secretary encouraged those in our communities to join me in taking a few minutes to reflect on what the term “service” means to us.

Military service is a part of the fabric of our country. Throughout

our history, men and women have bravely put on their uniforms to protect the values and liberties our nation was built on. Out of uniform, the service continues.

As a veteran, your commitment to service and our country is often displayed in countless ways.

Through the transition from military to civilian life, we take the lessons that we have learned and the experiences we’ve gained and further fulfill our commitment to service by strengthening our communities.

I fondly remember from my youth, many Saturdays traveling with my mother to the nearby Tomah VA Medical Center.

There, we sang songs for veterans of previous conflicts. It was a smaller task in the grand scheme of things, but it provided lasting memories for the veteran residents at the facility and me. The experience was part of what led me to serve my country in the U.S. Navy. That same commitment to service has continued to motivate me as an advocate

for Wisconsin veterans and their families as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

Whether it’s volunteering a few hours a day at one of our veterans homes, making monetary or non-monetary donations to support a particular cause, taking up a service project in your community, or providing transportation for a veteran to get to an appointment, there are no shortage of ways we can fulfill our commitment to service. And it doesn’t

only apply to veterans, either.

If everyone in our country took a brief moment to “pay it forward” through service to others, we will certainly keep alive a spirit of unity and compassion in our country.

“Service” was the theme for this year’s Veterans Day. As we gathered throughout our nation on November 11th to honor the men and women who bravely wore the uniform, we honored the commitment to service of our neighbors and ourselves, as well.

SAL DETACHMENT COMMANDER By now everyone has probably noticed that our Wisconsin weather has changed a lot Bob Sirovina, Jr in these past SAL Detachment Commander few weeks.

It’s cold outside! We are fortunate to have warm homes and plenty of heavy clothes to keep us warm. But what about our veterans who are not so fortunate and find themselves homeless? The latest published statistics from 2018 by the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the National Coali-

tion for Homeless Veterans state that on a single night in January of that year there were 37,878 veterans nationwide that were experiencing homelessness. Of those, 332 were listed as being here in Wisconsin.

Veterans are not unlike civilians when it comes to being homeless. There is a lack of affordable housing options and they face other economic challenges as well. Veterans deal with physical challenges because of their service and frequently have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and substance abuse problems. There are programs to

help these veterans and in spite of the progress that has been made, more is still needed to ensure that no veteran is homeless. Our SAL Commander’s Special Project for this year is to raise funds to help homeless veterans in our area. Each Squadron is asked to donate a minimum of $100 to this project. No one who fought for our freedom should ever have to sleep on the street. Please send your generous donations to SALWI c/o Tom Petrie, 808 E Cady St, Watertown, WI 53094.

Midwinter Conference is right around the corner, January 16-19, 2020, at the Ho-Chunk Convention Center in Baraboo. Go to

wilegion.org and click on 2020 Midwinter for complete information, registration and hotel information. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about all the Legion programs we support. We will have our committee meetings on Friday, January 17th from 2:00-5:00. Our DEC meeting will be at 1:00 on Saturday, January 18th. Every squadron needs to send representatives to this important meeting.

I have enjoyed visiting many events so far this year and look forward to many more. Two of the most special were National Guard send-off ceremonies.

The SAL was proud to distrib-

ute many G I Josh dogs to the children of these brave men and women heading off to serve our country. Although the program will be changing in the near future, our support for our deploying military will continue. Your generous support of this program is appreciated by these families more than you know.

Thank you to everyone that has paid their 2020 dues! For those who haven’t, why not take a moment to do it now!

From your SAL Detachment, we wish you all the joys and blessings of the upcoming Holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the entire Legion Family.

AMERICAN LEGION FOUNDATION Last month we talked about our goal of $20 million to support your Legion proJim Reigel grams.

We Foundation President also talked about things that you can do to help, such as donating your required minimum distribu-

tion (RMD) when you are 70 ½+ years old to The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation.

This month I would like to talk to you about Bequests (wills).

One of the easiest forms of charitable estate planning is naming the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation in your will through a bequest provision. Your will can specify an asset, an amount of money, a percentage of your

estate, or a variety of other designations. Including one sentence in your will is all you have to do to make a gift. For example: “I bequeath to The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation or its successor (specific dollar amount or percentage) for the benefit of The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation Inc.” Unrestricted bequests provide the foundation the flexibility to

use your gift where it is needed the most. However, bequests for specific uses are welcome. For example, if you want to ensure the future of Camp American Legion, or any other need that the department may have, simply include language to that effect.

We strongly recommend that you have your attorney draft or revise your will. This will ensure that your wishes to provide for your

AMENDMENT TO THE PREAMBLE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION The National Executive Committee (NEC) at the Fall 2019 Meetings passed Resolution 1 “Amendment Of the Preamble to The Constitution of The American Legion”.

Since the passage of the LEGION Act (P.A. 11685) by the U.S. Congress, which honored the 1,600 military persons wounded or killed in action and acknowledged millions of other veterans for their

military service during at least twelve additional military conflicts, it was only fitting that The American Legion NEC amend the Preamble to The American Legion Constitution.

The Preamble now reads: For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order;

to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of jus-

tice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Our Preamble’s amendment is immediate and in effect.

loved ones and charities like the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation, are fully met.

Please let us know if you named The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation in your will, so we may recognize you for your donation. Feel free to contact either the Department Adjutant at (608) 745-1090 with any questions, or myself, Jim Reigel, at (715) 305-4929.

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PAGE 4 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

REGISTER NOW FOR THE MIDWINTER CONFERENCE January 16-19, 2020 Ho-Chunk Hotel & Convention Center/Baraboo, WI

REGISTRATION FORM Pre-register for The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin 2020 Midwinter Conference by returning this registration form and $20.00 per person (1 person per registration form) to Department Headquarters by January 6, 2020 and save $5.00! Registrations received after January 6, 2020 will be $25.00 per person. To register online or to see available housing, go to www.wilegion.org.

(Please print clearly in order for your badge to be printed correctly) NAME ____________________________

MEMBER ID # ____________

ADDRESS __________________________ CITY ____________________ STATE _____________________________ ZIP _____________________ DISTRICT _____ POST _________ UNIT ________ SQUADRON ______ HOME PHONE ________________ CELL PHONE ____________________

ITEM

PRICE

TOTAL

Registration Fee

$20.00

Reg. Fee After 1/6/20

$25.00

Post Commander’s Course

No Charge

0.00

No Charge

0.00

Yes______ No ______ Post Adjutant’s Course Yes ______ No ______ Forward Together Celebration Featuring The Memories

$35.00

(Buffet Dinner-order by 1/1/20)

TOTAL Make check payable to The American Legion Cash ___________

Check #_______________

Or provide below for credit card: Name on Card ________________________________________________ Card Type ______________ Card # _______________________________ Exp. Date ______________ Sec. Code ____________ RETURN TO: The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin Attn. Chris Schmidt P.O. Box 388; Portage, WI 53901 or email to chris@wilegion.org

Headline Entertainment by The Memories Back by popular request from the Celebration of Freedom, the duo of Warren Petryk and Tim Stevens will perform a variety of popular music, plus special comedy and novelty songs at the Midwinter Banquet on Saturday, January 18.

Banquet tickets are $35 and must be ordered by January 1, 2020.

MIDWINTER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

Veterans Employment Seminar Foundation Meeting Construction Oversight Comm.

Registration 7AM-3PM Exhibits 8AM-5PM Past Dept. Commander Breakfast 7:30-8:30AM Veterans Employment Seminar 8AM-2PM Blood Drive 8AM-3PM Post Commander’s Course 8AM-12PM MyLegion.org Training 8AM-9AM Post Adjutant’s Course 9AM-1PM SAL/Jr. Auxiliary Patch Program 9AM-10AM Suicide Awareness Training 9AM-11AM 2nd District Oratorical Contest 10AM-1PM M-1 Garand Training 10AM-12PM Funeral Honors Training 10AM-12PM Service Officer Training 10AM-12PM Historian’s Training 10AM-12PM Legion Family 4 Pillars 11AM-12PM SAL DEC 1PM-5PM Past State Sergeant At Arms Lunch 12PM-1PM Dual Members Club Lunch 12PM-1PM National Appointment Lunch 12PM-1PM Chaplain’s Lunch 12PM-1PM WI American Legion Press Training 1PM-3PM Baseball Board (closed session) 1PM-1:30PM Baseball Association Meeting 1:30PM-3PM Post & County Community Engagement 1PM-2PM Funeral Honors Training 1PM-3PM 2022 Natl. Convention Meeting 2PM-3PM MyLegion.org Training 2PM-3PM WAL Jeopardy 2PM-4PM Veterans Employment Graduation 3PM-5PM and Job Fair Catholic Church Services 5PM-6PM Protestant Church Services 5PM-6PM Forward Together Celebration 5:30PM-10PM

9AM-5PM 5PM-7PM 7PM-9PM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 Registration 7AM-6PM Exhibits 8AM-5PM Veterans Employment Seminar 8AM-5PM Membership Committee 8AM-10AM Strategic Planning Committee 8AM-10AM Camp American Legion Comm. 10AM-12PM Fundraising Committee 10AM-12PM Legislative Committee 10AM-12PM Religious Emphasis Committee 10AM-12PM WALLECA 10AM-12PM Convention & Activities Comm. 10AM-12PM Past Dept. Vice Commander Lunch 11:30AM VA & R Committee 1PM-3PM Finance Committee 1PM-3PM Americanism Committee 1PM-3PM Policy Committee 1PM-3PM Children & Youth Committee 1PM-3PM Hospital Committee 3PM-5PM Communications Committee 3PM-5PM Natl. & Homeland Security Comm. 3PM-5PM WI Legion College Alumni Assoc. 3PM WI Historian’s Association 3PM SAL Committee Meetings 2PM-5PM Golf Association 3:30PM GNUTS Social Meeting 4PM Wilegion.org Launch 5PM-6PM Past Commanders Club Meeting 5:30PM

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2020 Four Chaplain’s Service 8AM-9AM Department Executive Committee 9AM

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 5

Explore the Power of Knowledge—Midwinter Legion Family Training SAL/JR AUXILIARY PATCH PROGRAM (9AM-10AM) • Junior Auxiliary & SAL youth member may serve their communities and Veterans, MYLEGION.ORG and learn about health, (8-9AM & 2-3PM) fitness, patriotism and • Overview on how the leadership program can assist • Auxiliary & SAL leadership Adjutants and Membership will explain the program and Chairmen handle Post will have tasks for children, Membership activities.

K-12th Grade POST COMMANDER • Your child, with your COURSE (8AM-12PM) guidance, will be able to take the first step towards • Enhance your skills earning a patch • What to expect as Post Commander HISTORIANS WORKSHOP (10AM-12PM) POST ADJUTANT • Offered by Past Department COURSE (9AM-1PM) Historians • Enhance your skills • Learn How to Compile Post, • What to expect as Post County or District History Adjutant • How to use MyLegion.org 2ND DIST. ORATORICAL CONTEST (10AM-1PM) SUICIDE AWARENESS • Competition in action!

TRAINING (9AM-11AM) SERVICE OFFICER • Learn how you can help your TRAINING (10AM-12PM) fellow Veterans through Topics to be covered include: difficult times • U.S. Dept. of Veterans • Presented by Dr. Roush, U.S. Affairs Benefits—VA Health, Army since 2007. Helped VA Education, VA Benefits & establish Veteran-focused VA Cemetery/Burial mental health treatment at • WI State Veteran Benefits— Advocate Aurora Health.

Education, Cemetery/Burial, Assisted Living/Nursing The following training is being offered on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Midwinter Conference in Baraboo.

Home, Benefits for P&T Veterans and Surviving Spouses • Radiation Exposure Compensation Act M-1 GARAND TRAINING (10AM-12PM) • Maintaining Blank Firing M1 Garands • Key Aspects of Garand Functions • Parts Identification, Maintenance & Replacement • Proper Assembly for Reliable function • Ammunition Issues FUNERAL HONORS

Note this is not a certification class.

(10AM-12PM) • Presentation from WI Dept of Veterans Affairs & WI Army National Guard • How Honors are Coordinated by WDVA • Role of the WI Army Natl.

Guard in Funeral Honors • How Stipend Payments for Honors are Processed and Paid • Flag Folding Demonstration • Common Issues Arising at Honor Services.

LEGION FAMILY 4 PILLARS (11AM-12PM) • 4 Pillar Discussion • Compare how the Legion, Auxiliary, SAL and Legion Riders work these programs

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SEMINAR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (Must Pre-Register) (1PM-2PM) Thurs. & Friday, 8AM-5PM • How to revitalize your Post Saturday, 8AM-2PM • How to get younger • Facilitated by Operation Job members Ready Veterans • How to engage more in the • No charge, includes community meals • Panel discussion with 4 Posts • Transition assistance, PRESS & MEDIA Skills translation, TRAINING (1PM-3PM) Resume preparation, • WI American Legion Press Interviewing tactics, Association Brief Meeting Employer introductions • Media Training (all forms) • To Register, Contact Angie • Member Communications angela@wilegion.org or • Branding call (608) 745-1090 • Awards Program • Contact Linda Pfeiffer to assist: JOB FAIR (3PM-5PM) linda.waltpfeiffer@att.net • Meet & learn about JEOPARDY CONTEST businesses seeking (2PM-4PM) veterans for employment • Do you think you know the

POST & COUNTY

WI American Legion?

• Test your knowledge with other Legionnaires • Individual or Group Competition

Midwinter Conference Blood Drive Saturday, January 18, 2020 8AM-3PM

Donate blood and be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of eight cash prizes.

1—$100

1—$75

3—$50

3—$25

Prizes donated by Legion Post 354 (Ettrick) and Post 121 (River Falls)

The 2020 Kickoff Department of Wisconsin Sweepstakes is a great way to show your Legion Pride and support Wisconsin’s veterans. The Grand Prize is $10,000 Dollars in Cash. There are also amazing cash prizes for 2nd to 8th place prize winners: ● 2nd Prize: $5,000 Cash

● 3rd Prize: $3,000 Cash

● 4th Prize: $2,000 Cash

● 5th Prize: $1,500 Cash

● 6th Prize: $1,000 Cash

● 7–8th Prize: $500 Cash

The drawing will be held at 6:00 pm on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Department of Wisconsin Midwinter Convention Banquet/Cocktail Hour being held at Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel & Convention Center, S3214 County Road BD, Baraboo, WI. 53913. You need not be present to win.

Please see the official rules at www.wilegion.org.

PAGE 6 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Greg Eirich

Candidate for Department Commander Department 1st Vice Commander Greg Eirich announces his candidacy for the high office of Department Commander. Greg is a 32 year member of The American Legion and is a member of Triple Nickel Post 555 in Sheboygan. He is a Past Department Historian (PDC Robert Shappell) and has served as District Commander, District Vice Commander, County Commander, County Vice Commander, Post Commander (3x)Prescott-Bayens Post 83, and Post Commander (Triple Nickel Post 555). Greg has also held the position of SGT-AT-ARMS and Public Relations Officer for Prescott-Bayens Post 83. His el-

igibility for The American Legion comes from his service in the United States Air Force from 19711975, and the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Greg served 21 years in the National Guard. Of those 21 years, 17 were active duty with the Wisconsin Guard. Greg served with the 57th Field Artillery Brigade, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion 121st Field Artillery retiring as a Platoon SGT, Sergeant First Class. He served overseas in Istanbul, Turkey while in the Air Force.

Greg is a graduate of the National American Legion College, WI American Legion College, The American Legion Extension Institute Course, and the Basic Training Course (On-Line). He

David Hale Candidate for Department Vice Commander Seventh District Commander David Hale asks for your support for his candidacy for Department Vice Commander.

I will work with the Commander and Department staff at what needs to be done. I’ll push membership with all posts. My 7th District did well, but more needs to be accomplished by working together. We need to increase members this year.

Any post that wants to strive for membership, let me know.

Strong membership makes passing bills for veterans easier.

The Legion Act can really help.

Last year A&G testing was great. I want to attain more Oratorical contestants in each and

the Department of Wisconsin AL moves in a positive direction.”

Greg serves on the Legislative Committee as a DEC Liaison. He served previously on the Finance Committee and Communications Committee as DEC Liaison. Greg was chairperson on the Americanism Committee for 2nd District and is currently the Public Safety Chairperson.

Greg and his wife of 32 years, Jill, have 3 grown adult children: Ben, Brittany and Ryan.

Greg is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sheboygan. He is a former Elder and serves as an Usher and Communion Assistant.

“Our American Legion Family does an amazing job in support-

ing our Veterans and I want to continue that support as your next leader of this great organization! I ask for your support, and endorsement, as I seek the high office of Department Commander, Department of Wisconsin, American Legion.”

Greg has been endorsed by the 2nd District Past Commanders Club, The Mighty Second District, and Triple Nickel Post 555, Sheboygan.

David P. Latimer Candidate for Department Vice Commander

every county. Student government day is good in some areas. I want to work with more schools regarding scholarships.

We’ll get information out and meet with students at as many schools as possible.

I try to attend as many Auxiliary functions as possible. They are a big part of the Legion Family. They have supported the Legion at most or all of our conferences.

I want to do good, so everyone believes in me.

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is an Alumnus of the North High School Class of 1971, Sheboygan and Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland, WI. He is a member of Voiture No. 1080 of the 40 ET 8.

Greg is a firm believer in the Wisconsin American Legion College and how it educates, informs, motivates and inspires Legionnaires about The American Legion programs, “I work well with people and would work exceptionally well with our Department Executive Committee and Department Staff. Membership, Camp American Legion, Department Budget, among other issues impacting our Department continue to be a high priority, and I would work closely with the Chairpersons so that

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this dormant Post of 15 First District Commander members to all time high of David P. Latimer respectfully 103 members and met and requests your support for exceeded all membership his candidacy for the high goals office of Department Vice Commander. David received • First District Commander full endorsement from his Post, • Americanism programs Waukesha County and First established at four (4) Grade District.

Schools (6th through 8th Gr.) • Supported the Cub Scouts and Education: Boy Scouts at Post 449 • High School Graduate: • Supported the Cub Scouts and Canton, OH 4H Club at Post 495 • Naval Dental Tech/Medical • Mentoring Pins for 2 Eagle Corpsman School: Scouts San Diego, CA • Mentoring of 2 District • Eastern Airlines finalists in the Oratorical Management School: Competitions Miami, Fl • Presenting the benefits of • Metals Training Institute, Membership in the Legion Heat Treating Statistical at the National Guard unit Process Control: Detroit, MI in Sussex and the 452nd • Wisconsin American Legion Medical Group in Milwaukee.

Extension College Course Explaining the benefits Graduate and programs offered to Veterans to various businesses American Legion employing Veterans, such as Involvements: Wells Fargo Bank, Heiser Automotive Group • Proud Member and PUFL: 14 years • Post 449 Commander: Committees (Past & Present): 3 years • Legislative Member • Post 495 Commander: • Wisconsin Homeland Security 3 years – revitalized Member

• National Security Council Member (2017-2020) • Membership: D.E.C. • VA&R: D.E.C. • Legislature: D.E.C. Why: I enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon my graduation. I am a Vietnam Era Veteran having served on the U.S.S. Antietam CVS36 (aircraft carrier). I believe promoting the values of Membership in this fine organization and teaching Respect of Veterans is of foremost importance. The reason I became a Legionnaire was to support all Veterans currently serving and those having served this Nation. I believe teaching respect for our Nations Flag and telling the story of our National Anthem to the younger generation helps them learn the value of becoming a better Citizen.

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 7

Keith Lovell

Out of the Classroom, Into the Courtroom

Candidate for Department Vice Commander Third District Commander Keith Lovell, is announcing his candidacy for the High Office of Department Vice Commander for 2020-2021 and respectfully requests your support.

Keith served in the U.S. Army, 1972-1975, as an Air Defense Radar Repairman and was stationed at Ft. Monmouth, NJ and Ft. Bragg, NC. In 1975, he joined Legion Post 501 in Madison where he has been a continuous member for 45 years.

He is now retired after a 40 year career in the telecommunications industry.

Keith is a member of the Sons of American Legion, through his father’s military service. His wife Sandy and daughters Christina and Rebecca are all long term members of the American Legion Auxiliary with over 135 membership years between them.

“I have my family’s full support for the time and effort which will be needed should I be elected to the demanding position of Department Vice Commander.”

He also has the endorsement of his Post, County and District.

• Member of the National Security Council and Membership Committee, DEC Liaison • 3rd District Commander, Vice and Finance officer for 10 years in total • Post 501 Commander–15 years • S.A.L. Squadron 501 Commander & member for 21 years • Past Commanders Club member • Graduate American Legion Extension Institute (ALEI) and WI A.L. College Basic Course • Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) membership • Currently 40&8 Third District Cheminot “I look forward to continuing my service to The American Legion, our Country’s Veterans and their families in any capacity I can,” Keith said. “As Department Vice Commander I will focus on the number one issue facing

The American Legion in the near term – retention/overall Department membership. I believe that communication is the key to retention and gaining new members, especially with the recent passage of the LEGION Act. All methods of communication are important– phone calls, letters, newsletters, email, websites, Facebook and especially face to face contacts.

We must reach out through social media to capture the attention of the younger veterans and those still serving, who share our community. I will work alongside my partners - the District, County and Post Commanders, to review and update where possible these means of getting our message of service out. We need to tell our story every day. I respectfully request your support – for it’s truly a team effort.”

The American Legion recog- students on a peak year. nizes the need to educate and Students meet in the courtinvolve our youth in the gov- room and have the opportuniernmental process. In fact, a ty to hear various intake casnumber of our Legionnaires es. Badger Boys and Badger participated in their County Girls State representatives Youth Government Days as from Westby and Viroqua high school students them- presented along with Sherselves and went on to serve in iff John Spears, Judge Darcy the military and become a part Rood, WI American Legion of their local government and Baseball Commissioner Roger Mathison, Legionnaire Pete beyond.

Legionnaire Gary Gilbert- Swanson, and Vernon County son shared that a member of Commander Kevin Bluske.

Post 138 in Viroqua began the 93 students from Brookwood, Vernon County Youth Govern- Westby, and Viroqua schools ment Day in 1965. Gary came were in attendance. back from the army in 1969 and was approached in 1972 to take over as the c o o r d i n a t o r.

47 years later, Gary has worked with 5 judges and has grown the program to 150 Columbia County Youth Government Day. Students take Oath of Office for the day.

Jeffrey Zwiers Candidate for Department Vice Commander Jeffrey Zwiers humbly requests your support for his candidacy for Department Vice Commander through the endorsement of his Post, County, and District. Jeff joined The American Legion in 2004, earning his eligibility through 21 years of Army service from 1980 to 2001.

Jeff has been a member of The American Legion for 15 years, first at the Appleton Post 38 where he was quite active: two years as Sergeant-at-Arms, then moved up the chairs simultaneously at Post and County levels. He became Post Commander in 2012. He also became County Commander in 2012; a position he held for four years. In 2012, he was 3rd Vice-Commander for the 9th District, moving up the

chairs to become 9th District Commander in 2018.

Jeff is a current member, and adjutant of Kimberly Post 60, and has been a member of the Sons of the American Legion since 2009.

Jeff joined the Army in 1980 during his senior year of high school.

He became a Drill Sergeant Instructor for the 84th Division, based in Milwaukee, serving at various campuses around the state. In 1988, he became Senior Drill Instructor, and in 1989 won the 84th Division Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year (DSOY), and competed in the National competition at Fort Monroe, VA. In 1993, Jeff was promoted to First Sergeant, serving in Central Chicago, Milwaukee and Fond du Lac for the next 7 years. In

2000, he filled the position of Battalion Command Sergeant Major until his retirement in 2001.

Jeff has been married to Diane, a retired teacher, for 30 years. Together they raised a blended family of six children, five daughters and one son.

They are currently building their retirement home and enjoying their 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Diane is currently President of Unit 60 in Kimberly.

Jeff would like to invite you to the hospitality suite at Ho-Chunk Casino during Midwinter Conference.

Vernon County Youth Government Day: Sheriff John Spears, Baseball Commissioner Roger Mathison, Coordinator Gary Gilbertson, Vernon County Commander Kevin Bluske, Legionnaire Pete Swanson.

Legion Riders Help VA Medical Center

On August 22, 2019, the American Legion Riders District 4/5 held there 7th Annual Brat Fry for the patients at the Spinal Cord Unit at the VA Zablocki Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

PAGE 8 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Legion Family Receives Home Makeover

Legionnaire Sgt. Steven Wojcik and his family received a home makeover as part of Military Makeover with Montel.

Airing on Lifetime, this series offers a helping hand to members of our military and their loved ones. Talk show legend and military advocate Montel Williams, a veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Navy, leads the Makeover team’s mission. This special series enlists designers, contractors, landscapers and other home improvement professionals to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country.

Sgt. Steven Wojcik, a member of Post 13 in Richland Center, served with the U.S. Marine Corps until 1998. After 9/11 he felt that he needed to get back in and joined the Army in late 2002. In 2004, an IED exploded among vehicles in his convoy in Iraq. The serious injuries he sustained in the attack led to an honorable discharge and medical retirement in 2005. Steven now serves as a Wisconsin State Trooper.

Like many veterans, Steven deals with chronic pain, both physical and mental, and has recently opened up about his ongoing struggles with PTSD. He endured numerous injuries during his military career and has had operations on his shoulder and back, leaving him in a constant state of pain and numbness.

A fellow trooper nominated Steven

Steven Wojcik with his wife Terri and daughters: Alyca, Amberlee, and Alyson.

and his family to be part of Military Makeover. On October 3, 2019, American Legion Riders and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association escorted the family back to their home in Strum for the big reveal. Hundreds of veterans, community members and fellow officers were there to greet the family.

To learn more about Military Makeover with Montel and the Wojcik’s family home makeover visit: www.militarymakeover.tv.

Every Department Has a Story How well do you know your American Legion, Department of Wisconsin? The National office worked with Departments throughout the country to help create fun fact sheets that can be used as placemats. Download the file and work with your local printer to make them for your post and area restaurants https://centennial. legion.org/edhas.

National Veterans Golden Age Games Comes to Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin will host the 34th National Veterans Golden Age Games, June 22-27, 2020.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States, and the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors’ competition program designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs challenges and encourages senior Veterans to be proactive in embracing a healthier lifestyle, thus achieving the NVGAG “Fitness for Life” motto.

The Games are open to Veterans, ages 55 or older, who receive health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Volunteers donating their time and talents are essential to the success of the National Veterans Golden Age Games. Several opportunities will be available to help with everything from sporting events to hospitality services. Events will take place at the Alliant Energy Center and surrounding community venues, to include the Dane County Regional Airport. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian for the en-

tire duration of the volunteer shift.

Additional information can be found at: https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/national-veterans-golden-age-games/.

Registration for volunteers and athletes will open March 2, 2020. If you are interested in being a volunteer or an athlete, contact the Madison VA NVGAG program office at 608-256-1901 ext. 13473.

WI AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS Winter sure came on fast. Most of us have put the motorcycles away and are getting ready for the long winter. But, the Riders are working on planning out the 2020 Tim Hyma season with several President, WI American rides and charities to Legion Riders support.

If you can, head to Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King on December 14th and help District 8 with Wreaths Across America. Their goal is to provide 7,400 wreaths; one for every headstone.

Our check presentations at Camp exceeded last year, and the money raised will go towards capital improvements.

We are now taking applications for

Riders of the Year, just send them to me.

Our next quarterly meeting is on Feb 1st at the O.L. Arnold/D.K. Slayton post #100 in Sparta, WI, please join us.

Stay Warm.

Tim Hyma, President WI American Legion Riders timhyma@yahoo.com

District 8 Legion Riders raised enough funds to purchase 7,400 wreaths for every headstone at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King.

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • PAGE 9

2020 DEPT. MEETING DATES AND HOLIDAYS

Veterans Day Program at Portage High School Colonel LaVerne H. Griffin received the folded flag at the Portage High School Veterans Day Program.

Colonel Griffin served 28 years in the Air Force after graduating from Portage High School in 1948.

Dean Simonson, Griffin’s cousin, said Griffin flew reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War. Simonson and Griffin are both members of Legion Post 47 in Portage.

PTSD Run for Recovery June 20, 2020 in Crivitz Netzel-Zenz Post #413, Crivitz, WI, will hold its 4th Annual PTSD Run for Recovery on Saturday, June 20, 2020, in the Village of Crivitz. The main event is a 5K run/1mile walk. The post is taking nominations for two groups to share the net proceeds from the 2020 event. If you would like to nominate a group, contact Natasha Hanson at 715-475-8889, e-mail ncb_87@yahoo.com or Bob Kleba, 715938-2049, e-mail bobkleba1@msn.com to receive a grant application form. The deadline for the grant application is April 10, 2020. The organizations selected will be required to attend the event. Information on registering for the event will be published on the post website: https://www.americanlegionpost413.com.

In Memoriam - Clayton “Clay” C. Fultz

WWII veteran and one of the Army’s last muleskinners, Clayton “Clay” C. Fultz died April 30, 2019. While aboard a Liberty ship transporting mules to India his ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sunk. Clay survived on the open ocean in a crowded lifeboat for 26 days before being rescued by a Navy destroyer whose captain disobeyed orders to return to base the day before. His experience is documented in the book “Mule Ship.” Clay was a PUFL Legionnaire, belonging to Post 301 in Woodville.

Four Wisconsin Brothers Participate in 52nd Honor Glory Flight

On September 11, 2019, four Wisconsin brothers participated in the 52nd Honor Glory Flight out of Appleton. Back: Al Youngbauer, Paul Youngbauer, David Youngbauer. Front: Joe Youngbauer. Joe belongs to Legion Post 70 in Oshkosh. Al, Paul and David all reside in Berlin, Wisconsin.

January 1 January 16-19 February 1 February 8 February March 1 March 1 March 1 March 7 March 8-11 March 8 March 9-20 March 28 May 4-7 May 8-9 May 25 June 12 June 13-20 June 13 June 22-26 July 3, 4 July 10 July 15-19 August 9 August 28-Sept. 3 September 7 September 11-12 October 12-15 October 16-17 November 1 November 11 November 26, 27 December 25

NEW YEAR’S DAY (Dept closed) Midwinter Conference Junior Shooting Sports: Target Order deadline Oratorical Regionals & Finals – Ripon College Lincoln Pilgrimage – Springfield Jr. Shooting Sports: Postal Match ends/ Targets due to HQ Eagle Scout of the Year Application Deadline Schneider-Emanuel Scholarship Deadline Badger Boys: State Board of Dir. Meet @ HQ Washington Conference, Washington D.C. Daylight Savings Time Begins Americanism & Government Scholarship Test Commander Wischer’s Testimonial Dinner: Post 537-Milwaukee National Spring Meetings - Indianapolis Department Spring Meetings - Portage MEMORIAL DAY (Dept closed) Badger Boys: State Board of Directors Meeting-Ripon College Badger Boys State – Ripon College Samsung Scholarship deadline WALLECA – Ft McCoy INDEPENDENCE DAY (Dept closed July 3) Baseball Scholarship Application Deadline Department State Convention -Appleton Baseball – All Star Game – Miller Park National Convention – Louisville, KY LABOR DAY (Dept closed) Celebration of Freedom – Portage National Fall Meetings – Indianapolis, IN Department Fall Meetings – Portage Daylight Savings Time Ends VETERANS DAY (Dept closed) THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY (Dept closed) CHRISTMAS (Dept closed)

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CLOSED January 20, February 17, April 10, May 25, July 6, September 7, November 11, November 26 & 27, December 23-25, December 31

6TH DISTRICT AMERICANISM RECOGNITION BANQUET SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020

La Sure’s Hall • 3125 S. Washburn St., Oshkosh, Wis. Social 5PM • Dinner 6PM • Cost $22 Reservations and payment must be received by January 29, 2020.

Check payable to: The American Legion 6th District. Mail to Gail Minks; 1582 Pendleton Rd; Neenah, WI 54956. Include contact name, Post/Unit/Squadron #; District; Address; Phone and Email. Rooms are blocked under The American Legion at Hawthorn Inn & Suites at a reduced rate. They can be reached at 920-303-1133. Rooms are held until January 9, 2020. Contact Gail Minks at 920-725-0056 or gminks@new.rr.com with any questions.

PAGE 10 • BADGER LEGIONNAIRE • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

The Last

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1 Germantown Paul Doering 5 Patch Grove William Martin 8 Waukesha Martin Dable Bryce Gigous John Simaras 9 Wisconsin Rapids Earl Arndt Gay Cole Erich Gulke Donald Kluender Alden Olson 10 Wausau George Buchberger Donald Pagenkopf Thomas Vick 11 Green Bay Dan Hock Don Leibelt 12 Spooner John Thorsness 13 Richland Center Paul Chafer Anthony Popelka Charles Saloutos 28 Valders Lloyd Wallander 33 Neenah Kenneth Ross 36 West Bend Paul Braun Roland Moericke 41 Kaukauna Keith Baumgart 42 Platteville David Timmerman 46 Merrill Ronald Hornischer Michael Van Lieshout 47 Portage Frank Bottoni Shirlee Reynolds 51 West Salem Michael Havens 53 Eau Claire Etlar Johnson John Lindrud Harold Streveler 54 Marshfield Don Derfus Jerome Hamus Floyd Nikolai Jerome Smith 56 Fountain City Edward Sing 59 Stoughton John Reiners Claire Wright 64 Ladysmith Harold Kanning 68 Prairie du Chien Gerald Falls Robert Hazen 72 Sturgeon Bay John Fulkerson

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Louis Rahr 339 Almond Frederick Lucht 343 Hancock Roderick Roehl 350 Reedsburg Roger Friede 351 Montello Robert Boelkes 358 Unity Robert Fryklund 363 Denmark Clayton Hendrickson 368 Hixton Wesley Berg 384 Kewaskum Verne Seifert 385 Verona Bernhardt Goebler Douglas Morrissette 387 Plymouth Wilmer Schueler 388 New Berlin Marvin Palk 390 Gresham Robert Miller 395 Kingston John Meyers 401 Cambria Larry Dykstra 406 Milwaukee Robert Chubeck Robert Detke 409 Poplar Timothy Eller 412 Belgium Frank Bley Richard Harns Harvey Wester 415 Milwaukee Quentin Oliva 416 Greendale Joseph Regazzi 427 Milwaukee Ralph Rischmann 433 Barneveld Ambrose Riemenapp 434 Oak Creek Donald Meyer Richard Oswald 436 Wrightstown Gerald Bruecker

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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Happy Holidays to all!

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, JOANIE DICKERSON Kwanzaa, or a combination of Department President these, I pray you have a blessed holiday season.

Now is the time we gather family near, send greetings to those who are far away, unable to join us, and share wishes of joy with all we meet. Our homes are decorated with signs of the season and are filled with the scents of baked goods that reflect the tra-

ditions of our families. But not everyone is sharing in our holiday festivities.

Within our communities, many don’t have enough to feed their families, warm their homes, much less purchase gifts for one another. During this time of giving, have you considered sharing with some who don’t have as much? Have you thought about giving to a charity rather than exchanging gifts? This has been a topic of discussion in my family this holiday season.

This past spring, we experienced the untimely passing of a

loved one. He was young, only 38, definitely too young to die, and yet he did. This year, our family plans to donate to a charity of our choice, the money we would have spent on gifts for one another. (Of course, we are still buying gifts for our younger family members!) We all have plenty. We don’t need more things. The joy our gifts will provide for people who have so little will be more than enough this year.

If you read the October unit mailing, you saw the “wish lists” for the various VA medical cen-

ters and Veterans Homes we support. Many of them support our homeless veterans. A gift of clean socks can make a huge difference in the life of someone who doesn’t have the opportunity to shower every day. Warm gloves and knitted hats will reduce the loss of body heat on these cold days. Do you have a unit/post holiday party planned?

Consider collecting items to donate for our veterans in lieu of exchanging gifts this year. They will go a long way to improving the life of a veteran.

It has been a busy fall. I have

MEMBERSHIP Linda Coppock Dept. Chairman Email: beatrice2554@gmail.com Ph: 920-982-5811 Merry Christmas! Can you believe we are half way through this Auxiliary year? I pray your “member” ships are still sailing and collecting members – old, new and renewed! After some major course changes, we should all be back to “setting our course for the future!”

After much anguish and many questions about the information on members more than “two degrees of consanguinity,” I hope gaining new members will not be a problem. Do not allow that iceberg to steer you away from the course we are sailing! We need to remember to use the correct wordage when using old membership forms.

Under the relationship portion of the application, please circle, underline or highlight “Daughter or Granddaughter” as the

great-granddaughter and direct descendants options can no longer be used. National’s computer system will not allow processing membership applications marked with direct descendant or great-granddaughters. As a result, Andrea Stoltz has returned many new member applications that were submitted to department that way. Our member affiliation is very important to us, even if the IRS has a say in it.

As we continue to voyage ahead, let’s hope this is the only iceberg we come across! There are new members out there, we just need to look for them.

Full steam ahead - what are your goals for the future? Sailing into the New Year should allow us to push aside the muddy waters of the past and look toward clear water for smooth sailing into new lands. In the past few months, Wisconsin was in third place in overall National Membership! Congratulations! I know

had the pleasure of visiting some of our VA facilities and the honor of presenting gifts on your behalf. Your generous donations to our VA medical centers, Veterans Homes, and outreach centers have permitted me to select gifts that will enhance the lives of the veterans they serve. On their behalf, I thank you for your generosity.

I pray each of you are blessed with a holiday season that will become one of your fondest memories for years to come and a new year filled with all the best things life has to offer.

NATIONAL SECURITY Iowa wants to be in first place, but my predictions in the New Year puts Wisconsin ahead of them in the standings, so please, do not tie an anchor to my ankles and let me down! I believe our membership goals for this 2019-2020 year are very reasonable and attainable. If you are fortunate to have your membership done and/or under control, please consider taking a look at the units in your county or district that may be struggling.

Please offer to help make “Sailor Shout-outs.” Set a date, ask other units in your county to join you and make an afternoon of making calls to units in need. Membership is not just the responsibility of the chairman or the officers, it is something everyone should be helping with. Make it fun. Make it an adventure that will excite eligible people to be a part of what you are doing. Continue “Setting a Course for the Future!” Happy New Year!!!

Karen Degner Department Chairman Ph: 920-918-9772 Email: kdegner88@gmail.com Are you looking for ways to provide support to those in uniform and family members?

If you wish to be a Family Readiness Group volunteer with an Army National Guard unit, please contact Carina Sween at carina.a.sween.ctr@mail.mil or 608-242-3961 to learn more or to begin volunteering. Opportunities are in many locations throughout the state.

Additional ways to support the National Security program include: providing support on a spouse to spouse or family to family basis, completing a

Community Emergency Response Training course, or donating blood. When you meet a member of a military family, say “thank you” and it will make a difference.

Upcoming dates to keep in mind: • April is the Month of the Military Child • May is the month of Military Family Appreciation • May 8, 2020 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day • May 23, 2020 is Armed Forces Day These are the designated days to recognize their service to our country. For more information or for any questions or ideas you may have, please contact me.

THE AUXILIARY HEADQUARTERS OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON: Friday, December 20, 2019 Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Wednesday, January 1, 2020

- After 12:30pm - Christmas Holiday - Christmas Holiday - New Year’s Holiday

SETTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE District 9

District 3

District 2

District 10

District 8

District 6

District 4

District 1

District 7

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

11th

12th

65.99%

64.53%

64.33%

61.61%

57.11%

53.89%

72.46%

70.51%

70.38%

69.31%

68.54%

68.31%

WISCONSIN 2019 NOVEMBER

District 12 District 11

District 5

PAGE A2 • WISCONSIN • DECEMBER 2019

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Becky Mueller Department Chaplain Email: clarenceandbecky@aol.com Ph: 920-833-6048 Psalm 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Let us enter the holiday season with Thanksgiving! Let us be thankful for all the past year has brought and what the New Year will bring. It has been a year of changes and challenges – a year of triumph and of loss – a year of beginnings and endings. Sometimes it is hard to be thankful in the face of adversity but therein lies our greatest opportunities. We, as children of God, need to be thankful for whatever happens as we journey through this life. We need to be thankful for those who journey with us. We need to be thankful for those who we help and to those who help us. We need to be thankful for the roadblocks and the detours that result. I know this is a difficult and sometimes impossible task. I know the despair of depression that accompanies the holidays for so many. I know the trauma of loss with the empty chair at the table. I know the fear of the diagnosis we don’t want to hear. I know the dark and gloom that fills the cold days and nights. Yes, our Lord says – I know – and I understand.

Yes, our Lord says – I am with you – and I have sent angels to minister to you. They are called the American Legion Family.

They are here. They are loving and kind.

They understand in a way that many in the world do not. They are willing and able to touch each other with understanding and without judgment. They have been there and done that. They are family – your family.

Our challenge/opportunity this holiday season is to reach out to our extended family members and really see them.

Really hear them. Really care for them.

If each of us connects with just one or two other family members we will have enveloped the entire family with love and caring this season. Isn’t that a wonderful thing to be thankful for! Whose life do you need to touch?

Thank you, Lord, for our American Legion family that has connected to us in so many ways. They offer us variety and diversity. They offer us faith and hope.

They offer us encouragement and opportunities. They offer us challenges and solutions. Let us be grateful for all they are and all they can become. Bless our family. Bless our veterans. Bless our military. Bless their (our) families, Bless our communities. Bless us. Amen.

Music: Winkworth/Cruger/Mendelssohn “Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices, who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.”

GREETINGS FROM HEADQUARTERS Bonnie Dorniak Executive Secretary/Treasurer Ph: 608-745-0124 Email: deptsec@amlegionauxwi.org Website: www.amlegionauxwi.org Looking for a last-minute holiday gift?

Give the gift of ALA membership!!! December 27, 2019 is the last day for processing 2019 Paid Up For Life (PUFL) membership applications. Members who apply after that will need to pay their 2020 dues before the PUFL application can be accepted. Contact Linda Cason at department headquarters for more information.

The American Legion Auxiliary will be conducting a Junior Activities Patch workshop at TAL Midwinter Conference on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 9:00 am. Auxiliary Juniors and SAL youth members are invited to attend. At 11:00 am, the ALA will be holding a discussion on TAL Four Pillars and how the Auxiliary programs compare – what is their focus and how the Legion Family can work together to accomplish our mission. Anyone attending Midwinter must register for the conference. Registration is $20/person now or $25 after January 6, 2020. Registration and housing forms are on the Legion website at www.wilegion.org, under 2020 Midwinter Conference.

National headquarters will mail the final

2020 dues renewal notices around January 15th. They already pulled the mail list so if you receive a renewal notice but believe your dues were paid, please confirm that your Unit Membership Chairman forwarded your dues to department. Dues are not considered “paid” until they have been processed by department headquarters. The January renewal notices will instruct members to send their dues directly to department to ensure they are processed in a timely manner, so members do not lose their benefits.

Members may also pay dues to their unit, online (www.ALAforVeterans.org) using a debit or credit card, or by phone at 317-5694500, Monday through Friday from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.

American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State (ALABGS) session will be held at UW-Oshkosh from June 21-26, 2020. The reservation fee of $350/delegate is due by January 27, 2020. If your unit has decided it will no longer participate in the Girls State program, please notify Carrie at department headquarters and your school – before the school starts its selection process!

Unit Annual Year-End Report forms will be mailed this month to all unit presidents.

Members are reminded to track their volunteer hours and money spent to support Auxiliary programs to ensure they are included

in the unit’s totals. Every unit should submit a report and acknowledge their members for all the hard work accomplished throughout the year. Department President Joanie Dickerson will review the Unit Year-End Reports and select units for recognition at department convention. Program chairmen also use the information to prepare their annual reports for the national organization.

Members are encouraged to check out the department website (www.amlegionauxwi. org) for a wealth of information. The 20192020 Red Book and the unit mailings that are sent to unit presidents each month are posted on the ‘More’ tab, 2019-2020 action plans for each program are on the ‘Dept Chrm/Action Plans’ page, current membership reports and forms are on the ‘Membership’ page, and updated donation forms can be found under ‘Forms.’

During this holiday season, please remember the many military service men and women who are separated from their loved ones.

Continue to pray for their safe return and support their families during their absence.

ALA Department Headquarters will be closed: Friday afternoon, December 20th for the Employee Christmas Party; Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24-25 for the Christmas holiday; and Wednesday, January 1 for the New Year’s holiday.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Beth Puddy Department Chairman Ph: 920-948-7930 Email: Jbpuddy1987@gmail.com The hardest part of Community Service is probably deciding what you are going to focus on. The list of things a member or unit can do is endless. Many members and units will look at doing community service around Thanksgiving and/or Christmas.

You may also want to look at what you could do on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is a Congressionally Designated Day

of Service. The day is to honor the memory of Dr. King by serving our neighbors and communities, as well as to answer the question: “What are you doing for others?”

The Corporation for National and Community Service (www.nationalservice.gov/ mlkday) is the federal agency that leads service and volunteering. Each year, on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” Next year the date will be January 20, 2020. MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communi-

ties, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

The intention of the American Legion Auxiliary is to promote patriotic community service activities and to build community partnerships. Our service on this day elevates our presence in the community while focusing on the needs of our national heroes. It is encouraged not to use this day for membership recruitment purposes, but to approach this holiday as an opportunity to serve veterans in accordance with our mission.

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION Mary Petrie Department Chairman Ph: 920-261-8161 Email: mmrtpetrie@charter.net A century ago, a group of insightful, dedicated women charted their course, embarked on a full-speed-ahead journey, and sailed into the hearts of their veterans. Little did they know or suspect the impact they would have on the future of The American Legion Auxiliary!

Their future is our present – both the here and now and a gift anchored in service, as we continue the VA&R mission. Whether sailing smooth seas or weathering choppy waters, the ALA remains a beacon of light, serving those who served.

This program dedicates itself to our past and present heroes and their families. Ask any of our Hospital Representatives, Deputies, or facility volunteers about “their” vet-

erans. You’ll see an immediate smile and receive a heartfelt reply noting they are gifted with so much more than they give.

Check in with our crafty Service to Veterans volunteers and they will proudly display a variety of handmade gifts from the heart, waiting to be distributed to our veterans. Yet others spend time providing a meal or treats, driving veterans to appointments, relieving a caregiver, and visiting nursing home veterans.

Monetary donations can secure temporary housing for a homeless veteran or provide a security deposit on a new apartment – a boost of encouragement, showing someone cares and is willing to help. Funding has also extended to services for car repairs, allowing veterans the independence and ease to get back and forth to doctor appointments or to seek and maintain employment.

The next generation’s future is possibly

sailing into uncharted waters. The needs of our veterans have varied over the last century and most likely will continue to do so, but the ALA mission stays the course.

As we celebrate a century of service, we are grateful to those who saw a need and strived to fill it. We thank those who served and remember those who gave their all, for it is because of these heroes we are privileged with the freedoms we have today.

A few weeks ago, we commemorated a special day, Veterans Day. Communities across the country held festivities to honor those who wore the uniform. But it doesn’t stop there. The American Legion Auxiliary continues to celebrate Veterans Day every day! As we sail into the next century, our course is set.

Thank you, Veterans, for your service, and thank you, members, for serving those who served. Smooth sailing and God bless!

CHILDREN & YOUTH

DECEMBER 2019 • WISCONSIN • PAGE A3

Kitty Larkin Department Chairman Ph: 262-649-3399 Email: kittysltr@wi.rr.com “Anchored in Service, Setting a Course for the Future” with the Children & Youth Program focuses on our main resource for our future and is one of the pillars of The American Legion as its programs remain committed to serving the nation’s youth.

Children & Youth is our hope and future for our everlasting longevity beyond 100 years.

Helping children matters and dollars count by donating to the Child Welfare Foundation, which is dedicated to the betterment of all children. The foundation’s purpose is to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children and youth through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and their programs.

For more far-reaching power with the citizenship, but it serves as a good incen- they need to know that they are special Children & Youth program, partner with tive for scholarships and can be promot- and have reacted in very supportive ways. your American Legion Child Welfare ed through the schools for youth partici- Group activities that can be done by Chairman. The American Legion handles pation. These same schools can be used units or families can consist of particithe majority of the administrative costs to demonstrate the meaning of the US. pating in school supply drives, promoting for the foundation, so every dollar col- Constitution by using a veteran or service Americanism programs to appropriate lected is entered into the trust fund to be member as a speaker. level grades, and placing books or comic used for grants awarded to youth-serving The ALA promotes the Youth Hero books that focus on military families and non-profit organizations and programs Award, which recognizes youth under the children in local or school libraries. These that benefit youth. It helps every child to age of 18 who perform a heroic act of phys- supplies can be purchased from Emblem ical bravery, and the Good Deed Award, Sales at https://emblem legion.org/. Parknow that someone cares.

You can find how the American Legion which is given to youth under the age of ticipation in local Veterans Day or MeChild Welfare pillar is parallel with our 18 who contribute in a special way to so- morial Day parades brings out the issue of Children & Youth program by visiting ciety through community service. These remembering how and why we are a free cwf@legion.org. You will see that all awards help youth to recognize that they nation and that it is because of those who parts of the Legion Family help youth have valuable skills and they are import- gave so freely of their time and lives years set their course through the ALA Badger ant to society in many ways. Many times, ago that we can enjoy the freedoms that Girls State/TAL Badger Boys State pro- these individuals feel as though what they we have today. The service members and IN done is what anyone else would have their families of today are those who are have grams which are designed to train youth CONS in the science of government Tand toISde- done under the same circumstances, but ensuring our freedoms for tomorrow.

FW O TMEN velop their leadership EPARskills. The TAL D • Y Oratorical IContest not only promotes LIAR AUX N PAST PRESIDENT PARLEY (PPP) DUES O I abel) 2019-2020 EG : ess L AN L o r C t I d e R d l A b JUNIOR AME ACTIVITIES e an paya PPP Dues are $5.00 per member. Dues should be submitted to Department using the or us eck y h l c b i e k eg PPP Dues Form. PPP cards will be mailed by PPP Chairman Teresa Isensee.

0 t. pen inPR a Ichild’s Leah Stiff NT L life.eaThat’s e ma why I chose 202 . Sa l s e CH Thur. Fri p s R a For questions, please contact Teresa Isensee at 715-667-3528. r A e e for my project this year l MilitaryinKids DepartmentMHonorary (POur Wed. 6 $715 w n Tues. a 5 s i on. as Honorary Junior President.

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I’ve 0 0 2 $15 $15 The 2020 American Legion Auxiliary Daily Sweepstakes were mailed on 29 3$Junior $ 5 8 19 $15 served Donations to this project may be sent Poppy onati ate: t dto 15 1 and Senior l 29as both S at. a $15 S 5 $ n 8 0 2 out and must be returned by December 31, 2019 to be eligible for o 2 i 02 Fri. 6 and 15 Junior Activities Chairman,witLaura r. h opt CalE 2 huUnit 6 $500 for Berens-Scribner 6 3 6 6 27Princess 2 5 JUN Wed. T $ m 1 : participation. Contact Headquarters at 608-745-0124 for additional r e 5 5 o f n W. Squire 2 $ 5 $15always enjoy helping teux, Greenfi eld with my unit’s to: yAvenue, Tues. $15 4 $15activPho7012 hances!

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ES K A T EPS E W YS L I A D 2020

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If this entry is a winner please make check payable to:

Name:

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See backside for more chances to win!

Address: City:

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(Please PRINT Legibly or use an Address Label)

State:

Please return this entry form with optional donation made payable to: ALA WI. Use the provided return envelope or send to: 366 American Legion Auxiliary, PO Box 140, Chances Portage, WI 53901 Last day to enter drawing is December 31, 2019.

No purchase or donation necessary to enter or win. See official rules at www.amlegionauxwi.org.

6TH DISTRICT HOSTS THEIR ANNUAL FALL FUN DAY This was the first time that 6th District held its Fall Fun Day with both Junior and Senior members and everyone had a great time! The idea of having the Juniors join was well received by all Seniors present.

Members learned about the Junior Patch program from Chairman Char Kiesling, then went on to decorate Christmas trees.

Each unit took some trees home for the veterans in their local nursing homes, assisted living locations and even some shut-ins.

Some of the members tied fleece blankets which will be taken to King for the homeless veterans. Many of the ladies worked with the Juniors to fold pocket flags for the Camo Quilt Project. To round out the day,

Zip:

Phone:

to Win!

members signed Christmas cards that will be delivered to the Veterans Museum between Oshkosh and Neenah to be shared with deployed troops.

President Joanie Dickerson even made a quick stop to share in the day’s festivities!

PAGE A4 • WISCONSIN • DECEMBER 2019

45TH WALASBA TOURNAMENT 18TH ANNUAL 9-PIN TAP TOURNAMENT

March 28-29, 2020 and April 4-5, 2020

Wauzeka Veterans Memorial Completed

Circle B Recreation Center • 6261 State Road 60 • Cedarburg, Wisconsin EVENTS: Team (4-woman), Singles, Doubles and All Events SQUAD TIMES: Saturday (11am or 2pm) & Sunday (9am or 12pm) ENTRY FORMS, RULES and HOTEL INFO: Visit the department website, www.amlegionauxwi.org CONTACT INFORMATION: Jenni Syftestad, Chairman / Tournament Manager 205 Thompson Street, Verona, WI 53593-1043 | Ph: 608-845-7857 | E: syftes@chorus.net ENTRY CLOSING DATE: WISCONSIN AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY STATE BOWLING ASSOCIATION Entries must be postmarked no later than MARCH 1, 2020 18TH NINE PIN TAP TOURNAMENT (45th ANNUAL TOURNAMENT) Entry forms may be photocopied BUT NOT altered in any other way.

March 28 & 29 and April 4 & 5 - 2020

ENTRY CLOSING DATE - POSTMARKED BY:

MARCH 1, 2020

100% Prize Fee Returned 75% Handicap - 200 Scratch

Circle B Recreation Center 6261 State Road 60 Entry #________Date_________ Cedarburg WI 53012 The names listed below make entry in the below specified contest at the annual WALASBA Tournament and hereby agree to comply in all respects with the rules of said torunament. The individual members are bona fide 2020 members of the Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary WALASBA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING SUBSTITUTES! TEAM NAME UNIT CITY LOCATION UNIT # Indicate what Events bowler is entering: TEAM $19.00 Y N

TEAM (PLEASE PRINT): 1 2

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Y N DOUBLES SINGLES $19.00 $19.00 Y N Y N

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2 Y N Y N PLEASE PRINT COMPLETE ADDRESS & PHONE # WHERE MAIL WILL RECEIVE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION Captain:

Phone

Address:

Highlight or Circle your choice: SATURDAY: MARCH 28 11AM OR TEAM OR SUNDAY: MARCH 29 9AM TEAM OR SATURDAY: APRIL 4 11AM OR TEAM OR SUNDAY: APRIL 5 9AM TEAM OR

MISSION IN ACTION: 10TH DISTRICT

2PM DOUBLES/SINGLES DOUBLES/SINGLES 2PM DOUBLES/SINGLES DOUBLES/SINGLES

ALL EVENTS If you want to enter ALL EVENTS

$3.00 PER PERSON Y N Bowling $7.50 Prize $5.50 Y N Expense $6.00 Total $19.00 per person per Event Y N Make checks payable to WALASBA. When two or more teams are inter-bowling for doubles partners, Y N please be sure to send your entries together.

MAIL ENTRIES TO: JENNI SYFTESTAD 205 THOMPSON STREET - VERONA WI 53593-1043 Do not write in this space: TEAM _________ DBLS__________SINGLES __________

City / ST / Zip:

Email:

After five years of hard work, the Wauzeka Veterans Memorial has been completed. More than 150 people attended the dedication and showed their respect and support of all veterans. The memorial is located at the Wauzeka Cemetery on Hwy N, north of Wauzeka.

A special stone for women veterans sits in front of the large eagle.

ALL EVENTS_____________ TOTAL PAID ____________

Visit www.amlegionauxwi.org (Program Info>Bowling) for tournament rules and hotel information.

At their “Fall Gathering,” The American Legion Auxiliary members of the 10th District donated school supplies for ‘Give 10 for Education.’ From crayons to tissues, they filled the table. The supplies were given to the Augusta School District. Mary Townsend, 10th District Education Chairman, coordinated the event.

Watch for details in upcoming issues of the Wisconsin!

PRESIDENT JOANIE DICKERSON’S TESTIMONIAL Prairie du Chien | June 6, 2020 JUNIOR ACTIVITIES CONFERENCE June 14, 2020

DECEMBER 2019 • WISCONSIN • PAGE A5

Wausaukee High School Students Awarded 1st Place in National Poppy Poster Contest At the ALA in the Know Conference held in Crivitz, Department President Joanie Dickerson presented President Deanna Farley of Athelstane/Silver Cliff Unit 66 with three 1st Place National Awards. Unit 66 sponsored the winning students of the 2019 National Poppy Poster Contest.

As a kick-off for the 2020 ALA Poppy Poster Contest, members of Legion Post 66 and other area veterans visited the Art and History classes at Wausaukee High School.

Two Wausaukee High School stuDept. President Joanie Dickerson dents, 2019 graduate Emily Shaw and Unit 66 President Deanna Farley and senior Courtney Peterson, won

1st Place in their respective classes in the 2019 national Poppy Poster contest. Courtney also received an award for Best Overall Poppy Poster in Central Division. Congratulations to Courtney, Emily and all other students who participated in the competition.

After the award presentation, the Veterans had a panel discussion about their military service. Panelists, representing the Air Force, Air Force Airborne Infantry, Army, Women’s Air Corp (WAC) and Marine Corps, served during the Korean War, the Cuban Crisis and the Vietnam War/Era.

1ST PLACE POSTERS COURTNEY PETERSON

AWARDED • 1st Place in respective Class • Best Overall Poppy Poster in Central Division

EMILY SHAW

AWARDED • 1st Place in respective Class

Pictured (top row): Cheri Leiphart, Mike Zindars, Bill Jose, Chuck Cable, Chuck Willens, Post Commander Duaine Coenen, Mark Delaski and Unit President Deanna Farley; (bottom row): Gary Van Boxtel, Mike Strauss, Terry Weyers and Dee Cline.

Pictured (L to R): Art Teacher Cheri Leiphart, Courtney Peterson, Emily Shaw and Unit 66 President Deanna Farley.

2020 MIDWINTER CONFERENCE

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY OPPORTUNITIES January 18, 2020 • Ho-Chunk Wisconsin Dells, Lower Dells H

SESSION ONE: (9am -10am) - AUXILIARY PATCH PROGRAM LEADERS: Laura Calteux and Char Kiesling ATTENTION JUNIORS and SAL YOUTH! Come and learn about The American Legion Auxiliary Patch Program and actively work toward earning a patch from many of those offered. Patches cover programs such as Poppy, Americanism, Leadership, Community Service, Health & Physical Fitness, Star-Spangled Kids, Education, Technology, National Security, and VA&R. There is also a new Goodwill Patch! Criteria for attaining each patch is different and is geared to the age of the member, grades K5 thru 12th grade. With guidance from ALA and SAL Leadership, take your first step towards earning your very own patch!

If you are interested in attending the Auxiliary Patch Program session, please return this form to: Laura Calteux, 7012 W. Squire Ave., Greenfield, WI 53220 or lauracalteux@yahoo.com.

Yes, I am interested in the ALA Patch Program at Midwinter Conference!

Name

Senior Junior SAL

Age

_________________________________________________________

___________

_________________________________________________________

___________

_________________________________________________________

___________

_________________________________________________________

___________

SESSION TWO: (11am -12pm) - LEGION FAMILY FOUR PILLARS LEADERS: Becky Mueller and Maggie Geiger A discussion will be held on The American Legion programs and how the Auxiliary programs compare. What is their focus, and how can the Legion Family work together to accomplish our mission.

NOTE: Anyone attending Midwinter must register with TAL (www.wilegion.org).

Registration is $20/person now or $25 after January 6, 2020.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: DECEMBER 14, 2019

PDP Char Kiesling thanks all who supported her special project, Wreaths Across America. $12,500 was used to purchase wreaths for the Wisconsin Veterans Cemeteries in 2018 and the balance of $7,818.75 purchased wreaths for this year. THANK YOU! Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad, to help remember our fallen US veterans, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom.

Ceremonies will be held on December 14, 2019 at the Veterans

Cemeteries at King (10:00 am), Spooner (11:00 am) and Union Grove (11:00 am). Everyone is welcome to participate.

“In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

We hope you will join us at any of our more than 1,600 participating locations to show our veterans and their families that we will not forget. We will never forget.”

– from the Wreaths Across America website (www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.)

PAGE A6 • WISCONSIN • DECEMBER 2019

2019-2020 UPCOMING DATES DATE Dec 14, 2019 Feb 17, 2020

Mar 28-29, 2020 April 4-5, 2020

EVENT Wreath Laying Ceremonies George Washington Luncheon and CDNVP Ruth Gott’s Official Visit

LOCATION Veterans Cemeteries at King, Spooner and Union Grove Meyers Restaurant, Greenfield, WI

WALASBA 9-Pin Tap Tournament

Cedarburg, WI

May 2, 2020

MILWAUKEE COUNTY CONFERENCE OF UNITS Invites all Legion Family Members and Guests

The 94th Annual George Washington Luncheon President’s Day | Monday, February 17, 2020 Meyers Restaurant & Banquet Hall • 4260 S 76th St, Greenfield, WI 53220

Social Hour - 11:00 am • Lunch - 12:00 pm • Cost - $22.00 per person For information, contact Sue Middlestead at (414) 545-2727

Reservation deadline: FEBRUARY 3, 2020 – NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Detach here and return lower portion

George Washington Luncheon Registration Make checks payable to: MCCU Send to: Laura Calteux, 7012 W. Squire Ave., Greenfield, WI 53220 Unit Name & Number: ________________________________________ Unit Contact & Phone: ________________________________________ NAME OF EACH PERSON ATTENDING: AUXILIARY, LEGION, SAL, GUEST Please Note: Tables will be assigned, 8 people per table - no exceptions. If you are registering more than 8 people, please list who will be sitting together 1. ________________________________ 2. ________________________________ 3. ________________________________ 4. ________________________________ 5. ________________________________ 6. ________________________________ 7. ________________________________ 8. ________________________________

Poppy Order forms must be received Department Headquarters by December 15, 2017

Amount Enclosed:

Just a Little Reminder: Poppy Order forms must be received at Department Headquarters

by December 15, 2019.

Number of Reservations: ______ X $22.00 =_______

2020-2021 NATIONAL APPOINTMENTS Help elevate the ALA into our next century of service! Consider applying for a national committee leadership position during the 2020-2021 administrative year. Members with strong professional backgrounds that relate to the Auxiliary’s many programs are needed; some require physical agility. You need not have served as an ALA officer within the department to be eligible for a national appointment.

Online applications must be submitted

by January 6, 2020 at: https://www. alaforveterans.org/ala-national-appointment-application/.

6th District Spring Conference May 16, 2020 5th Annual Sweat4Vets Walk June 6, 2020 President Joanie Dickerson’s Testimonial June 14, 2020 Junior Activities Conference June 21-26, 2020 ALA Badger Girls State July 16-18, 2020 Department Convention and NP Nicole Clapp’s Official Visit Aug 28-Sep 3, 2020 National Convention

American Legion Post #364, Winneconne, WI Cedarburg Post to Grafton Post Prairie du Chien, WI TBD UW-Oshkosh, WI Appleton, WI Louisville, KY

SEPTEMBER SWEEPSTAKES 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

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

Elaine Brunner Lorraine Large Donna Hart Pauline Glentz Erin Beaty Dianne Campapell Erica Kroening Shirley Cornils Lori Hilgart Lola Parker Nicole Vidal Marilyn Brandt Norene Rochester Wendy Miller Sandra Matsch Lynn Stetson Valerie Reinholz Sandra Hubing Luella Lee Shelby Osborn Barbara Hammond Barbara Moore Phyllis Taft Tammy Beringer Elizabeth Weber Claudine Germer Diane Peachey Jeff Mills Jean Zimmerman Pat Wontor

Fredonia Port Washington Hales Corners Alma Cascade La Crosse Harrisburg SD Sun Prairie Park Falls La Farge West Salem Pittsville Holmen Wisconsin Rapids Ellsworth Reedsville Kaukauna Belgium Waterford Granton Viroqua St Francis Boscobel New Holstein Bloomer Hustisford Markesan Onalaska Monroe Amberg

OCTOBER SWEEPSTAKES 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 15.00 15.00 25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 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

Mary Zwirlein Judith Kruzan Ann Sigourney LaVonne Mason Mae Miller Richard Barton Pamela Pomrenke Cheryl Brossmann Pat Anderson Nancy Hein Diane Mayhugh Mickie Punjak Dale Birch Shirley Smith Jean Kundert Rebecca Lovell Barbara Goodman Judy Anderson Richard Wallock Kyle Pozorski Judy Senkowski Elaine Musser Lori Hilgart Mary Geurts Margaret Shidell Carol Rudesill Carol O’Neill Patricia Eisentraut Maryann Evans Betty Peters Sharon Connery

West Bend Trevor Westville OK Thorp Owen La Crosse Madison Wauwatosa Sun Prairie Lake Mills Neosho Delafield Eau Claire Crivitz Monroe Madison Pardeeville Wittenberg Cedarburg Platteville Poynette Black River Falls Park Falls Greenleaf Marathon Rice Lake New Castle DE Neillsville Lone Rock McFarland Muscoda