For God & Country. & Wisconsin

Transcription

1 Badger For God & Country & Wisconsin aire February 1, 2011 Vol. 89, No. 1 Official Publications of The Wisconsin American Legion Family The mission of The American Legion, Department Of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities. Record Attendance at 2012 Midwinter Conference Auxiliary President announces major contribution to Camp Legionnaires pack training sessions This year s Midwinter Conference started off with a bang on Friday, January 20th at the 8:00AM Camp American Legion meeting when President Joan Chwala announced that the Wisconsin Auxiliary would fund a series of major improvements at Camp in After Camp closed for the 2011 season, Department staff worked to develop a list of priority improvements for the facility. At the top of the list is a major project to improve access to both the main boat landing and the waterfront at the new Legion Family Cabin on Little Lake Tomahawk. Also slated for 2012 is a series of traffic quieting devices to improve safety at the main entry into Camp. The Auxiliary has pledged the necessary funds for all of these projects as well as the replacement of the main lodge floor. In addition to these improvements being funded by the Auxiliary, work will continue on the Therapy building and a new septic system is planned for the Legion Family Cabin. An Emergency Generator is still needed but has been delayed by action of the Camp Committee until 2013 to allow for a competitive bidding process and additional fundraising. Saturday s training and information sessions featured new briefings and exhibits that proved to be popular. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a briefing on internet crime that proved highly informative and the WDVA Funeral Honors briefing was once again the most attended class at Midwinter. Legionnaires in attendance witnessed the proper method of conducting grave side ceremonies as demonstrated by uniformed members of the WI Army National Guard. Past National Vice Commander Russ Hanseter of Seymour Post No. 106 conducted Leadership training that was well attended. Jim Johannes of Madison provided a presentation on the care and maintenance of the 2012 Midwinter Sweepstakes Winners GRAND PRIZEMIDWINTER 4th PRIZE 8th Prize Winners choice of $20,000 SWEEPSTAKES $500 Each or 2012 Ford Focus or 2012 Joyce Clauson Harley Davidson Fat-Bob) of Wisconsin Rapids WI Ron & Nancy Doering Merlin Williams of White Lake WI of Hudson WI 2nd PRIZE - $2,000 Raymond Franecki Betty Ann Semerad of Milwaukee WI of Cameron WI Ronda Rutherford of Boscobel WI 3rd PRIZE - $1,000 Donald Timm of Red Wing MN Theresa Hurley of East Troy WI M1-Garand rifle that was detailed and comprehensive. Many who were there stated that it was one of the best they had ever seen. We are hoping that Jim will provide Legion members with more information in a future issue of the Badger Legionnaire. Jim is an expert at repairing these weapons and can often make certain parts of the M1 available for a one for one exchange plus a nominal cost. Department Service Officer James Fialkowski worked in concert with County Veteran Service Officers Clif Sorenson, Tony Tyczynski and Robert Stone to provide information packed briefings on Veterans Benefits and training for Post Service Officers. The Midwinter Conference also featured a demonstration Shooting Sports range where attendees were able to use air rifles on a competition range. Legionnaires formed long lines to get a crack at the targets. Colin Short of the National Americanism staff was on hand to answer questions and provided details on how your post can become involved in American Legion Junior Shooting Sports. Young people from ages 8 to 18 can learn discipline, concentration and self-control through the Jr. Shooting Sports Scholarship program. Further details are available from Kim Shanks at Department Headquarters. Call Kim at (608) Following the Department Executive Committee meeting on Saturday afternoon a Membership Awards reception was held. While there were no County Commanders who achieved 100% of their 2012 Membership goal by Midwinter in order (continued on page 5) Legionnaires of the Ho-Chunk Nation present the Colors during a traditional Native-American ceremony to start the General Session on Sunday. LTC Marty Pond of the 1-147th Assault Helicopter Battalion shares his experiences in Iraq and thanks the Legion for its support during his keynote address. Commander Deadeye Denise H. Rohan of Sun Prairie Post No. 333 takes careful aim at the Jr. Shooting Sports demonstration range Membership Goal: 61,784 January 25th Total: 52, % 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH 7TH 8TH 9TH 10 TH 11TH 12 TH 6th Dist. 3rd Dist. 2nd Dist. 4th Dist. 9th Dist. 7th Dist. 8th Dist. 1st Dist. 10th Dist. 5th Dist. 12th Dist. 11th Dist % 87.90% 87.52% 86.57% 86.49% 86.09% 85.90% 85.42% 84.60% 84.14% 83.86% 77.96%

2 PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE February 1, 2012 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 Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WI and additional mailing offices. USPS ID Number ISSN: Post Master: Send address changes to Badger Legionnaire and Wisconsin, P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI Badger Legionnaire The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin 2930 American Legion Drive P.O. Box 388 Portage, WI Phone: (608) info@wilegion.org David A. Kurtz, Executive Editor Communictions Committee Bob Wipf, Chairman Harold Rihn, Vice-Chairman Robert Shappell, DEC Liaison Denise H. Rohan, Ex-Officio Bernard Olson, Member Jim Kell, Member Vern Pitt, Member Mike Herkowski, Member Cliff Johnsen, Member James, Lee, Member Frank Mathison, Consultant Loretta Shellman, Auxiliary Liaison Kathy Wollmer, Auxiliary Liaison Bonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison Department Officers Commander Denise H. Rohan Vice Commanders Wayne Jensen Roy Helms Steve Isensee Cathy Gorst Adjutant David A. Kurtz Chaplain Vern Wienke Assistant Chaplain Robert Herried Department Historian Frank Mathison Sergeant-at Arms Todd Braun Service Officer James Fialkowski NECman David L. Gough Alternate NECman Steve Krueger District Commanders 1st Ron Hessil 2nd Robert Shappell 3rd Ken Rynes 4th John Edelblute, IV 5th Chuck Roloff 6th Barb Belmont 7th Randy Lenser 8th Dan Rindt 9th John Wolfe 10th Larry Wyrcza 11th Dan Osero 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 Bonnie Dorniak, Editor Joan Chwala, 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 Denise Rohan Commander I hope those of you who attended Midwinter enjoyed yourself and felt as if you learned something. I want to thank the staff and committees for all the hard work in making the weekend a success and thank you for being there. We are 22 people closer to my goal of having 150 people complete The American Legion Extension Institute (ALEI) this year. Watch for announcements from National Headquarters about ALEI training being available on-line starting in mid-february. This training gives a history of our organization and the background of our four pillars. Please consider taking the training either in person or on-line. Instead of heading south from Midwinter, we went north to take part in the 2012 Military Appre- David Kurtz Department Adjutant The 2012 Midwinter is now behind us and there were a record number of Legion Family members in attendance. The training sessions were packed each day of the conference and many people enjoyed the Junior Shooting Sports demonstration range in particular. Each of the various Americanism programs were explained in detail and information on how posts can participate were presented. In late December the new Department website was launched. It continues to be a work in progress and there have been some bugs to work through in development. The new website enhances our presence on the internet and is easier to integrate with social media. The Wisconsin John A. Scocos WDVA Secretary As we look ahead over the next few months, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is preparing for the opening of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls, planned for this fall. The new Home, which is currently under construction, will be located on the grounds of the Northern Wisconsin Center (NWC) in Chippewa Falls. The WDVA currently operates the Wisconsin Veterans Homes at King and Union Grove. As part of the planning process for a third state veterans home, a demand analysis was conducted to determine the right size for the new Home. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs DEPARTMENT COMMANDER ciation Ride in Eagle River which The American Legion helped sponsor. I rode snowmobile with the group for about 40 miles. It was a beautiful ride in fresh snow. We had time to get to know some of our younger veterans from around the state. During the first week of January I had the privilege to testify at a hearing in Madison on three bills affecting our state veterans. Those bills related to veterans preference points for hiring veterans, non-competitive appointments for disabled veterans and the waiving of fees for certain professional and occupational licenses issued to veterans. We are in favor of these bills and hopefully they will be signed into law shortly. During that meeting, our 2009 Department of Wisconsin Oratorical winner, Emily Rebhan came into the room to sit in on the hearings. Emily just happened to be from the Third District during the American Legion FACEBOOK page has become increasingly active. If you are wandering around the internet, stop on by and Like us! The Communications Committee has been very active in working with staff, not only with the website and social media, but with creating Public Service Announcements to augment the outreach campaigns in Milwaukee and La Crosse. Also in December a new effort was launched to provide important Veteran s benefit information to our members and provide details on how you can include The American Legion in your estate plans. The Essential Planning Guide is a comprehensive checklist for veterans and their survivors. If you are interested in receiving a copy, contact Headquarters staff. We can also provide you with the necessary form from the National Archives Administration (SF-180) to receive (VA) uses a 75-mile radius to define the market area for a state veterans home. With over 17,000 veterans aged 65 or older in the 14-county area surrounding Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties, a 72-bed skilled nursing facility was determined to be the appropriate size for that area. In 2003, the Wisconsin State Legislature gave the WDVA the go ahead to pursue a Home at the NWC. Federal funding for the project was requested under the federal VA state home construction grant program in 2005, for which a 65 percent grant was awarded with the other 35 percent to be funded through state bonds. In 2010, the State Building Commission approved a request for construction. In keeping with the vision to continue to provide high quality longterm health care to veterans and year I was District Commander. I remembered Emily was a violinist and planned to go to college for a degree in music and dreamed of opening her own music studio. When the hearing was over Emily shared with me that the time she spent studying the Constitution for the contest and the experience she had while competing in the contest helped her realize all of the sacrifices our Veterans made for our Country. She said when she saw the legacy being created by The American Legion and how we give back to our communities; she wanted to be a part of making sure our Veterans and their families are taken care of. She is currently serving as a legislative intern at the State Capitol working with issues related to Economic Development, Veterans and Military Affairs. As our Americanism programs are kicking into high gear, I wanted to share the story about Emily DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT a copy of your military records. Given the current state of the economy, significant time and research has gone into planning the reorganization of the Department Investment portfolio. The adoption of a formal investment policy by the Department Executive Committee through a series of actions during 2011 has led to a comprehensive restructuring strategy to bring the portfolio in accordance with policy. This process will take place as certain instruments mature and are reallocated. Preliminary 2011 year-end reports indicated that Department has finished the year in the black prior to audit. Probably the most exciting development to come out of the Midwinter Conference is the Capital improvement plan that has been developed for Camp American Legion heading into the 2012 season. The priority needs of the to help you see that we are making a difference in the lives of the children and youth of our country. These young men and women are looking at The American Legion Family and seeing what is right about our country. It is through our many Americanism and Children and Youth programs like: Oratorical, Badger Boys, A & G testing, American Legion Baseball, County Government Days, Shooting Sports, and Scouting that we are helping students gain a sense of pride in being an American. Remember, there is always someone looking to you as an example. It is our Veterans who made this county what it is today. Tell your stories, share your knowledge and mentor others to help them understand what it means to be an American. This will keep our organization alive and well. Thank you for all you do. their spouses, the Chippewa Falls Veterans Home is planned as a new 72-bed skilled nursing facility based on the neighborhood concept. It is designed as a 78,000 square foot single-story structure with a partial lower level for support services. In keeping with a forward-looking model of care being adopted by segments of the skilled nursing community, the facility will have two neighborhoods, each comprised of two 18-bed households. This structure will make it easier for members to develop a social network, participate in activities, and move around the household. The successful plan for this new facility is due in part to former Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson, former Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Raymond G. Boland, and former Wismain camp as well as the Legion Family Cabin will be addressed using funds from Restricted Donations and an extremely generous contribution from the Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary. Camp Director Kevin Moshea has been given the green light by the Camp, Finance and Executive Committees so work will be getting under way immediately. Department staff has also developed a new Camp Donation form to better track, control and apply future donations to projects at Camp. As we roll into 2012, the staff at our Service Office in Milwaukee, Camp American Legion and Department Headquarters remain dedicated to supporting the Mission of the Department; To provide service to veterans, their families and their communities. We are looking forward to a great 2012 and, hopefully, an early spring! WDVA SECRETARY New Veterans Home to Meet the Needs of Northern Wisconsin consin State Senator Dave Zien for their vision and efforts to move this project forward. It is because of their support, as well as the leadership of the Wisconsin State Legislature, that the plans are being realized for our veterans in the northern sector. The WDVA is currently looking at the process of staffing the Chippewa Falls Home and will be providing information about it in the near future, as well as details on how veterans and spouses can apply to live at the Home. Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs are looking forward to providing a full continuum of care for our veterans and spouses in Chippewa Falls, working with the community, to expand our efforts to provide the best possible long-term care for our state s veterans.

3 February 1, 2012 by Camp Director Kevin Moshea Working with the Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary, Camp American Legion has started a Donation of the Month program. The first items received were 20 count books of Forever stamps. We have received a total of 660 stamps in January Quite a few stamps were donated by a single Auxiliary Unit and many came from just one very special Auxiliary member. We are grateful for the generous support we receive from our Auxiliary. These donations, given by many, produce tremendous impact. Thank you. I lead with that story because we have much planned for Camp American Legion in It will be another year where the donations of many will be needed. I know you will come through so I thank you now for all the fundraising activity you will do and the donations you will give to support Camp American Legion and our Help to Heal mission. D e p a r t - ment Chaplain Vernon L. Wienke of Somers, Wisconsin passed away on December 31, 2011 with his family by his Vernon L. Wienke side. Chaplain Vern was 70 years old. Vernon was born Oct. 6, 1941 in Kenosha and received his degree in education from U.W. Parkside. Vernon served in the US Air Force from 1964 until 1968 and was em- THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE Camp American Legion 2012 A Plethora of Activity Camp needs your continued support, because we have some very important capital improvement projects in development and planned for this spring. They are a lakefront handicap ramp for the new Legion Family Cabin; an asphalt driveway with wheelchair ramp at the landing area of our main boat dock on Little Lake Tomahawk. We are planning a new road crossing at the main Camp entrance with flashing signs and a painted crosswalk to provide safer access to the boat landing as well as a new floor for the main lodge. All these upgrades will make camp safer and more accessible will be another year of proactive change for Camp programs. Special programs initiated for 2011 will be back, like Women Veterans Week, Vets Journey Home and Camp Serenity for Families of the Fallen. An exciting new program this year will be a Blind/Vision Impaired Veterans Week. We look forward to giving In Memoriam - Chaplain Vern Wienke ployed with the Kenosha Unified School District for over 37 years as a teacher. Vernon was a member of the Union Grove Veterans Home Post No. 515 and served as 1st District and Assistant Department Chaplain prior to being installed as the Department Chaplain in Appleton during the 2011 Department Convention. At the time of his death he was the Town Chairman of Somers. A Mass of Christian Burial for Vernon was held on January 5, 2012 at St. Peter s Catholic Church. Interment at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park followed the services. these special veterans the camp experience. There are other very interested groups we are developing as well. We also start the new 2012 year with new Camp American Legion promotional materials. Each of the items in the new line of printed Camp materials feature the Camp logo and the motto; HELP TO HEAL. The new Camp promotional materials are all on the Wisconsin American Legion website for you to access and use. I have already sent our brochure and other Camp materials to well over 500 people and I did it all via the internet and electronic mail. I have not used one printed brochure. This shows the power of , the internet and social media like Facebook. These new Camp materials are already helping us expand our outreach which continues to get larger and more diverse. We have created partnerships and working relationships with all County Veteran Service Officers; the Post-9/11 veterans Program Coordinators at VA Hospitals across the state; Joint Forces Command Wisconsin National Guard; VA Local Recovery Coordinators; Military Family Assistance Center - Wisconsin Army National Guard; Army Family Action Plan; Mobilization/Deployment Program -Army Community Services at Fort McCoy; Department of Military Affairs Office of the Chaplain; Joint Family Support Assistance Program, the Child & Youth Behavioral Program and more will be a demanding but exciting year. I know for a fact, all of us working as a team will produce an overabundance of results. Remember little things done by many create impactful results. P.S. - the definition of Plethora; an overabundance SAVE THE DATE! Commander Denise Rohan s Testimonial Dinner will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012 at The Heights Event Center in Verona, WI. Watch the Department website and the Badger Legionnaire for more details to follow. PAGE 3 Win Free Legion Fashion Apparel All Wisconsin American Legion members have an opportunity to join the select group of Legionnaires that receive the latest Legion news from around the state. Simply go to the Department of Wisconsin website at: to sign up. On the Home page select the Members pull down menu and select Online Subscription Sign-up. By filling out the online subscription form you will begin receiving alerts, Adjutant s Notes, the Commander s Communiqué, and, of course the Badger Legionnaire. The Badger Legionnaire and other Legion news will come to your address several days before the paper versions are mailed. You ll have the option to either view or print the Badger Legionnaire and other news. Signing up to receive your Legion news in a timely fashion makes you a winner, but to give Twenty and Four The Honor Society of Women Legionnaires Who We Are First and foremost, we are all women veterans who served our country as a member of the US military services during a designated wartime period. We are also members of The American Legion. All members of the Twenty and Four have rendered service to The American Legion consisting of active leadership as an elected officer, appointed officer, or chairman of a standing committee or have qualified for membership in the Twenty and Four by outstanding and/or continuous service in the programs of The American Legion. What We Do A primary goal of the Twenty and Four is to assist disabled and needy women veterans. Assistance provided may include guidance in the filing of disability claims, referrals to community programs, employment, housing, clothing and personal care items, and financial assistance. We also provide assistance and comfort to women veterans in hospitals and nursing homes. We visit and call, providing personal care items as needed and loving friendship. We also promote the programs of The American Legion, supporting aid to veterans and active duty service members, their families and the community. We do this through fundraising, recruiting and participating in local post and community activities. ARLINE RINTOUL Arline Rintoul served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Second Class Pharmacist s Mate with duty at the U.S. you a little extra incentive each month, two e-subscription member s will be randomly drawn to receive Department of Wisconsin fashion apparel. And if you still need a reason to switch to the e-subscription news, you will be making a sizeable donation to the Department without ever taking your wallet out. With mailing costs going higher and higher each year, you will be helping the Department save money. The money saved on publishing and postage will then be invested in much-needed Veterans and youth programs. Now go to your computer and set your browser to: and be a triple winner by enjoying your Legion news earlier, making a donation, and maybe start showing your pride by wearing some new Legion fashion apparel. Naval Hospital, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Arline belonged to the Luitink-Weisman Post No. 495 and served as their adjutant for five years. The plaque is named for Arline Rintoul who was a Jeepette and a member of the Twenty and Four at the time of her death on December 8, Wisconsin Echelon No. 11, 20/4, annually presents the Arline Rintoul Memorial Award to the Outstanding Women Legionnaire for that year. The Echelon Selection Committee makes the final decision, but the nominations must come from the individual Posts throughout the State. We know that there are many outstanding Women Legionnaires. If you have one or more in your Post, we urge you to submit her name for consideration for this prestigious award. Your nomination should be made on the form posted on the Department website. If you wish to nominate more than one woman, you may submit more than one form. Nominees must be an active member of a Wisconsin American Legion Post with a minimum of three consecutive years prior to her nomination. There is one stipulation, because the 20/4 is making the award, and because we feel membership in the organization is in itself recognition of outstanding service, members of the 20/4 are not eligible for consideration. Please submit all nominations no later than June 1, 2012 to; DELORES E. MUELLER 725 MARSHALL STREET GREEN BAY, WI 54303

4 PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE February 1, 2012 David L. Gough Chuck Roloff Ken Rynes Todd J. Braun National Executive Committeeman Department Vice Commander Department Vice Commander Department Sergeant at Arms National Executive Committeeman David L. Gough of Darlington Post No. 214 announces he will be running for reelection to the high office of National Executive Committeeman (NEC). In addition to offices held at the Post, County and District levels, David has served the Department of Wisconsin as Commander 2003/2004, Alternate National Executive Committeeman (ANEC) 2006/2008 and as your National Executive Committeeman since His decision to seek reelection came following the urging of numerous individuals, some of whom are Past State Commanders, as well as a wide array of Legionnaires across the state. Since being installed as Wisconsin s NECman three and a half years ago, David has worked with three different Alternate National Executive Committeemen. Under normal circumstances the NECman will mentor the Alternate to provide continuity in the positions that represent the Department at the National level. Typically Legionnaires in both the NEC and ANEC positions have served 2 consecutive two year terms to assure that the leaders at National are familiar with our Department representatives. The Wisconsin American Legion has made great strides on the National scene over the past three and a half years, with two Legionnaires being assigned as National Committee Chairmen, the appointment of a National Chaplain, an increased number of National appointments, as well as having numerous individuals being appointed to Ad Hoc committees by National Commanders. David is seeking to serve another two year term in the best interests of Wisconsin and is asking for your support at the Department Convention to be held in Madison this July. 5th District Commander Chuck Roloff announces his candidacy for Department Vice Commander. He has been the 5th District Commander for 3 ½ years and is a 43 year member of the Alonzo Cudworth Post No. 23 of Milwaukee. Chuck served as Post Commander in Prior to becoming 5th District Commander, Chuck served on the Department Finance Committee 5 years, and was Chairman of the Committee under three Commanders. He also served as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee for a year and has been a regular volunteer at the Regional and Department Oratorical Scholarship Competitions. Chuck was one of the founding directors of the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation, and has been president since the first election of officers. Four years ago he was appointed as the Legion s representative to the Wisconsin Council on Veterans Programs. He has been Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair of that State of Wisconsin Committee. He is President and majority stockholder of his own business, Lake Geneva Financial Services Corporation of Elm Grove, and is the Lay Leader of his Church. He has been married to his wife Donna for 47 years and they have three grown children, all living in the metro Milwaukee area. He is committed to the proposition that the primary Legion entity to provide service to veterans and be visible in the community is the Post. The primary job of District and Department officers is to enable and support the Post. While he feels it is an honor to serve in District and Department offices, we must never lose sight of the fact that the real work of the Legion occurs at the Post level. Chuck is a loyal and hard working Legionnaire. Third District Commander Ken Rynes announces his candidacy for Department Vice Commander. Ken became eligible for The American Legion through his service in the US Marine Corps and the US Army Reserve Ken is endorsed by the Bayard de Hart Post No. 13 of Richland Center and has been a member for 13 years. Ken is endorsed by his County, District and Voiture No of the 40 et 8. Ken has served at the Post, County and District levels of The American Legion and his involvement includes service as Post Oratorical Chairman, District Athletic Chairman, Codirector of the 2011 Class A American Legion Baseball State tournament, Chairman of Richland County Youth Government Day and reestablishing Junior Shooting Sports at his post. Ken was chairman of the Camp American Legion Committee for three years placing emphasis on expanding programs. Ken has served 2 years on the Convention and Activities Commission and is currently DEC liaison to the Fundraising Committee. Commander Rynes regularly attends National Conventions and serves as a Vice Chairman of the National Americanism Council. Ken is a 2010 graduate of the National American Legion College. Ken is a charter member of the 3rd District American Legion Riders and has participated in every Legacy Run. He established a scrap for scholarships campaign which has raised $11,000 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund and was instrumental in establishing the annual Fall Ride to Camp which has raised $14,000 for Camp American Legion. Ken and his wife Ann, a 35 year member of the Legion Auxiliary, have four children who are all members of the Legion Family. Self employment allows Ken and Ann the flexibility to participate in all the programs of this great organization. A vote for Ken brings a passionate, knowledgeable, out of the box thinking man to represent you. Todd J. Braun is seeking reelection to the position of Department Sergeant at Arms. Todd obtained eligibility to join The American Legion thru active duty in the US Army from 1988 to 1994 as a Military Policeman. He served two tours in Germany and a tour at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Todd also served in the US Air Force Reserve from 2001 to 2003 in the career field of Security Forces and has over fifteen years of law enforcement experience in both the military and civilian sector. In addition, he managed a security company in Germany responsible for security of US Army installations and interests. Todd is a member of Trier-Puddy Post No. 75 of Fond du Lac where he has served four terms as Post Adjutant. He has also served as 6th District Sergeant at Arms. Todd is an active member of The American Legion Riders as well as a member of the British Legion Riders. Todd is also active in membership recruiting. He has received recognition from the Department for his efforts and the 6th District Legion Riders membership award for most new members in He has spent countless volunteer hours on behalf of his Post, his District and the Legion Riders. Honest, calm, courteous and respectful, Todd is willing to serve and learn more about The American Legion. Bong Post Rings Bells Fills the Kettle 2012 WWII Tours To Europe Scheduled PICTURED ARE FIVE OF THE WWII VETERANS who enjoyed WWII tours to Europe with Dr. & Mrs. Brooks Ranney in The group visited Paris, the Beaches of Normandy, Eisenhower s headquarters at Reims, Patton s grave in Luxembourg, the Battle of the Bulge area in Belgium, before entering Germany to visit the Remagen Bridge, doing a Rhine River Cruise, visiting Dachau Memorial and Hitler s Eagle s Nest. The Ranneys are planning two tours for 2012, departing June 2 and August 8th. The 2012 tour is similar to last year with special ceremonies honoring our veterans on the 68th anniversary of D-Day, June 6. Call The Ranneys at (605) for a brochure Tour Dates June 2nd & August 8th WWII veterans receive a special discount. Please contact the Ranneys if you are able to donate frequent flyer miles and help our Veterans out. The Richard I Bong American Legion Post No. 435 Honor Guard of Superior, Wisconsin recently rung bells for the Salvation Army. Pictured are Harvey Anderson, Past Commander, Bill Duffy, Judge Advocate, Jerry TaBelle, 2nd Vice Commander, and Bob Patterson, 1st Vice Commander. They rang for 32 man hours and raised $

5 February 1, 2012 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE Army Adjusting Honor Guard Rifle Policy By Al Zdon, Department of Minnesota (Reprinted with Permission) The Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad is up in arms. After years of benign neglect, Congress and the U.S. Army have decided to crack down on the rifles the squad, and rifle squads across the nation, use for funeral services. In the process of this new federal accounting, the rifle squad could lose 30 of its 45 rifles, and also be given a type of rifle it doesn t want to use. But a Minnesota Congressman has come to the fore to try and stave off this intrusion. In a letter to the Secretary of the Army, Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., asked for a waiver for the Fort Snelling squad. I ask that you take into account the sheer volume and use of the Fort Snelling Squad s ceremonial rifles and allow them to keep their current stock for the near term, he said in a December 16, 2011 letter. Kline also requested that the current law be reconsidered. A few days later, Kline announced that the Army had responded to his letter and said they would be looking into the matter. The origins of the current battle over small arms goes back decades to an Army policy allowing the loan of rifles to squads to use at funerals and other ceremonies. Thousands of Legion, Vietnam Veterans and VFW posts across the nation have ceremonial rifles on loan from the Army. The Army also supplies the blank ammunition used at the ceremonies. Over time, however, the program has suffered somewhat from changes at the posts and lack of record keeping. For instance, when a post closes or it disbands its rifle squad, what happens to the ceremonial weapons? The correct answer is that they are returned to the Army. In many cases, though, the weapons are locked away in a dusty closet, given to veterans for their personal use, or given to a parent organization for safe keeping. Across the nation, hundreds of these rifles are unaccounted for. In United States Code 4683, the Army began to try and account for these missing rifles, and to make other changes to modernize the program. One change was that no organization shall have more than 15 rifles. Another change was that the older 1903 Springfield boltaction rifles will be replaced by the M-1 Garand, the typical World War II rifle. It all sounds good on paper, but the news hit the Fort Snelling Squad like a ton of bricks. All we want to do is stay the way we are, said Tom Mullon, a longtime member of the squad and one of its spokesmen. They should leave us alone to do what we do for the families in Minnesota. What the rifle squad does is provide military honors to every veteran buried at the national cemetery, as many as 15 every day. Over the 32 years of existence, the squad performed at nearly 60,000 graveside services no matter what the weather. There are five squads of as many as 18 volunteers, including seven riflemen, for each funeral. Mullon said the main problems with the new rules are the reduction of the number of rifles and the change of weapons. Those five squads are each allocated nine rifles, which are maintained by the Memorial Rifle Squad at no cost to the government. Seven are used in the ceremony to fire three synchronized rounds, and two are kept as spares. Each rifle is assigned to a volunteer, and it s his responsibility to make sure the piece is working properly. Five squads times nine rifles is 45. Under the Army s new plan, the rifle squad would have to somehow share 15 rifles enough for two squads with one to spare. The volunteers would have to share rifles, making accountability more difficult. If the Army thinks security is a problem, they can rest easy, Mullon said. They are kept in a locked vault, in a room that s locked, inside another room that s locked, inside a building that s locked. Nobody is going to steal those rifles from us. The change from the Springfields to the M-1s is also a problem because the older bolt rifles are easy to load, while the Garands use a clip. That clip can be very dangerous to these volunteers, especially in cold weather. The Springfields are also lighter, which can make a difference when you re doing 15 funerals a day. They are lighter, and they are what the volunteers are used to. The Springfield is the safest, most efficient rifle we can use for what we do, Mullon said. The plan, as it is now, would call for the Memorial Rifle Squad to turn in their 45 Springfields and be reissued 15 M-1s by the Army. Mullon said the rifle squad is grateful that Rep. Kline has taken their concerns under his wing, and has indicated he would be the point person in trying to get the law changed or amended. An information sheet on the squad notes that the Federal government is responsible by law for providing three military personnel for every veteran s funeral, a commitment they rarely fulfill. Volunteers, like the Memorial Rifle Squad, save the government millions of dollars a year by taking the place of the active duty military. The new law could also have an effect on posts who have Army ceremonial rifles, but have lost track of them. PAGE 5 Students Help Homeless Veterans Standing with nine boxes loaded with donations for veterans are (l to r) WITC students Jinessa Blouin and Danielle Forrest along with Ed Cooper. Though labeled Tootie Fruities, these boxes are filled to their boxtops with donations from students and staff at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. Donations collected especially for homeless veterans staying in a 40- man dormitory in Chippewa Falls. One of our students saw the article in the New Richmond News about Veterans Assistance Centers needing donations, says Cayla Wencl, student life director at WITC-New Richmond. We decided to open it up to our students, and they responded nine boxes filled with clothing, food, blankets, toiletries, and more! According to Ed Cooper, Commander of the Butler-Harmon Post No. 80 of New Richmond, the entire state of Wisconsin received less than $300,000 from recent Department of Defense grants of $28 million to support homeless veterans. That s just not enough to meet the needs of our veterans. The drive was so successful, Cooper and Wencl may do another after the first of the year. Our veterans need all the typical household items: cleaners, furniture, phone cards, linens, copier paper even gift cards to Petco for their resident therapeutic dog, Samson. We re grateful to the WITC students for their great response to this need, Cooper says. I look forward to working with them again. Lakeshore Post No. 474 Honors Founders 2012 Midwinter Conference to participate in the 78th Annual Pilgrimage to the tomb of Abraham Lincoln, all 100% Post Commanders participated in a drawing and two winners were chosen at random. Odanah Post No. 25 Commander James Huesman and Casco Post No. 319 Commander Thomas Voyles will receive a prize package that includes hotel accommodations, a commemorative Lincoln Pilgrimage jacket and pin along with a tour of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Each winner will be able to bring a guest and join Commander Denise Rohan on her visit to Lincoln s Tomb in Springfield, Illinois on Sunday, February 12th. The 2012 Midwinter Conference ended on Sunday, January 22nd following a moving General Session that featured a dramatic ceremony conducted by Legionnaires of the Ho-Chunk Nation along with special guests from the 1-147th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the WI Army National Guard. LTC Marty Pond of the 147th spoke on the units service in Iraq and the support his soldiers received from The American Legion. Secretary John Scocos briefed those in attendance on developments at the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and also recognized Past Department Adjutant Mike Rohan for his efforts promoting Veterans Employment. Marine Corps veteran Dustin Wood of Milwaukee recounted his combat experience with Fox Company of the USMC Reserve and gave a moving presentation on how his stay at Camp has benefited him. The National Colors were retired (continued from page 1) by veterans of the Ho-Chunk Nation with the assistance of the soldiers of the 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion. The Annual Midwinter Conference has become an opportunity to attend important training sessions and gather information on all aspects of the Legion and veterans programs. Wisconsin graduates of the National American Legion College formed an association at this years conference and have begun to lay the groundwork to create a Legion College program for the Department of Wisconsin. The National American Legion College is held each October in Indianapolis. If you are interested in attending Legion College, contact Department Adjutant David Kurtz at adjutant@wilegion.org for an application. Lakeshore Post No. 474 of Milwaukee was founded following WWII and received their Permanent Charter on September 14, Recently, a Tribute was made to the Suminski Family, who were instrumental in the founding of the Post and Auxiliary Unit. They were also involved in activities of the Legion Family during those early years. The Suminski s have continued to support the Mission of The American Legion through the years. The Post is proud of its founders. Pictured is Ed Suminski, Jr. with a photo of his father, Ed Suminski, Sr. who was a Charter member of the Post. Among the items pictured is the Original Application for Unit Charter, which bears the name of Ed Jr. s mother - Evelynn Suminski. He is holding a plaque presented by 5th District Commander Chuck Roloff on behalf of the Post. HILLTOP INSTALLATIONS WINDOWS, DOORS AND MORE! Veteran Owned & Family Operated Over 50 Years of Experience Fully Insured Lead Certified Warranty Contact Legionnaire Jim Hovel for a free estimate! Cell Serving All of Wisconsin Veteran Discounts Office

6 PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE February 1, 2012 The Last Bugle 1 Germantown Allan E Schultz K 05/08/11 Leonard Waskiewicz K 09/13/11 James J Stout II 12/08/11 Robert D Herian II 08/29/11 Gordon B Sincock V 09/11/11 8 Waukesha Wayne M Newby II 11/25/11 9 Wisconsin Rapids Ray W Plenge II 12/13/11 10 Wausau Paul D Spatz P 12/21/11 Emil Reissmann II 01/17/12 11 Green Bay Ardell A Prescher II 12/15/11 John L Ziebell II 12/19/11 Lloyd Schmeling II 01/05/12 Irvin I Nick II 01/09/12 William L Krutz V 01/15/12 21 Kenosha Vernon Wienke V 12/31/11 Joseph L Eternicka Jr V 12/11/11 26 Baraboo Charles Marsh V 10/06/11 Melvin Schock K 01/01/12 28 Valders Roland C Hibbard K 12/27/11 33 Neenah Richard Lafond K 12/09/11 35 Evansville Rowland W Straka K Robert E Helgesen II 12/21/11 38 Appleton Richard Rademaker V 01/08/12 Don E Lund II 01/13/12 40 Bangor Walter R Mashak II 01/10/12 42 Platteville Russell Taber II 09/11/11 Bill M Bumgardner K 12/24/11 Paul Moen K 47 Portage Leroy Weisensel V 01/06/12 54 Marshfield John R Pohlman II 12/03/11 Bob Holubets II 12/19/11 Theodore Trierweiler II 12/20/11 Karl Merkel II 12/26/11 Charles Boushon K 12/31/11 62 Columbus Arnold W Oehlert K 12/27/11 67 Lake Mills Omar Key II 12/19/11 70 Oshkosh Lawrence Hergert II 12/12/11 Janet S Shepherd II 12/15/11 David L Gutche V 12/22/11 Harry F Erdmann II 12/28/11 Robert L Laurent II 12/29/11 Alexander Irvine II 01/02/12 74 Oconto Elmer P Schmit II 02/28/11 77 Chippewa Falls Richard C Frazier II 09/07/11 79 Burlington Wayne A Fell K 11/19/11 80 New Richmond Earl P Hillestad K 12/27/11 84 Monroe Kenneth Hendrickson II 12/06/11 89 Minocqua George L Burmeister II 12/27/11 90 Ashland Burnell Gilbertson II 12/11/11 91 Oconomowoc Robert Ludwig II 11/20/11 95 Delavan John J Cowling II 12/04/ Seymour Vera M Heyn 12/24/ New Lisbon Lyle E Whitehouse K 12/29/ Somerset Barbara Hecimovich II 01/14/ Shawano Robert M Eiting K 11/26/ West Allis John H Petra II 11/19/11 Gerald Redmond II 01/08/ River Falls Roger E Amacker II 12/09/11 Grant S Jones II 10/27/ New Holstein Ronald J Buechel K 01/18/ Beaver Dam Dale M Peterson K 12/22/11 Joseph Diesler Jr K 12/25/11 Michael W Maier II 12/15/11 David L Zuehls V 01/08/ Sheboygan Falls Elroy H Hoffman K 12/25/11 Mel T Campbell K 01/17/ Wausaukee Paul E Meaney V 12/28/ Menasha Richard J Heindl II 12/24/ Pittsville Roger M Sturdevant K 01/15/ Horicon Michael A Buskie V 01/04/ Two Rivers Norman Hartlich 07/10/ Sauk City Roland L Krenz II 12/22/ Loyal Alvin Hanson K 12/31/ Weyauwega Eugene Zeinert K 01/09/ Chetek Jack H Badger K 12/24/11 Paul H Lange V 08/06/ Milwaukee Stanley P Abramczyk II 01/01/ Park Falls George Bichanich II 12/17/11 August Palecek II 12/15/11 Albert A Fleischfresser II 01/07/ Wisconsin Dells Joseph Mucek Jr II 05/27/11 Stuart Thomas II 06/08/11 Dennis Lukasavage V 11/01/ Watertown Herbert R Kottwitz V 12/14/ Franklin Gerald (Jer) Leinonen K 01/14/ Brodhead Michael P Bartley V 12/13/ Tomah Gerald Jensen II 07/28/10 James Kavanaugh II 12/16/11 Thomas L Keene II 01/01/ Waupun Ralph M Marshall P 01/04/12 Frank Peterson V 01/13/ Darlington John F Foley II 12/07/ Pardeeville George L Smith II 12/21/ Alma Eugene Hurin K 12/26/ Milwaukee Theodore Ambroch II 12/22/ Omro Donald Schuster II 12/12/ Greenwood Gary Vollrath K 12/17/ Plymouth Charles L McElroy II 12/16/11 Orville Pohlman II 11/23/ Adams Ronald M Wedin K 10/03/ Argyle Jerry Rowell V 258 Little Chute Myron J Ebben K 01/01/ Luxemburg William C Luedtke II 01/12/ Necedah Stanley S Ziemba II 12/12/ Coleman Virgil Thielke II 12/10/11 Raymond Dobek II 09/16/10 Elmer Valley II 12/29/ Suring Gerald Lonzo Sr K 12/29/ Cedarburg John A Nistor V 12/10/11 William T Provo K 01/04/ Bloomer William McGlothlin V 12/21/ Brookfield Edward Kolb II 05/23/ Hales Corners John V Liccione II 05/03/ Oconto Falls Frederick L Johnson II 11/15/11 Howard R Marquardt K 12/18/11 Dale Grunst K 12/27/ Green Lake Thomas E Hurley II 01/03/ Peshtigo Howard R Harper II 01/03/ Sun Prairie David J Hamilton II 12/10/11 Loren Klein II 01/02/12 Thomas Lukens II 01/17/12 Norman Lukes K 01/18/ Pulaski Richard Liss II 11/14/ Lena Peter W Paitl V 351 Montello Robert C Oliver II 12/18/11 Victor R Krueger K 08/21/ Grafton Edward Gehweiler II 357 Bay City Phil Berg K 01/07/12 Francis Johnson K 01/17/ Waunakee Darrell K Pomeranke K 01/08/ Winneconne John R Uvaas K 12/27/11 Donald H Sleik K 01/14/12 Lester C Laedtke II 01/16/ Mukwonago Thomas R Wutke V 10/26/11 Kenneth Ebert V 06/21/11 Jack Cresson II 01/26/ Menomonee Falls Harvey Belanger K 12/23/11 Richard J McGowan K 12/27/ Gresham Dean J Page V 12/20/ Cecil Donald Kaczor K 01/10/ Milwaukee Dolores H Landers II 06/05/ Milwaukee Chester Borkowski II 05/24/ Crivitz Robert N Gottschalk II 08/02/11 Merlin E Hilbert V 01/15/ Milwaukee Richard Zuba II 12/17/ Greendale George C Mason K 12/16/11 Dennis A Zagorski K 10/14/ Neshkoro William A Gaylord V 11/29/ Norwalk Wilbur Schwartzel K 01/18/ Milwaukee Mary D Weis II 05/26/ Brookfield Anello J Mollica V 11/18/11 A.J. Horvatin II 12/04/11 Gordon R Netzow II 11/01/11 Harold R Spriggs II 11/25/11 Lloyd F Streich II 469 Marathon Roger J Hall II 12/25/11 Benedict A Stubinski II 12/10/ Saukville Donald Esselman II 09/14/ Presque Isle Jacob Meier K 12/11/ Bagley Edward J McNamara II 12/24/11 Larry I Underhill V 12/31/ Allenton Lou S Ottmer Jr K 12/15/ Milwaukee Patrick McGuire II 492 Rothschild Jack Olson II 12/10/ Caledonia Harold A Hansen II 12/11/11 Joseph Miklas II 01/04/ Wittenberg Raymond Borchardt II 12/08/ Union Center Rodney M Nofsinger II 01/14/ Wilton John Eckelberg V 01/05/ Green Bay Edward Dettmann II 10/15/11 Walton Lindstrum K 01/12/ Stetsonville Reinhold Janke II 12/31/ Hubertus Lucile Mader II 12/30/ Abrams Donald R Stiller II 12/29/ White Lake Sidney F Kindle II 12/29/ Sister Bay Merlyn D Nelson II 12/11/10 Kenneth R Brusky V 03/30/ Milwaukee Arthur Blenski II 07/19/11 Patrick Gallagher K 05/11/11 Jerome J Wirth K 01/03/12 Gordon Grouse K 01/11/11 David R Flairty V 12/14/ Northfield Chester Enger II 12/14/ Twin Lakes John S Dimzoff II 11/27/ Racine Floyd Griffin Jr K 12/16/ Lublin Neil Spreen K 12/30/11 IF YOU RE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT OF THE AMERICAN LEGION Our NO-COST-TO-YOU $1, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Coverage has been arranged on your behalf by Your Department of the Legionnaire Insurance Trust. Simply fill out your name, address and date of birth, then sign, date and mail this coupon to activate your enrollment. As soon as your enrollment is received, your no-cost coverage will begin, and will continue through August 31, Your acceptance is guaranteed, so mail your coupon today. NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP / / / DATE OF BIRTH AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP CARD NO. DEPARTMENT MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE YOUR DATE OF BIRTH SIGNATURE Have you filled out all the above information? Please mail to: Legionnaire Insurance Trust P.O. Box Santa Barbara, CA Complete details of the coverage are contained in accident only Master Policy LIT underwritten by Life Insurance Company of North America. This plan is not available in all states AGIA CUT IT OUT. Promo ADFREE DATE 24176

7 February 1, 2012 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE PAGE 7 100% Post Commanders 2012 Midwinter Conference Charles Morris Post 268, Bruce John M. Bryant Post 19, Hartford Kim Hendrickson Post 251, Argyle Tim Baranzyk Post 416, Greendale Roman J. Backhaus Post 477, St. Nazianz Bill VandenLangenberg Post 106, Seymour Bill Mead Post 350, Reedsburg Jeff Krakow Post 62, Columbus Dan Bailey Post 329, Briggsville Joe Schneider Post 410, Fredonia Arthur Booth Post 506, Iron River Bill Karas Post 372, Forestville Mark Kramer Post 306, Green Lake Ken Lambert Post 363, Denmark Brad Wickman Post 396, Indian Creek Bruce Sutherland Post 197, Brodhead Wayne Clark and Richard Marien Post 341, Birnamwood The strength of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin lies in the membership of each individual post within the Badger State. Our organization is made up of over 65,000 war-time veterans organized in over 500 local posts. The efforts made each year by post leadership to gather membership information and process renewals is worthy of special recognition. With that in mind, Department Membership Committee Chairman Mark Lesko of LaValle and myself invite you to meet some of the hardworking post officers who have reached the 2012 Membership Goal for their respective posts. Congratulations to the 53 Posts that are at or over 100 percent and to the 160 Posts that are within 10 members of meeting this year s goal. 100% Commanders please send your digital picture for printing in the Badger Legionnaire (if you haven t already). Once you reach your goal, you can concentrate on your programs and submitting information for the Post Excellence Award from National Commander Fang Wong. We ve got County Commanders that are close to being 100% and as we all know 100% Posts make 100% Counties which make 100% Districts leading to a 100% Department. I need your help, please continue to do the programs and activities in your communities that will highlight who we are and what we do. Invite the community and local press to experience your events. When you meet a veteran, don t be afraid to ask them to join. Make phone calls or visit your members who have not renewed. Remember it is good old fashion face to face communication that will help grow our organization. If you have something that works to encourage members to join or renew, please share your plan with others. If you need help with lists or recruiting suggestions contact Chris or Steve by phoning Department Headquarters at (608) Together we can ensure that we will be here to serve veterans, their families and their communities for years to come.thanks for your help and support. Commander Denise Rohan Commander Denise Rohan receives a traditional blanket from members of the Andrew Blackhawk Post No. 129 and Auxiliary of Black River Falls. Members of both the Andrew Blackhawk Post and the Joseph J. White Post No. 442 of Wisconsin Rapids took part in the ceremony. John Greendeer, President of the Ho-Chunk Nation, welcomed the Department of Wisconsin as honored guests. Legionnaires enjoyed the hospitality at the newly remodeled facility. President John Greendeer joined the Ho-Chunk Ceremonial Singers and members of the Ho-Chunk American Legion Family from Post No. 129 and Post No. 442 in performing the traditional flag and service songs during the posting and retrieval of the National Colors. Professor Jim Johannes instructs Legionnaires on the proper care and maintenance of the M1 Garand rifle. The legendary battle rifle of WWII is used by many Post Honor Guards who perform Military Funeral Honors across the state. Representatives of the WI National Guard and WDVA also provided training at Midwinter in this important service our Posts provide in their communities.