Badger
“For God & Country”
&“Wisconsin”
aire
October 4, 2012 Vol. 89, No. 8
Official Publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family
www.wilegion.org
The mission of The American Legion, Department Of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
Milwaukee War Memorial Controversy Heats Up
Veterans call for Art Museum to pay fair share. Urge War Memorial and Art Museum to make veteran interests a top priority. At the 94th Annual Department Convention held July 18th thru the 22nd, Legionnaires passed a resolution supporting the Milwaukee County War Memorial. The iconic structure which hosts the Milwaukee Art Museum and other tenants has fallen into disrepair due to chronic underfunding. Recently the Milwaukee Art Museum announced ambitious expansion plans that also called for the museum to assume control of the facility. On September 25th the Milwaukee County Veterans Board of Directors called upon the Milwaukee Art Museum to contribute towards the costs of operating the Milwaukee County War Memorial and identified conditions to be met prior to allowing the Art Museum’s expansion plans to proceed. At a meeting held on September 24th, the Veterans Board was briefed on the status of negotiations taking place be-
tween the War Memorial and the Art Museum and took note of recent comments by Art Museum Director Dan Keegan in which he pledged that the Art Museum’s planned $15 million project will not proceed unless it receives the support of Milwaukee County Veterans. The board representing nineteen Veteran Service Organizations responded to the Art Museum’s request for veteran support and adopted a resolution calling for the Art Museum to make fair market payments in exchange for the nearly 200,000 square feet it occupies in the War Memorial complex which was created to honor area war dead and has served as a venue for veteran gatherings. The Art Museum occupies approximately 75 percent of the space in the War Memorial buildings below the original structure that sits at the Mason Street plaza level. “The Board spoke up because
The 101st Airborne Division Association Color Guard approaches the War Memorial Center from Prospect Avenue during the 2011 Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade. The 2012 parade will be held on Saturday, November 10th.
it believes the public and veterans’ interests are best served by all tenants at the War Memorial paying their fair share toward operating this memorial and addressing veterans’ issues,” said Stan Kogutkiewicz, Veterans Board Chairman and member of American Legion Post No. 427 of Milwaukee. “We are calling upon the Art Museum and War Memorial to address unmet veterans’ service needs with as much emphasis as they are discussing needed facility repairs.” The resolution adopted by the Veterans Board included
the following steps that needed to be in place in order to secure veterans’ support for the Art Museum’s expansion: • Requiring the Art Museum to pay their pro-rata share of the costs of operating and maintaining the War Memorial facility; • Current taxpayer subsidies to the Art Museum to be redirected for needed repairs and to create programs that benefit returning Gulf War Era II veterans; • Requiring the Art Museum to return to the War Memorial rights to land that the Art Museum laid claim to in a disputed
process in 1997. “We appreciate Mr. Keegan’s pledge and have identified specific actions that must occur before Milwaukee County veterans can support this expansion,” Kogutkiewicz added. “Veterans will not be used as pawns or scapegoats if MAM doesn’t get what they want and we are troubled that the Art Museum has declined several invitations by the War Memorial negotiators to meet – this suggests they believe their leverage resides in the Courthouse and not the community.”
The Milwaukee County War Memorial Center was built in 1957 to honor Milwaukee County’s war dead from World War II. The mission of the War Memorial is to Honor the Dead by Serving the Living. Many annual patriotic ceremonies and observances are held at the center.
2013 Membership Goal: 59,760 • September 26th Total: 41,119 – 68.81%
1ST
2ND 3RD
4TH
5TH
6TH
7TH
8TH
9TH 10TH 11TH 12TH
Dist. 9 69.12%
Dist. 3 68.65%
Dist. 10 67.79%
Dist. 8 65.09%
Dist. 1 64.91%
Dist. 6 64.48%
Dist. 7 63.05%
Dist. 4 61.75%
Dist. 11 68.10%
Dist. 2 60.26%
Dist. 12 59.87%
Dist. 5 58.79%
PAGE 2 “Badger Legionnaire” & “Wisconsin” The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are the official publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family and are published ten times annually, once every five weeks, by The Wisconsin American Legion, 2930 American Legion Drive P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901. Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WI and additional mailing offices. USPS ID Number 010-135 ISSN: 2154-2627 Post Master: Send address changes to Badger Legionnaire and Wisconsin, P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901
“Badger Legionnaire” The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin 2930 American Legion Drive P.O. Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901 Phone: (608) 745-1090 E-mail: info@wilegion.org David A. Kurtz, Executive Editor 2012-2013 Communications Committee Harold Rihn, Chairman Bob Wipf, Vice-Chairman Ron Hessil, DEC Liaison Bernard Olson, Member Phil Ingwell, Member Vern Pitt, Member Mike Herkowski, Member James Lee, Member Kendel Feilen, Consultant Loretta Shellman, Auxiliary Liaison Bonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison 2012-13 Department Officers Commander Wayne Jensen Vice Commanders Ken Rynes Chuck Roloff Ron Hessil Randy Lenser Adjutant David A. Kurtz Chaplain Robert Herried Assistant Chaplain Greg Simonis Sergeant-at Arms Todd Braun Charles Roessler Service Officer James Fialkowski NECman David L. Gough Alternate NECman Steve Krueger District Commanders 1st – Dave Brisk 2nd – Robert Shappell 3rd – Rich Ruland 4th – Claire Goodfellow 5th – Pete Goosens 6th – Barb Belmont 7th – John Thurk 8th – Dan Rindt 9th – Dale Oatman 10th – Larry Wyrcza 11th – Frank Kostka 12th – Bob Buhr 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 Diana Sirovina, Department President Bonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/Treasurer To change your address: Notify Unit Secretary Unit Secretary: Notify Department Headquarters on a Member Data Form The “Wisconsin” deadline for copy is 4 weeks before publication date.
Publication Schedule All articles due to the Editor 4 weeks before publication date. Send all copy to info@wilegion.org
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
October 4, 2012
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER Greetings Comrades. Since Convention I have been very busy travelling around the state. In the event that Wayne Jensen I have not been Commander able to personally visit your post or area as yet, I want to share with you my concerns for the upcoming year. With the influx of returning service members there will continue to be a steady increase in services these veterans will need. From Post Service Officers, to our VA Hospital Volunteers, to the financial need requests we receive at Department Headquarters; each and every one of us must start to gear up and be prepared to aid our returning heroes. To aid you in that venture, here are some helpful hints: The American Legion’s Fam-
ily Support Network is ready to provide immediate assistance to U.S. military personnel and their families. The Legion has a nationwide toll-free telephone number 1-800-504-4098 for service members and their families to call for assistance. Posts are reminded that families in financial need with minor children are encouraged to call on the Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program through National Headquarters to assist. Our Service Office at the VA Regional office in Milwaukee processes TFA grant requests here in Wisconsin. Otherwise, it is up to local posts to provide and develop sufficient resources to meet the need. The American Legion has also been working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on an initiative to reduce unemployment among veterans. The “Hir-
ing our Heroes” program focuses on smaller but more frequent career fairs in under-served rural sections of the country. This program takes advantage of the large footprint American Legion posts have throughout the nation. In that regard the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has been very active in bringing Job Fairs to local areas in Wisconsin. They have been asking for local Post/County/District assistance and I hope you’re ready to respond when called. Finally let me call upon all you Commanders, Adjutants and membership teams to ensure you step up your membership efforts. The Department, along with members of the National membership team, will be actively assisting you. We have plans to conduct outreach efforts in LaCrosse, Eau Claire, Sparta, Abbottsford, Wausau and Door County over the
next few months. As you recall, last year we concentrated in southeastern Wisconsin, the 7th and the 11th Districts. Department and National can help but that being said, membership is the responsibility of the local District, County and Post. When you sit on memberships you deprive the Department of National monetary awards that assist us all. By the time you read this, if any of your posts are below 40% that should be an indicator that the Post is having difficulties, or is not actively involved in Legion programs. Now is the time for you to come to their assistance. Membership is a collective effort starting at your Post level. Without all our efforts we jeopardize the many programs at all levels of the Legion chain, so please let’s commit to increasing our efforts to make the Department of Wisconsin a 100% Legion Department.
DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER Service connected disability compensation is the single largest benefit that the Department Service James Fialkowski Service Officer Office assists veterans with obtaining. Currently we are responsible for over $12 million dollars a month in benefits of which about $10 million is from Compensation. The VA benefit system can be convoluted and daunting. Most people not intimate with claims don’t understand the fundamentals of the process. Service Connection may be granted if the evidence shows a current disability is related to military service or is secondary to a service connected disability. Compensation is payment to veterans in recognition of the effects of disabilities or injuries incurred or aggravated during ac-
tive military service. Do you see what I am saying? Convoluted. In reality, Service Connection is easier to understand than one might think. Any veteran who sustained a chronic condition and served under honorable conditions may be eligible for service connected disability and possibly compensation. I am talking about conditions from a Shell Fragment Wound to Flat Feet. From Cancer to Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease. Whatever the condition that you think you are eligible for, you need to understand the basis for Service Connection. It is basically a three-piece puzzle! 1st piece - You have a current chronic disabling condition. 2nd piece - Something in service to link to the condition. (I.E. Started treatment in service or an injury in service or another condition that is already service connected)
3rd piece - You need a medical opinion that your current disability is related to or was aggravated by an in service “something”. (I.E. The medical professional says numbers one and two are at least as likely as not related. That’s a 50/50 chance or better) When all three of those pieces come together you have Service Connection. The degree of disability is what determines the amount of Compensation. The VA utilizes a rating schedule based on the medical examination. Normally each disability is separately rated as the criteria for each is different. Tinnitus (ringing or whistling in the ears) for example, if service connected only has one rating, 10% no more - no less. A knee condition can be rated from 0% up to a non-permanent 100% based on instability, degree of flexion and extension, hospitalization, convalescence or for
knee replacement. When service connection is established the VA will provide treatment and medication for that disability at no charge. When a rating above 0% is established the VA will compensate the veteran for that disability. A veteran rated at 10% is compensated at $127 a month. A single veteran rated at 100% is compensated at $2769 a month. All Compensation is taxfree. Go to www.va.gov for more information. If you think you may have a disability to claim, go see your County Veterans Service Officer or stop in our office and we will help you get the process started. And now for this articles “Little Known Benefit” – Non-competitive government hiring now can extend to the spouse of a service connected 100% disabled veteran. For more information go to http://www.fedshirevets.gov/ hire/hrp/qaspouse/index.aspx
WDVA SECRETARY At 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001, the world forever changed. We all rememJohn A. Scocos ber where we WDVA Secretary were on that beautiful autumn morning. Some people were sitting at their desks reading emails, others were in the car listening to the radio, still others saw the news while enjoying a cup of coffee in their kitchen. We all watched as one skyscraper disintegrated into ash, and then another. Our country was under attack. Some of us knew people who lived in New York or worked at
The Faces of Freedom
the Pentagon or were planning on taking a flight that morning. Some of us didn’t. Either way, the faces of those running from the terror were the faces of our fellow Americans. The faces on “Missing” posters and the tearful faces of those carrying those posters were the faces of our fellow Americans. From that moment forward, in spite of our differences, our nation joined together – united – in the name of democracy. Suddenly, the United States was fighting a war on foreign lands. We started to see new faces, the faces of the brave men and women from across this great coun-
try that stepped forward to fight those who attacked us. We continue to see the faces of those that fought and still fight to protect our rights, our democracy and to protect us all. Since 2001, over 30,000 men and women from Wisconsin stepped up to fight terrorism during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn; over 100 hundred of these brave men and women gave the ultimate sacrifice. To these men and women, and their families, we owe a debt of gratitude. Whether it is a simple thank you, a standing ovation, or
access to benefits like free tuition at one of our state’s great colleges or universities, we must do all we can to support our veterans and military personnel. This September 11th, we will all remember where we were that day. The horrible images of terror and grief filled faces will be forever burned in our minds. But let us also remember the faces of those 30,000 men and women who stood up for our freedom. Let us take a moment to remember our service members, especially those that made the ultimate sacrifice; let us take a moment to remember our many faces of freedom.
October 4, 2012
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
PAGE 3
2012 Camp American Legion Improvement Projects Update Main Lodge Floor • Project complete. New floor has just gone through its first camp season and it has looked and performed great.
Main Boat Landing Site on Little Tomahawk Lake • The Department has submitted all the necessary documentation necessary to proceed including permits from the DNR, local Planning & Zoning and the Oneida County Highway Department. • The 724th Engineering Battalion of the Wisconsin National Guard based out of Chippewa Falls is slated to perform the work. All necessary paperwork was submitted to the WI National Guard prior to the beginning of the 2012 season. The Lead Engineer for the Guard indicates that we should anticipate the project getting under way in October or November. Approval from the National Guard Bureau in Washington has caused the delay. Everyone, including the National Guard, is eager to start. The waiting is frustrating but in the end working with the Guard on this project will help to strengthen the Departments’ relationship with them.
• Once final approval is received from Washington, the Department will provide all materials for the project including concrete, fill, rebar and temporary forms. The Guard provides the heavy machinery and labor as part of Innovative Readiness Training.
Flashing Pedestrian Crossing Signs • All necessary materials have been purchased and delivered. • The Oneida County Highway Commissioner is confirming the installation requirements for County Rd D. • Upon completion of the Main Boat Landing Site project and cross walk stripping, the signs and separate activation push-button poles will be installed.
Family Cabin Lake Approach • Due to complexity of project it has been tabled. A number of people have inspected the site including independent contractors and Engineers from the Wisconsin National Guard. All have been very hesitant to take on the project due to the challenges it presents. The project may be revisited at some point in the future, however this would prove to be a “very, very” expensive project. Factoring the estimated cost against the end benefit led to the decision to table the project for the time being.
• The Legion Family Cabin proved to be an excellent asset this summer. The cabin was enjoyed almost every week of the season. Our Families loved it. One family walked in and they said “this is bigger and better then our home”. All the camper families we have put in there have been mobile and walking to the boat landing has not been a problem. Occupancy of the cabin has not suffered by not having a handicap lake approach. Family Cabin overall upgrades • New septic tank has been installed. • New carpeting, painting, furniture, fixtures, appointments have been completed through out. • New bathroom has been completed. • Special thanks to the 6th District Legion Riders and Rynes Plumbing.
fense Council (NRDC) have their way, expansion of North American sources of crude oil production will be stopped. These activist environmental groups are bound and determined to prevent this abundant resource from reaching refineries throughout the country. The most obvious example of this effort is the opposition to the Keystone pipeline project. The Keystone pipeline is proposed by Trans Canada Corporation and, if approved, it will allow over 700,000 barrels per day of Oil Sands and Bakken crude to reach refineries located in the South Central United States. In order to move ahead with construction, however, the U.S. Department of State must provide approval for the pipeline to cross the Canadian/U.S. border. Under normal circumstances, this approval should have been given in the Spring of 2011, but organized opposition, particularly in Nebraska, has delayed this project so vital to our energy security. Environmental groups like NRDC are deliberately distorting the facts relating to pipeline safety and the consistency of crude oil from the Oil Sands. They have repeatedly attempted to frighten local landowners with claims about the impact of a crude oil leak on the Ogallala Aquifer in Nebraska, even after the state hydrologist determined that little threat exists. In
Generator • Fundraising continues to provide emergency power to the Camp. • Manufacturers of large generator systems have been contacted for possible donations. • A special Thank You goes out to the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin for their efforts. Over $9,000 was recently raised through the Legion Riders 2012 Fall Ride to Camp.
Computers • Cable improvements have been completed to make the entire Camp wireless. • Work continues on improving computer access at the Health & Wellness Center. The four computers in the Main Lodge are working fine and the campers use them continuously. • A special Thank You goes out to Gerry Van Oss, our resident Camp “computer geek”. Thanks, Gerry! Health & Wellness Center Lights • An anonymous Friend of Camp has donated new lights for the H&W Building. They are beautiful. They are brighter, quiet and much more energy efficient.
Legionnaire Makes Donation to Camp
Health & Wellness Building (Lodging Side) Roof • Camp Director Kevin Moshea has applied for and received a $3,700 grant from Home Depot for all materials to replace the roof. Home Depot is providing funding through in-store gift cards. New Crawford County Cabin No. 14 • Exterior work has been completed with roof and vinyl siding installed.
National Security and Energy Independence
EDITORIAL After almost four decades of reliance upon unfriendly or unstable regimes for the crude oil our country needs, we can now look forward to a future where it is conceivable that the United States can meet all of our energy needs here in North America. Today, Canada is our number one supplier of petroleum imports with over 25 percent of the market. Going forward, Canada is expected to increase its market share to 30 percent and beyond as crude oil production in the Oil Sands region of Alberta expands. Meanwhile, the Bakken oil field in North Dakota is expanding dramatically with estimates of proven reserves of recoverable oil as high as 25 billion barrels. The Bakken’s current production exceeds 500,000 barrels per day, roughly 10 percent of U.S. crude oil production. For those of us in the Badger State, we also benefit from the expansion of silica sand mining in West Central Wisconsin, providing sand for the hydraulic fracturing used to produce Bakken oil that often ends up as gasoline in the cars we drive. Given our energy needs and the concurrent expansion of production in North America, one might assume that our nation will enjoy a more secure energy future. Unfortunately, if groups like Greenpeace and the Natural Resources De-
• Interior work continues with sheet rock ready for taping and plastering. Both the Plumbing and Electrical systems have been roughed in. • Work will continue through the Fall and Winter.
fact, they make these claims while over 2000 miles of hazardous liquid pipelines currently operate within the Aquifer. In addition, imagined concerns and thinly veiled myths have been created about the nature of Oil Sands crude. Some opponents have gone so far as to claim that there is sand in the crude, making it more corrosive. For the record, crude oil from the Oil Sands is akin to any other heavy crude currently refined in America. And, Oil Sands crude has been shipped through pipelines in the U.S. since the early 1980’s. The U.S. Department of Defense consumes about two percent of U.S. energy consumption and DOD is the largest single consumer of energy in the country. The largest component of DOD energy consumption is petroleum, at about 80 percent or 360,000 barrels per day. The availability of abundant, secure petroleum supplies is mission critical for each and every soldier, sailor, airman and marine serving our country. Maintaining the strongest military power the world has ever known will require even greater future reliance on abundant domestic oil reserves and the infrastructure to refine and deliver fuel wherever our troops may be. That is why it is imperative that projects like the Keystone pipeline, which will make our nation more secure deserve our support.
Legionnaire Gene Burrow, a member of the Clarence Bean- Warren George Post No. 67 of Lake Mills, recently donated $700 to Camp American Legion. The funds represented Gene’s compensation for being Post Finance Officer for the past 5 years. The money will help with maintenance of the camp. Pictured with Gene is Kevin Moshea, director of Camp American Legion.
Brodhead Post Recognizes Support
Pictured from L to R are Stan Erlandson, Post Adjutant; Jill Leitzen, Director of Human Resources for Kuhn North America; Bruce Sutherland, Post Commander and Navy veteran; Kevin Johnson, Manufacturing Manager – Mixer Products for Kuhn North America; and Mike McGoff, Post Finance Officer.
Brodhead American Legion Post No. 197 recently recognized Kuhn North America for the company’s support of veterans. The company currently employs 57 veterans at its Brodhead, Wisconsin facility. A company spokesperson says employees who have served in the armed forces have proven to be disciplined, mature and hardworking. They come to the company with a specific technical skill set from training they received during their military service.
Many companies throughout the country hold the same sentiments. They report that veterans have not only learned specific skills during their military service, they also have the ability to learn new skills and concepts. They have strong leadership qualities and are team players. Veterans are disciplined, hard working and possess strong personal integrity. Companies like Kuhn North America are proof that hiring veterans is good business for the employer as well as the veteran.
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Public Relations The Path to Membership
Both forms of the toolkit – print and online – are available free of charge. To order print versions, contact the Public Relations Division at (317) 630-1253, or email pr@legion.org. The online toolkit is available at www.legion.org/prtoolkit.
EdgEwood CollEgE
vEtErAn s E rv i C E s
At EdgEwood CollEgE, we work with student veterans and their families to ensure a smooth transition and successful educational experience. We accept Veterans Administration educational benefits available to veterans and their families, including the revised Post-9/11GI Bill. • Choose from more than 40 undergraduate majors • Accelerated programs designed for working adults • Master’s degree programs available For more information visit www.edgewood.edu, or contact Matthew Schroeder, Veterans Services Coordinator at 608-663-4266, or e-mail Veterans@edgewood.edu.
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
October 4, 2012
SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION Shortly, Americans will be going to the polls to cast their votes for offices of President, Senator, Congress and other governSean Patchin, Sr ment representaSAL Detachment Chaplain tives and referenda. It is our privilege and duty to vote, but for whom should we vote? How should we decide? I heard young people in the past say such things as, “I’d vote for whomever my parents (or friends) vote for. I’m voting for (Candidate X) because he/she is better looking (or seems nice).” This is an important decision – a decision that will affect our lives for several years. So what should we look for
in a candidate? How should we decide which way to vote? “Pro Deo et Patria” – “For God and Country” is the motto of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps and the first four words of the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion. That should be how we decide – What is best for our country? How does God want me to vote? How do we decide the first? We research the issues that we believe are most important, where the candidates stand on these issues and what has been their record on these issues. How are we to discern God’s will in the election? We must take time and pray about it. Listen to God. What is God putting on our hearts and in our minds? What seems to be the most appropriate decision in
accordance with God’s teachings? We do not buy a house (the place where we expect to live and invest thousands of dollars over years) just on a whim. Likewise, take time before the election to consider what is right “For God and Country.” Also, November 11, 1918 – Armistice Day, marked the end of the War to End All Wars – of course, we now call it Veterans Day. Please pray for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, those whose sacrifices have resulted in major changes/adjustments in their lives, pray for those who are/have been held prisoner in the hands of the enemy and pray for those who are yet unaccounted for from our conflicts.
Sign up for the Online Edition of the Badger Legionnaire and Win Free Legionwear! Legionnaires across the state can receive the latest Legion news and win free Legionwear simply by using the Online Subscription Sign-up for the Badger Legionnaire. Simply go to our website at: www.wilegion.org. Click the “Members” pull down menu on the Home page and select “Online Subscription Sign-up.” Fill out the online subscription form and you will receive e-mail alerts,
Adjutant’s Notes, messages from the Department Commander, and, of course the Badger Legionnaire at your e-mail address. Each month, two e-subscription members will be randomly drawn to receive free items of Legionwear fashion apparel. Making the switch to the e-subscription service will also help the Department to save printing and postage costs! Money
saved will helped strengthen our much-needed Veteran’s and youth programs. Be a Winner! Go on-line and visit: www.wilegion.org. Click the “Members” pull down menu on the Home page and select “Online Subscription Sign-up.” Enjoy the latest Legion news, save money and show your pride by wearing some new Legionwear fashion apparel!
Legionwear for The Legionnaire
New Badger Cap Patch
Stocking Cap Available in two styles
WI Honor Guard Patch
NEW! Fleece Jacket Mens & Womens Sizes Available (Red)
Wisconsin Pins
ITEM
Old Badger Polo (Black)
Old Badger T-Shirt (Black)
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Qty.
WI. Honor Guard Patches
$5 ea.
Wisconsin Pins
$5 or 3/$10
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New Badger Polo
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$20.00
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$22.00
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$22.00
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$24.00
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$14.00
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$12.00
New Badger Cap Patch
$ 5.00
Fleece Jacket - Womens S M L XL
$35.00
Fleece Jacket - Womens 2X 3X 4X
$38.00
Fleece Jacket - Mens S M L XL
$35.00
Fleece Jacket - Mens 2X 3X 4X
$38.00
Ship to:
Madison, WI | www.edgewood.edu 608.663.4266 | veterans@edgewood.edu
Shipping $6.00 plus $1.00 Name____________________________________________________________ per additional item. Address_ ________________________________________________________ City______________________________ State___________ Zip____________ Total Enclosed $__________ Mail order form and payment to: Wisconsin American Legion, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901-0388
October 4, 2012
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Midwinter 2013 Lineup Previewed -
Forum on Needs of 21st Century Veterans Featured
The 2013 Midwinter Conference will be held at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells January 17th- 20th. This year’s Conference will feature new training and exhibits along with special guests from NBC’s hit reality show “The Amazing Race”. Dave and Rachel Brown competed against 10 other couples in the reality show, The Amazing Race. The couple became the most prolific winning duo in the show’s 20 seasons, with the overall victory and setting a record eight of twelve legs precedent.
Dave is currently Active Guard with the Wisconsin National Guard as a Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He has served in the military for more than 16 years in numerous capacities to include forward observer, helicopter pilot, senior intelligence officer, company commander, and battalion executive officer twice over. Rachel is a University of Wisconsin - Madison business school graduate and currently a project manager and sales rep with Epic, a Verona-based health care software company. The couple emerged from the trying 25-day globe-trotting contest victorious and richer, not only from the prize money, but in experience and resilience. Please mark your calendars and save the dates of Janu-
Kneeling soldier silhouette donated to Wabeno Post No. 44.
Special to the Badger Legionnaire from John A Scocos, WDVA Secretary
gave us orders that if we fell behind in line, the last person, there was guards behind us. If we fell behind that line, it was automatic, you’d be shot. And we started marching through the mountains. That is what he said, he pointed at the mountains like that and said, ‘Over the mountains.’ So that is when we started out…If you fell behind the line, no matter what for, if you got sick, if you had dysentery, whatever, you got shot.” Over the course of three years before his eventual release, Krenz and the others in his camp suffered worms, lice, infections, gangrene and many froze to death. Another surviving POW from Madison is Don Heiliger. Mr. Heiliger took off in his F-105 for his 44th mission, a bombing run northeast of Hanoi, as the war in Vietnam escalated
Silhouette Donated to Wabeno Post
ary 17 through 20, 2013. Bring your family and enjoy the indoor water parks, attractions and many activities offered in the Wisconsin Dells.
Remember Our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action
Every year, the third Friday of September is designated at POW/MIA Recognition Day in Wisconsin. It reminds us to stop, remember and thank all of those who have stood up and served our country honorably. This year we specifically America’s POW/ MIAs on Friday, September 28th, those returned, and those still missing and unaccounted for from our nation’s wars. POW/MIA day has a special place in my heart because my own father was a POW in World War II. He was shot down over Austria while on a bombing mission. That made him one of some 142,000 Americans from all U.S. wars and conflicts to have been captured and become a POW. Some of his friends were among the 88,000 men and women still listed as Missing In Action. Today, we have about 50 living POW/MIAs in Wisconsin. The stories are too numerous to tell here now, but I’ll share with you a couple examples of the service and sacrifice that our soldiers have endured for our freedom. Darrell Krenz, a native of Columbus, WI, was a bazooka operator and a sniper-scope gunner with the 34th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in Korea. In 1950, he was captured and forcibly marched to prison camp without shoes and with limited food and drinking water. “So, eventually, they started us marching up north. That is when this guy, the Tiger, took over. And that is when they
PAGE 5
around him. Enemy fire struck his plane and Heiliger and his co-pilot ejected and were captured on May 15, 1967. They were taken to the “Hanoi Hilton.” Heiliger was quickly transferred to “The Zoo” where for six years he was held, enduring clubbing and torture through the use of screw cuffs and ubolts. He was rarely let out of his cell until his release on February 18, 1973. Of course, there are POW/ MIAs that are no longer with us. And this is a time to remember them, too. In 2004, I dedicated the new assisted living building at the Wisconsin Veterans Home – Union Grove to honor Marcia Gates. Ms. Gates of Janesville was an army lieutenant during World War II; she was one of 67 nurses captured and held prisoner by the Japanese after the fall of the Philippines in 1942. She served on Corregidor near the Bataan Peninsula as one of the “Angels of Bataan” prior to the surrender. She was taken captive while serving with the 192nd Tank Battalion and was imprisoned near Manila for three years. There are many more stories like these that remind us of the scars of battle. They remind us to thank our military personnel for putting themselves in harms way and for the pain and suffering they may have endured. And they remind us to think of the families of these men and women, their worry and anguish, and be grateful for their sacrifice.
A silhouette depicting a soldier kneeling at a memorial to a fallen comrade was put in place at the Veterans War Memorial Park in Wabeno recently. The silhouette was donated to the Wabeno American Legion Post No. 44 by Bowman Brothers of Townsend. Claude Bowman bought the steel, Terry’s Welding and Repair of
Wabeno did the cutout work and Bob Hagen donated the pattern. Thank you to all who contributed and helped. The Veterans Park is located along the 32nd Division Memorial Highway in Wabeno in Forest County and is open to all to enjoy. Take time to visit, remembering and honoring all our veterans.
Soap Box Derby “Paddy Wagon 415”
Driver Rebecca Wyco on the Ramp in Milwaukee Police Post’s “Paddy Wagon 415” at the New Berlin Soap Box Derby held on September 9th.
The Milwaukee Police Post No. 415 has a unique Children & Youth program. Post Finance Officer Don Brockman has been sponsoring the activities of the New Berlin Soap Box Derby for over 31 years. Recently the post formed a race team and began sponsoring “PADDY WAGON 415” in honor of the post’s iconic 1935 GMC “Paddy Wagon”. The car, driven by 14 year old Rebecca Wyco of New Berlin, recently competed in the 48th Annual New Berlin Soap Box Derby held on Sunday, September 9th. It was an excellent day for the race with a cool temperature, sun shining and enough of a breeze to keep the mosquitos away. The event started off with a youngster singing the National
Anthem and it was very emotional to see the hats removed and hands over the hearts of everyone. Quite a number were in attendance as the 2012 Queen of the Derby, an 8 year old seated on the back of a red convertible, was driven up and down the track waving proudly. Rebecca and the “PADDY WAGON 415” had two wins and three losses and therefore did not qualify for the finals which require a car to place first in three races. But wait til next year! Separate award ceremonies were held on September 23rd with every driver receiving a color photograph of themselves in competition and a commemorative plaque. Trophies and prizes are awarded to the finalists in each class.
PAGE 6
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
The Last Bugle
1 Germantown Vernon H Wolf II 10 Wausau Robert Wachtl II Edward Mallak II Edwin Hahn II Phillip Lambrecht K Harry Maurisak II 11 Green Bay Urban Schumacher 13 Richland Center Joseph Mott II 14 Iola Leonard A Merz II 15 Juneau Henry Nehls Jr II 20 Waterford Louis R Karraker K 27 Milwaukee Eugene Chmielecki II 28 Valders Milton T Vraney II 29 Kewaunee Edward E Bisely K 33 Neenah Keith A Gabriel V 35 Evansville Ronald E Dekelver V 36 West Bend Edward J Hicken II Alfred F Loecher K Walter E Degner II Erwin C Karow 38 Appleton Richard Flenz II Vernon J Schmit II 42 Platteville Richard Jentz K Marvin Kittoe II 47 Portage Frank Yaktus K 48 Beloit Jerome Elliott II Glenn D Vankeuren K 52 LaCrosse Alfred Krause Donald E Becker K William O Otto K Bernard Bina II James Ollila Joseph W Gund II Francis Childers II Troy Rygiel P Donald E Fillner II John Heberlein 53 Eau Claire Steven L Randen K 59 Stoughton Liniel H Cooper II 63 Clintonville Dwain Johnson II 67 Lake Mills Alvin Abel II Joseph R Hugener K Roger Behling II 70 Oshkosh George J Hohenwalter K Carlton Sawall II Edwin A Roland Sr II George T Brennand II 81 Mauston Edward A Gerke V 88 Manitowoc Ralph J Strauss K
07/02/12 08/11/12 08/18/12 08/31/12 09/10/12 09/11/12 08/25/12 09/11/12 08/15/12 08/24/12 03/20/12 09/08/12 08/17/12 08/15/12 08/10/12 08/05/12
89 Minocqua Daonald G Fisher Norman A Stieber 97 Dodgeville Harvey L Fargo 109 Lancaster Wendell Case 110 New Lisbon Norman E Zitzner 111 Somerset Thomas W Martell 117 Shawano Robert Behnke Louis Kriescher 118 Thorp Sidney A Alger Jr 121 River Falls Donald E Olson 124 New Holstein Jerome H Janty 140 Merrillan Harry Demaskie 149 Sheboygan Falls Harold E Hamann 164 Jefferson Harlan J Anderson Harvey J Froemming 166 Fort Atkinson Jack Morgan 170 Mineral Point John J Kennedy 175 Loyal Richard Bue 181 Durand Francis F Prissel Robert C Carlisle 182 Park Falls Loren L Degarmo Robert C Hilgart 186 Independence Ernest Miemietz 188 East Troy Darrell L Ottow
08/18/12 09/06/12 09/02/12 09/17/12 08/30/12 09/06/12 09/16/12 09/12/12 08/21/12 08/12/12 08/12/12 05/11/12 06/20/12 06/28/12 07/10/12 02/29/11 07/18/12 07/27/12 07/28/12 08/10/12 07/21/12
1. Publication Title
K K
08/01/12 08/07/12
V
09/05/12
K
08/26/12
K
08/23/12
V
08/12/12
II K
07/06/12 07/06/12
II
08/17/12
K
09/12/12
II
09/03/12
II
07/27/12
K
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05/11/12 08/28/12
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08/24/12
189 Watertown Heino F Zimdars II 191 Whitehall Earl G Stendahl II 192 Franklin Albert M Meyer K 201 Tomah Robert J Wagner II Glen Rattle II Bernard J Connor II 203 Milwaukee Robert L Giza II 204 Ellsworth Lloyd E Yanisch II 210 Waupun Donald Dykstra K 212 Barron Donald E Swan II 216 Lodi Forrest E Buchanan II 220 Soldiers Grove Lawrence A Rayner II 222 Campbellsport James Berendsen V Marvin E Dotzler K 224 Alma Carl Schultz II 228 Milwaukee Louis P Konop II 233 Waterloo Herbert T Steindorf V Gerald W Behm V 258 Little Chute William Fitzpatrick II Robert H Driessen K Michael L Janssen V Donald J Lamers II 262 Luxemburg Martin J Zeitler K Leonard Gruetzmacher K 270 Theresa Allan C Schuster II 282 Markesan Rubin A Tetzlaff II
08/28/12 09/13/12 09/09/12 08/25/12 08/25/12 08/23/12 08/29/12 08/02/12 09/01/12 08/15/12 07/31/07 09/13/12 05/17/12 04/13/12 09/05/12 08/26/12 07/29/12 07/04/05 08/21/12 09/03/12 09/09/12 09/06/12 08/16/12 08/24/12 08/24/12 08/31/12
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications)
Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin
4. Issue Frequency
Every 5 Weeks
2. Publication Number
0
1 0
_
1 3 5
5. Number of Issues Published Annually
10
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4 ®)
PO Box 388 2930 American Legion Drive Portage, WI 53901-0388
October 4, 2012
284 Holmen Steve Belfany V 288 Cedarburg Elroy A Bruss II 295 Bloomer Wilfred E Hebert II 301 Woodville Leonard Erickson V 310 Racine John B Schliesmann II Paul R Lohmann K Wayne R Legois V 317 Wautoma Norman L Whitford II 318 Lake Tomahawk Michael P Spreeman V 333 Sun Prairie Leon Weber K Wilmer E Trodahl II 336 Onalaska Anthony G Markevitch II Werner Deigmann II 347 Lomira Erwin N Schaefer II 360 Waunakee Richard C Faust II 362 Kennan Raymond W Kornuth II 364 Winneconne Donald D Falk K 366 Princeton Donald W Filter V 372 Forestville Jerry W Schley K 375 Mukwonago Hollis A Maske K Rodale F Formella K 382 Menomonee Falls Clarence Herbst Jr II 391 Fremont Peter G Noyes V 393 Edgar Clayton M Hilts V
$1 from Membership $5 Non-Member
a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)
Contact Person
David A. Kurtz
(1)
608-745-1090
09/04/12 08/27/12 08/14/12 08/16/12 09/05/12 08/30/12 12/23/11 08/20/12
Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)
b. Paid Circulation (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) (By Mail and Outside Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, (3) the Mail) Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® (4)
David Kurtz, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901-0388
David Kurtz, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901-0388
d. Free or (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 Nominal Rate Distribution (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 (By Mail and Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (3) Outside (e.g., First-Class Mail) the Mail)
Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
David Kurtz, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901-0388 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Complete Mailing Address Full Name
(4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)
PO Box 388, 2930 American Legion Drive Portage, WI 53901-0388
08/17/12
K
08/24/12
K
08/18/12
II
08/29/12
K
08/26/12
V II
08/28/12 09/01/12
II V
06/16/12 08/03/12
V
09/04/12
K
08/28/12
K
08/30/12
K
09/03/12
K
08/09/12
K
08/21/12
II
08/29/12
V
08/24/12
K
08/11/12
K
08/11/12
II
09/01/12
August 30, 2012
80,862
80,568
80,362
79,974
80,362
79,974
375
469
0
0
375
469
f.
Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)
80,737
80,443
125
125
85,862
80,568
99.54%
99.42%
i.
X
II
Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4))
h. Total (Sum of 15f and g)
Full Name
09/18/12
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g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3))
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II
Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., FirstClass Mail®)
c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4))
Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
07/04/05 08/31/12
03/03/12
Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date
Veterans Newspaper
6. Annual Subscription Price
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09/12/12
K
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation
PO Box 388 2930 American Legion Drive Portage, WI 53901-0388
Wisconsin American Legion
08/17/12
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below
Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin
Telephone (Include area code)
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)
K
13. Publication Title
3. Filing Date
10/1/12
401 Cambria 08/14/12 Stanley D Brossard 413 Crivitz 10/04/12 Warren L Rohde 415 Milwaukee 08/27/12 Wilbur H Klasen 423 Neshkoro 09/04/12 Peter R Swader 433 Barneveld 08/18/12 Raymond D Jacobson 08/31/12 435 Superior 09/11/12 Clifford L Pearthree 436 Wrightstown 08/13/12 Paul Verboomen 440 Clinton 09/05/12 William S Young 454 Mt Calvary 07/31/12 Walter Loehr 09/02/12 Clarence Hass 470 Saukville 08/04/12 Ambrose J Entringer 07/04/12 Russell A Lund 476 Loomis 08/11/12 Ernest J Schmitz 477 St Nazianz 08/22/12 Jerry Gnadt 483 Allenton 09/05/12 Florian A Piaszak 486 Jackson 09/02/12 Donald H Butzke 504 Union Center 07/04/05 Dale Markee 509 Rosholt 07/09/12 Gerald Dobbe 512 Shiocton 08/27/12 Beatrice D Reavis 08/26/12 524 White Lake Ray C Ramer 09/03/12 537 Milwaukee George J Ropiak 09/14/12 538 Carlton James W Brezinski 08/31/12 539 Green Bay M E Kuehl
Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)
Total circulation includes electronic copies. Report circulation on PS Form 3526-X worksheet.
16.
Complete Mailing Address
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership
X
If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed
October 4, 2012
Publication not required.
in the ________________________ issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner
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PS Form 3526, August 2012 (Page 1 of 3 (Instructions Page 3)) PSN: 7530-01-000-9931
PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com.
Date
October 4, 2012
I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). PS Form 3526, August 2012 (Page 2 of 3)
October 4, 2012
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
PAGE 7
3rd Annual Fall Ride to Camp MP
is encouraging everyone to receive a “Lucky Swifty’s S.W.A.T. SWIFT Y’S S.W. A .T TEAM 13” Pin. During the Team will be patrol2013 membership year, ling for membership National Commander fast and furious on the Membership Koutz will award his Wisconsin Delta! Incentives National Commander National Commandpin to any Legionnaire er James E. Koutz and Department Commander Wayne Jen- who recruits a combination 13 of new sen have launched the 2013 Membership members, reinstatements and transferring Campaign and are presenting members in holding post members into local American Wisconsin with a host of incentives and Legion posts. To maintain the integrity of awards to recognize individual Legion- the National Commander’s pin incentive naires for their recruiting and retention program, only one will be awarded per individual. efforts. There’s also an opportunity to join the The traditional “I Got 1” pins are available for everyone who recruits a new “Badger Big Ten” team. Sign up ten (10) new members and be a part of this exclumember this year. Commander Jensen is also urging all sive group of Legionnaires. You’ll receive Legionnaires to join “Swifty’s S.W.A.T. a pin and a patch to wear with pride. The National American Legion is also Team”. Commander Jensen has identified the encouraging recruitment with the Silver first step in growing our membership is to Brigade and Gold Brigade awards for Recruit and Retain all members of the Le- Legionnaires who recruit 25 and 50 new gion Family, which is why he would like members respectively. Commander Jensen wants to recognize everyone to “Start Patrolling for Membership” and “Join Swifty’s S.W.A.T. every Legionnaire who does their part Team”. Simply find 5 new members for to maintain our membership strength our Legion Family and earn a special pin and build our organization. Contact that only members of “Swifty’s S.W.A.T. Department Membership Coordinator Steve Dykes at (608) 745-1090 to get Team” will receive. National Commander James E. Koutz on board.
90th Birthday Celebration for US Army Air Forces Veteran
American Legion Riders from across the state conducted their 3rd Annual Fall Ride to Camp fundraiser in support of Camp American Legion on Saturday, September 15th. The Legion Riders raised over $9,000. Pictured here are the Riders gathered en route to Camp. See page three for an update on camp improvement projects.
Commander Visits 12th District
Department Commander Wayne W. Jensen of the Milwaukee Police Post No. 415 recently attended the 12th District’s Executive Committee meeting held at Lucky’s Banquet Hall in Clear Lake WI. In addition to presenting an inspirational Americanism message, Commander Jensen presented membership awards to several County and Post Commanders. Pictured with Commander Jensen are (L to R) 12th District Sergeant at Arms Doug Cahow, 12th District Commander Robert Buhr and 12th District Vice Commander Robert Danielson.
Check Your Mailbox... MIDWINTER
SWEEPSTAKES
On September 8, 2012 the 1st District Chapter of Legion Riders were honored to participate in the 90th birthday celebration of US Army Air Forces Veteran Robert L. Megee. Mr. Megee participated on the Honor Flight to the World War II Memorial in Washington DC which departed Milwaukee on Saturday, September 15th. Pictured left to right holding a replica US Army Air Forces flag are 1st District Legion Riders President Frank “Phantom” Konieska, Robert Megee and his long-time friend Mary Gokey.
Your 2013 Midwinter Conference Sweepstakes Entry Forms are in the mail! Watch for them to arrive soon. Grand Prize is your choice of $20,000 cash* OR a 2013 Ford* from Boucher Automotive Group. The Boucher Automotive Group is the preferred vehicle provider of the Wisconsin American Legion. The drawing is set to take place at 12:00 Noon on Sunday, January 20th at the Midwinter Conference which will be held at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center. Plan on attending the Department Midwinter Conference and be part of the excitement! *All prizes subject to Federal Tax withholding requirements. See Official Rules at; http://www.wilegion.org.
2012-13 Sponsor