Badger&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin” Official Publications of The

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

December 13, 2012Vol. 89, No. 10

Badger&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”

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

2013 Membership Goal: 59,760 • December 6th Total: 51,328 – 85.89%

1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH 7TH 8TH 9TH 10TH 12TH11TH

Dist. 1084.08%

Dist. 383.57%

Dist. 983.40%

Dist. 681.91%

Dist. 581.09%

Dist. 480.89%

Dist. 880.38%

Dist. 780.21%

Dist. 179.99%

Dist. 1178.71%

Dist. 1278.30%

Dist. 277.83%

The complete presentation schedule is available online at www.wilegion.org.

The Department will also host a number of National dignitaries including National Vice Commander David R. Hall of West Virginia and Past National Commander Marty Conatser of Illinois. In addition, National American Legion Librarian Howard Trace and Information Technol-ogy Deputy Director Joe Gallagher will take part in presenting courses from the new National training program known as LEAD – Leadership Education and De-velopment. Librarian Howard Trace will present a comprehensive course on Reso-lutions. Howard will explain how Reso-lutions shape the programs and policies of our organization. During this course the participants will learn about their importance and how they are properly constructed. Deputy Director Joe Galla-gher returns once again to Wisconsin and will update us on MyLegion.org. Three separate discussions address the features

Midwinter 2013 Heating UpThis year’s annual Midwinter Confer-

ence, scheduled January 17th- 20th, 2013 at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Con-vention Center in the Wisconsin Dells features new training opportunities and a special symposium conducted by Troop & Family support specialists from the WI National Guard and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

After debuting last year the American-ism Resource Center is back and better than ever! Make a point to “stop in” at the Resource Center on Saturday, Janu-ary 19th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM in the Upper Dells. It will be packed full of in-teractive activity, each of the Department Program chairmen will provide brief pre-sentations on the individual American-ism programs of The American Legion that benefi t our youth. Steve Cloud, Na-tional Assistant Program Coordinator for American Legion Baseball will be our guest and available for questions regard-ing American Legion Baseball.

Also, back by popular demand is the hands-on Jr. Shooting Sports Air Rifl e Demonstration Range. The range will be open from 8AM to 3PM on Saturday the 19th so try your skill and Take Aim on Shooting Sports! If you are looking for information on the High School Ora-torical Contest, Badger Boys State, Boy Scouting, American Legion Baseball, Jr. Shooting Sports, County Youth Govern-ment Day, A&G Scholarship Program, Schneider-Emanuel Scholarship, Sons of The American Legion, and Children & Youth Programs, this is an opportuni-ty for you to gain valuable information. Resource tables for each program will be packed with information for your Post to accept the challenges of sponsoring and conducting Americanism activities that foster wide-ranging community service, youth development and educational ad-vancement. The Resource Center will be open on Saturday, January 19th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM in the Upper Dells.

of MyLegion that are pertinent to mem-bers, post offi cers and district offi cers. Each discussion will provide examples with screen shots and detailed instruc-tions. Post and District offi cers that are currently not participating in MyLegion are encouraged to attend. Access to the MyLegion portal can be made during the session by fi lling out the necessary application.

Comedian Mitch Henck of Madison will be our guest host at a reception on Saturday night, January 19th that will fea-ture special guests from CBS’s hit realty show “The Amazing Race”. Legionnaire Dave Brown and his wife Rachel compet-ed against 10 other couples in the reality show, The Amazing Race. The couple be-came the most prolifi c winning duo in the show’s 20 seasons, with the overall victo-ry and setting a record eight of twelve legs precedent. Dave is currently on Active duty with the Wisconsin National Guard

Ho-Chunk Resort the place to be January 17th – 20th

Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center offers premier lodging in a relaxing atmosphere. The resort-style amenities make the facility unique among Wisconsin casinos, with plenty to do beyond the expansive gaming fl oor, such as a Wellness Center for swimming and a state-of-the-art fi tness center, exceptional dining at one of the 4 distinctive restaurants, Kids Quest for the children and much more. Log on to wilegion.org or contact Deptartment Headquarters at 608-745-1090 or by email at info@wilegion.org for housing and registration forms.

Legionnaire Dave Brown and his wife Rachel of Madison competed and won CBS television’s “The Amazing Race.”

(continued on page 3)

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE December 13, 2012

Publication ScheduleAll articles due to the Editor 4 weeks before publi-cation date. Send all copy to info@wilegion.org

“Badger Legionnaire”& “Wisconsin”

The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are the offi cial publications of The Wisconsin

American Legion Family and are published ten times annually, once every fi ve 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 offi ces.

USPS ID Number 010-135ISSN: 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 Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901Phone: (608) 745-1090

E-mail: info@wilegion.org

David A. Kurtz, Executive Editor

2012-2013 Communications CommitteeHarold Rihn, Chairman

Bob Wipf, Vice-ChairmanRon Hessil, DEC LiaisonBernard Olson, Member

Phil Ingwell, MemberVern Pitt, Member

Mike Herkowski, MemberJames Lee, Member

Kendel Feilen, ConsultantLoretta Shellman, Auxiliary LiaisonBonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison

2012-13 Department Offi cers

CommanderWayne Jensen

Vice Commanders Ken Rynes

Chuck RoloffRon Hessil

Randy Lenser

AdjutantDavid A. Kurtz

ChaplainRobert Herried

Assistant ChaplainGreg Simonis

Sergeant-at ArmsTodd Braun

Charles Roessler

Service Offi cerJames Fialkowski

NECmanDavid L. Gough

Alternate NECmanSteve 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 fi ll 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 fi lled out at the Post Offi ce. Department fi nancial statements are available to Legionnaires in good standing upon written request through their District Commanders.

“Wisconsin”American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 140 • Portage, WI 53901

Bonnie Dorniak, EditorDiana Sirovina, Department President

Bonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/Treasurer

To change your address: Notify Unit SecretaryUnit Secretary: Notify Department

Headquarters on a Member Data Form

The “Wisconsin” deadline for copy is 4 weeks before publication date.

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

WDVA SECRETARY

Wayne JensenCommander

As the De-partment His-torian I am al-ways interested in different fac-ets of the histo-ry of our great organizat ion.

Recently I had the opportunity to read a book that casts light on an important chapter of our nation’s history involving The American Legion.

The Bonus Army (An Ameri-can Epic) is written by Paul Dickson and Thomas B Allen. It should be of a great interest to anyone intrigued by military history, the Great Depression,

Fellow Com-rades; Fresh on the heels of Hur-ricane Sandy, I am reminded of a letter to all De-partment Com-manders from National Com-

mander James Koutz high-lighting the vital need for funding the National Emergency Fund. At any given moment natural traves-ties can visit any geographical lo-cation causing millions of dollars of damage. Whether it be the Red River fl ooding in 1997, Hurricane Katrina down south, or tornadoes in our neck of the woods, we need to consistently replenish the NEF. I’ve always been rather disap-pointed in Wisconsin’s efforts in participation. Please give serious consideration in donating to this most worthwhile cause. Remem-ber all the funding goes towards

While we are celebrating the Year of the Vet-eran here in Wisconsin, the nation is also com memorat-ing the 50th An-niversary of the

Vietnam War. President Obama has proclaimed May 28, 2012 through November 11, 2025 as the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and called upon us to honor our Vietnam veterans, our fallen, our wounded, those unaccounted for, our former prisoners of war, their families and all who served.

What began as a confl ict be-tween communist North Viet-nam and South Vietnam, quickly escalated into a geopolitical war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

In 1964, it was clear that Amer-ica’s strategy to support South Vietnam with advisers, weapons and fi nancial aid had not worked. The communist-backed Viet Cong

veterans and/or civil rights, pro-hibition and Wisconsin’s politi-cal response to these topics. It is the story of veterans of the Great War who were paid ap-proximately one dollar a day for armed confl ict “over there” while shipyard workers who did not enlist and stayed behind were paid $20 a day.

In the early 1930’s, veterans of all races and from all corners of the nation united and marched to Washington, D.C. to petition their government for a “bonus”. Remember that the U. S. Mili-tary had been segregated during WWI and a national road system did not yet exist. The manner in

assisting our fellow veterans.As your leader I have consis-

tently refrained from harping on membership. My perception is that is the duty of Membership Chairman Mark Lesko and the membership team. I will tell you how pleased I am of the efforts thus far. At 81% we’re ranked 3rd in the nation. Thank you all for your earnest efforts. I’m a fi rm believer that the programs built on the Four Pillars are the greatest selling point as to why veterans should join The American Legion. For this reason I urge all Legion-naires to actively contact your lo-cal high schools to promote the National Oratorical Scholarship competition. Now is the time we should be speaking directly, per-son to person, to the guidance counselors and helping to develop contestants so that when Febru-ary 16th rolls around we’ll have an excellent slate of competitors

had conquered swathes of coun-tryside and South Vietnamese sol-diers began deserting in alarming numbers.

But an attack on the destroyer USS Maddox by North Vietnam-ese Army (NVA) patrol boats in the Gulf of Tonkin provided President Lyndon Johnson with an opportunity to try to turn the war around. He used the attack to convince Congress to give him the authority to bring U.S. forces di-rectly into the fi ght.

Johnson ordered retaliatory air strikes against the North Viet-namese. When the NVA did not fold as Johnson expected, he or-dered new strikes. They reacted by ordering Viet Cong guerilla raids on U.S. compounds in South Vietnam.

What began as an eight-week bombing campaign turned into three and half years, dropping more bomb tonnage than the allies dropped in all of World War II.

Every dollar the U.S. sent to aid the South Vietnamese, the Soviet Union matched in aid to the NVA.

which they made it across this vast country is a large segment of this story. How the federal and municipal governments coped with the 20,000 veterans, by some estimates, which fl ocked to metropolitan Washington is a unique subplot. Members of the Milwaukee Police Post No. 415 and other law enforcement pro-fessionals will fi nd special inter-est in the conduct of the various police agencies of that time as they interacted with the “Bonus Army.” Martial law, the use of federal troops, and the ethos and resulting actions of Eisenhow-er, Patton and MacArthur will amaze the reader!

for the Regional and State fi nals at Ripon College.

Please keep in mind National Commander Koutz and I have a common goal for this year. Opera-tion Comfort Warrior will be tak-ing on increased importance as the war on terror draws down. With-out getting into the pros and cons of announcing withdrawal dates, I can share my concerns with in-creased hostilities, as we bring our valiant troops home. This will certainly equate to a greater need for your/our support on the home front. As our wounded war-riors endure long terms of recov-ery, there will be many needs for items the government terms “non-essential”, yet will go far in bring-ing comfort and aid to our troops. Operation Comfort Warrior can provide necessary items such as; loose fi tting sweatsuits for burn victims, exercise and fi shing equipment to encourage physical

The war had become a Cold War arms race.

The number of American troops grew. Men and women were fi ght-ing for democracy in the jungles and on the deltas of this far away land. They witnessed horrifi c events, endured terrible condi-tions, and acted with honor and courage in spite of the situation they were in.

Earlier this month, we unveiled a Medal of Honor monument at King. The names of Wisconsin’s 62 Medal of Honor recipients are etched in the marble. One of those names etched there is Lance Si-jan, a Captain with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Wing.

After ejecting from his aircraft during a bombing fl ight over North Vietnam, Captain Sijan suf-fered a fractured skull, a mangled right hand, and a compound frac-ture of the left leg. Alone in enemy territory with no food or water and unable to walk, he refused to give up. He spent the next 45 days in and out of consciousness, scoot-

The story of the “Bonus Army” fi nally ends in with the legislation passed in 1944. First known as the American Legion Omnibus Bill, it quickly became known as the GI Bill of Rights. The lobbying of The American Legion up to that point and the resolutions that they endorsed may surprise you.

Although this book is a work of non-fi ction, it is by no means boring. It has suffi cient interwo-ven subplots so that it reads like a novel and will entertain and ed-ucate the reader at the same time. I hope you will fi nd it as enter-taining and informative as I did.

activities, magazines, iPods, CDs and DVDs to provide entertain-ment. For fi nancial support con-sider going online to www.legion.org/OCW, or contact Kevin at Camp American Legion.

As this calendar year draws to a close, Donna and I are travel-ling around to several Christmas parties. That prompts us to thank all of you for your generous hos-pitality and cheerful disposi-tions. Keep in mind those lonely Christmas’s past, where we made do with scrawny trees decorated with c-rats, or less. Thank God for His benevolence in returning you to hearth and home. Take time to hug your family members and qui-etly remember all those in harm’s way, sacrifi cing as you did, so we could all enjoy the blessings of this yuletide. From staff to your com-mander, we wish you all a won-derful and joyous Christmas, and a healthy, happy New Year.

ing three miles on his back a few painful inches at a time across the rocky terrain, looking for safety. He was eventually captured by the NVA. In spite of his deteriorated physical condition, he overpow-ered the guard and escaped. He was captured again and beaten se-verely, but refused to give any mil-itary information. On January 22, 1968, nearly 40 years ago, Captain Lance Sijan died a POW, prepar-ing for escape until the very end. Sijan’s will to survive with honor is an inspiration to all of us.

The reasons for the U.S. get-ting involved in the Vietnam War will be debated for a long time to come, but there is one clear fact that will never be debated: our troops bravely served in extraor-dinarily diffi cult circumstances when their nation called.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam, let us pay tribute to the men and women who served in Vietnam, like Cap-tain Sijan, who defended democ-racy with great courage, selfl ess-ness and distinction.

DEPARTMENT HISTORIAN

Kendel D. FeilenHistorian

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREDecember 13, 2012

Camp American Legion Sees Dramatic Growth in 2012

New Book Focuses on Army Unit of Past Department Commander Al Richards

In these times of economic recession,

downsizing, cutting back, and the latest “fiscal cliff” Camp American Legion is experi-encing incredible growth and development. The Wisconsin American Legion Family have all made Camp a glowing suc-cess and an exception to all that is going on around us.

During the 2012 camp season we served 894 campers. That is a 43% increase over last year. Camp continues to reach out and “Helped To Heal” many veterans and active duty Service Members; individually or with their families, spouses and chil-dren. Over the past two years Camp attendance has increased 76% and the entire Wisconsin American Legion Family has helped to make this happen. Everyone has contributed to this growth, so I will throw a big thank you your way. You all deserve it!

Let’s look at some more excit-ing growth statistics over last year:

• Family attendance grew by 277%

• Family members (excluding Service Member) grew 444%

• Family Members of Fallen Service Members grew 80%

• Group and Special Week par-ticipation grew 57%

• 1st time campers grew 19%• Female veterans grew 90%

(Women now make up over 20% of our veteran population)

• 20-29 year old veterans grew 121%; the 30-39 year age group 120% and the 40-49 age groups grew by 120% and 50% respec-tively. Even our 90+ group went from 4 to 7 to grow 75% (The Nudi brothers, 91 and 95 years young, came to Camp for the first time and what a joy they were to have on site.

• Our Panama conflict veterans grew 600%, Desert Shield 200% and Global War on Terror 170%.

• In the past two Camp sea-sons our 20-40 year old veteran populations at Camp has grown 244%,

To say camp is growing is an understatement. It’s more appro-priate to say Camp is experienc-ing a defining moment of “dy-namic change” and everyone’s efforts have played a vital part.

A number of “Helping To Heal” special weeks were conducted again this year for groups of veterans and active duty service members. Many of the programs were done for the first time this year and a great amount of energy and excite-ment surrounded each one.

• Women Veterans Week – This was our second year and we filled the camp with a wait-ing list. This was a week of special activities, programs and camaraderie just for our Service ladies.

• Wounded Warriors Week (Iraq & Afghanistan) – In its initial year all spouses and chil-dren were welcomed and what a joy they were.

• Camp Serenity (Families of the Fallen) Weekend – This program was in its second year and Camp was full. It was an incredible time of sharing and healing.

• Blind/Vision Impaired Vet-erans Week – This was the first year and how rewarding it was to help these special veterans truly “SEE” the beautiful North-woods.

• Diabetes Camp Weekend – This special week helped prove Camp is a place of “learning”.

• Peer Support and Vets Jour-ney Home Week – This was the second year of helping those veterans still fighting the battle (some over many years) to fi-nally “come home”.

• Center for Veterans Issues: This two day program was held in conjunction with Band of Brothers & Sisters and Dry-hootch. The initial small group members were so positively touched by their experience that they are planning to visit Camp in two separate sessions next year.

These special events are al-ready rescheduled for next year. Camp is already in tentative dis-cussions to possibly bring five new groups/events for next year – how exciting is that!

I would like to take this oppor-tunity to thank our volunteers. A simple fact – Camp Ameri-can Legion would not be able to function at the level we are now operating at without them. They are just that important. Some give of their time for a few days; some for a month; some for the whole camp season. They are all very special people. Many work from sun-up to sun-down. Volunteer work is not easy, it is hard but they give uncondition-ally with their hearts, minds and bodies. God bless them all and we look forward to seeing them back next year. Anyone inter-ested in volunteering at Camp is encouraged to please contact me. I want to talk to you. Volun-teering is hard work but is very rewarding. Always remember “Camp is YOUR Camp” and volunteering makes it so.

Now, Wisconsin Legion Fam-ily; “FALL-IN” and “ATTEN-TION!” I just showed you the great year we had at Camp Amer-ican Legion. I’ve expressed my personal thanks, patted you on the back and showered you with praise. BUT if any of you for a moment think our job is done, you are mistaken. Are we go-ing to now sit back and rest? No way, baby! Are we going to rest-on-our-laurels? Not for a moment! In looking at what

Midwinter 2013 Heating Up (continued from front cover)

we have accomplished the past year, we have not even scratched the surface of fulfilling Camp’s mission. The 2013 Camp sea-son is only a few months away. Once again it will bring us vet-erans and current service mem-bers along with their families who could benefit from camp. Many people need some Help To Heal through the programs at Camp American Legion. Please continue to have Camp Ameri-can Legion at the forefront of our minds. The entire Legion Family can help Camp through your fundraising, donations, vol-unteering, reaching out to our veterans, active duty and their families. Tell them about Camp and promote it. By spreading the word you are being an active

“champion” for camp. That is our assignment; those are our orders. That’s our challenge and it never ends. You are all members of the Camp Ameri-can Legion “TEAM”.

Camp American Legion has reached out and “Help To Heal” many veterans, service members and their families this year with your help. We changed, improved lives and even “saved” some lives here at Camp American Legion. We can all feel good about that be-cause each of us played a part. You helped make it happen – thank you and God bless!

Kevin MosheaDirector

Camp American Legion

Edgewood College | Madison, WI | www.edgewood.edu

AT EDGEWOOD COLLEGE, we work with student veterans and their families to ensure a smooth transition into the pursuit of higher education. Edgewood College o�ers a variety of degrees and program choices to best suit our student’s needs.

• Accelerated programs designed for service personnel and working adults

• Master’s degrees in over 10 major fields of study including multiple online degree program options

• Professional Development training

• Over 40 traditional undergraduate degree majors

For more information visit: www.edgewood.edu or contact the Veterans Services Coordinator, Matthew Schroeder at 608.333.8103, or email veterans@edgewood.edu

Veteran Services Ad.indd 1 10/24/12 9:24 AM

and has served in the military for more than 16 years in numerous capacities to include forward ob-server, helicopter pilot, senior in-telligence officer, company com-mander, and battalion executive officer twice over. Rachel is a University of Wisconsin - Madi-son business school graduate and currently a project manager with Epic, a Verona-based health care software company. The couple emerged from the trying 25-day globe-trotting contest victori-ous and richer, not only from the prize money, but in experience and resilience.

On Sunday, January 20th the Department will present a sym-posium on the needs of 21st Cen-

tury veterans and their families with Troop & Family support specialists from the WI National Guard and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Issues and challenges faced by those service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are much the same as those faced by veterans of Vietnam, Korea and WWII. Great strides have been made by the VA and the National Guard in addressing these needs and a variety of support systems have been established. Issues relating to mental health, financial chal-lenges, family relations, physical rehabilitation and employment will be covered by a variety of experts in their individual fields.

The symposium is designed to be an informational exchange that will enable Legionnaires to bet-ter assist veterans in their home towns across the state. A ques-tion and answer session will fol-low the individual presentations made by National Guard and VA specialists.

Please mark your calendars and save the dates of January 17 through 20, 2013. Bring your family and enjoy the indoor wa-ter parks, attractions and many activities offered in the Wiscon-sin Dells.

Visit www.wilegion.org or call Department Headquarters at (608) 745-1090 for Housing and Registration Forms.

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE December 13, 2012

10th District Commander Larry Wry-cza announces his candidacy for the high office of Department Vice Com-mander. Larry belongs to the Forrest-Gunderson-Klevgard Post No. 264 in Gilmanton and has been a Paid-up-for-Life member for 17 years. He earned the privilege of membership by virtue of his service in the US Navy during the Vietnam era. Larry has served as Vice Commander for 4 years and Command-er for 2 years at the Post level. He has also served on the 10th District Execu-tive Committee as a member at large. Comrade Wrycza has also served on the District level as Sergeant-at-Arms, Dis-trict Vice Commander for 3 years and is presently the 10th District Commander.

Larry has been married to his wife Laura for 31 years. They have 3 daugh-ters and a son in their extended family. They also enjoy their three grandchil-dren. All are members of The Ameri-can Legion Family.

Larry is proud to “Still Serve Ameri-ca” through the programs of The Amer-ican Legion and asks for your support.

Charles Roessler earned the privi-lege of joining The American Legion through service in the US Air Force from 1975–1979. Charles also served with the 128th Aerial Refueling Wing, WI Air National Guard from 1982– 2003 where he retired as a Master Ser-geant with 27 years of military service.

Charles served as a Milwaukee Po-lice Officer for 25 years and has over 30 years of total law enforcement experi-ence. He served 2 terms as Milwaukee Police Post No. 415 Commander reach-ing 100% membership each year.

He also served 2 terms as the 4th Dis-trict Sergeant at Arms and is presently serving as a Department Sergeant at Arms.

He is currently a consultant to the National American Legion Counter-subversive Activities Committee (3 years) and served on the Department Fundraising Committee for three terms.

Charles served on the 2010 Milwau-kee National Convention Committee as a board member, provost and distin-guished guest chairman.

In 2005 was named the Department Edward Ormsby Law Enforcement Offi-cer of the Year as well as National Ameri-can Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He is married to his wife Nancy of 28 years and has two chil-dren, Daniel and Valerie.

It has been his honor to serve the De-partment and he looks forward to con-tinuing to serve as Department Sergeant at Arms in the future.

Past 9th District Commander John Wolfe announces his candidacy for the high office of Department Vice Com-mander. John is a PUFL member of Sulli-van-Wallen Post No. 11 in Green Bay. He earned his Legion eligibility by serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. He has served as District Commander and was a four year commander of Post No. 11, three as a 100% commander.

John is a graduate of The American Le-gion Extension Institute. John served two years as Chairman of the Badger Legion-naire committee, has been the DEC Liai-son to that committee, as well as DEC li-aison to the Legislative committee. He has served as a Vice Chairman of the National Distinguished Guests committee and is presently Vice Chairman of the National Foreign Relations Council. He has also served as the Legislative liaison for U.S. Representative Ried Ribble to the Na-tional Legislative Committee. He is also an officer and member of Voiture No. 774 of the 40 et 8.

John believes that Legionnaires should also be active in the community. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose 801, and is a member and Trustee of Elks Lodge 259 in Green Bay. He is the Trea-surer of both the local Amateur Radio club in Green Bay as well as the Baylander Barbershop Harmony Chorus. Annually he provides numerous volunteer hours to the March of Dimes, Multiple Sclerosis, Leukemia Foundation and a host of local community events. He was named post Legionnaire of the year in 2004 for service to the community.

John is supported by his wife, Suzanne and has the endorsement of the post, coun-ty, and the Ninth district.

John believes that the Legion and com-munity organizations working together can only improve the services that we provide to the veterans of the state of Wis-consin.

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Candidate for Department Sergeant at Arms

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Larry Wrycza Charles RoesslerJohn Wolfe

Department Vice Commander Ken Rynes is announcing his candidacy for the high office of Department Commander.

Ken is a 14 year member of Bayard de Hart Post No. 13 in Richland Center. He earned the privilege of membership with service in the United States Marine Corps 1983-1987 and U. S. Army Reserves 2007-2010. Ken has held offices at the post, department and national level. He is a 2010 graduate of National Legion col-lege. A charter member of the 3rd District American Legion Riders and the only rider in the state to participate in all seven American Legion Legacy Scholarship Runs, logging over 20,000 miles for the cause. He has helped raise nearly $15,000 for the Legacy Fund by starting a “scrap for scholarship drive”.

Ken helped establish and participat-ed in “The Fall Ride to Camp”, raising $22,000 for Camp American Legion in the three years it has been held.

Ken Rynes believes that out-of-the box thinking is the future of this great orga-nization. His plan as Department Com-mander is a hands-on, lead by example style. The Department of Wisconsin would see fun competition amongst the ranks when it comes to membership and all programs of The American Legion.

Candidate for Department Commander

Ken Rynes

NEW! Junior Sporter Air Ri�e Postal MatchGet Involved! Young people

want to learn how to shoot, are eager to practice to improve their skills and want to partici-pate in competitions to demon-strate their skills.

The Department of Wisconsin is conducting a Junior 3-Position Air Rifle “Postal” tournament. This match provides youth an opportunity to test their marks-manship ability in competition with other junior competitors throughout the state. Registra-tion and target order forms can be obtained from Headquarters.

pete. Participation certificates and trophies will be awarded in 3 individual age categories. One $500 scholarship will be awarded to the highest individu-al match score in the Senior cat-egory (15-18 year old).

Information regarding affilia-tion with existing teams in your area is available by contacting Kim Shanks at kim@wilegion.org or (608) 745-0335.

Complete rules, registration, entry fees and order forms can be found on our website at: www.wilegion.org.

The deadline for ordering targets is February 16, 2013. Return the fired targets by US Mail. All entries must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2013.

Entry in either the individual or team postal match is limited to competitors who are active members of a Junior Shooting Club sponsored by or affiliated with a Legion Post. A represen-tative from the sponsoring Post must be present when targets are fired.

Anyone between the ages of 8-18 years old is eligible to com-

Young people want to learn how to shoopt, are eager to practice to improve their skills and want to participate in competitions to demonstrate their skills.

JAMES MOSEYIndependent Sales

Representative

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PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREDecember 13, 2012

WOW! What a great year! Our Goal for Christmas 2012 was to send 2,000 Christmas Trees and goodie bags to military personnel who will not be home at Christ-mas. This is the 4th year for this very worthwhile project. We have had an unbelievable amount of support from the entire Wiscon-sin American Legion Family, not only fi nancially but crafting trees, making tree skirts ornaments, col-lecting unused Christmas cards, packing boxes and helping at our deployment day 11-12-12. Up to 1 week before our deployment day we did not have enough addresses to send the boxes, but all at once they came pouring in and we sent 2,568 trees and goodie bags.

New this year we are selling “Home of the free, because of the Brave” T-shirts for a $15.00 donation to help with funding. We saved money on postage this year by sending boxes of 12 in-stead of single boxes, this worked very well as we like to send to full units.

Thank you one and all for your support, you helped to “send a piece of home, when home is so far away.” Without your support we would never be able to touch the hearts of over 7,500 service members to date. We have al-ready started on Christmas 2013, we hope to reach the 10,000 mark in our 5th year. We look forward to your continued support.

Trees From Home Delivers Holiday Cheer to Troops Overseas

Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Depart-ment of Defense (DoD) to ac-tive duty, Guard and Reserve service members, and their families with comprehensive information on every aspect of military life including deploy-ment, reunion, relationships, grief, spouse employment and education, parenting and child care, and much more.

Military OneSource has pol-icy and programmatic informa-tion, helpful resources, prod-

The UW – Stevens Point Veter-ans Club recently raised $825 for Camp American Legion through an Ice Fishing Contest. This very creative effort was the brainchild of a great group of young vets. Pictured with Camp Director Kevin Moshea left to right are

The 74th Wisconsin Regional and Department Oratorical Con-tests are scheduled February 16, 2013 at Ripon College, Ripon, WI. If you are interested in volunteering to assist as a mod-erator, judge, host or helper, contact Kim Shanks at Depart-ment Headquarters. Kim can be reached at (608) 745-1090 or by e-mail at kim@wilegion.org.

The American Legion Ora-torical Scholarship Competition is designed for high school stu-dents, including home schooled, who are looking for an academ-ic challenge and enjoy public speaking. The contest was de-veloped to increase awareness and appreciation for the Con-stitution of the United States. Participants develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and become prepared to accept the duties, responsibilities, rights and priv-ileges of American citizenship.

ucts, and articles and tips on numerous topics related to mili-tary life. Services are available 24 hours a day by telephone and online. In addition to the web-site, Military OneSource offers call center and online support for consultations on any number of issues such as spouse educa-tion and career opportunities, issues specifi c to families with a member with special needs, and fi nancial support and resources.

Military OneSource also of-fers personal non-medical

Patrick Seybert - 25 who served two tours with the 25th Infan-try Division in Iraq and Zachary Ruesch – 28 who served with the Wisconsin Army National Guard in Iraq in 2008 – 09. The UW – Stevens Point Veterans plan to do the event annually.

Students begin at the local Post level and progress through County, District, Regional and State Competitions. Winning orations are based on content and presentation. The subject matter is based on some as-pect of the Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen. Complete rules and information can be found at www.legion.org.

• District winners eliminated at the Regional Competition re-ceive $600 scholarships.

• Three Regional winners re-ceive $1,000 scholarships and compete for the State title.

• Department 2nd runner up receives an additional $1,000 scholarship.

• Department 1st runner up receives an additional $1,500 scholarship.

• Department winner receives an additional $2,000 scholar-

counseling s e r v i c e s online, via telephone, or face-to-face. You can receive non-medical, short-term counseling, as well as assistance with fi nan-cial management, taxes, career services, health and wellness, and much more.

This personalized support is available 24/7 no matter where you live or serve.

1-800-342-9647www.militaryonesource.mil

ship and competes at the Na-tional American Legion fi nals in Indianapolis, Indiana

• Ripon College offers a $5000 scholarship to each of the three Department fi nalists upon enrollment at Ripon College.

• National fi nalists receive scholarships of: 1st place- $18,000; 2nd place-$16,000; 3rd place - $14,000.

The American Legion hopes that every high school will pro-vide the opportunity for its stu-dents to participate in this con-test. However, it is the local post that has to provide the initiative to make this program work.

Students are encouraged to contact their local American Legion Post for details about the contest and information on when local contests will be con-ducted. For more information contact Kim Shanks at (608) 745-1090 or by e-mail at kim@wilegion.org.

Assistance Available for Active Duty,Guard and Reserve Service Members

College Veterans Club Supports Camp

Oratorical Competition Scheduled February 16th

FUNDRAISER T-SHIRTSFUNDRAISER T-SHIRTS $15 ea.

Ladiescolor: Royal Blue

sizes: X-Small thru XXXXL

Unisexcolor: Olive Green

sizes: Small thru XXXXL

Shipping/handling add $5.00 per shirt

* A portion of your check made out to “Trees From Home” is tax deductible

web site: www.treesfromhome.orge-mail: treesfromhomeinc@yahoo.com

Julie Stuhlmacher, President of trees from home, inc.

2012 American Legion Auxiliary Member of the Year

Badger Boys State: Preserving Our History Ahead of 75th Session

During this holiday season many people are thinking about family, memories and reunions or parties. Badger Boys State is thinking the very same thing… but for different reasons. As the program approaches its milestone 75th session in 2016, its leader-ship is preparing for an event to refl ect on and celebrate a proud history. Over 62,000 young men in Wisconsin have experienced the program and hands on learn-ing since its inception. To be sure, setting a holiday table for that many isn’t realistic; howev-er, Boys State is making prepara-tions for what they hope will be a memorable event.

A major focus in recent years has been the location, preserva-tion and digitization (placing on computer) of historical items. They are hoping that informa-tion and items from this en-deavor will yield interesting and

fun facts that can be used for the 75th celebration as well as growing the program’s archives. The archives and museum dis-play case at Department Head-quarters in Portage contain a nice collection of items but they have gaps in the 1940’s to the 1960’s. Badger Boys State his-torian, Erik Brown, is beginning

to reach out to past citizens and their fami-lies to request donations or c o p i e s of materials they may have re-tained through the years. Ma-terials from the very earliest years are most precious but all are important. Boys State has had some exciting successes locating materials from the fi rst session such as when Glenn We-senberg’s family reached out to Boys State leadership and do-nated many items including the photo of Glenn from BBS 1939.

If you have materials or in-formation to share or donate, please help us out by visiting http://history.badgerboysstate.com for more information and to see some materials we have already received.1939 Citizen Glenn Wesenberg from

Bloomer, Wisconsin

Send payment along with shipping info to: Trees From Home2130 Brandtwood Avenue • Glendale, WI 53209

Order Your Fundraiser T-Shirt Today!“HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE”

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE December 13, 2012

The Last Bugle

8 WaukeshaJohn L Schmitz II 10/11/12James V Cuthbertson V 11/12/1211 Green BayRussell Matzke K 09/26/12Alvin L Tweedale 11/15/1214 IolaRulau Russell II 11/12/1217 ArcadiaRoger F Waldera V 10/31/1218 MilwaukeeGregory J Kress K 11/13/1219 HartfordOlaf Olsen II 10/27/12Herbert E Lindemann II 07/24/1220 WaterfordJoseph J Wos II 11/08/1226 BarabooCole Felmlee II 10/22/12Olaf E Kivioja K 10/13/1232 MenomonieKeith E Cropp II 11/09/12Wes Schultz II 11/16/1236 West BendJack W Lancin Sr II 10/11/1238 AppletonRobert Balliet II 11/13/12Robert Groves K 11/14/12Robert Brower II 11/14/12Joseph F Murphy II 11/19/1240 BangorClarence W Jepson II 11/18/1241 KaukaunaRichard Cazzola V 10/29/12Richard A Furcho V 11/25/12

47 PortageRoger G Riedel II 09/05/12Paul W Weber II 10/10/1251 West SalemGeorge R Bahr K 11/28/1253 Eau ClaireSteven L Hotchkiss V 11/13/12Lee Mathison II 05/14/1254 MarshfieldWilfred Schroeder K 11/13/12Ronald D Dietsche V 10/16/1259 StoughtonDonald Gjertson II 11/16/1262 ColumbusWayne Purves II 10/30/1267 Lake MillsTerrence Lester K 11/07/1270 OshkoshPhilip E Binder K 10/26/1272 Sturgeon BayWilliam J Fuerst K 10/16/1273 NeillsvilleHarold R Richmond K 03/19/12Fred C Rayburn II 05/01/12Michael F Nagy K 05/01/1279 Burlington Dominic H King II 09/12/12Roland Bauman II 11/16/12Edgar Dantzler K 11/25/1284 MonroeVirgil Tertin II 11/03/1288 Manitowoc Joseph E Koneczka K 10/31/12Lester F Naidl K 09/12/1289 MonocquaJohn W Blosser K 11/01/1291 OconomowocHarlan Gerritsen K 11/01/12W M Bud Grulke K 11/12/1293 TomahawkRoger Paulson II 11/18/12Carol Hebert L 11/09/1295 DelavanIrvin D Weiss II 10/19/12111 SomersetOrville I Rivard II 10/25/12115 ElroyStanley J Severson II 11/03/12117 ShawanoMelvin Peterson II 08/13/12

Robert Marotz V 06/23/12Thomas R Anderson K 10/19/12Alan J Vaness V 10/17/12118 ThorpHarvey Seaman II 10/26/12126 BrillionRoy W Knoespel II 09/17/12127 HilbertClarence Hemauer II 11/10/12146 Beaver DamGlen B Knaup II 11/01/12Evan A Gagnon II 11/01/12Edward Stopski II 11/20/12149 Sheboygan FallsCharles W Roska II 11/05/12151 MadisonJack Densmore II 10/19/12153 PittsvilleMichael C Stewart V 10/26/12166 Fort AtkinsonLaverne F Tiffany II 11/22/12Wayne N Hayes II 11/16/12167 Sauk CityHarvey Bender II 11/12/12180 MilwaukeeAl Henschke V 11/22/11David H Rice II 02/21/12189 WatertownJohn H Model II 11/22/12Charles H Mehciz II 09/02/12Melvin M Wagner II 11/20/12198 MarionRobert H Aderman II 10/31/12203 MilwaukeeDelvin A Treptow II 09/28/12William A Sciano II 11/10/12205 JanesvilleStephen H Ruchti II 11/15/12206 WonewocEdward Pagel II 11/05/12207 ElmwoodGlenn G Larson V 08/28/12210 WaupunOrien White II 10/27/12Harvey Kok II 11/07/12Michael D Hopp K 11/06/12Dorothy McCullough II 11/14/12212 BarronRussell R Gettinger II 10/24/12Albert M Jolly II 10/26/12

215 PardeevilleCarl Atkinson K 10/26/12Kenneth Healy II 11/11/12220 Soldiers GroveLawrence A Davenport K 11/02/12229 Mt HopeGeorge B Lull II 10/15/12234 OmroEugene Ertmer K 11/10/12243 PlymouthJim McKnight V 10/29/12David T Sliwinski 11/08/12258 Little ChuteJames J Devalk V 11/18/12262 LuxemburgRichard S Burris K 11/15/12266 ColbyGlen L Wickersham K 07/03/05269 CushingJames Falk V 10/01/12270 TheresaOscar Giese II 10/30/12272 ButternutRandy Drott V 11/20/12280 ColemanElmer Kobus K 10/27/12Edward D Bieber II 11/02/12282 MarkesanGlenn Schweder II 10/30/12284 HolmenVernon A Soltau V 10/17/12288 CedarburgRobert E Armbruster II 11/18/12John L Oelerich K 11/20/12301 WoodvilleAlvin Timm II 10/31/12310 RacineWilliam Zlevor K 11/09/12Joseph A Lawrence Jr II 11/09/12312 PeshtigoRoger A Kniskern K 10/13/12316 SheldonHerbert D Cooper K 10/26/12324 OsseoCalvin R Hulett V 11/04/12330 WilsonDean G Gregory V 10/20/12Simon Eng II 10/24/12337 PulaskiRoger Vandenelzen K 10/25/12

351 MontelloHoward E Puterbaugh K 11/14/12355 GraftonKenneth E Andrews V 10/24/11376 Fall CreekJames Cornell V 11/05/12385 VeronaFred W Pulver II 10/31/12Lawrence Lemanski II 11/17/12391 FremontLeonard I Lanzerotti II 11/11/12393 EdgarKenneth Strong II 11/04/12406 MilwaukeeEdward R Pittsley II 10/27/12Walter J Krentz II 10/24/12412 BelgiumLouis Tackes II 11/03/12Eugene J Birenbaum II 11/18/12413 CrivitzEmil A Koval V 435 SuperiorWilliam Monberg II 11/29/12439 MelroseWalter L Edgell K 11/16/12451 Boulder JunctionWalter L Hegeman II 09/28/12482 BagleyDewey M Valdovinos II 11/18/12483 AllentonJames A Campbell V 11/23/12499 GordonJohn C O’Neill K 10/21/12502 WittenbergBernard Benzala II 06/10/12Jon Aton K 11/23/12521 Fox Lake Gregory J Simons V 11/23/12522 HubertusMichael A Olivo V 10/28/12547 LublinStanley Halida II 12/27/12554 Sister BayDarrell Jacobson 10/27/12Gordon C Weborg II 11/12/12

Canadian–American Remembrance Ceremony

During the recent Veterans Day weekend, members of the Richard I. Bong American Le-gion Post No. 435 in Superior traveled to Thun-der Bay, Canada and took part in Remembrance Day Ceremonies which honor all Canadian Vet-erans. Post Commander David Kringle led the contingent from Superior which also included family members and representatives from the local American Legion Auxiliary. In addition, Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen and his wife ac-companied the group. In Thunder Bay, the group was met and hosted by members of the Royal Canadian Legion Fort William Branch No. 6. On Saturday evening, November 10th, everyone from Superior were guests at an Annual Ban-quet hosted by the Fort William Branch No. 6. Commander Kringle presented a “Toast to the Queen”. The following day, Sunday, November 11th, Canadian Remembrance Day observances were held at the Fort William Gardens. The spe-

cial ceremony began with the traditional entry parade complete with a standing ova-tion from the thousands of people adorned with poppies. Over 2,500 people were on hand to honor Veterans and to remember their many sacrifices to preserve our free-doms. Local dignitaries and political lead-ers from the Canadian Province of Ontario were in attendance. Ken MacKay, a Cana-dian World War II Navy Veteran, was the featured speaker and recounted his many military experiences. Closing ceremonies included a reading of “In Flander’s Fields” and the traditional laying of wreaths by dignitaries including Mayor Bruce Hagen of Superior. It was truly an inspiring day to remember. Members of the Royal Ca-nadian Legion Fort William Branch No. 6 will visit Superior in May 2013 to partici-pate in Memorial Day observances.

Legionnaires Share with Elementary Students

PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREDecember 13, 2012

Commander Wayne Jensen joined the Sullivan-Wallen Post No. 11 Honor Guard at Lam-beau Field to present the National Colors prior to the Green Bay Packers game on No-vember 4th. The Packers defeated the Arizona Cardinals that day by a score of 31 to 17.

Department Commander Wayne Jensen visited the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan on November 20th. 9th District Commander Dale Oatman, Auxiliary President Diana Sirovina and Commander Jensen were briefed on computer games available to patients by Recreation Coordinator Adam Hayes.

Commander Presents Colors at LambeauFieldOscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Visit

Anderson-Sather Post Constructs Ramp

Members of the William Lansing Post No. 360 of Waunakee spent a busy and rewarding day working with local el-ementary school students in observance of Veterans Day.

Post No. 360 members worked with 1st through 4th graders and promoted the Pledge of Allegiance. The program be-

The Anderson-Sather Post No. 524 of White Lake recently organized the con-struction of a ramp for member Oscar Huber. The ramp was made possible by donations from Post No. 524 members, the Antigo Elks Lodge, Lions Club and C.A.R. Thrift Shop.

Pictured in front are Elks members

gan with an introduction of each of the Legionnaires who spoke to the students about their military experiences. The students then viewed a movie about the Pledge of the Allegiance and its meaning.

The post provided students with patri-otic coloring books, graphic novels, pen-cils, fl ag pins, certifi cates and small fl ags.

Kirk Iwen and Brian Blink on either side of Legion members Al Werwie and Jerry Voight along with 9th Dis-trict Commander Dale Oatman. Post No. 524 Commander Earl Clay is hold-ing the American fl ag along with other members while Oscar Huber is seated on his scooter on the ramp.

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 Legion-naire. Simply go to our website at: www.wilegion.org. On the home page under ‘Department News’ click ‘Get Your Legion News Online’. Fill out the online subscription form and you will receive e-mail alerts, Adjutant’s Notes, messages from the Depart-ment 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 Legion-wear fashion apparel. Making the switch to the e-subscription service will also help the Depart-ment to save printing and postage

Like us on Facebook and post pictures of a Post, County or District Event and/or pictures of Department Commander Wayne Jensen from an event and be recognized at the 2013 Department Convention.

A plaque of recognition will be awarded on stage as follows:

• A posted photo from an event with the most ‘Likes’.

• A posted photo of the Department Commander with the most ‘Likes’.

Be creative and have fun! Log on to www.facebook.com and in your profi le click on the box that says ‘search for people, places and things’ and type in Wis-consin American Legion. Once you are in, like the page, post your photos and let the contest begin!

2012-2013 FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST

Join us on Facebook andbe part of the Fun!

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