ITʼS AS EASY AS 1 2 3 ! 1. Log onto wilegion.org and click on “Renew Online” 2. Enter your name and member ID number 3. Pay with MasterCard, Visa or Discover Thatʼs it! Youʼre done. You will receive your new membership card in the mail. No more renewal notices. No more stamps.
Printed using recycled newsprint
Have a question for someone at The American Legion but not sure who you should contact? Check out the list of staff and their primary responsibilities below:
Carol Swanson, Administrative Assistant info@wilegion.org Sheri Hicks, Programs Coordinator
sheri@wilegion.org
Duties All things Legion Events, Meetings, etc. Finances, Donations, Grants All things Membership All Americanism Programs except Badger Boys State and WALLECA Friendly voice answering the telephone Address Changes, Last Bugle Submissions WALLECA, Badger Boys State, Fundraising
2930 American Legion Drive, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901 Phone: 608-745-1090 Fax: 608-745-0179 Website: https://www.wilegion.org Twitter: @WIlegion Instagram: Wisconsinamericanlegion Facebook: @WIAmericanLegion
Camp American Legion: Don Grundy, Camp Director
campal@gmail.com
Badger &“Wisconsin”
www.wilegion.org
Official Publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family
All things Camp
8529 Cty Rd D, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539 Phone: 715-277-2510 Fax: 715-277-3425 Website: http://www.campamericanlegion.org Facebook: @Campamericanlegion American Legion Service Office: VA Regional Office 5400 W. National Ave, #164, Milwaukee, WI 53214 Phone: 414-902-5722 • Fax: 414-902-9401
Badger Boys State 77th Session Review
By Chad Plenge The Wisconsin American Legion Badger Boys State program held its 77th session, June 9-16, 2018, at Ripon College. Badger Boys State has influenced over 67,000 young men during the last 77 sessions. The Wisconsin American Legion and Val Ove created the program in 1939 after recognizing the great opportunity to serve the youth and spread the ideals of Americanism. Badger Boys State has run every year since then with the exception of three years during World War II. Wisconsin American Legion posts from across the state have supported this ambitious program, providing leadership, financial support, and volunteers who make Badger Boys State a top-notch program. The young men selected to attend Badger Boys State, called citizens, represent the best of their communi-
ties. The program is only possible because of the generous donations from American Legion posts, community civic organizations, and individuals who sponsor each citizen. This year, 882 young men came from all corners
Historian Clewell Resigns from Legion
Howard “Gordy” Clewell has resigned from his position as Department Historian for The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin. Mr. Clewell served the American Legion, Department of Wisconsin and his country honorably in the United States Army. His military service meets the eligibility requirements for membership in The American Legion. On June 11, 2018, Mr. Clewell submitted his resignation and cancelled his membership in The American Legion. He has admitted misrepresentations to his record and apologized. Commander Laurel Clewell has stated that she was unaware of anything questionable in his record until shortly before his resignation.
of Wisconsin to form the government of a “51st State.” During the week, citizens also learn about Americanism, leadership, and the values of selfless service. Guest speakers, including (continued on page7)
BBS 2018
Email adjutant@wilegion.org angela@wilegion.org dwight@wilegion.org chris@wilegion.org dawn@wilegion.org
“For God & Country”
The mission of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
How to Contact Legion Staff
Department Staff Amber Nikolai, Department Adjutant Angie Chappell, Administrative Manager Dwight Johnson, Business Manager Chris Schmidt, Membership Coordinator Dawn Brauner, Programs Coordinator
July 5, 2018 • Vol. 95, No. 6
The American Legion was established in 1919 by wartime veterans determined to strengthen the nation through programs and services for men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, children and patriotic values. The organization has fulfilled its mission over the last century through such programs and accomplishments as American Legion Boys State and Nation, American Legion Baseball, the GI Bill, benefits for veterans exposed to toxic contaminants, youth oratorical contests, Scholarship programs and more. With nearly 2 million members operating in more than 12,000 local posts worldwide, The American Legion is the largest U.S. veteranʼs organization.
I just wanted to say how amazing last week was. You guys have done a lot for me and have contributed quite substantially in making my citizen year one of the best weeks of my life. If you could spread my thanks to all the other counselors and staff, that would be amazing. You all are contributing to an incredible program, and the sacrifices made for boys like me is beyond unbelievable. I hope to “forward the legacy” by possibly becoming an assistant counselor, making monetary donations, and spreading word of mouth on how life changing this event was. Thank you once again! – Mason Lawrenz, 2018 BBS 0Citizen