Page 7
Frank Brown Receives Certificate
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Memorials and Our Mission
Page 16
Joint Testimonial Celebraton
Vol. 26 no. 3
turn to for Veterans
october 23, 2008
Big Ten Conference Gathers in St. Louis
The “Big Ten” Midwestern State VFW and Auxiliaries gathered over the October 18th weekend in St. Louis to compare notes and share ideas for growing and improving our organization. National representatives from the Kansas City and Washington offices of the Veterans of Foreign Wars made presentations, bringing new information forward and reiterating important points made at Convention. Adjutant-General Alan “Gunner” Kent gave a thorough accounting of how the National organization is trimming expenses while refocusing efforts to directly serve deployed troops and their families, as well as those returning from combat. He stressed that we have a new and heightened campaign to provide key National Military Support, of which Operation Uplink and other communications programs are an important part. Among the many points covered was a reminder that Wal-Mart Corporation is a strong VFW supporter and stores are prepared to give outright grants to those Posts that take the time to ask. Membership is, as always, important, but the National emphasis continues to be placed on what we DO for our fellow veterans first and our communities second. The days of being a closed “meetings-only” post are going, going and soon to be gone. We are in new and uncertain times, and the mission of the VFW will become even more critical as the proportion of veterans to the general population diminishes. Perhaps the greatest benefit to attending a conference such as this is the opportunity to share ideas with other VFW and Auxiliary members from neighboring states in a relaxed and informal setting, and come away with some great ideas.
national sr. Vice commander-in-chief tommy t tradewell addresses the big ten banquet in st. louis on october 18. tradewell emphasized the need for veterans to close ranks across generational lines in order to bring younger vets into the organization so their voices are heard and their rights are protected. He said we need to learn that their social needs and activities are different from ours, and that the VfW must adapt to these changing needs.
State raffle is building, but needs your help
Income from our current Wisconsin VFW State Raffle continues to flow in, but we are in danger of falling far short of our goal. Both the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary depend on this revenue to operate effectively on your behalf. At deadline, our combined income to-date is about $75,000. We are about halfway to our target gross revenue in order to have a viable impact on our budget. This revenue program is designed to bring in enough money to subsidize our State operations, which are dominated by the cost of maintaining our State Veterans Service Office. This is a large chunk of our annual budget, and represents the most tangible direct service to veterans of all conflicts that we can provide. Your support of this important fundraiser is extremely important. If you have not yet sent in the tickets you received, PLEASE do so now. Every dollar helps. If you have already done your share from home, how about helping your Post or Auxiliary raise funds by promoting the 50/50 Shared Revenue program. Your Post/Auxiliary can keep half of the money raised by sales of tickets direct to the general public. Selling these tickets to non-veterans is the key to making our whole effort successful. Many businesses will welcome you into their stores to sell raffle tickets. All it takes is a table, a chair, some posters and a positive attitude. Posts that have been successful so far have kept the “sales” process simple. Don’t try to “sell” the tickets. Just ask passers by if they’d “like to help veterans.” You will be surprised by the positive impact that simple question has. Wear your VFW cap, and, if you have one, a VFW shirt or jacket. Your Cross of Malta is wellrespected by the public at large. No matter how “well off” your Post is, there is always a place to put extra money to work. Use your Raffle Profits to help veterans and make a difference. Contact Raffle Chairman Frank Parker, Jr, at 414-355-3179, or, on the western side of the state, call Kerm Adank at 715828-0511. Either of these comrades will see to it that you get the raffle tickets and supplies you need for a great campaign. We’re in the home stretch: From now ‘til our February Mid-Winter Conference, you’ll have tons of opportunities to put this raffle over the top! We can do it!
official Publication: Wisconsin Veterans of foreign Wars
Phone: (608) 255-6655 • Fax: (608) 255-0652 Website: www.vfwofwi.com • wivfw@tds.net
VFW Department Headquarters
Editor: William Knudson
Phone: (715) 384-2500 E-mail: vfwnews.wi@verizon.net
Page 2
nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
State officerS
Comrades, this month I want to ask for your assistance with our State Service tom Office. As you know, any veteran can use lemmer our Service Office to help them to start claims, inform them if they are eligible State Jr. Vice for claims and assist them in preparing Commander and submitting claims for compensation. 262-369-5905 Our State Service Officer and his assistants are very knowledgeable with the jrvicecdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com terminology and Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. We encourage any VFW members requiring assistance, as well as any other veterans, to contact Lee Guerrero and his staff at 1-800-827-1000, ext. 13007 or locally at 414-902-5748. You may also fax them at 414-902-9412, or e-mail vsokjane@vba.va.gov regarding any questions. Now that I’ve given you a brief description of how the service office can help veterans, we need to support the service office and employees so they can continue to serve veterans. Your Post quartermaster will tell you that the relief fund is to be used to support and help veterans in need. As our state inspector noted at State Convention, we have in excess of $400,000 sitting in Post relief funds. It makes common sense that we, as members of the State of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars, support and donate some of these funds so the Service Office can continue to serve veterans. This office has always been the greatest part of our budget every year, and with Department budget being stretched to the limit, any help would be deeply appreciated. Depending on the size of your Post and how much you have in your relief fund please be generous with your donations. Please make the check out to the Department of Wisconsin, earmarked specifically for the State Service Office. Remember, your Post will receive point credit for programs for your generosity. You will truly help with our mission to “Honor the Dead by helping the Living.” Comrades, please continue your efforts supporting our veterans and thank you for all that you do. God bless all of you and our great Country. Tom Lemmer State Jr. Vice Commander Comrades and Sisters, here it is October. Are you tired of all the election advertisements? I know that I am get- steve lawrence ting fed up with it all. Nevertheless, I State Adjutant will be at the polls on November 4th Quartermaster to exercise my right to vote. As the old joke goes: ‘Vote early and often.’ I will 608-255-6655 be volunteering to pick up people in my qm@wi.vfwwebmail.com hometown and take them to the polls. I want to remind you that when you make donations to the different funds we have at Department, please make your checks payable to the VFW Department of Wisconsin. Earmark your check to indicate which fund you want the money to go into. If you are making your donations with one check, enclose a list on how the donations should be split. The funds we handle here are as follows: Bobby Nelson Emergency Disaster Frank Brown Scholarship Hospital Fund Veterans Assistance Wisconsin VFW Trust Fund Wisconsin Cottage VFW National Home King Day Picnic Union Grove Fund Patriots Pen Voice of Democracy I also want to remind you about all the solicitations you receive in the mail. Sometimes I am sure you feel inundated with these items. The calendars, the notepads, the address labels and other items are important; the funds raised from these items supports the programs that are so vital to helping our troops, their families and our veterans. Please consider donating what you can afford to assist. If you are receiving these items and wish to be removed from the mailing list, send me a letter with your name and address that is on the mailing, and I will have your name removed. There are many ways that you can help in providing a sound financial future for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Our Department raffle is in full swing right now, have you returned your tickets? Please support this program!! Comrades and Sisters, thank you for the good work you do each day for veterans and their families. If you would like to contact me, I can be reached by e-mail wivfw@tds.net or by phone (608) 835-7494 evenings, or by mail: Steve Lawrence, P.O. Box 23, Oregon, WI 53575-0023.
GET OUT AND VOTE! This is our election edition. We, as representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, can not, should not, and will not endorse a gary erickson candidate for any elected office either it be- State Commander ing at the local, state or on the national level. 608-723-7373 The Veterans of Foreign Wars, however, cdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com do strongly recommend that every member vote for the candidate of his or her choice. If you are working at the polling headquarters, wear your hat. That will make the public aware of how important veterans feel voting is. Remember, we all have a voice in the voting process. Just think: Casting your vote for either one of the two major parties will be a participation in a historic event! We could have our first Black president or our first Female Vice President! Consider the issues. Listen to the positions. Then vote for whomever you believe will best get this country back on the road to recovery. This is a great time to be proud of our freedom of choice. Exercise this precious right! Our raffle is coming along, but we need the posts to sell their tickets to give the department a big boost to help meet our financial obligations. Remember, your post keeps half of the money that you take in from the sale of our raffle tickets! I have made some of the hospital visits with the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They were very rewarding trips. When we were in Tomah, we made a point to stop and see Larry Danielson. I am happy to report Larry is doing well and in very good spirits. He loves to have visitors, so if you are in the Tomah area PLEASE stop in and say hello. You will put a smile on his face and joy in his heart. I am looking forward to the bus trip to the National Home. It will be a good time for everyone. If this is your first trip it will be an experience you will never forget, and like myself, I am sure you will want to make return visits. I want to thank Bill Knudson for arranging the buses to take us to the National Home this year. I would like to thank everyone that helped make the testimonial celebration for Marla and myself a memorable event, it was greatly appreciated. Remember to help us by selling our raffle tickets, get your reports in, and don’t forget to knock on the doors of our unpaid members to ask them for their dues. REMEMBER, GET OUT AND VOTE. Best wishes and safe travel Turn to for Veterans Gary Erickson State Commander Department of Wisconsin SECURE OUR FUTURE TODAY BY DONATING TO THE WISCONSIN “twiggy” VFW TRUST FUND Johnson Patrick Nowlin from the Stoughton VFW Post 328 has issued a challenge to all State Sr. Vice VFW Members and Posts: He will match Commander all donations up to a $5,000.00 limit. Let’s 920-766-1491 meet the challenge and raise this money before DECEMBER 31, 2008. Make your srvicecdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com personal contribution and encourage your Post to make a donation also. A donation to the VFW Trust Fund is secure. Only the interest is spent, the principal remains intact, so your contribution essentially lasts forever, carrying on this important mission of assistance to Wisconsin Veterans. If each member would donate $20.00, we can raise $800,000.00 and then this would fund our vital programs in perpetuity. A specific Trust Fund Policy assures one and all that donations and expenditures are handled properly in order to both serve our mission and preserve this important fund. It is the mission of the Wisconsin VFW Trust Fund to help fulfill America’s promise to its veterans: To aid Wisconsin veterans and their families in their time of need, through the support of Wisconsin Veterans Homes in King and Union Grove; Wisconsin V A Medical Center located at Zablocki, Tomah and Madison; Wisconsin Veterans Cemeteries that are located at King, Union Grove and Spooner; also the Wisconsin residents at VFW National Home. You, as a member, can give money to the Trust Fund through a Will, Outright Gift, or Gift Annuities. Your Post can also donate something to support VFW programs which in turn, aid Wisconsin veterans and their families in their time of need, and to foster patriotism and scholarships among Wisconsin youth. When you come to Mid-Winter in February, look for the Trust Fund display, where you can get even more information and have an opportunity to purchase Trust Fund Challenge Coins and Pins that are for sale and whose proceeds are used to help build the Trust Fund. Can’t wait for Mid-Winter? Then contact Past State Commander Bill Hustad, State Headquarters or myself. We’ll even help your Post do a special Trust Fund promotion to generate funds. Please get behind this important program today! If you have any questions, contact PSC William Hustad bhustad@spsinet.com, 608527-2942 or VFW State Hq., Steve Lawrence, wivfw@att.net, 608-255-6655 Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson State Sr. Vice Commander 2008-2009
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State officerS
CVS WHAT? What or who is a CVSO? Over the last charlene cobb several weeks I have had to explain who a CVSO is to both veterans and civilians State Chaplain alike. First of all, the letters CVSO stand 262-882-6022 for County Veterans Service Officer. The purpose and the mission of a County chaplain@wi.vfw Veterans Service Officer is to serve as webmail.com the liaison between veterans and the federal and state Veterans Affairs (VA) office to obtain benefits and services they are entitled to that the VA provides. CVSOs are veteran advocates, to assist veterans and their dependents in any way possible. For anyone that doesn’t know the Wisconsin State statutes mandate that every county in Wisconsin have a Veterans Service Officer. County Veterans Service Officers deal with a large variety of benefits and programs for veterans. They assist veterans with disability and pension claims, home loans, education, medical care, nursing homes, military records and awards, employment, death benefits, emergency aid, veteran transportation to and from medical care, and a host of other federal and state programs. CVSOs get the benefits to the veteran! Veterans, their dependents, and the survivors of veterans are encouraged to contact their County Veterans Service Officer to inquire about benefits to which they might be entitled. Their CVSO will explore all possible eligibilities, and will complete all the paperwork necessary to apply for those benefits. To obtain contact information for your CVSO, you can go to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs website and click on the link for Veterans Service Offices or look in your local phone book under your County offices for the Veterans Service Office. Now, for the rest of the story, as to the reason I’ve had to explain who a CVSO is - I AM ONE. On the 25th of September, I accepted the position of the Sheboygan County Veterans Service Officer. I started my new job on the 13th of October and am looking forward to “Serving Those Who Served” in Sheboygan County. This is from a VA news release dated September 23, 2008. Veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may receive gundel Metz badly-needed support for themselves and State Surgeon their families after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced recently 608-698-8825 that ALS will become a presumptively surgeon@ compensable illness for all veterans with wi.vfwwebmail.com 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military. “Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general population, and it was appropriate to take action,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake said. Secretary Peake based his decision primarily on a November 2006 report by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the association between active-duty service and ALS. The report, titled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Veterans: Review of the Scientific Literature, analyzed numerous previous studies on the issue and concluded that “there is limited and suggestive evidence of an association between military service and later development of ALS.” ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease that affects about 20,000 to 30,000 people of all races and ethnicities in the United States. ALS causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that leads to muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and spontaneous muscle activity. The new interim final regulation applies to all applications for benefits received by VA on or after September 23, 2008, or that are pending before VA, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on that date. VA will work to identify and contact veterans with ALS, including those whose claims for ALS were previously denied, through direct mailings and other outreach programs. If you have been diagnosed with ALS but never thought about filing for VA disability, contact your Post Service Officer Wisconsin VFW News or your County Veterans Service Officer. Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars You may also contact our Service Office News is published six times per year by in Milwaukee at 414-902-5748. the Department of Wisconsin Veterans of Gundel Metz Foreign Wars of the United States, 214 N. State Surgeon Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703.
Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, WI and additional office: Greenville, WI. Subscription rates $6.00 per year for non-members, $.60 per year membership dues is for the official publication Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News. Postmaster: send address changes to: V.f.W. circulation department, 406 West 34th street, Kansas city, Mo 64111. I.S.S.N. #1061-4591 U.S.P.S. #007787 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars coMMittee: Robert Bolz - Post 1691, News Chairman Roger Boeker, Post 1318 Charlene Cobb, Post 10173 Bernie Olson, Post 10510 Tom Lemmer, Jr.Vice Cmdr., Post 6377 Lisa Kimmel, Post 10262, Ladies Aux. Liaison editor: William Knudson 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: 715-384-2500 vfwnews.wi@verizon.net deadline first of tHe MontH of Publication
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 3
nov/dec, 2008
ATTENTiON Post’s Judge Advocate’s Contest Your VFW Department Judge Advocate Michael borg is always looking for ways to improve our Judge Advocate communications with the members and leadership, and I think this newspaper is a 920-739-5730 valuable tool in that effort. At this time I would like to reverse the judge@wi.vfwwebmail.com normal procedure of responding to questions asked by District and Post officers and the membership. We have many outstanding Judge Advocates at the District and Post levels. Basic duties of a Judge Advocate is to give their Post Commander and membership legal assistance, incident to his office, as he may request, and perform such other duties as may be usually incident to the office or as may from time to time be required of him by the laws and usages of this organization or lawful orders from proper authority. Here is the plan: I will ask questions in reference to general knowledge of VFW. You are to answer the question and supply references (National Bylaws, Manual of Procedure, and to Demeter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure – such as articles, sections and general source information) to justify your answer. Question: Is a motion required to accept the Quartermaster Report? Question: When the Quartermaster’s Report is given at a Post Meeting, does each line item have to be read, or can the Quartermaster give only the total amounts of each fund? Question: Can a District or Post Commander challenge the eligibility of a Post member? Question: Who may initiate disciplinary action against a member? Question: Do Posts have the right to refuse admittance to members from other Posts to their canteens? Question: Can a member of a Post who has their Canteen/Clubroom privileges suspended, be denied the right to attend monthly meetings of the Post? Question: Can a visiting official be asked to leave the Post meeting when financial matters are being discussed? Question: What is the correct procedure to be followed when conducting an audit? Question: Can a convicted felon become a member of the VFW? Question: What happens when an officer resigns and no one can be found to fill the office? Question: Can the Post Quartermaster serve as Canteen Manager simultaneously? Question: Does the Ritual cover special meetings and how does it address this function? Question: What can a District Commander do when the Post Commander fails to attend required meetings after having been properly notified? Question: Which section of the Congressional Charter do we recite during the opening of the Post meeting - is it really required to be read? Question: Can the Post Commander change activities of the Post without talking to the membership? Question: Can a Post reject a qualified veteran for membership? Question: When registering as the Commander of the Post, at the Department Convention, can he cast the delegate votes of the Post? Question: On the National and Department level, who is the governing body between conventions? Question Arrearages: Can a Post be deprived of its voting privileges at National, Department, District and County Council meeting by failure to submit a Trustee’s Quarterly Report of Audit? Question: Can the Post Commander relieve a trustee for failure to fulfill his duties? Question: What action can the Judge Advocate (at all levels) take when a Commander gives an opinion that may be in conflict with the National By-Laws? Question: If the Commander of the Post resigns and the Senior Vice Commander refuses to move up, what is the procedure? Question: What is the time period for a Post to lose its charter because of inactivity? Question: Are caps removed during the recitation prayers at a Post meeting, and if removed, is the cap placed over the heart? Impress your Post with your knowledge of our bylaws Forward your responses to my email judgeadvo@tds.net or mail to Michael L. Borg, VFW State Judge Advocate, 1809 N. Oneida Street, Appleton, WI 54911, by November 20, 2008. i will post the results on my web blog and mention the most knowledgeable District or Post Judge Advocate in my next newspaper article. Thanks. To visit the Judge Advocate’s Weblog, click the Link entitled “State JUDGE ADVOCATE”, or type the following address into your Web Browser: http://www.vfwwebcom. org/wi/judgeadvocate/.
Looking for a job is not easy
Have you looked at your local town/city, county or state job listings or even federal government? If you have no clue where to start, look in your local phone book and look for the nearest Job Service Center. Or they can be found at http://dwd. wisconsin.gov/. Department of Workforce Development has a listing of all the Job Service Centers in Wisconsin. Job Service Centers have disabled veteran positions who are there to assist you in finding the right tools and/or refer you to a job that you may be qualified for. If you want to apply for a state job, look under http://wisc.jobs/public/index. asp. There you can find state jobs listed by county or by state department/division. There are also federal jobs in Wisconsin and they are found at http://www.usajobs. opm.gov/. When applying for any government job, regardless of what level, a veteran may receive extra points for their military service. It is never easy to change jobs, especially coming out of the military. But there are still jobs out there. Unless an employer asks that an applicant has a certain degree (i.e. nursing, lawyer, doctor) don’t just assume that you do not qualify. Some of your military training may qualify you for jobs that you may not have thought about. A lot of jobs are found through networking. Get to know other veterans in your area or business owners and you never know when they may be able to refer you to a job. Don’t always set your sights on the highest position even though the money is nice. You may have to take a lower position than you want, but once you have your foot in the door you can then apply for higher positions. Any job openings that I receive will always be forwarded to our web administrator to be posted on our web site, http:// vfwwebcom.org/Wisconsin. These and other job opportunites are categorized under VFW News & Events, “Veterans Job Opportunities.” Good luck! Gundel Metz Employment Chair
DaroN JeNseN
for 71st Assembly
Paid for by Friends of Jensen, Annie Rzentkowski, Treasurer
NoVember 4th
Vote
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nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
wdva update
wdva news briefs
Ken black
acting secretary of the Wi dept. of Veterans affairs
Bad reasons to not get a flu shot
Thanks to State Surgeon Gundy Metz for letting me contribute this column. Since influenza (flu) season will come soon, I Jeff Whittle, will use this column to comment on the Md, MPH most common concerns I hear about the flu Clement J. shot. Even if you get the flu shot every year, Zablocki VA this information may help you convince a comrade to get it, which could save his or Medical Center her life. The most common reason I hear is “I never get the flu, so I don’t need it.” Unfortunately, the best reason to take the flu shot is like the reason to take blood pressure pills – it prevents severe flu, which leads to pneumonia, which puts you in the hospital or worse. I think this argument is sort of like saying you don’t treat your blood pressure because you never get strokes. Also, even if you don’t get sick with the flu, your shot keeps you from giving it to someone else. I should say that I have never been at all sick with the flu, but I still get the shot because I don’t want to give it to my patients. If any of your friends or relatives are not healthy as you, you should get the shot for them, even if you don’t think you need it. The second most common reason is that it does not work. It is true that some people who take the flu shot still get the flu – many still get severe flu that lands them in the hospital. But the idea is not that the flu shot is perfect – the idea is that it improves your chances. To use a military example, if you hit the dirt when you hear incoming fire, it does not mean you won’t get hurt – but it sure improves your chances. The third reason is that the person took the flu shot and it gave them the flu. We can be sure this is not true because of what is in the flu shot. The flu is caused by flu viruses getting into your system, then multiplying before your body can recognize and fight them. The way we make flu vaccine is to take flu viruses, kill them, and then grind them into small pieces. The pieces are big enough for the body to recognize it as a bad thing. When you get the flu shot, your body gets ready to fight off a flu virus, or anything that looks like one. So when you are exposed to the flu, you can fight it quickly. When some people get the flu shot, their body works very hard to get ready to fight – even though it is not a virus. This can give you a slight fever or make you feel achy – a little like a mild case of the flu. It is a sign that you recognized the vaccine as a virus and are ready if a real flu virus comes along. But it won’t lead to pneumonia, like the real flu can. The good news is that very few people now complain that the shot is too expensive, or that they can’t find a place to get it. Now that almost all experts agree that it saves lives and money, it is pretty easy to find places that will give you a shot. Medicare covers the flu shot and many places have free programs for people without insurance. So go get one!!
(NOTE: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John A. Scocos was deployed to Iraq in September. During his absence Deputy Secretary Ken Black serves as the Acting Secretary. WDVA will continue to provide monthly information updates until Secretary Scocos’ return.) Message from Acting Secretary Black: I’d like to thank Secretary Scocos for giving me the opportunity to take on this huge task of continuing to provide the best service, support and benefits to all veterans in Wisconsin. The best we can do for the veterans will come about as the result of the entire veteran community working together to do that. Our intent is to continue to focus on veterans; we should think very carefully about the resources we have available and ensure that we’re using them wisely. I encourage comments and input from the veteran community. I thank the County Veterans Service Officers, the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organizations and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs staff for all you do for veterans. (The following information is an update from the department.) Veterans Day is observed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. The history of Veterans Day – formerly known as “Armistice Day” – dates back ninety years ago to November 11, 1918, when on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month there was an armistice, or cease fire, ending World War I. In May 1938, an act passed declaring November 11th of each year as a legal holiday. It continues to be observed each year on the actual day on which the date falls. Veterans Day ceremonies. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has posted on the department website, at www. WisVets.com/Events, a list of Veterans Day ceremonies and observations taking place around the state; additional entries about organization and community Veterans Day events are welcomed. The department’s theme for Veterans Day 2008 is “Generations of Thanks for Generations of Service.” On November 11, WDVA will hold ceremonies at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King (in the Marden Multipurpose Room at 10:30 a.m.) and at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. WDVA will also participate in a ceremony at the State Capitol. There will NOT be a ceremony held this year at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove due to construction of a second columbarium following a $1.3 million construction grant from the federal VA. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs encourages all citizens to take time to honor all veterans on November 11th. To read more about Veterans Day, go to www. WisVets.com/VeteransDay. Veterans Recognition Week and Hire A Veteran Week. Pursuant to 2007 Wisconsin Act 22, the State of Wisconsin has declared that the seven-day period that ends on November 11 (Nov. 5-11) is designated as “Veterans Recognition Week” in Wisconsin and the week of November that starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday in which November 11 falls (Nov. 9-15) is designated as “Hire A Veteran Week” in Wisconsin. These time periods will be dedicated to recognizing the contribution and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and to recognize special needs and encourage the hiring of unemployed military veterans. Each year, the Governor shall issue suitable proclamations for the observance of “Veterans Recognition Week” and “Hire A Veteran Week,” encouraging all citizens to honor veterans, emphasizing education efforts directed at teaching students concerning the contributions and
sacrifices of veterans. Supermarket of Veterans Benefits. A two-day event was hosted by WDVA, along with representatives from the federal VA, veterans service organizations, county veterans service offices and others, at the National Guard Armory in New Richmond on October 24-25. There were over 40 providers on hand to meet with veterans and their families about benefits and services. See www.WisVets.com/Supermarkets. Pearl Harbor Day. The anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day (December 7, 1941) will be commemorated on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, on Sunday, December 7, 2008. WDVA will hold a ceremony at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum to honor the day. Watch for details on this and other upcoming events at www. WisVets.com/events. Entrance Fee Waiver to Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails for certain Disabled Veterans and Ex-POWs. Effective October 1, 2008, disabled Wisconsin veterans with at least a 70% serviceconnected VA disability rating and former prisoners of war are eligible to receive a waiver of admission fees at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Trails. Information on how to apply is available from WDVA at www.wisvets.com/parks or from your local County Veterans Service Officer. Recovery Care Handbook for Wounded Warriors. The Pentagon’s new U.S. Dept. of Defense Compensation and Benefits Handbook, Wounded, Ill and Injured Compensation & Benefits Handbook, available on WDVA’s website at www.WisVets. com/BenefitsBooklets, is designed to help service members and their family members navigate through the military and veteran disability, evaluation, compensation, and benefits programs. WDVA Biennial Budget Request 20092011: The 2009-11 budget request submitted by the Department reflects Wisconsin’s commitment to providing the benefits and services its veterans need and deserve while maintaining the financial viability of the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF), Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund (MLRF), and Veterans Homes. The budget initiatives focus on four areas: • Maintaining Current Programs and Services Through More Efficient Operations • Meeting New Emergent Needs • Exploring New Revenue Sources and • Shifting Funding to Alternatives Sources. The budget initiatives for the 2009-11 biennium reflect that we “cannot be all things to all people” yet recognized the state’s responsibility to honor its commitments to our veterans. To that end, the most critical budget initiative in our 2009-2011 biennial budget is the request to shift Veterans Trust Fund funding for the Wisconsin Veterans Museum to General Purpose Revenue. The Veterans Museum serves as a memorial to veterans by recognizing, acknowledging and affirming the sacrifices Wisconsin’s veterans have made to insure the health, safety and freedom of the citizens of this state and the nation. If approved, veterans would no longer be asked to continue to bear the cost of preserving their legacy by funding the Museum from the dwindling resources of the Veterans Trust Fund. That responsibility would be equally shared by all Wisconsinites by being paid from general purpose tax revenues. As the budget request passes through the various levels of state government, updates will continue to be posted to the WDVA website www.wisvets.com. For more information on WDVA state programs, services and resources, visit www. WisVets.com or call 1-800-WIS-VETS (1-800-947-8387).
State Board of veterans affairs seeking nominations for veteran Lifetime achievement award
(MADISON) – The Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs is seeking nominations for its Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented at its meeting on December 12, 2008 in Union Grove. The Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Wisconsin veterans who have compiled a record of exemplary service as a military service member, a veteran, and as a citizen during the veteran’s lifetime. The December 2008 award recipient will be selected from among nominations received for veterans residing in counties located in the southeast region of Wisconsin (Calumet, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Washington, Walworth, Waukesha, Winnebago counties). Nominations for the Board’s December meeting must be postmarked no later than November 15, 2008. The award is part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to underscore its commitment to taking veterans issues out to where veterans live, work, and enjoy the freedoms of the United States of America and to encourage greater veteran participation in Board of Veterans Affairs meetings. The Board, through a subcommittee appointed by the Board Chair, selects the recipients from nominations submitted by individuals (including family members of the nominee), veterans service and other organizations, county veterans service officers, and fellow veterans. There will be up to six annual awards, four regional and two statewide ones. Nominations may be submitted at any time during the year, but no later than the 15th of the month prior to each proposed award. Completed nominations should be mailed to: Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Lifetime Achievement Award, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, 30 W. Mifflin St., P.O. Box 7843, Madison, WI 53707-7843, or faxed to: (608) 264-7616. For more information on the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Veterans Lifetime Achievement Award, to include past recipients and nomination forms, visit online at www.wisvets.com/boardaward, or call WDVA at (608) 266-1315.
auxiLary
Moose Memo
Subject: GIVE THANKS WITH A Marla J. Morgan GRATEFUL HEART Department To: The Sisters of the Department of President Wisconsin 715-384-2500 From: Marla J. Morgan, Department President marla.aux.wi@verizon.net For many of us, the upcoming holiday season is a time we both cherish and dread. Many articles have been written on the subjects of holiday stress and expectations. Anyone responsible for the planning and execution (now THERE’S an interesting choice of words!) of family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas knows these subjects all too well. We want the perfect “Norman Rockwell” scene around our dinner tables and living rooms. Turkey and trimmings by Sara Moulton; tree and place settings by Martha Stewart; cards by Hallmark; memories by Kodak. Yet time and again, our efforts fall a bit short. Somehow, something’s missing and it just doesn’t seem like it was when we were children. Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday from my college days forward. Over the years, gathering with good food and good company (NOT always blood relation!) to pause and give thanks, has come to be a most fulfilling time. Ultimately, the menu and the venue and the dress code haven’t much mattered. What carries forward from year to year, is a sense of gratitude and peace. The feeling that “this is where I belong in God’s plan.” (Even that year I failed at the new pumpkin dessert recipe!) As I travel this great state and country of ours, from one meeting to the next Conference, I have plenty of “windshield time” to reflect on a variety of subjects, and I always return to the same conclusion: I am VERY blessed. First, to live in this country of freedom and opportunity. Second, to love and be loved by some of the best human beings on the planet. Third, to be able to learn something new every day. Fourth, to be able to give, and give back, from the resources and talents that I have been given. And the list goes on. And yet somehow, at times, something is still missing. “Have I given my all? Have I done my best? Have I made a difference?” we ask from time to time. In a few short weeks, we will pause to honor the very source of our organization: our Veterans of Foreign Wars, and all calls to duty. Not only those of 20, 40, 50 or 60+ years ago, but those who are fighting the fight today and tomorrow, in 2008 and beyond. Only the members of our parent organization - and a few select Auxiliary Sisters who were there, too - can truly understand firsthand what it means to be a veteran. But the rest of us have the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to remind our country and the world, every day, of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. Let us never fail to count those brave warriors among our many blessings. “Let all our actions be for the greater glory of our cause.” nnn And while we are counting blessings, know that I give thanks with an extremely grateful heart to all who have made the first part of the year so enjoyable and rewarding. The hospitality at meetings and special events has been outstanding - I have never felt so warmly welcomed wherever I travel. Special thanks to all those who made the Testimonial Celebration so much fun, and for the VERY lovely and generous gifts. Earlier in the day, we had a very productive Council of Administration meeting at which we had to deal with some very difficult issues facing our Auxiliary. The input and discussion were excellent as we addressed the very real situation of our Department budget and revenue. Sisters, it is crunch time. We will be corresponding with ALL Auxiliaries in our Department, asking for your special support of our budget and programs. PLEASE give our request your most serious consideration and respond as generously as possible - as I know you always do. Thank you in advance for your help - know that ALL OF YOU are blessings to me! Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 5
nov/dec, 2008
cancer Battle Gets $15,000 infusion
ladies auxiliary 2007-08 canceraid & research chairman shirley sabatke and Past state President (07/08) Joyce Hoffman present a check for nearly $15,000 to dr. James burmester, Phd, senior research scientist, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation on their recent visit. The Ladies Auxiliary holds many fundraisers to carry on this critical fight against Cancer. The Marshfield Clinic is a leading research facility in that battle.
vfw auxiliary Membership
A very special “thank you” to all who are working so hard to make Wisconsin 100%. As of September 30th, Wisconsin was at 74.99% with 25 auxiliaries at 100%. Keep up the great work and our Department will reach 100%! Special congratulations to VFW Auxiliary #7534 Village of Howard in Duck Creek for being the recipient of one of two National “Trail Boss” awards in the amount of $250 for reaching 100% by August 31. Way to go, sisters!! November is our “Special Recruiting Month.” Does your auxiliary have plans to “recruit new” and “reinstate former” members? Why not work with your VFW members to sign up eligible members in their family who have never joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Special information was given to your District President at our Fall Council Meeting, so if you need additional ideas for a recruiting event, please give her a call. Check this month’s general orders for the forms and awards available. Remember to express your gratitude to our veterans for their service to our country during this season of Thanksgiving. Blessings to you and your families! Judy Borg, Membership Chairperson 1809 N. Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54911 920-739-5730 • judybee@tds.net
Need To Get The Word Out?
if you have a business, if you are running for a political office, or whatever the need may be, you can place an ad in our Wisconsin VFW News Phone: 715-384-2500 E-mail: vfwnews.wi@verizon.net
district Person’s name 1 Nada Meyers 2 Florence Wetzel 2 Edith Goecks 2 Virginia Caravello 2 Betty Olrick 3 Shirley Crow* 3 Bernice M Sheldon* 3 Lois Timmerman 4 Lorraine Kornovich 5 Mary Culver* 6 Janet Prepster 6 Marcella Berkhokltz* 6 Marie Warner 6 Martina Winckler* 6 Marjorie Krueger 6 Mary Horn 6 Helen Hutchinson 7 Vivian Radtke 7 Lorraine Schenzel 7 Janet Krueger 7 Patricia Bostwick 7 Mary Anne Keaslip 7 Betty Barden 7 Selma Porath* 7 Shirley F Sorenson 7 Frances Taschner 7 Undine Goetz 7 Elsie Anna Pauley 8 Margaret Hensel 8 Marian Landon 8 Darlene Backus* 8 Catherine Baeten* 8 Mildred Kappell 8 Laura Belongia 8 Margaret Noack 8 Violet Skubal 8 Emaline Raymaker* 9 Hilda Jochimsen* 9 Frieda M Johnson 9 Florence Doyle 9 Muriel D. Lisowski 9 Edith Glenna* 9 Donna M Olson 9 Dona Joan Phillips 10 Dolores Gurske* 10 Norma Price* 10 Ruby Pierson* 10 Sylvia Forsberg 10 Irene M Carlson* 10 Margaret Karamanski* 11 Viola Ebner 11 Inez Rossi 11 Marjorie O Rude * Life Member
Draping of the Charter
city Monroe Mukwonago Madison Madison Pardeeville Platteville Platteville Benton South Milwaukee Milwaukee Sheboygan West Bend Slinger West Bend Sheboygan Sheboygan Germantown Wausau Wausau Wausau Wausau Clintonville King Merrill Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin Rapids Mosinee Plover Manitowoc Manitowoc Kaukauna Kaukauna Kaukauna Kaukauna Kellnersville Mishocot Combined Locks Eau Claire Medford Medford Mondovi Town of Union Alma Center Altoona Ashland Ashland Spooner Phillips Weyerhaeuser Clear Lake LaCrosse Lyndon Station Westby
auxiliary 2312 7221 7591 7591 10263 5274 5274 7896 3742 2923 1230 1393 3358 8658 9156 9156 9202 388 388 388 388 664 1464 1638 2534 2534 8733 10262 659 659 3319 3319 3319 3319 6179 7753 10544 305 5729 5729 6711 7232 8494 10405 690 690 1028 5778 5780 5828 1530 5970 8021
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nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
newS froM the State vSo
Part II
are met, the VA will schedule you for a compensation and pension examination. This examination is used to diagnose the claimed condition(s). Document extent of current disability, reconcile diagnoses, show relationships between conditions, provide nexus statements and provide any other medical elements needed for deciding claims. Remember what the DI told you in basic trainingdo not volunteer for anything, well this stands true in the C and P examination, do not volunteer any information unless asked. When asked, answer all questions to the best of your knowledge and honestly. The examiner is very watchful, he/she sees you from the time you get out of your chair and walk to the examination room and all the way through the examination. Many times we have individuals claim a condition, then will tell the examiner they do not have any symptoms or deny the claimed condition. So please don’t become upset when the claim is denied. Again, remember the VA is not the bad guy and they definitely are not out to get you. The State Service Office is always ready to assist you and answer any and all questions about the claims process. The next article will take you through the Appeals process.
Middleton va hospital Gift
what do we really know about the va?
If I had a dime (the price has risen due to inflation, it used to be a penny) for every time I heard the VA is just looking for a reason to deny my claim or they are waiting until I die so they don’t have to give away their money, I would be a rich man and I could retire. Again, the VA will look at all medical evidence and veteran’s own statement(s) thoroughly to see if they can grant benefits sought. In the last article, we looked at why you need to start preparing for your VA claim early. In this article, I will take you through the two phases of the development stage and the compensation and pension examination. Phase I, Pre-determination: The VA will verify eligibility, service dates and character of service. Veteran must complete full period of enlistment or at least 24 months of continuous active duty under honorable conditions. Veteran who receives an under other than honorable conditions discharge is not entitled to compensation; however, he may be entitled to healthcare. Phase II, Development: There are three separate and distinct requirements that must be met. First, you must have a current positive diagnosis of a chronic
lee guerrero disability. This may be due to an injury, disease, aggravation of a pre-existing condition as determined by a doctor, or a condition secondary to an already serviceconnected condition, again as determined by a doctor. Second, there must be evidence the disability began while you were inservice on active duty. The third requirement is that there must be a nexus or link between the currently diagnosed disability that you are claiming and your time in the service. Without this proof for each issue you claim, the VA is not permitted to grant your claim. Note: The VA considers most disabilities to be current if there is a diagnosis in your service medical records. If all the above requirements
deborah thompson, director of the Middleton Va Hospital, receives a check for $1,200 from auxiliary President Marla Morgan during her visit to the Middleton Va facility. the check presentation followed a detailed review of programs and progress at the Middleton complex. Middleton Va is ranked among the best Va facilities in the nation. Middleton plans to use the donated funds for cable tV hookups for patients.
dept. of defense revises purple heart eligibility
The Department of Defense announced today it has expanded the Purple Heart eligibility criteria allowing prisoners-of-war who died in captivity to receive the award. The revised department policy presumes, for service members who die in captivity as a qualifying prisoner-of-war, that their death was the “result of enemy action,” or the result of wounds incurred “in action with the enemy” during capture, or as a result of wounds incurred as a “result of enemy action” during capture, unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary. The revised policy allows retroactive award of the Purple Heart to qualifying prisoners-of-war since Dec. 7, 1941. Posthumous award will be made to the deceased service member’s representative, as designated by the secretary of the military department concerned, upon application to that military department. Each military department will publish application procedures and ensure they are accessible by the general public. Family members with questions may contact the services: Army: Military Awards Branch, (703) 325-8700; Navy: Navy Personnel Command, Retired Records Section, (314) 592-1150; Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center, (800) 616-3775; Marine Corps: Military Awards Branch, (703) 784-9340. For further information, media representatives should contact Eileen Lainez, (703) 695-3895, eileen.lainez@osd.mil. U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
union Grove veterans home receives $1,200
auxiliary President Marla Morgan and Hospital chairman Karen Johnson present a check in the amount of $1,200 to officials of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union grove.
vfw Gift cardS
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 7
nov/dec, 2008
voice of democracy and patriot’s pen programs
The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition for 2008-09 theme is: “Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth by ….” By now you should have contacted the high schools, youth groups and home school students and have the program started. Remember, the competition is open to high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors and gives them the opportunity to write and record a broadcast script on the stated theme, competing for more than 2.5 million in college scholarships and incentives. The entry must include a typed script, a standard cassette tape or CD of the recorded script (3-5 minutes in duration), and a student entry form. The top three Department prizes are, $1500.00 for 1st place, $1000.00 for 2nd place and $500.00 for 3rd place. Also the 1st place winner will be brought to Washington DC, to compete for $146,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $30,000. PATRiOTS PEN CONTEST The theme for this year’s Patriot Pen contest is “Why America’s Veterans Should be Honored.” This program is for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and should be a written essay between 300 and 400 words. The 1st place Department winner will receive $600.00, 2nd place $400.00 and 3rd place will receive $300.00. The 1st place National winner will receive a $10,000.00 Savings Bond. Again, you should have by now contacted all schools, youth groups and home schooled students in your area. Posts and auxiliaries must be prepared to commit chairman, officers, personnel and resources to the competition to make both programs succeed. Remember these are joint programs! Please work with the Ladies Auxiliaries to administer these programs. When you submit your reports include the Ladies, giving them their credit. If possible, submit the District Chairman’s report with the tape/essay. THE DEADLiNES FOR BOTH PROGRAMS ARE: MIDNIGHT, November 1st, Student entries to the Post/Aux. November 15th, Completion of Post/Aux. judging. December 6th, Completion of District judging. Have the tapes/essays with the student’s picture to me no later than December 12th. January 7th, Completion of Department judging. January 15th The Department winners are due at National. All the required information and forms for the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen are available on the National VFW web site, www.vfw.org, or our State VFW WebCOM at vfwofwi.com, under the “E-Forms” at the top of the page. This year the top three winners of each program will be announced at the Department Mid-Winter luncheon. Only the top winners of each program and their parents will be invited to attend the luncheon. Good luck with your programs and may we again have National Winners. My e-mail address is bobbulz@sbcglobal. net and my phone number is 262-786-5221 if you have any questions. Yours in Comradeship Bob Bolz Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Chairman
past State commander frank Brown receives certificate of appreciation
Krause-langer Post 6614, Waterloo, Quartermaster bill sullivan presents a framed certificate of appreciation to Past State Commander Frank brown for his generous donations for improvements to our Post. along with the certificate, the frame also holds uniform patches from the 3 units frank served with during his years in the military.
VfW gift card order forM
“Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale and undermine the military are saboteurs, and should be arrested, exiled or hanged.”
– Abraham Lincoln 1863
Dan Mielke Agrees!
“Our veterans, who fought for our nation’s freedom, deserve the best care available and no Congressman or Senator should have the right to reduce that care by cutting their funding!”
Sound good? There is more!
• Dan Mielke is not a typical politician. He is an AMERICAN patriot. • Mielke is strongly opposed to illegal immigration. Obey voted 47 times for illegals. • Mielke believes that American business and industry should be encouraged to stay in the United States. Dave Obey is driving them away!
• Mielke will never jeopardize the lives and safety of our soldiers. If we send them, we must support them. Dave Obey tried to cut funding to our troops. • Persuasion and positive communication are the best tools for promoting ideas, not abusive bullying. • Mielke is a strong Second Amendment supporter. • Mielke will protect the elderly, the disabled, and our veterans! • Mielke has 33 years of business experience in the district! He is one of us! • Dan Mielke has not been negatively influenced by 39 years of rubbing shoulders with lobbyists like Dave Obey has. He will represent us, not illegal immigrants & lobbyists. Dave Obey has been in Congress 39 YEARS! • Mielke believes that we need to be energy independent and is for environmentally safe drilling and strongly favors more alternative and renewable energy use. Dave Obey opposes drilling for oil.
Elect
Dan Mielke
For Congress in the 7th District
www.DANiELMiELKE.com
2550 County Road ii, Rudolph, Wi 54475
Paid for by Mielke for Congress, Robin Mielke, Treasurer - 715-344-4104
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nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
StateMent of ownerShip
waukesha installs post & aux officers
wisconsin Membership Memos
The month of September closed with the Department of Wisconsin in twelfth place in the National standings. That’s the good news. However, the bad news is we are 1400 members behind last year on the same date. The next dues reminder will be mailed around the 15th of October, which means we won’t see the results until late October or early November. We are asking each post to organize a membership drive for those unpaid members during the next couple months so we can bring this department to 100%. If any post needs any help, please call me or one of the department officers or one of the membership team in your area. If we are to continue to be a strong voice for veterans, we must have a strong membership. We all know the members are out there, we must seek them out and get them to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The latest statistic in the 2007 year indicates there are 100,000 veterans eligible for the Veterans of Foreign Wars living in Wisconsin, and with our Membership at about 43,000 there is room for considerable growth The latest membership report shows there are many posts needing 5 members or less to reach 100%. Please make that push to reach that 100% before the end of the year. The District Commanders have mailed lists to all the posts of eligible members in your various areas, so if your post has received one of these lists, please make that contact and have them become Members Our congratulations to all those posts that have reached that 100% or better. I know that we will add many more with your help before the end of the year. Wally Hogan, Membership Chairman
aux post 6705 sends halloween treats
at Waukesha’s soat-Vergenze Post 721, cora tessmann, ladies auxiliary President, and dave Matuszak, Post commander, pause for a joint photograph following their recent installation of Post and auxiliary Officers. These two organizations have a well-deserved reputation for joint efforts on behalf of VfW and Veterans projects. We wish them well in the coming year.
VfW ladies auxiliary to Post 6705, denmark, assembled and sent enough Halloween treats for all the children at the VfW national Home for children in eaton rapids, Mi. louise dahlke and Mary adams led the way. thank you, ladies!
13. Publication Title 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications)
1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date
Wisconsin VFW News
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation
May 2008
Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date
Wisconsin VFW News
4. Issue Frequency
1 6
0
6
1
_
4
5
9
1
October 1, 2008
6. Annual Subscription Price
5. Number of Issues Published Annually
Veterans Newspaper
a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541(Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies)
Every other month
60¢ Member
Contact Person
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®)
43,000 41,584
42,000 40,756
Steve Lawrence 214 N. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) Telephone (Include area code)
(608) 255-6655 214 N. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)
(1)
Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS (2) Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales (3) Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®)
Steve Lawrence, 214 N. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703
Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
William Knudson, 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449
Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4))
41,584
40,756
William Knudson, 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449
10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Full Name Complete Mailing Address d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)
(1)
Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541
(2)
State of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars
214 N. Hamilton St. Madison, WI 53703
(3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)
500 500 42,084 916 43,000 99%
500 500 41,256 744 42,000 99%
Publication not required.
e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)) f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)
g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box Full Name h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) X None Complete Mailing Address i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)
16. Publication of Statement of Ownership
X
If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the ________________________ issue of this publication. October, 2008
17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner
Date
12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: X Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 1 of 3 (Instructions Page 3)) PSN 7530-01-000-9931 PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com
I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 2 of 3)
veterans memorials
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 9
nov/dec, 2008
A group from a recent Honors Flight visit to the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. Honors Flight participants are flown, at no cost to them, to the Capitol for a one-day visit and tour. WW-II Vets are passing away at the rate of 1200 a day, and Bill Brockman of Post 6498 wants our VFWs to help fund this fitting program before it’s too late.
veterans memorials and our mission of service
This is a great time for Veterans Memorials. Finally, after far too many years, our Nation’s Capitol has an expansive memorial dedicated to our “Greatest Generation,” to brave citizen-soldiers who won the Second World War. There is a Traveling Vietnam Wall that is in the midst of making numerous stops across Wisconsin, most recently at Wausau, and just a couple of weeks ago at Princeton, with more stops scheduled in the coming months. Plover hosts a permanent Korean War Memorial, and The Highground in Neillsville has sections devoted to virtually all past conflicts, and continues to expand. It is a moving place to visit. Across the state, Veterans Memorials are springing up in all sizes, shapes and styles. We recently had a chance to review one of those efforts underway in Prairie du Chien. Memorial Committee Chairman Dean L. LaPointe (McKinney-Tyler-Portwine Post 1945) sought us out for advice and support, and while we will certainly support his efforts, we can tell you now that he is doing a remarkably professional job Home” ceremonies at their Veterans Memorial. By that, we mean that they turn out as a uniformed honor guard to welcome home veterans who may have long since returned but have never been recognized as individuals. Not long ago, a son requested that the Post welcome home his father, a Vietnam Veteran. The ceremony was arranged and conducted. The Honoree was deeply moved and honored. The son was proud, and the Post was fulfilling a key element of their mission. And it was not the first time they’ve done this, either. This is a concept that the New Richmond Post is willing to share with all their VFW Comrades. They even have a brochure explaining how their “Welcome Home” program works. And it works for any veteran of any conflict. Like many Posts, New Richmond Memorial has done its share of Community Service and Support the Troops projects. Not long ago, for example, they hosted a picnic for the soldiers of their local Army National Guard unit and provided a great time for them. But they deserve a special salute for coming up with an idea that is unique and even healing, in a way. Another example is that of Bill Brockman, a member and Past Post Commander of Post 6498, who has volunteered to take on the project of raising funds to enable WWII Vets to participate in the Honors Flight Program. Bill will be contacting VFW Posts directly to solicit funds for this remarkable and honorable program. Give him your support. This is the kind of action we look for in an outstanding VFW Post, and outstanding members. This is why our Post evaluation system is focused on what you do as a member and as a Post. It’s not just a numbers game anymore. It’s about service. It’s about our Mission. So keep on building the memorials and the tributes, but keep them alive with active and ongoing service to veterans. To contact Bill Brockman and help fund the Honor Flights, email him at wmdbrock@wi.rr. com or phone 414-918-8615. For more information on the Welcome Home ceremonial program, contact Lee Shourds at rangerydrlee@live.com or phone 715-425-8857.
Post 9362 Commander Phil Gerg emceed ceremonies at the dedication of the new Sun Prairie Area Veterans Memorial. in revitalizing this community’s Veterans Memorial! Not long ago, on September 19th, Sun Prairie unveiled their new Veterans Memorial. It is a beautiful and tasteful design and was the result of hard work done jointly by Klubertanz-Trapp Post 9362 and the Sun Prairie American Legion and their Auxiliaries (both Ladies and Mens). In Rothschild/Weston, Joe Kelbly, QM of Post 8892 and Jessica Maples, Adjutant of Peplin Post 8820, have worked long and hard to reinvigorate Rothschild’s Blue Star Memorial, refurbishing it and expanding it with a dedication ceremony slated for this Veterans Day. In counties, towns and cities the length and breadth of Wisconsin, the urge to memorialize, to commemorate and honor our veterans, living and dead, through stone, steel, brick and mortar, with flags and statuary, is played out over and over. We salute all who put great effort into these permanent tributes. But remember our VFW Mission: To Honor the Dead by Helping the Living. We need to think about how we will use these memorials to advance that mission. To erect a monument and then let it do the talking for us is to mute our voices and miss the greater opportunity to honor and serve. Lee Shourds, QM at Post 10818 in New Richmond, shared with us a great idea that puts a Veterans Memorial to unique and productive use beyond just being a silent reminder of heroes. Post 10818 regularly performs “Welcome
“Fallen Soldier” sculpture is the centerpiece of a beautiful new Veterans Memorial design to be constructed in Prairie du Chien. Chairman Dean LaPointe is leading the way on this project for Post 1945.
A Vietnam Vet, at the request of his son, is finally “welcomed home” by the Post 10818 Color Guard at the New Richmond Veterans Memorial. Post 10818 publishes a brochure describing these unique tributes and how to arrange one.
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nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
state inspector
post 9362 makes $5,000 Donation
state inspector’s report
It’s a pleasure to serve as your State Inspector for a second year and I thank Department Commander Gary Erickson for the appointment. During my second round as State Inspector, I will have a good opportunity to continue working toward, and seeing, improvements in the Trustees Report of Audit. This is the Quarterly Audit report each Post and District must submit to the Department for review. It is generally not a complicated report for most posts to complete and its purpose is to help protect Post finances from accidental or negligent/ intentional accounting errors. Post Trustees oftentimes believe that their positions might be unnecessary and largely ceremonial and this is completely untrue. The truth is that the Trustees are the watchdogs of our finances and they work not only for those members who regularly attend meetings but for all Post members who have an equal stake in the viability of the Post. They must not take their positions lightly. The following is a short summary of a Trustee’s duty as outlined in Sec. 218(a)(11)a-e, VFW Manual of Procedure: a. Within 30 days of the end of the quarter audit the books and records of the Quartermaster and Adjutant as well as any other activities by, for or on behalf of the Post and submit a report to the Post. b. Submit the Quarterly Audit in a timely manner through the Post Commander to the Department Quartermaster who in turn refers them to the Department (State) Inspector. c. Verify all expenditures by the Post and certify as to their correctness by their signature. d. Audit all accounts of committees, officers and members dealing with the expenditure of Post funds. e. Perform other duties as may be incident to the office as required by Post By-laws. To avoid a conflict-of-interest, Post Trustees may not serve on committees or as officers whose books they may audit. For example, a Trustee may not also serve on the House Committee since the Trustees will audit such committees. The improvements I expect to see beginning with the September 30th Audits include balanced funds (box 15) and accounts (box 17 total). This is simple accounting in that the way the Post designates monies be used (funds) must balance with the monies in the bank (accounts) that support those funds. Posts also need to make sure that they maintain a Dues Reserve Fund comprised of 50 percent of the Post’s share of all dues received and a Relief Fund to which all Poppy money is credited. Money in the Dues Reserve Fund is transferred to the General Fund each July 1st and the fund starts over at zero. On the other hand, the Relief Fund is carried over and is a restricted fund that may only be used pursuant to Sec. 704, VFW Manual of Procedure. Money not credited to any fund, such as that in some Certificates of Deposit, is also reported as such on the audit form. In addition to reviewing quarterly audits, I also review each annual Post Inspection Report submitted through your District Commander and the State Quartermaster. Generally, the Deputy Inspectors are reporting a lot of good work by the Posts they have visited so far this year. However, with only 15 percent of the Posts inspected, I can already see there is one item that hasn’t changed much from last year. This is the issue of naming both the Department and National Organizations as additional insured if the post maintains liability insurance. Just contact your insurance agent and request that the Department and National VFW be added when you renew your policy. It’s simple and usually doesn’t increase the insurance premium unless you request the change after the policy is in effect. I believe that we have gotten the word out to Posts to file IRS Form 990 this year. It is due by November 15 if the Post’s fiscal year ended June 30. Don’t jeopardize your tax exempt status by not filing. For Posts having income of less than $25,000 a year and with internet access there is a simple way to file electronically at http:// epostcard.form990.org. Before you visit the e-postcard site, read the instructions for e-filing posted on the Wisconsin Forms page of our Department website www. vfwforms.org. In closing, I sometimes wonder who my audience is and if they are interested in reading an article by the State Inspector. However, with three Trustees per Men’s Auxiliary, Post, District, and County Council, and with a Post Commander and Quartermaster in each unit, there should be at least 1,675 persons interested in this information. If all 1,675 of us do our jobs correctly, as we have sworn to do, we will have properly protected Post assets and tax exempt status. Thank you in advance for your attention to preparing and submitting timely and accurate audits and other reports. Leroy Jansky State Inspector
9/15/2008 Sun Prairie, WI. VFW Post 9362 Post Commander, Phil Gerg, presents a check for $5,000.00 to Sandy Lampman, HospiceCare Inc, representing proceeds from the VFW 2008 Mike Densmore Memorial Poker Run. Also pictured Kevin Tober, VFW Poker Run Chairman, back center Kathi Gannon, right Patt Steiner, VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Photo Dan Clavette, VFW 9362 Quartermaster.
Corrine Wisconsin State Assembly Wiesmueller Republican for
7th District - Parts of Greenfield & Milwaukee
Born in Japan, while both her parents were stationed at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. Her brother is currently serving in the United States Air Force in Iraq. As an elected official, she will always honor your service and sacrifice for Wisconsin and the United States of America
Paid for by Citizens for Corrine-Michelle Young, Treasurer
www.VoteCorrine.com (414) 315-6948
Bold new leadership, for a bright new future.
Did You Know...
The State of Wisconsin VFW News received 2nD PLaCE at this year’s National Publication Contest?
Gross-Yaksh Post 6498
Home Post of National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Tommy T. Tradewell
The Wisconsin VFW News… …Getting The Job Done!
Editor: William knudson 505 s. apple ave., marshfield, Wi 54449 Phone: (715) 384-2500 E-mail: vfwnews.wi@verizon.net
VFW Post 7232 Eau Claire’s “Other Post”
2 Blocks west on Folsom St. off North Clairmont Ave.
SupportS the VFW NeWS The Albert H. Groska VFW Post 8320
Past “All-State”
Junker-Ball VFW Post 1865 and Ladies auxiliary PuBLiC Bar OPEns 9 a.m. 7 Days a WEEk Visit us at 6618 39th Avenue Kenosha, WI Check our web site! www.vfw1865.org
• Daily Food Specials • 2 Halls for Rent • Complete Catering
Bar Open to the Public Hall Rental Available 4/08
PEWaukEE mEmOriaL POsT 9537
Meetings on the 3rd Wed. of the Month Post is open 4 til 8 p.m., Mon.-Fri. HOmE OF THE sTaTE HOnOr guarD The greatest little post in the state 1/08
Phone: 262-652-2751
8/08
The Wisconsin VFW News salutes these local Wisconsin Posts and thanks them for their patronage!
calenDar of events
OCTOBEr 31 QM Quarterly Audit due today (July 1-September 30). DECEmBEr 7 District 6 Mid Winter Post 5612 Plymouth 1:30 p.m. January 18 District 5 Meeting - Hart Park Wauwatosa 1:00 p.m. 25 District 2 Mid Winter Meeting Post 3709 Watertown 9:00 a.m. 25 District 1 Meeting - Post 1621 Janesville 10:00 a.m. 25 District 3 Meeting - Post 5274 Platteville 10:00 a.m. FEBruary 3 Deadline: Mid-Winter Conference Reservations 20-22 VFW & Ladies Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference marCH 22-25 VFW & Auxiliary Sr. Vice, QM/Adj
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
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nov/dec, 2008
& Secretary/Treasurer Conference aPriL 4-8 Voice of Democracy & Legislative Conference 18 District 10 Spring Meeting - Cootie & Social - Post 2490 Ladysmith 19 District 10 Spring Meeting - VFW & Aux Post 2490 Ladysmith 9:00 a.m. 19 District 7 Meeting - Post 388 Wausau 12:00 p.m. 25 District 8 Spring Meeting 12:00 p.m.
26 District 3 Meeting - Post 10393 Boscobel 9:00 a.m. may 3 District 2 Spring Meeting - Post 6614 Waterloo 9:00 a.m. 3 District 6 Spring Meeting - Post 1230 Sheboygan 10:30 a.m. 3 District 5 Spring Meeting - Hart Park Wauwatosa 1 p.m. 17 District 1 Meeting - Post 6375 Elkhorn 10:00 a.m.
loyalty Day plans Underway
It may seem “too early” to think about it, but Loyalty Day is on its way. Saturday, April 25th will be here before we know it, and Chairman Mike Lieurance, of Lancaster, is already lining up a spectacular event. Mike intends to have some outstanding bands participating, and that takes money. So he has arranged an alliance with local print and broadcast media to help stimulate local sponsorships that will generate both advance publicity and some badlyneeded dollars to cover the expenses. All Posts and Districts are encouraged to take ads in the Loyalty Day book. The Loyalty Day Ad Form, as well as sign-up forms for participating Color Guards, will be on line at vfwofwi.com. Just follow the links for “Loyalty Day 09.” And don’t forget your Loyalty Day Pin. They’re out there, and are an attractive addition to your pin collection. To contact Mike Lieurance directly, you may write to him at: 2344 E. Walnut St. Lancaster, WI 53813, e-mail him at melieurance@tds.net, or call 608-723-4282. Mark your Post’s calendar now: Saturday, April 25th, 2009: LOYALTY DAY in Lancaster, Wisconsin.
Waupun post 6709
Members of Waupun’s Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 retired faded, used, tattered, and wind-torn flags with an honorable disposal ceremony, held recently, at the Waupun city garage. Shown (L-R) are Fred Zurbuchen, Wally Riel Jr., and Walter Riel Sr. (Also assisting, but not shown, at the ceremony were John Williamson, Larry Duer and Marshall McLean).
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LARRY DUER, POST 6709
VFW Poppy Princess, Marisa Behlke, age 7, offers the first poppy to Waupun Mayor Jodi Steger, as Waupun’s Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 prepares for its annual ‘Buddy Poppy’ fundraiser. She is a second grader at Brandon Elementary School. Her parents, Thomas and Nancy Behlke, veterans of the ‘Desert Storm’ conflict, recently joined the Waupun post. Her dad also is currently the Post’s new Quartermaster.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LARRY DUER, POST 6709
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nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
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6179 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6707 6769 6856 7485 7485 7591 7753 7852 8216 8318 8320 8338 8342 8400 8584 8733 8976 9060 9156 9156 9156 9156 9156 9156 9298 9403 9403 9424 9496 9496 9496 9537 9924 10405 10405 10406 10519 10625 10671 15051 O’CONNER CALLIES FREE GRIFFIN HINKEL KANE LEWIS LEWIS MASS SHULFER ZIELINSKI KUMBALEK BARNES JOHNSTON MEIER SCHEFFNER GLOE DVORAK CHAMBERLAIN LADD DENT THORKILDSEN SAMUELS LOOMIS DUCHOW KORN BAVLNKA BERGREN LEE BRUSSE CHERVENY JANSKY LEIDER LUBACH SCHERER KOHOUT KASSNER SCOVILLE EVENSON DRESSLER WEHNER ZEESE LUND JOAS LISKA VOLKMAN SKROCH WADINA PATRICK SMITH JOCHMAN THOMAS LAWRENCE JOHNNY BERNARD WILLIAM THADDEUS DOUGLAS HERBERT MICHAEL RICHARD HARRY RICHARD MINERD ARTHUR GERALD KURT RAYMOND GORDON SHERIDAN CLIFFORD THOMAS ORIN DENTON JAY DONALD RAYMOND JOSEPH GUILFORD KENNETH WILLARD GILBERT FREDERICK HAROLD CARL EDWIN JOSEPH HERBERT LEE EDDIE ROBERT GILBERT ROBERT ALLEN JIM DENNIS ALFRED HAROLD PAUL THEODORE EUGENE ROBERT H MANITOWOC MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE HARTFORD MANITOWOC CUMBERLAND BALSAM LAKE RACINE WEST ALLIS MADISON TWO RIVERS PRAIRIE DU SAC MIDDLETON CUBA CITY BROOKFIELD BARRON HATLEY POTTER CASHTON MOSINEE BIRCHWOOD PRESCOTT SHEBOYGAN SHEBOYGAN FALLS FLORENCE SHEBOYGAN SHEBOYGAN SHEBOYGAN MONTFORT JANESVILLE MILTON CAMBRIDGE MENOMONEE FALLS MENOMONEE FALLS ELROY HARSHAW MALONE MINNEAPOLIS, MN ALTOONA COCHRANE MILWAUKEE TREGO WHITEHALL APPLETON
POST # 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 659 664 664 664 664 690 690 721 721 1091 1091 1248 1530 1530 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1904 1945 1959 2126 2126 2241 2306 2306 2306 2306 2306 2312 2312 2490 2778 2879 3635 3635 5158 5278 5278 6005 6005
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Last Name BARTISHOFSET DILLON FUST GUTOWSKI PITTSLEY PREGONT SCHNOOR SHEPHARD SHULTA KARBON GEHRKE GRESEN HOGAN SPEARBRAKER COFFEY GAZDIK BISCHKE BORGSTROM BELLINO OLSON OEHLKE HOPKINS POWERS BAHR BJOIN CALKINS DEVOE EDDY HENSEL SYLVESTER LUND SAMUELSON LA FLEX TAYLOR WEGNER BATCHELOR JACOBSON JOHNSON MANTHEY SMITH BIENEMA DISCH APPLEBEE RAUWALD DUKES LEMANSKI RABIEGO BROCKMEYER BETHKE HARDER ANKNEY SONNENTAG First Name ANTHONY JOHN EARL JAMES IRVIN KERMIT ROMAN ALLEN MILDRED LLOYD HAROLD LEONARD JOHN ROY JOHN CARL EDWARD STANLEY EUGENE BRUCE IRVIN WILLIAM ROBERT ELGIN HOWARD BOBBIE ROBERT DONALD LELAND PAUL ROGER ELMER ROGER EDWARD CARL MARVIN ARTHUR LYLE AMBROSE ELWYN RICHARD HARVEY MILTON THOMAS NORMAN HENRY JOHN NORMAN ELMER DOUGLAS DORAN RAYMOND MI M F J J M G A E E F E E O A J A V E P J H J J S L L W C L J N City SCHOFIELD PARK FALLS MOSINEE WOODRUFF WAUSAU WAUSAU MANITOWISH WATERS WAUSAU SCHOFIELD MANITOWOC CLINTONVILLE CLINTONVILLE CLINTONVILLE CLINTONVILLE ASHLAND MASON TOMAHAWK WAUKESHA BEMIDJI, MN SUPERIOR TWO RIVERS LA CROSSE LA CROSSE JANESVILLE JANESVILLE BELOIT JANESVILLE JANESVILLE EDGERTON FOND DU LAC PRAIRIE DU CHIEN BLACK RIVER FALLS KING MENASHA NEILLSVILLE BELOIT BELOIT BELOIT BELOIT BIRCHWOOD VERONA ALBANY LADYSMITH CIBOLO, TX SOUTH MILWAUKEE FLORENCE MILWAUKEE WHITEWATER GREEN LAKE SHAKOPEE, MN CADOTT CADOTT B D D J L G A E C E W J S S P G W H M W. H W J T J C L H H A L W J A A J L
P R J W H C F J R J L
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TOm TraDEWELL “WisCOnsin - LET THE gOOD TimEs rOLL” HOmECOming sEPTEmBEr 10-13, 2009 COngraTuLaTOry BOOk
Wisconsin’s own Tommy Tradewell is on the final leg of his journey to the top job of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Next August, at our National Convention in Phoenix, AZ, Tommy will become our next Commander-inChief, and will do us proud as an outspoken advocate for Veterans Issues. In celebration of his achievement of that high office, a gala Homecoming will take place in Milwaukee. This gala will be attended by hundreds of guests, not just from Wisconsin and neighboring states, but literally from around the world. Like all testimonials, this one has to pay its own way. Our organization does not fund these celebrations at any level. These are grass-roots affairs. Planning
now’s the time to help tommy t.
for this event in September of 2009 has been underway for months already. “Tommy T” denim shirts, commemorative pins, caps and other items are on sale at all major VFW gatherings. The proceeds from these sales go toward financing this great event. One of the ways your Post and District can help is to purchase an ad in the special Homecoming Program Book being prepared for the event. (See order form on this page) Seventh District Commander Russ Iwen has put down the challenge to all other Districts to meet or beat the Dirty Fightin’ Seventh in placing a full-page ad, or more, in honor of Tommy T. Several other Districts have already jumped aboard and are meeting the challenge. Has yours?
The “Wisconsin-Let the Good Times Roll” Homecoming Committee would like to invite you to place your congratulatory ad in Commander-in-Chief Tom Tradewell’s Homecoming Book. The book will be 8-1/2x11. To place your ad or congratulatory messages attach your camera-ready ad to this page along with any artwork, photocopy, or photos. Please indicate what size ad: ______Full Page ______1/2 Page ______1/4 Page 8-1/2x11 8-1/2x5-1/2 4-1/4 x5-1/2 $250.00 $150.00 $ 90.00
DEaDLinE FOr aDs is JuLy 15, 2009 Name:_______________________________________Phone________________ Address:__________________________________________________________ City____________________________State______________Zip_____________ Make checks payable to: VFW Post 6498 Earmark-Tradewell Homecoming Mail ad material and check to: Carla Stockel 2574 Honey Creek Circle #232 East Troy, WI 53120
classifieDs
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
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nov/dec, 2008
Classified Listings
For Sale
L to R seated Medal of Honor Recipient Hal Fritz and Silver Star Soldier John Steer. Standing is Event Chairman Sam Hennessee and wife Sharon and Post 10452 Commander Fred Lenzen. Singer, Songwriter and true American Hero John Steer and Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel share a moment before the Traveling Vietnam Wall in Princeton.
J & r miLiTary surPLus Thursday thru Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed holidays. Hwy. 35, De Soto, WI 54624. Toll free (877) 315-8773; (608) 648-2112. www.jrmilitarysurplus.com Real U.S. military surplus! (No catalog.) 4/09
princeton organizes healing, educational event
The Traveling Vietnam Wall exists to keep the memories of these heroic fallen alive in the hearts and minds of citizens too young to have been touched by the realities of that event, and to bring healing and hope to those who have carried the burdens and memories of that time gone by. Recently, the Princeton VFW Post 10452 played a key role in that critical mission. Princeton Post 10452 organized the effort to bring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “the Moving Wall’” to Central Wisconsin. Eleven veterans’ groups joined together to be sponsors by sharing the cost of bringing the Wall and helping run the entire event. Six to seven thousand people attended the four-day event. Over 1000 students were bussed to the event from all around the
Wanted to Buy
War rELiCs WanTED: VFW member will buy your relics for cash – any country, any period. Craig Luther, P.O. Box 63, Oak Creek, WI 53154-0063. (414) 750-6589. 12/08
surrounding towns to learn about the Vietnam War and how the freedom we have in America is passed from one generation to the next. There were many tender moments and much healing of old wounds of “shrapnel in the heart.” The cause of freedom, active troop support, and veterans were well served. America was made proud of her veterans and heroes.
Whitewater post 5470 presents check to 257 Brigade
Quartermaster John Newhouse [R] of the Whitewater VFW Post 5470, presents a check to SFC Dan Lamp [L] of Co. A, 257 Brigade Support Battalion, Wisconsin National Guard, for the soldiers’ canteen fund. Post 5470 has adopted the local unit and has its meetings in the National Guard Armory.
CLassiFiED LisTings inFOrmaTiOn: You get up to 25 words for $25.00 in 3 issues (over 45,000 circulation each) of our newspaper, plus a 3 month listing on our web site http://www.vfwofwi.com. We are accepting listings for: • For sale – Autos, trucks, boats, motorcycles, furniture, etc. • rentals – Homes, apartments, equipment, storage, commercial, etc. • service – Repair, cleaning, roofing, heating/cooling, painting, etc. • notices – Meetings, Professional, Auctions. Travel, etc. • Want to Buy – Merchandise, homes, equipment, etc. • Want to rent – Apartments, equipment, etc. • Employment – Help wanted, work wanted by job type. sorry, no personals. Please include a phone number, ad copy, typed or printed and a check for $25.00 per ad and send to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dept. of WI Newspaper / classifieds P.O. Box 1623 Madison, WI 53701-1623
post 9537 holds 32nd annual Dinner
A Job Well Done! Pewaukee Post 9537 & Auxiliary members, from left: John Miller, Auxiliary President Jean Miller, Diane Kohr and Commander Dave Knuth, survey the scene after serving a Dinner Party at Galilee Lutheran Church in Pewaukee for residents of the Sunrise Nursing Home, Milwaukee. This was the 32nd year for this annual treat, headed once again, as for all 32 years, by Diane Kohr! Congratulations to one and all for a fine tradition.
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nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
HeaDqUarters BUilDing
Headquarters building now under contract
After considerable negotiations, the Building Committee, appointed by our Council of Administration and chaired by Sr. Vice Commander Wilfred Johnson, has secured a successful contract of sale with a Madison area buyer. Because there are contingencies and the building remains on the market in the interim, specific terms of the agreement cannot be published at this time. However, the Council of Administration reviewed the offer and after thorough discussion, voted unanimously to authorize the Commander and Adjutant to enter into a contract of sale. The vote took place at the October 11th Council Meeting in Platteville. As part of the transaction, the buyers have applied for a zoning change from the current R-6 (residential) zoning to a commercial zoning classification. “We are pleased with the terms of the proposed purchase and look forward to a closing next Spring,” said State Commander Gary Erickson. “Our Building Committee may now begin to focus on the next phase of their assignment: To secure the proceeds of the sale and recommend our best relocation options.”
salute to Hospitalized veterans planned
return the favor.
For veterans, their needs, their families. We all depend on them. They depend on each other. And you. Thanks! www.vfwfoundation.org
Hospital Chairman Karen Johnson confers with Zablocki VA Representative La Verne Trautmann and deputies Beverly Randall (L) and Virginia Henderson to select gifts for the Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. The Salute takes place in February, but the work starts long before the big day.
– THANK YOU –
The Wisconsin VFW News would like to thank you for continually submitting information and story ideas for your VFW newspaper. If you think it’s worth reading, share it with everyone. Editor: William knudson 505 s. apple ave., marshfield, Wi 54449 Phone: (715) 384-2500 • E-mail: vfwnews.wi@verizon.net
Attention VFW members, family and friends
Soon becoming eligible for Medicare?
You’re invited to an informational session to explore your options.
Expect more from Humana
Call us today to learn more about Humana plans or to find an informational session at a VFW near you.
TOLL FREE: 1-877-877-5106 TTY 1-877-833-4486
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Medicare approved HMO, PPO, and PFFS plans available to anyone enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Medicare through age or disability. Enrollment period restrictions apply; call Humana for details.
M0006_GHA_014URR WI 11/08
miD-Winter conference auxiliary president Homecoming
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 15
nov/dec, 2008
commander-in-chief Homecoming
On her trip to Omaha, Nebraska, for National Auxiliary President Dixie Hild’s Homecoming Celebration, State Auxiliary President Marla Morgan took advantage of the opportunity to tour the world-famous Boy’s Town USA, founded by Msgr. Edward Flanagan during the Great Depression. The Boy’s Town facility is very impressive and serves as headquarters for satellite facilities across the country serving youth in need. Originally founded to assist boys, the program long ago expanded to provide the same supportive assistance for girls in need as well. The average stay for a youngster in need is two to three years, and success stories abound. Young people who come there are coping with a variety of problems from drug and alcohol abuse to the effects of neglectful parenting. The campus is staffed with full-time professional teachers and counselors who act as parents and guides to their young charges.
At the Commander-in-Chief’s Homecoming in San Antonio, State Commander Gary Erickson presented a hardbound book tracing the rise and decline of an old precursor to the VFW: The Civil War Veterans of Wisconsin. Commander-in-Chief Glen Gardner is a history buff and student of organizational structures. While there was a logical limitation to the pool of qualified veterans, the book makes for interesting reading. It is fascinating to read of the rise, activity and decline of CWV Posts in large and small towns across Wisconsin. Their mission, much like ours, was to rouse support for their comrades. It’s almost a cautionary tale that points to the great advantage we have in the strength of ongoing numbers, provided we are smart enough to keep those numbers growing.
mid-Winter conference february 20-22, 2009
reservation form
WYNDHAM MILWAUKEE AIRPORT HOTEL and CONVENTION CENTER 4747 S. HOWELL AVE. • MILWAUKEE • WISCONSIN 53207 414-615-8000 VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS 2009 MID-WINTER CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 20-22, 2009
LAST NAME _____________________________ FIRST NAME _____________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________ CITY ____________________________________ STATE __________ ZIP CODE _______________ DAYTIME PHONE _________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________ ADDITIONAL NAMES OF GUEST SHARING ACCOMMODATIONS LAST NAME _____________________________ FIRST NAME _____________________________ LAST NAME _____________________________ FIRST NAME _____________________________ LAST NAME _____________________________ FIRST NAME _____________________________ ROOMS WILL BE ASSIGNED AT CHECK-IN TIME CHECK-IN TIME: 3:00 P.M. CHECK-OUT TIME: 12:00 (NOON) ARRIVAL DATE ____/____/____ TIME ________ AM/PM DEPARTURE DATE ____/____/____
registration form
VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS and LADIES AUxILIARY DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN 2009 MID-WINTER CONFERENCE - FEBRUARY 20-22, 2009 WYNDHAM AIRPORT HOTEL, MILWAUKEE, WI
VFW and AUXILIARY MEMBERS MAY REGISTER ON THIS ONE FORM. PLEASE READ AND FILL IN THE FORM BELOW, TOTAL BOTH COLUMNS AND MAKE OUT ONE CHECK. WHEN REGISTERING MORE THAN ONE POST OR AUXILIARY MEMBER PLEASE PRINT EACH NAME, AND TITLE ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER.
DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS: FEBRUARY 3, 2009
VFW REGISTRATION
$10 in ADVANCE - $12 at CONFERENCE NAME _________________________________ POST # ________ TITLE __________________ ADDRESS ______________________________ CITY __________________________________ STATE _________ ZIP ____________________ #_____ REGISTRATIONS @ $10 = $________ n n n n n n n n n n
LADIES AUxILIARY REGISTRATION
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WILL YOU: DRIVE ____ FLY ____ - FLIGHT ARRIVAL TIME: ________ AM/PM CHECK TYPE OF ROOM/NUMBER OF PEOPLE RATE: $75 / SINGLE/DOUBLE/TRIPLE/qUAD ROOMS: (ONE TO FOUR PEOPLE PER ROOM) ____ SINGLE: 1-2 DOUBLE BEDS OR (1 KING) ____ DOUBLE: 2-2 DOUBLE BEDS OR (1 KING) ____ TRIPLE: 1-2-3 - 2 DOUBLE BEDS ____ qUAD: 1-2-3-4 - 2 DOUBLE BEDS ____ SMOKING ____NON SMOKING ____ HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE ROOM ALL REqUESTS BASED ON AVAILABILITY TO RESERVE ACCOMMODATIONS A FULL DEPOSIT FOR FIRST NIGHT or A MAJOR CREDIT CARD NUMBER (INVALID UNLESS EXPIRATION DATE IS INCLUDED) IS REqUIRED. DEPOSIT: $75 PLUS 14.6% CITY & STATE COMBINED TAx. GUARANTEED BY: CREDIT CARD ________ CHECK #____________ MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: WYNDHAM MKE AIRPORT HOTEL TYPE OF CARD ______________________ EXPIRATION DATE ________ CARD NUMBER _______________________________________________ SIGNATURE _________________________ NAME ON CARD (PRINT) _______________________
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RESERVATION REqUESTS RECEIVED AFTER CUT-OFF DATE ARE SUBJECT TO SPACE & RATE AVAILABILITY.
PAST COMMANDERS BREAKFAST
Scrambled eggs/Potatoes/Meat/Muffins/Juice/Coffee
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT 6:00 A.M. #_____ TICKETS @ $13 = $________ n n n n n n n n n n
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY LUNCHEON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009
Soup/Build a Sandwich/Dessert/Beverage
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VOICE OF DEMOCRACY LUNCHEON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009
Soup/Build a Sandwich/Dessert/Beverage
MID-WINTER CONFERENCE BANQUET
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009
Braised Swiss Steak/Noodles/Vegetable Salad/Rolls/Dessert/Beverage
#_____ TICKETS @ $15 = $________ n n n n n n n n n n
#_____ TICKETS @ $25 = $________ n n n n n n n n n n TOTAL $_______________
MID-WINTER CONFERENCE BANQUET
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009
Braised Swiss Steak/Noodles/Vegetable Salad/Rolls/Dessert/Beverage
CUT-OFF DATE IS JANUARY 15, 2009
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ANY qUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE CALL PAT OR LINDA AT 920-337-9922
MID-WINTER CONFERENCE - 2009
Page 16
nov/dec, 2008
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
joint testimonial
joint testimonial a true celebration
October 11th was a big day for the Wisconsin VFW. The day began with work sessions for both the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Councils of Administration, as well as key committees, and wrapped up with a gala dinner and dancing. All-in-all a busy, productive and fun day. On this page, we’re sharing some moments from the festivities of the evening. There were around 200 people in attendance at the elegant Governor Dodge Hotel and Conference Center in picturesque Platteville, Wisconsin. Co-emcees for the evening were VFW State Chief of Staff Bill Knudson and State Ladies Auxiliary Guard Dorothy Genthe. From the outset of planning for the event, Gary and Marla intended to keep the evening light-hearted and celebratory, and according to many of those in attendance, it lived up to the plan. Many hands made light work of the hours and hours of preparation
State Commander Gary Erickson was delightfully surprised by the attendance of Nebraska State Commander Roger Lang and his lovely wife, Sharon. The Langs and the Ericksons have become close friends as Roger and Gary have moved on through the chairs in their respective States. They also share a Navy background.
Following a moving traditional Navy “Two Bell” memorial ceremony, conducted jointly by VFW Chaplain Charlene Cobb and Auxiliary Chaplain Linda Feldkamp, the two Chaplains presented Commander Gary Erickson with the speciallyengraved brass bell used in the ceremony.
The Commander ordered the State Honor Guard to present the colors. As the ceremony began, the Commander’s grandson, Camron, awaited his role: He led the assembled guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Any guess as to what branch of service Grandad is nudging Camron toward?
State Commander Gary Erickson is escorted to the Joint Testimonial Head Table by Sgt. of the Honor Guard DJ Schultz. Adding to the occasion, a Navy Piper “Piped” the Commander “aboard,” and District Commanders formed a line of salute as he approached the table.
State Ladies Auxiliary Honor Guard member Leonore Otto escorts President Marla Morgan to the Head Table at the Joint Testimonial Celebration in Platteville on October 11. Two hundred attendees enjoyed a lively and entertaining evening of dinner and dancing in honor of both organizations’ leaders.
and planning that went into the evening. The ladies of the Platteville and Lancaster Auxiliaries did wonderful work and provided much support. The meal was very good, and the service excellent. The Governor Dodge Hotel is to be commended for a job well done. Attending as official National representatives were Past Commander-in-Chief James Goldsmith, of Michigan, for the VFW and National Conductress Leanne Lemley, of Iowa, for the Ladies Auxiliary. Both delivered upbeat and positive messages, and also joined in the fun of the evening. Following the program, a DJ spun tunes well into the night as party-goers relaxed, and danced and had a very good time. The Ericksons and the Knudson-Morgans extend their heartfelt thanks to one and all for their support and attendance. The evening was a welcome respite from otherwise busy schedules on behalf of our great organizations.
Leanne Lemley, Ladies Auxiliary National Conductress, addresses the Joint Testimonial Dinner in Platteville.
Leanne presents a gift to Auxiliary President Marla Morgan in honor of her Testimonial Celebration.
Chief of Staff Bill Knudson strikes a pose with his wife, Auxiliary President Marla Morgan, just prior to the start of the program. Part of his duties included an introduction of his wife to include some personal anecdotes. She appears to be anticipating them warily, don’t you think?
State Chief of Staff Bill Knudson presents a ceremonial check representing a total of $1,050 to State Commander Gary Erickson. The gift money was donated by officers, chairmen and Past State Commanders from throughout the State. Commander Gary plans to use it toward a longdesired fishing trip to Alaska next year.
VFW Past National Commander-in-Chief James Goldsmith presents a commemorative commendation on the occasion of State Commander Gary Erickson’s Testimonial Celebration.
Commander Gary Erickson and his lovely wife, Lana, dine as the dinner gets underway. Lana made sure there were plenty of surprises for Gary as the evening moved along.