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auxiliary Celebrates Miss Liberty
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Van Donated by Post 5158 Member
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National Home Tour
NEWS 2009
Vol. 26 no. 4 turn to for Veterans december 11, 2008
Purple Heart Raffle Winner Announced
Darold Wall is a lucky guy… and a Patriot, too! On November 8, 2008, at the Milwaukee County Veterans Memorial Building, Darold’s name was drawn from among 7,994 entries in the Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Special “Purple Heart” Raffle. Darold won the $1,000.00 prize, and the remainder of the revenue ($6,994.00) is being placed in a reserved fund for distribution to returning wounded Iraq/ Afghanistan veterans from Wisconsin. The fund will be overseen by our State Veterans Assistance Chairman, Chris Kanios, Sr. On December 5, we travelled with Marla J. Morgan, President of the Wisconsin State Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, to Stanley, WI, where the prize was duly delivered to Darold Wall and his lovely wife, Gloria. Darold Wall is a Vietnam Veteran, and life member of the Cadott Post 6005. He calls himself “retired,” but he stays pretty busy, especially transporting veterans and others to distant hospital and clinic appointments, and, with his wife, Gloria, operating a successful liquor store and a unique tavern, the American Pride Pub on Stanley’s atmosphere is very positive. The displays include a section on Police and Firefighters. “We owe so much to our veterans,” says Wall. “And our police and firefighters have found themselves on the front lines right here at home, as in 9-11.” Darold Wall does not want the general public to forget those who serve, and he was proud to play a small role in helping to fund a unique campaign to help the wounded warriors among us. These special “Purple Heart” Raffle tickets were made available only to VFW and their Ladies Auxiliary Members. It’s a gesture direct from us to our heroes. Darold also encourages one and all to hurry up and take part in the remaining weeks of our regular VFW/Ladies Auxiliary Joint Raffle. He knows it takes more than good intentions to run an organization as vital as the VFW of Wisconsin. So if you’re in the Stanley area, stop in to the American Pride Pub on North Broadway… and buy a VFW State Raffle Ticket while you’re there! And, we might add, say “Hi” to Darold Wall: Proud Veteran, True Patriot and one lucky guy! (Just ask Gloria!)
Wisconsin VfW commander gary erickson and state auxiliary President Marla Morgan flank Greg Jacobs as he draws the winning ticket in our 2008 VFW/LAVFW Joint Purple Heart Raffle. Jacobs is President of the Veterans board of directors of the milwaukee War memorial. the drawing took place at 1:00pm on november 8th following the annual milwaukee Veterans day Parade. main street (North Broadway). The American Pride Pub is worth the visit. The theme is hugely patriotic, and the
Wisconsin VfW ladies auxiliary President presents a ceremonial check for $1,000 to lucky winner darold Wall, of stanley, Wisconsin. madam President marla represented both organizations at the presentation, which took place on december 5. walls are covered with military art, murals, posters and memorabilia. There is a growing collection of military uniforms, and the
State Raffle – We All Need To Help!
Our Joint VFW and Ladies Auxiliary State Raffle needs a good shot in the arm. We have only a short time until the drawing at Mid-Winter, and our combined gross income (before expenses and prizes) is only a little over $100,000. That’s about half of what we had hoped to raise. One thing we are asking is that every Post and Auxiliary consider buying at least $100 worth of tickets between now and Mid-Winter. That would be a terrific boost, and it offers the Posts the chance to win up to $20,000. It can happen: Two years ago Peplin Post took the top prize! There is no such thing as a VFW or Auxiliary that can’t use some extra money, especially now. Posts already participating in the 50/50 Revenue split program should also be pushing in these closing weeks. It only takes a couple of members to volunteer some time at your local banks, supermarkets or other retail outlets. As we’ve said before, you don’t try to “sell” tickets. Just ask passers-by if they’d “like to help veterans.” People will respond. So take a table, chair, a couple of Raffle Posters (download them from our State E-Forms Web Page) and a positive attitude and get the job done during the holidays. Wear your VFW Cap and, if you have one, a VFW shirt or jacket. Your Cross of Malta is a respected insignia of your service, and folks honor that emblem. The net revenue from this raffle is what enables us to maintain our Veterans Service Office and many other key programs that benefit all veterans and our specific State VFW Programs in support of your community and Post. If you, as an individual, still have not mailed in your personal Raffle tickets, please write that check and get them in today. It’s a modest contribution to a great organization. Please help support your VFW Department of Wisconsin. Watch for your Post’s December Department Mailing. Your opportunity to help will be enclosed. If you need additional Raffle Tickets, contact State Raffle Chairman Frank Parker, Jr., at 414-355-3179 or, in the Western part of Wisconsin, contact Kerm Adank at 715-828-0511. They’ll see to it that you get the raffle tickets and supplies you need for a great campaign. We still have time to make this Joint Raffle the success it needs to be. Don’t be among the missing in action on this one!
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
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January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
STATe officeRS
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Comrades, tom What a great, cheerful time to reflect lemmer on our accomplishments and contribustate Jr. vice tions over the past year. This would also be a good time to set our goals and obCommander jectives for the next calendar year. I’m 262-369-5905 sure, whether retired or still employed, we all have had to take a hard look at our jrvicecdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com savings and expenses over the past year and make changes due to our economic conditions. That being said, we have a VFW State Trust Fund that we initiated about 10 years ago. If funded properly, this Trust Fund would help the Department offset expenses in hard times. The only problem is we have not contributed enough to enable us to use any of the funds. It was set up with the understanding we could use only the dividends, and preserve the fund itself. That way, we could preserve a “nest egg” of sorts. At this time, we definitely could use contributions to that fund to grow it and reach our financial objective: Stability. At the same time, we also need the support of all Posts and Comrades to strive for the finish of our State raffle program before our mid-winter drawing. State Chief of Staff “Knoot” has told me we have a “stimulus” package in the works to help get the job done. By the time you all read this we should know all about this encouraging boost and get our stimulus in gear. Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do. God bless you and your families during this wonderful time of year. Tom Lemmer State Jr. Vice Commander Comrades and Sisters, here it is December. The year is quickly passing, the holidays are upon us. I hope that each of steve lawrence you have time to spend with family and state Adjutant friends this Holiday Season. It is a busy Quartermaster time for all of us. Please take time to remember our hero’s from past wars and 608-255-6655 conflicts. Also remember those who, qm@wi.vfwwebmail.com even today, serve in Harm’s Way, protecting the freedoms we each enjoy. I wanted to let you know that we now have a secretary on a part-time basis. So when you call you might hear a new voice on the phone. Our new employee is Kim Squires. Kim comes to us with 20 years experience at American Family. I feel that Kim will be a valuable addition to the staff at your Department Headquarters. I wanted to write an informational article to explain some of the programs that we run out of Department Headquarters. bObbY NeLSON Fund Bobby Nelson was a veteran who visited hospitalized veterans around the holidays. Christmas, to be precise. He provided gifts to the hospitalized veterans in the VA hospitals. We continue the tradition here in Wisconsin by providing gifts to the hospitalized veterans in our VA hospitals in Milwaukee, Madison, North Chicago, Tomah, Minneapolis and Iron Mountain, MI. We have Wisconsin veterans in each of these facilities. Donations to help us continue this program would be appreciated. Monies donated can come out of your relief funds. eMerGeNCY DiSASTer Fund Our Emergency Disaster Fund is just as the name implies. When we have tornados, floods or other events that causes problems either for a VFW or Auxiliary member as far as their home is involved, and they sustain damage, there is a fund where they can apply through their post or auxiliary for Disaster Relief. Donations can be earmarked for Emergency Disaster and sent to Department Headquarters. Because none of us know when disaster may strike, we need to be prepared to be able to answer the call for assistance. FrANK brOWN VFW/VFWA SChOLArShiP Frank Brown is a Past State Commander in Wisconsin. He was an educator, and so working with youth to help them advance their education was a natural extension of the job he loved. The Frank Brown Scholarship Program provides as many scholarships as we have funds to provide. Each graduating senior has the opportunity to apply for the Frank Brown Scholarship. Each application is reviewed, and based on the information provided, is scored. This past year we gave out scholarships totaling $6,000.00. This was all we had money for. There were many students that applied, but did not receive a scholarship. Consider making a donation to this worthwhile project. The donation can come out of your relief fund. Help our future leaders better prepare for their futures. Checks for any of the above identified funds should be made payable to the VFW Department of Wisconsin, and in the memo portion of the check, indicate the fund you want the money to go to. I ask you to help with our Membership Program. How many of you know a veteran who does not belong, but is eligible and the only reason he or she is not a members is because no one asked them to belong, and help us fight for those that cannot fight for themselves. There is strength in numbers. Remember, our newest veterans are not looking for a social club to belong to – they want to belong to an organization that provides services to active-duty military, veterans and their families. I wanted 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@att.net or by phone (608) 835-7494 evenings, or by mail: Steve Lawrence, P.O. Box 23, Oregon, WI 53575-0023.
Comrades and Sisters, I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and didn’t eat too much like I gary erickson did. Our year is almost half over and the state Commander Mid-Winter Conference will soon be 608-723-7373 upon us. I am asking all chairmen to cdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com send a written copy or e-mail your reports to our Chief-of-Staff by February 1, 2009, so that they can be printed for Mid-Winter. This will save us a lot of time at the Conference. We have just a little over two months left before the drawing of our joint raffle. We need a lot of help to make our goal. We need every post and member that have tickets to please buy or sell them and get the money turned in as soon as possible. Let’s turn to and make the joint raffle work for the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary. It can’t work without everyone’s help. MeMberShiP Our membership is behind last year and they will not let us in the Commissary at Fort McCoy to recruit new members. The commanding officer has tied Woody and Dale’s and their crew of recruiters hands by not letting them in the building. We need to get all of our unpaid members or new members to get us to 100%. Without members, our organization will die. What an excellent trip we had to the National Home. It was a big Success, thanks to the Chief-of-Staff Knoot’s hard work getting the trip organized and all the details with lodging and meals. To Dave Schmid, who outdid himself again this year, what a party! Thank you, Dave. 90% of the people on the trip were 1st timers and I know a lot of them will be going back. Lana and I would like to wish all of you in our VFW and Ladies Auxiliary family a very happy and safe Holiday Season. Best wishes and safe travels, Gary Erickson Wisconsin State Commander Turn to for Veterans As each and everyone knows, there are many troops returning home from Active “twiggy” Duty. Johnson They need help in seeking the entitlements they have earned. So it is up to state sr. vice all of us to help them out in anyway that Commander we can. 920-766-1491 Some of the new returnees do not know where to go for help. It is up to you to re- srvicecdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com fer them to the State Service Office, so they can get all their questions answered. The service that we provide as VFW members gives hope to these new troops, and will stick with them forever. And they will become members. The word will get out, and more eligible veterans will ask to join the VFW. The VFW was founded on the principles of Service to all Veterans. Right now, today, is no different. That’s why our Service Office in Milwaukee is worth its weight in gold. To recruit new members, we have to provide the service. Does your post do all they can for them? Post Service Officers, get your monthly Service Officer Reports in to Susie Eulo. It’s easiest on line. Just follow these steps: • Go to: www.vfwofwi.com • Click on E-Forms (at the top of the page) • Select Downloadable Forms • Click on Program Reports • Choose Download Veterans Service Officer report forms • Select “Open Form” • Fill out the form, then (1.) Print a copy and (2.) Press Submit rAFFLe: LeT’S GeT YOUr TiCKeTS AND MONeY iN ! If you need more tickets, call Raffle Chairman Frank Parker, Jr at 414-355-7348, or committee members Kerm Adank 715-828-0511 or Bill Knudson 715-384-2500, and they’ll get more tickets to you. Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson State Sr. Vice Commander Wisconsin VFW Veterans Service Located in the VA Regional Office 5400 W. National Ave, Milwaukee Service Officer: Lee Guerrero • lee.guerrero@va.gov Claims Examiner: Karen Janezic • vsokjane@vba.va.gov Claims and Record/Reports filing: Susie Eulo • vsoseulo@vba.va.gov 414-902-5748 or 800-827-1000 ext 13007
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WiNTer bLUeS The holidays are here today and gone tocharlene cobb morrow and then we will be in the heart of winter, AGAIN. (Great, thanks for that state Chaplain reminder!) If the doldrums start to set in; 262-882-6022 then take the time to get out and pick up those members that have been putting off chaplain@wi.vfw sending in their renewal. I know, I know; webmail.com you’ve heard that song already, but this is as much for you as them, SO BE SELFISH. If you get out to visit with them not only will it lift their spirits but you will find that it will raise yours as well. Our Posts all have members that enjoy swapping those old “sea stories” or whatever you land-lovers call them on a cold, dreary afternoon. We need to listen not only because we respect all our members and we just might want them to listen to our stories sometime; but also because you can learn a lot about the world and especially our organization and where it has been that might just help you figure out where to take it in the future. I spent time this morning hearing about and remembering the sacrifice of the men and women at Pearl Harbor 67 years ago. It is important that we do remember and share our stories with the next generation or they will never appreciate our service and the necessity of it for our country and our freedoms. I am convinced that most of us have “wonderful lives” and it is important to share our stories with those around us. I would like to encourage everyone but especially our World War II and Korean War veterans to tell your service stories to someone. If you don’t feel like talking to a family member about your war experience, then tape yourself or talk to your Post or Veterans Service Officer about getting someone to come record your story. You might not want to get into the details with your children/grandchildren; but trust me, they want to know about that part of your life. All too often we have to find out information from other sources because we never heard it from our father/grandfather. My recipe for the “winter blues” is to invest yourself in others. This investment is your time, to leave a legacy for your family of your experiences and to allow those around you to share theirs. Everyone’s life will be enriched by this investment. Also, we’ll have ALL those dues picked up - we’re back to that. You didn’t think I would forget, did you???? HAPPY SHARING!!!! VA TrAVeL PAY I have had several questions regarding gundel metz travel pay. I spoke to Zablocki via telephone and in person with the Madison VA state surgeon travel section. Believe it or not, both trav608-698-8825 el sections said the same thing. In order to be eligible for travel pay, a veteran must surgeon@ meet one of the following requirements: wi.vfwwebmail.com • You have a service-connected rating of 30% or more; or • You are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition; or • You receive a VA pension; or • Your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate; or • You can present clear evidence that you are unable to defray the cost of travel; or • You are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination; or • You are in an authorized Vocational Rehabilitation Program If you cannot answer yes to one of the items listed above, then you are not eligible for travel pay. If you are eligible, VA announced on November 17, 2008 that the mileage reimbursement was raised from 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile for eligible veterans. The deductibles for your mileage will not change until January 9, 2009. On that date, the deductibles will decrease from $7.77 for one way trip to $3.00, and for a round-trip, from $15.54 to $6.00. The maximum deductible cap of $18 per calendar month will not be changed. n n n From the State Employment Chairman… American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a nationwide mentoring program dedicated to helping veterans transition from Wisconsin VFW News the armed services to private enterprise wisconsin veterans of foreign wars through career counseling and networkNews is published six times per year by ing with professionals from some of the Department of wisconsin veterans of America’s finest corporations. foreign wars of the United states, 214 N. The founding corporate partners inHamilton street, Madison, wI 53703. clude Campbell Soup Company, General Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, wI and Electric, Home Depot, Morgan Stanley, additional office: Greenville, WI. Subscription PepsiCO and Verizon. ACP’s mission rates $6.00 per year for non-members, $.60 is to strengthen the relationship between per year membership dues is for the official employees of America’s leading corporapublication wisconsin veterans of foreign wars tions and those who have recently served News. our country, often at great personal sacPostmaster: send address changes to: rifice. ACP provides a unique career deV.f.W. circulation department, 406 West velopment opportunity to veterans, from 34th street, Kansas city, mo 64111. former enlisted members and officers to I.s.s.N. #1061-4591 U.s.P.s. #007787 current Reservists and National Guard wisconsin veterans of foreign wars members, who have served on active committee: duty after 2001. We also welcome into Robert Bolz - Post 1691, News Chairman the program the spouses of those service Roger Boeker, Post 1318 members severely wounded or who died Charlene Cobb, Post 10173 while serving. ACP is not a jobs program Bernie Olson, Post 10510 – it is designed to assist veterans in their Tom Lemmer, Jr.vice Cmdr., Post 6377 career development. Lisa Kimmel, Post 10262, Ladies Aux. Liaison ACP is seeking to recruit a cross section editor: of veterans, but plan to focus on a signifiwilliam Knudson cant percentage of our efforts on those 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 service members who have deployed in Phone: 715-384-2500 support of OIF/OEF, in particular those vfwnews.wi@verizon.net who have been severely wounded. To learn more about American Corporate deadline Partners, go to www.acp-usa.org. first of the month of Publication Gundel Metz Employment Chair
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
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January, 2009
Not One of Our Department’s District or Post Judge Advocates Participated! I have always stated that knowledge and michael borg training activities will benefit our department Judge Advocate in many ways. The State Judge Advocate’s office has always looked at ways to improve 920-739-5730 our communications with the members and leadership, and often stated that this news- judge@wi.vfwwebmail.com paper is a valuable tool in that effort. I took another opportunity to get our District and Post Judge Advocates to review their tools (duties of office) to assist their Post Commander and the membership. Many of our Judge Advocates hold title to the office only to fill a position at the Post level. Yet, there are many that have the knowledge and experience to assist their membership. So, why didn’t any of those Post’s Judge Advocates participate in my recent Judge Advocates Contest (Judge Advocate’s Newspaper Article October 2008)? I felt there were so major changes that came out of the recent National Convention in Florida in regards to the By-Laws and the Manual of Procedure (2008-2009) new manual that might need addressing. I hoped that they would take the opportunity to purchase the new Podium Edition 2009 - Congressional Charter and By-Laws and Manual of Procedure and Ritual Manual to use as their source to answer the questions of the contest. Why not make this review and training a contest to increase your knowledge and experience in assisting the Post membership? Comrades, this manual can be obtained through our National’s VFW Merchandise Catalog Supply. Your QM or Commander should have a copy of the current Catalog dated 20082009. Catalog page 83 - Section A, Stock # 4108 - Podium Edition, Combined Congressional Charter, By-Laws, and Ritual Book for $6.90 and Demeter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure, Podium Edition – Section D, Stock # 4105 for $24.95. Even though the second manual - Demeter’s Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure is not required to answer these questions - it is a great source of information to all District and Post Judge Advocates (tools of the trade). If you cannot get a catalog - you can go to National’s www.vfwstore.org and order it with a credit card directly. Orders/Product inquiries call 1-800-821-2606. (The complete Podium Edition (2009) may also be accessed online at our VFW WebCOM E-Forms directory. Just go to www.vfwofwi.com and follow the link to E-Forms. You may read the entire document, and print selected pages if you like. However, this is not intended as a replacement for the standard Podium Edition, which should be on hand at every Post and District Meeting!) Many of the problems that our judge advocates have in assisting their commander and membership is the use of manuals that are 2 to 10 years old and not current. Then the issue naturally comes through the State Commander to the office of the State Judge Advocate for review and I issue opinion on the matter at the different levels. With this contest, I reversed the normal procedure of responding to questions asked by District and Post officers and the membership. We have so many outstanding Judge Advocates at the District and Post levels. Why not have them find the answers to the contest questions through different sources of information. Therefore, i would like to give our District and Post Judge Advocates another opportunity to participate in this contest activity: PLeASe PArTiCiPATe Here is the plan: I have reprinted these 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? Is the VFW baseball cap acceptable for Posts meeting? 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 February 16, 2009. This will give those judge advocates that still haven’t purchased their new copy of the Podium 2009 Edition, Combined Congressional Charter, By-Laws, Manual of Procedure and Ritual to receive it and still have time to participate in the contest. 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.
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January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
AuxilARy
Subject: A Year End Miscellany Marla J. Morgan To: The Sisters of the Department of Department Wisconsin President From: Marla J. Morgan, Department President 715-384-2500 SeASONS’ GreeTiNGS! Best wishes marla.aux.wi@verizon.net for continued peace, joy and blessings as you celebrate in your own way this Holiday Season. And may the New Year bring you contentment in the warm circle of friends and family. WhAT AN hONOr! As of this writing, the Department of Wisconsin is over 85% in membership. Hurray! That means I will be able to represent you at our National President’s “Happy Trails Party” at the National Mid-Year Conference in Savannah, Georgia in February 2009. And I owe it all to the hard-working Sisters of this great Department! Many thanks to Dept. Membership Chair Judy Borg for her strong leadership and special kudos to those Auxiliaries that are already at, or over 100%. For those of you who are only a few members shy of that goal, please see Judy’s article elsewhere in this paper - she has some ideas for obtaining those last few needed members and reaching our 100% goal as a Department. We CAN DO iT! A NeW AUXiLiArY! And it DOeS keep getting better! Through the combined efforts of many, especially the comrades of VFW Post 2063; Dept. Chief of Staff Pat Holzhueter-Roth; District 8 President Annette Uhlig and Dept. Treasurer Margie Saucerman, the Department will be instituting Crivitz Memorial Ladies Auxiliary No. 2063 on Saturday, January 31, 2009 in Crivitz. Weather permitting, our Dept. Line Officers and Sisters of the 8 District will be in attendance, as will our National Chief of Staff/Extension Director Rita Byers from Cashton. All are welcome to attend - please see Pat’s article elsewhere in this paper. Detailed invitations are forthcoming - please contact your District President for more information after the holidays. FiSher hOUSe DONATiONS! With only 5 months completed in our Auxiliary program year, many of the very generous Auxiliaries, Districts and individuals of Wisconsin have already donated OVer $5,000 to the President’s Special Project, the Fisher House Program. Thank you, thank you! Sisters, no donation is too small to help the families of our wounded warriors stay at these “Homes away from Home” while their heroes undergo medical treatments at our VA and/or military medical facilities. I know that some Auxiliaries are even holding special events to raise funds for this program. Thank you for all you continue to do to support our veterans and their families. Now let’s reach $10,000 for Fisher House, shall we? heLP FiLL The CALeNDAr! As we turn the corner into the New Year and the second half of our program year, I do have some spots in the calendar that need filling! If you have not had a Department President visit your Auxiliary meeting for some years, please consider a date on which I might visit your area. Even better - are there nearby Auxiliaries - say, within a few miles - that could come and share the meeting? Please include them - the more the merrier! You may use the form included in the August 2008 mailing, or call or email to have another one sent to you. I’d LOVE to visit if possible! beST WiSheS for a speedy recovery to all who are ill at this time. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathies to all who have lost a loved one. May your memories offer you comfort and peace. Safe travels to all, especially as winter settles in for a long visit! And THANK YOU, for ALL you continue to do for our veterans, their families and our communities. In all we do, “Let all our actions be for the greater glory of our cause.” Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often
Moose Memo
DePere Aux Honors laVerne Kiley
Veterans Day brought many awards to members of VFW Post 2113 and its Ladies Auxiliary. One special award was presented to LaVerne Kiley in recognition of her 50 years as an Auxiliary Member. She has served several terms as Auxiliary President, and has been an active member of many committees over the years. She has knitted many hats for the newborns at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and many lap robes for residents at the Veterans Home at King. Her recent illness has limited some of her activities, but her Auxiliary Sisters still look to her for encouragement, and thank her for “hanging in there” all these years. In their eyes, LaVerne is still a super lady, and they ask that God bless her!
laVerne Kiley marks 50 years as a member of the dePere Post 2113 ladies auxiliary.
Wishing you a very blessed and peaceful Christmas 2008.
My sincere thanks to all of the Officers, Chairmen and Past Department Presidents who contributed to this most wonderful gift. I will cherish it always! Marla
Jankowski to Represent National Auxiliary at Wisconsin Mid-Winter conference
Past National President Patricia Jankowski of Salt Springs, Florida, will be the National Representative to the Wisconsin VFW Ladies Auxiliary MidWinter Conference in Milwaukee in February. She is currently serving the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as a member of the National Advisory Committee. Since serving as 2000-2001 National President, she has continued her active participation in the organization serving as 2002-2003 National Mentoring Director, Co-Chairman of the 2003-2004 National Events & Guests Committee, and 2005-2006 National Advisory Committee Chairman. During her term, she led the membership behind the theme Today—Tomorrow—Always—Remembering Yesterday, to signify the organization’s ongoing goal of helping those who have fought for our country. Two new programs were started during her presidency: The Heart of Gold Achievement Badge program for Junior Girls and the Mentoring program. She was the first National President to visit Vietnam where she had the opportunity to learn about the progress of the Vietnam-US Joint Task Force Recovery Effort to locate missing servicemen from the Vietnam War. Her Far East tour took her to the Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii, to Guam where she met W. Bush and at 50th Anniversary Ceremonies commemorating the Korean Conflict. A life member of Northville Auxiliary #4012 in Northville, Michigan, she joined on the eligibility of her stepfather, Donald Russell, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Since that time she has been actively involved on all levels of the organization. She was Auxiliary President, District #4 President, and 1990-91 Department of Michigan President earning Outstanding President of the Year in her membership group. As a member of Blazzette Color Guard for five years, she holds two Bronze and one Silver Medal for competition at National VFW Convention. She also has a Canadian American Champion Medal. She earned National Aide-de-Camp status for recruiting members in 1989, and has served as National Flag Bearer, National Cancer Aid & Research Director, and National Director for the VFW National Home program. She belongs to the American Legion Auxiliary and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary. For several years, she owned a craft and gift business and has taught crafts to grade schoolers and worked as the costumer for many grade school plays. After living in Michigan for many years, she has retired, moved to Florida and is enjoying new experiences.
AUXiLiArY MeMberShiP
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all you have done to date in our membership program. Our Department reached 85% by the end of November and this is only because of all the hard work put forward by ALL OF YOU! To reach that magic 100% though, I urgently need your help again. Now is the time to do a final check of your rosters, make one final call to members not yet renewed. About 75% of our auxiliaries are only a couple of members from 100%. Consider paying them out of your relief fund if they are in need of your assistance. remember, in order for Margie Saucerman to process and get to National to count as December 2008 membership, your transmittals will need to be to her by December 18 or 19 at the latest, so you must act now! Let’s show President Marla that all her Wisconsin VFW Auxiliary members are working hard to “TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS FOR OUR VETERANS.” My wishes for a very happy and blessed holiday season to you and your families! Judy Borg, Dept. Membership Chairman
with Auxiliary members, to the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, and to facilities run by the Veterans Affairs Commission for its country’s veterans in Taipei, Taiwan. She also represented the organization at the Inauguration for President George
AuxilARy
The COrPSMAN’S ChriSTMAS POeM
“’Twas the night before Christmas as I flew o’er the Marine Base, when I spied a young man who seemed out of place. His eyes showed compassion, his hair a bit long, but his head was held high and his body was strong. His air was confident, his uniform smart, but what impressed me most was the size of his heart. For he embodied honor, one of this country’s best, and the words U.S. NAVY showed large on his chest. As I stood there in wonder and gazed into his eyes, the words that he spoke took me quite by surprise. “What’s wrong Santa, haven’t you ever seen a sailor before?” I sensed something special and longed to know more. “To be honest, this field thing wasn’t part of my plan, but God didn’t give me a boat or tin can.” The words he spoke next surprised me all the more, “But I’m as proud of my Navy as I am of the Corps!” “Don’t worry Santa, that I’m a sailor you see, for when a Marine goes down they will still call on me. They’ll forget I’m a sailor, they’ll call in my stock. At the top of their lungs they’ll yell, “Get me the doc!” “And I’ll answer that call, anytime, anywhere. Though I know I’m a target I really don’t care. I’ll face incoming fire as I race across the land, and use my very own body to shield a downed man.” “Working long hours and into the night, my unit’s battle is over, but I’m just starting to fight. For the life of every Marine is sacred to me. I refuse to surrender them to death, and in that I’ll find victory.” “And yet I’ll take the time to comfort a dying man, to sit down by his side, to reach out and hold his hand. For it takes as much courage to care as to fight. For just as the poem says, many don’t “go gently into that night.” “Santa, it’s not any one uniform that makes you a man, but rather it’s those ideals for which you choose to stand. I draw my line here, it’s long and it’s plain. For pain, hurt and suffering are the things I disdain.” I know very well that I may lose my life, so that a Marine may see an unmet child and young wife. So Santa, it really doesn’t matter if they don’t like my hair. I’m a Navy Corpsman, their Doc, and I’ll always be there.” “I follow the brave docs who have come long before, from Belleau Wood, Iwo, and Lebanon’s shore. As history proudly shows, they all gave their best, and for those who have died, surely they’re blessed.” “At Inchon, the gulf and times during Tet, our brothers have fallen, but we carry on yet. For we carry their honor and legacy still.” As I held back my tears it took all of my will. I had to leave him there for I had other plans, but I knew in my heart that the Corps is in good hands. As I flew away I heard his laughter, it rang so loud and clear. “Hey Santa, how ‘bout a nice pair of boots for the 26 miler next year?” -Author unattributed; Received via e-mail
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 5
January, 2009
it was a dark and stormy day, but that didn’t stop the annual national ladies auxiliary celebration of the statue of Liberty’s Birthday. Wisconsin President Marla (right), Joyce Weible, north dakota President (center) and sandra Pedersen, Wyoming President, were dressed for foul weather as they waited outside their hotel for the ride to the statue of liberty.
through rain and wind, under cloudy skies, the ladies auxiliary and guests circled the statue of liberty but did not stop at bedlowes island for the traditional outdoor ceremony. instead, their boat continued on.
Happy Birthday Miss liberty
October 28, 2008, the National VFW Ladies Auxiliary held their annual celebration of the “birthday” of the Statue of Liberty. Presented to the United States by France on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty has stood all these years as a literal beacon of freedom at the mouth of the Hudson River on Bedloes Island. The ceremony, normally held outdoors at the base of the Statue, was relocated to the Registry Room of the Great Hall at Ellis Island, where so many of our forefathers first came to America. Despite the inclement weather, the ceremony was moving and impressive, according to State Auxiliary President Marla J. Morgan, who attended the event.
national auxiliary President dixie hild addresses the assembled guests at historic registry room-great hall at ellis island, where the group held their ceremony. ellis island has touched the lives of many families as ancestors from europe and elsewhere began the process of starting new lives here in america. no longer part of the immigration system, ellis island national monument today houses a fascinating and instructional museum of interest to all citizens.
Greetings VfW Auxiliary Sisters
I have exciting news to share with all of you!! Crivitz Memorial Post #2063 is joining the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The institution of this new Auxiliary will be held in late January, 2009. The application for the Charter with 18 members listed has been submitted and approved by National Headquarters. The new Auxiliary will be meeting at the American Legion Hall, 251 Hwy. 151 in Crivitz, WI. This institution is a special event and will be followed with a luncheon to celebrate and welcome the new members. We need to thank the members of Post 2063 in Crivitz for continuing to support the formation of this new Auxiliary. Many meetings took place and many phone calls were made to urge the members of the Post to have their wives, daughters and other eligible women complete an application. Special thanks to Crivitz Post Member Jerome Swanson and his wife, Nora, as well as 8 District VFW Auxiliary President, Annette Uhlig, who has served as the organizer for this new Auxiliary. I am thrilled about the new Auxiliary in Crivitz. It is encouraging to know we can still make it happen. As we all know, many of our Auxiliaries have surrendered their charters. At that point we attempt to transfer the members to nearby Auxiliaries. We do not want our membership to decline as a result of a surrendered charter. We are all sad when an Auxiliary disbands and we lose members. That is why it is really encouraging to begin a new one in Crivitz! Many photos will be taken at the Institution. Afterwards, I will submit them to the VFW News with an article for all to read. Our Dreams Become Rainbows As We Take Care Of Business For Our Veterans. Pat Holzhueter-Roth, Chief Of Staff
• Raffle Tickets • Posters • Newspapers • Letterheads
• Envelopes • Business Cards • Manuals
• Newsletters • Booklets • Brochures • Forms
Page 6
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
WDVA uPDATe
wdva news briefs
Ken black
acting secretary of the Wi dept. of Veterans affairs
feeling Bad
Dr Jeffrey Whittle, MD, MPh Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center More and more people are willing to admit that they suffer from mental illness. This is a good thing, because conditions like depression are just as much medical conditions as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Your lifestyle can affect both medical and mental illnesses, but both sometimes need to be treated with medication. It is sad when people who have mental illnesses insist they should “be strong” rather than get treatment. People with hypertension can help control their blood pressure with diet and exercise, but should be willing to add medicine if those don’t work. In the same way, people with mental illnesses like depression, which is also very treatable with medication, should consider medical treatment if they don’t do well with lifestyle changes. Please make sure you encourage your loved ones who appear to have mental illness to work with a health professional if they are not doing well on their own. Depression is probably the most common mental illness. Nearly 1 of 8 men will have depression during their lifetime, and it is twice as likely in women. It is especially likely in people who have a family history of depression or who have had depression before. It is also more likely to show up when people are under stress. It is important to realize that unhappiness is not the same as depression. When you have a difficult life situation, many people will be unhappy a lot of the time. Similarly, some people worry a lot about potential problems – they may come across as depressed or anxious. For my part, I want one of these people to be my doctor – bad things can happen after all!! So what should tip you off that you or a friend may be depressed? Probably the most important clue is that depression af-
NOTE: Ken Black serves as the Acting Secretary while Sec. John A. Scocos is deployed to Iraq. Message from Acting Secretary Black: As 2008 comes to a close, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs wishes everyone a happy holiday season and a successful New Year in 2009, as we look ahead to the challenges of ensuring veterans receive the finest benefits and services possible. We know we are able to carry out our mission through the help of our stakeholders and partners. The following information is an update from the department. 2009-2011 biennial State budget for Wisconsin Veterans: The WDVA 2009-11 biennial budget request reflects Wisconsin’s commitment to provide the benefits and services its veterans need and deserve while maintaining the financial viability of the veterans Trust Fund, Mortgage Loan Repayment Fund, and Veterans Homes. Focuses include Maintaining Current Programs and Services through More Efficient Operations, Meeting New Emergent Needs, Exploring New Revenue Sources, and Shifting Funding to Alternate Sources. More information about the budget is available on the WDVA budget page, at www. WisVets.com/Budget. New Liaison selected for Wisconsin Veterans home at King: Laura Mays, a former military spouse who has spent the past seven years with the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, has been selected for the key senior management position of Agency Liaison for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. In her role with the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, Mays served as a liaison between the local tobacco-free coalition, county government, state and national agencies, law enforcement, local businesses, health care providers, and the media. At King, she is responsible for implementing agency outreach programs, administering public information and liaison programs for the Home, as well as overseeing marketing, fundraising and promotions efforts and supervising staff at the Home Exchange, Library and Volunteer program. Mays began in her new position at King on Nov. 17, 2008. Wisconsin Veterans Museum exhibits. An exhibit featuring Civil War Maps and Photographs opened at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on Nov. 19, 2008. Called “Fishhook and Siege Line: Gettysburg and Vicksburg in Photographs and Battle Maps,” the exhibit that will run until July 19, 2009 features items that bring the battles to life. The Museum is a free public educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more, go to www.museum.dva.state.wi.us. Pearl harbor Day. Pearl Harbor Day will be observed on Sunday, December 7, 2008. This year marks the 67th anniversary since “a day that will live in infamy” on Dec. 7, 1941 in the early morning hours when Japanese fighter planes bombed pearl harbor, claiming 2,403 American lives and
leaving more than a thousand others wounded. For additional information visit www.wisvets.com/pearlharborday. This year WDVA will be co-hosting a Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Observance being held at 7:00 p.m. at the Milwaukee War Memorial as part of an annual event presented by the Department of Wisconsin AMVETS 2nd District. Watch for details on this and other upcoming events at www. WisVets.com/events. Veterans Day ceremonies. Veterans Day ceremonies that the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs hosted or participated in captured the 2008 theme of “Generations of Thanks for Generations of Service.” WDVA Acting Secretary Ken Black joined Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, and the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, Don Dunbar, and others in addresses at the ceremony presented by the Madison Veterans Council at the State Capitol. Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Chair Marv Freedman spoke at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, Board member Dan Naylor was the guest speaker at a program at the Rosholt School District, and WDVA Administrative Services Administrator Seth Perelman addressed about 250 attendees during a chilly outdoor Veterans Day ceremony at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. All of them brought the message of the importance of commemorating Veterans Day and recognizing those of all eras who have served the nation. WDVA Acting Secretary Black said, “Veterans Day is a special day set aside to honor all those who have ever served our nation and those currently serving, and to thank them…Veterans Day is not only a day of national significance during which we recognize the nation’s 23.4 million living veterans, but also a day to remember the generations before them who fought to protect freedom and democracy.” Veterans benefits Campus Open houses. During the second week of November, WDVA and three University of Wisconsin schools held Veterans Benefits Campus Open Houses to provide information and assistance with federal and state veterans’ education and other benefits, programs and services. UW-River Falls featured an event on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in association with other Veterans Day activities. On Nov. 12, UW-Superior was the host site, with a Career Fair held in conjunction with WDVA’s on-campus event. On Nov. 13, a Veterans Benefits Campus Open House was held at UW-Stout in Menomonie. All three events provided the opportunity for veterans to learn more about the Wisconsin GI Bill resource as well as higher education programs and services. Forward VeTerANS. The Fall 2008 edition of WDVA’s quarterly newsletter Forward VETERANS is available online at www.WisVets.com/Publications. For more information on WDVA state programs, services and resources, as well as to read updates on issues and hot topics, visit www.WisVets.com or call 1-800-WISVETS (1-800-947-8387).
md, mPh Clement J. Zablocki vA Medical Center
Jeff Whittle,
fects your ability to function. If you used to be able to get a certain amount done and you find you just don’t have the will power to do as much, depression is more likely. Second, depression tends to be persistent – if you bounce back after a couple of bad days and are back to your old self, the chances that it is depression are much lower. When health professionals worry about depression, we ask about persistence – are the symptoms present most or all of the time for at least the past two weeks? We also ask if the person feels depressed – most people can tell they are not just unhappy. It is also useful to ask about another common symptom – lack of interest in almost all activities. Unfortunately, depression is particularly hard to figure out when people are older or have other medical problems. On the one hand, medical problems may be a good reason to simply be unhappy, but on the other hand, depression is more common with major medical problems. In addition, a lot of symptoms that are common in older persons – poor sleep, feeling tired or fatigued, difficulty concentrating – are also symptoms of depression. So both you and your doctor need to keep an eye out for these symptoms. Sometimes you, the patient, need to bring up depression as a possible cause, because the doctor may not think of it. I will return to mental illness next time.
WDVA Honors Manitowoc Native KiA in 1941
The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Dec. 1, 2008 that the remains of a Wisconsin sailor missing from World War II have been identified. “As we observe Pearl Harbor Day this December 7, we will also remember U.S. Navy Ensign Robert G. Tills of Manitowoc, whose craft was sunk while defending the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941 by Japanese aircraft, and whose remains have just been identified,” said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Secretary Ken Black. “We must never allow to be forgotten the valiant service of the countless U.S. service members like Ensign Tills, who gave their lives defending our nation as it entered the Second World War,” said Black. Tills was the first Navy officer to be lost in the defense of the Philippines. His remains will be returned to his family for burial with full military funeral honors on March 23, 2009 in Arlington National Cemetery.
2009 state boWling tournament soat-VergenZ VfW Post 721
february 28-march 1, march 7-8, march 14-15 and march 28-29, 2009
sunset boWl • 333 sunset driVe • WauKesha, Wi 53189
Detailed Registration Information, Motels, etc. will be included in the Quarterly Mailing to Commanders & Quartermasters in December.
Prices for ads in the tournament brochure are as folloWs: FULL PAGE: $100.00 • HALF PAGE: $50.00 • 1/4 PAGE: $25.00 PLEASE ENCLOSE AD COPY OR BUSINESS CARD (AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT PRINTED), MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE AND RETURN TO: VFW POST 721 • P.O. BOX 721 • WAUKESHA, WI 53187 NAME/POST ______________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ PHONE __________________________________________________________
THANK YOU, EVERYONE!
A big Thank You to all my Comrades & Sisters for all your prayers, gifts, cards, and more while I was in the hospital. Your kindness will never be forgotten. – Thomas D. Hoffman, Sr. .
news from the state vso reedsburg Post 1916 Gets new Permanent sign
Part III
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 7
January, 2009
what do we really know about the va?
The VA has denied my claim, now what do I do? In the last article, we looked at the development stages of a VA claim. In this article, I will take you through the three stages of the appeals process. The veteran has one year from the date of notification of a VA decision to file an appeal. This is the first stage in the appeal process for a veteran to file a written notice of disagreement with the VA regional office. The notice of disagreement should identify specifically what issues are in disagreement. Also, should you have any additional medical evidence or statements to support the claim, this would be the time to submit them. One special note, this is not the time to submit a the veteran must file a Substantive Appeal (VA Form 9) within 60 days of the issued Statement of the Case, or within one year from the date VA mailed its decision, whichever period ends later. The VA can, during this stage grant the veteran’s appeal and consider the appeal resolved. Third Stage, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals makes decisions on appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The VFW has representatives who will represent the veteran before the Board of Veterans Appeals. The veteran may present his/her case in person to a member of the Board at a hearing in Washington, DC, at a VA regional office or by video teleconference. Again, any questions can be addressed to the State Service Office.
Reedsburg VFW Post 1916 members Marvin Lehman, Herbert Lehman, Sr. and Past Post Commander Bob Yngsdal, pose in front of the attractive new sign marking the location of the Post. The sign is lighted dusk to dawn along with the US Flag. Material costs for the sign were donated by Marvin and Herbert, Sr. and Herbert Lehman, Jr. in memory of Herbert Sr’s late wife, Betty. The design, and most of the labor, was donated by Post Member Jim Allen, who also enlisted the help of friends in the construction trades. This detail shows the plaque dedicating Post 1916’s new sign as a memorial tribute to the late Betty Lehman.
Lee Guerrero, Wisconsin Veterans Service Officer claim for a new issue, this only delays the appeal. Second Stage, VA will furnish the veteran a Statement of the Case describing the facts, laws and regulations used in deciding the case. To complete the request for appeal,
vietnam vets encouraged to enroll in va healthcare system Cootie Grand Commander and auxiliary President As most of you may know, that authorized this enrollment Celebrate ‘testimonial’ with a true Cootie roast enrollment in the VA Health- technically expired in 2002;
care system has undergone a number of changes since 1998, not always in the best interest of veterans as a whole. In 1998, the VA “threw open the doors” to any veteran who wanted to enroll in the healthcare system. This resulted in “waiting lists” that often exceeded one year, just to get assigned to a primary care physician. The VA’s response was the current system of “means testing” veterans who apply to enroll. This means testing, which started in January of 2003, is indexed by the county of residence of the veteran. There is some talk that these caps may be increased in the coming year(s) to allow more Priority Group 8 veterans to enroll. We’ll have to wait and see on that issue. One fact, that was not very widely publicized, was that veterans with service in-country in Vietnam were eligible based solely on their service in Vietnam, no matter their incomes or lack of a service connected disability. The act however, most VA facilities have continued to enroll Vietnam veterans anyway. There is some talk, refuted by some in the VA Healthcare System, that the VA Central Office has been asked by some VA Healthcare networks to suspend any further enrollment of Vietnam veterans, if they do not meet the means test criteria, or have a service connected disability. As veterans advocates, we encourage ALL veterans of Vietnam (remember, you MUST have served in-country in Vietnam) to enroll in the VA Healthcare system NOW! The VA has a habit of changing the rules, but one thing they have been consistent about, is when they change the rules, they “Grandfather” all of those who got in under the old rules, to remain in the system. Hence, if you are eligible to enroll now, do so, before they change the rules again! Ken Brown CVSO Assn. of WI Those “wacky guys” with the “funny hats” and the bug on their collars were at it again, only this time in Eagle River on November 15. The occasion was officially billed as the “Joint Testimonial” for MOC Grand of Wisconsin Commander, Ken Patterson, and his wife, Michele, who is MOC Ladies Auxiliary Grand of Wisconsin President. Former VFW News Editor, John Helgeson, who is also a Past Grand Commander, served as the evening’s emcee, but eventually turned the podium over to Past Grand Commander Rod Fifield, who concluded the evening with a rollicking roast of the Grand Commander and Auxiliary President. It was a fun evening, attended by about 50 guests, and held at the Eagle River VFW Post 8637. The Post served a delicious meal, and the atmosphere was upbeat and very enjoyable. The Military Order of the Cootie is known for its rather overstated “uniform,” and for its penchant for jokes and laughter.
Ken Patterson, Cootie Grand Commander, Marla Morgan, Auxiliary President, Rod Fifield, Roastmaster. Commander Patterson, wearing the wig and sack dress, has just discovered his “long lost daughter” who, suspiciously, wears headgear identical to that of the Roastmaster! Hmmmmm?
Wisconsin Cootie Grand Commander Patterson is escorted to the head table by Cooties Richard Fear and Dave Schmidt in traditional “Cootie” style: Backwards!
Rod Fifield, Roastmaster, Michele Patterson, Cootie Auxiliary Grand President, Heather Fifield, Assistant Roastmaster, Seated, Annette Uhlig, Past State Auxiliary President. Grand President Michele apparently has a penchant for losing gavels. Tonight, she receives one too big to set down and forget about! But the serious side of this Honor Degree of the VFW is its steadfast service to hospitalized veterans. Bringing cheer, aid and comfort to a comrade in physical or emotional distress is a rewarding task and of great importance. The Cootie takes his or her mission very seriously, but goes about the task in a lighthearted manner. So, when someone asks you to join “The Cooties,” know that you have earned your Comrade’s respect for what they’ve seen you do in the VFW, and know, too, that as a Cootie you’ll have a good time doing whatever you do.
auburndale Post & auxiliary Participate in veterans Day Ceremonies
Auburndale VFW 10162 and its Ladies Auxiliary presented the colors at two school programs for Veterans Day. At Auburndale Elementary at a 9:30 a.m. program on November 10, several students read their essays about Veterans Day and how veterans came to be. The next day, the Post and Auxiliary participated in a joint Senior/Junior High School Program at Auburndale High School. After opening ceremonies, High School Principal Jim Meyer welcomed everyone and presented his opening remarks. The Badger Girls and Badger Boys representatives presented readings, followed by a choral presentation by the Auburndale Choir under the direction of Mrs. Lois Kremer. Guest Speaker for the event was M/ SGT Brad Guse (Retired) who spoke of his service in Operation Freedom in Afghanistan in 2002/03. Following his presentation, the high school band played “Patriotic Fantasy,” followed by the National Anthem and the playing of Taps. The colors were retired at the close of the ceremony.
Page 8
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
whitewater Post
whitewater Post news vets see increase in mileage reimbursement WASHINGTON – The U.S. difficult economic times, to help be able to provide them with the Department of Veterans Affairs offset gasoline costs and to assist increase needed and we will conturkey Project (VA) announced recently that veterans with access to the VA’s tinue to work with our veterans
eligible veterans will see an increase in the mileage reimbursement they receive for travel to VA facilities for medical care. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced recently that he will use his authority to raise the mileage reimbursement from the 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile for all eligible veterans. “We owe it to our veterans to give them the best care possible,” said Peake. “The increase will once again provide assistance to our veterans, especially in these world-class health system.” Congress, which mandates such increases, recently provided funding to VA to increase the reimbursement rate, which goes into effect on November 17, 2008. Service connected veterans, veterans receiving VA pensions, and veterans with low incomes are eligible for the reimbursement. “As I have traveled the country and spoken with many of our veterans, they have expressed the need for such an increase,” added Peake. “We are pleased to to ensure they receive the quality care they need.” While increasing the payment, the current deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements will remain frozen at $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, and capped at a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. On January 9, 2009, these deductibles will decrease to $3 for a oneway trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month. Deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.
For cooperating with Whitewater Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5470 in the purchase of turkeys and coffee for the residents of the Southern Wisconsin Home for Veterans in Union Grove, Cmdr. Evan Wynn [R] presented a certificate of appreciation to Dennis Riley[L], manager of the Whitewater Daniels Sentry Foods. Through his cooperation, the Post was able to advance the VFW goal of assisting veterans that had given much to their country. A delivery of the turkeys, coffee, clothing, books and puzzles was made by Cmdr. Wynn and Bruce Houghton this week, just in time for preparation for Thanksgiving. The post commends Dennis and Daniels Sentry for making this trip possible.
wisconsin women veterans Coordinating Committee seeking nominations for members
(MADISON) – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting nominations for women veterans and women service members to be appointed to the Women Veterans Coordinating Committee. The committee, which has been the main organizing body of the annual Women Veterans Conference, was first formed in January 2006. There are four openings for committee members, who are appointed by the department Secretary or Acting Secretary for a two-year term. Meetings are currently held at department headquarters, at 30 W. Mifflin St., Madison, across from the Capitol. About three to six meetings are scheduled to take place each year, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Much of the conference discussion is also done via e-mail. Those interested in being a member or nominating someone for the committee should send the following information to the department’s Office of Public Affairs, at 30 W. Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703 by Dec. 31, 2008: name, branch of service, dates of service, name of person making a nomination, and a short narrative of what the veteran or service member would bring to the committee. Those selected for the committee will be notified. Also, those interested in being added to mailings about women veterans’ issues may view the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans webpage, at www.WisVets.com/ WomenVet and register for the mailing list. Or call the department toll-free at 1-800-WISVETS (1-800-947-8387).
veterans Day at whitewater
navy vet thanked by Post
Veterans Day 2008 was remembered on November 11 with a program conducted at Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater by Fairhaven and VFW Post 5470 and American Legion Post 173. Cmdr. Evan Wynn of the VFW and Cmdr. Steven Nass of the Legion spoke in remembrance of the sacrifices of all veterans. Pictured is Bruce Houghton, 33-year Army veteran and member of Post 5470, who presented a display of his collection of military memorabilia and uniforms spanning the years from WWI to the present. He is pictured here with a Vietnam era complete uniform. Many veterans live at Fairhaven and those remembered included 13 from Fairhaven who were deceased since last year and 8 from VFW Post 5470.
Theron A. Mickelson, a WWII Navy veteran, and long-time member of Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 in Waupun, was thanked for his loyal support to this post as he will be moving to Two Rivers to be near his daughter. He has been a regular attendee at Post meetings and has helped with brat fries and fundraisers. He will be missed by his fellow Comrades in Waupun. Wishing him well are (L-R): Post Commander Frank Mesa, Theron A. Mickelson, VFW 6th District Commander James L. Romnek Photo by Larry Duer, Post 6709
va Considers als Presumptive to military service
From VA News Release dated September 23, 2008 Dan Connery, Assistant CVSO According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was recently added as a compensable presumptive condition to military service. Also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a neuromuscular disease that affects about 20,000 to 30,000 people of all races and ethnicities in the United States. ALS is often relentlessly progressive and is almost always fatal. “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. If you know of a veteran with 90 days or more of continuous active duty service who has this condition or someone who may have died from this condition, please have them or their family contact the Dane County Veterans Service Office at 608-2664158. Surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who passed away from ALS may qualify for VA benefits as well.
still time to nominate Your teacher of the Year 2008
The Teacher of the Year nomination deadline is fast approaching but you still have a little time. I will accept nominations if they are in my hands by January 3, 2009. Richard Morey State Citizenship Education Chairperson
veteran Benefits
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 9
January, 2009
vietnam vets Benefits may Be in Jeopardy
Dane County Veterans Service Office November 6, 2008 Attention all veterans. It appears that we may be in danger of losing a very important federal benefit, one that will impact a large number of veterans in a very negative way. A large number of Vietnam veterans are likely to lose their eligibility for VA health care, and this is a call to arms to prevent that from happening. We need your help. Vietnam veterans as a population have been “guaranteed” enrollment to VA health care for some time now based on their presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The VA healthcare system has 8 different priority levels of veteran populations, with all but Priority Group 8 currently eligible for enrollment. At the present time, Vietnam veterans are automatically considered Priority Group 6 veterans, and can be enrolled into the system regardless of their disability status or financial condition. This is based on authority given the VA which, unfortunately, expired in December 2002. While VA has seen fit to continue the enrollments regardless of the expiration, there are administrative efforts within VA to discontinue treatment under this authority and that looks likely to happen in the near future. The only way this can be prevented is to provide VA with new legal authority. We need to do two things. First, we need to get the word out to all Vietnam veterans that this is happening. If they are not yet enrolled in VA healthcare they need to be and quickly. The window of opportunity is closing, and we need to get as many enrolled as possible before it shuts. There will be no advance warning by VA. Based on past practices, veterans already within the VA healthcare system will be “grandfathered” and not dropped. Vietnam veterans not yet enrolled in the VA medical system should contact their County Veterans Service Office immediately for assistance, or go to the nearest VA medical facility with DD-214 in hand for on-site enrollment. Secondly, we need all veterans, not just Vietnam veterans, to contact their political representatives to ask their assistance in resolving this issue. It can only be corrected politically, and if enough veterans get involved, that will happen. Please contact the Dane County Veterans Service Office at (608) 2664158, or your local VSO, for more details.
veterans of foreign wars Post 10393 thank their Benefactor
Gilbertson-Pitzer Post 10393, Veterans of Foreign Wars celebrated the acquisition of their own building as post headquarters. On Wednesday, October 22, Post 10393 closed on the property at 836 Wisconsin Avenue (former Double K’s building) with plans to occupy it as their post headquarters. It will mark only the second time that a Boscobel veterans group had acquired its own building. The first was John McDermott Post #101 Grand Army of the Republic in 1896. On Saturday, November 1, they were joined by their benefactor, Percy Pitzer, to commemorate the occasion. Pitzer is the brother of one of the Post’s namesakes, Richard Pitzer. Richard was killed in Vietnam in 1968. Percy left school here in Boscobel in 1968 to join the Army and also served in Vietnam and Thailand. It was through Percy’s most generous support and that of his company that the Post was able to purchase the building. After serving in the U. S. Army, Pitzer went to work in the federal prisons system, eventually be-
Left to right: 3rd District Commander and Post Quartermaster Joe Ricco, Don Saunchegrow, Trustee Rudy Dienes, Percy Pitzer, Post Commander Gary Young, and Jr. Vice Commander Ken Sletten.
coming a warden. After retiring from that bureau, he and his wife formed Creative Corrections, a consulting company which includes a number of former federal Bureau of prisons. Percy is the CEO of the company, and a life member of VFW Post 10393. The members of Post 10393 are most grateful to Percy Pitzer, his family, and his company for the support received. They truly embody the American spirit and the Vietnam Veterans vow to “Never Forget.”
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M0006_GHA_014URR WI 11/08
Page 10
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
maDison DaY
Presentation to Mrs. Joan Uhl.
Presentation to Mrs. Clara Suchon.
Day Post Past Commander Lloyd Dunn participates in flag ceremonies with the 1-105th Cav in Madison.
madison Day Post 7591 honored by 1-105th Cav
VFW Post 7591 has Adopted the Lighthorse 1-105th Cav based at Madison. In September, the Post hosted a brat ‘n burger cookout for their command leadership meeting in Madison. Commanding Officer LTC George requested that representatives of the Post join the unit for their Fall Dining-out on November 15. This was a formal event that began with Opening of the Mess, Posting of the Colors, POW/MIA Recognition and Opening remarks by LTC George. Command Sergeant Major Edgar J. Hansen delivered the main remarks. The event concluded with a ceremonial Closing of the Mess. Past Post Commander Lloyd Dunn was given the honor of carrying the American Flag, and additionally honored to call the commands for Posting and Retrieving the colors. The Post was greatly honored by their invitation to participate. Post 7591 supplied the dessert: A chocolate lava cake and NY Cheesecake with berries. Photo, Story from Dennis Landon
Post 568 and alternative school Create memories together
Andy Suchon, Commander of VFW Post 568, Stevens Point, presents frames custom made by the Stevens Point Alternative School and given to the Post for presentation of Gold Star Mother Certificates of Appreciation. The two Gold Star Mothers honored are Clara Suchon, Andy’s mother, whose son, Clarence, was killed in Vietnam on March 22, 1971, and Joan Uhl, whose son, Eugene, was killed in Iraq on November 15, 2003. The presentations were made in September at a meeting of Gold Star Mothers of Portage County. Mrs. Suchon and Mrs. Uhl are currently the only two Gold Star Mothers in Portage County. The Stevens Point Alternative School has made commemorative Flag Cases and these picture/document frames for the Stevens Point Post and also for the American Legion. The students learn the fine points of woodworking and turn out exceptionally nice finished products. They like knowing their work benefits Veterans and their families.
a special Cookbook Project
VFW Post 10893 of Neenah and its Auxiliary are proud to announce that they are putting together a 400-recipe cookbook with all proceeds going to Fisher House (designated for the Milwaukee project). The cookbooks will cost $10 each. We are in need of recipes, which you can e-mail to Kris Mork-Lee, auxiliary president (morklee@yahoo.com), or mail to her home address - 808 Reddin Ave., Neenah, WI 54956. We are also looking for pre-orders for the book. If you are interested in ordering, please e-mail her at the above email, or call her at either 920-722-2306, or 920-379-7267. Submitted by Kris Mork-Lee
Post 10301 rewards Police officer
On Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10301 Commander Joe Weniger presented the VFW Commanders Silver Medal Award to Caledonia Police Officer Erin Tyson at the Village Board meeting. On the morning of October 4, 2007, at 1 a.m., Officer Tyson was on patrol when Gail Weidner came running up to Officer Tyson’s police car carrying her unresponsive son, Jordyn (age 1) Officer Tyson immediately began CPR steps and determined that the child had a blocked airway. By quickly performing a finger sweep of the mouth and making firm hits to the child’s back, the debris blocking his airway came out. A Caledonia rescue squad was called and the boy was taken to the hospital to be checked out. At the ceremony were Gail Weidner and her son, Jordyn, and several Caledonia Police Officers. Post members present at the ceremony were Quartermaster Jack Sexton, Adjutant John Salvo, and post members Ken Clark, Mike Beck, Frank Hernandez and Howard Fuchs. Post 10301 is to be commended for making this presentation outside of their Post. It’s the best venue for getting publicity for efforts such as this. - Editor
Gross-Yaksh Post 6498
Home Post of National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Tommy T. Tradewell
SupportS the VFW NeWS The Albert H. Groska
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
VFW Post 7232 Eau Claire’s “Other Post”
2 Blocks west on Folsom St. off North Clairmont Ave.
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
VFW Post 8320
Phone: 262-652-2751
8/08
The Wisconsin VFW News salutes these local Wisconsin Posts and thanks them for their patronage!
vfw Gift CarDs
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 11
January, 2009
vfw Gift CarDs: have you tried them yet?
the following article is from the Post 1318 Newsletter, and is by gundel metz, Post 1318 Community Activities Chairman Do you go grocery shopping every week? Do you get gas for your vehicle every week? Do you go out to eat? Usually we pay by check, cash, or credit/debit card. There is another way that you can pay and that is by getting gift cards. The VFW Gift Card Store program allows our members, family members and VFW supporters to raise money for our state and post simply by buying items we use everyday. To raise money, just purchase gift cards through their website or over the phone and instead of using cash, use the gift cards. Each gift card purchased through the VFW Gift Card Store earns a donation to your VFW Post. When a gift card is purchased through this program, the merchant that issues the gift cards provides a donation. Of the total dollars raised through purchase of gift cards, 50% will go to the individual post that you designate and 50% will go to Department of Wisconsin. Before writing this article, I purchased Woodman’s and Mobile gift cards. I went on line and looked through their selection of businesses (and they have too many to list) who are participating. I had no trouble using the Woodman’s and Mobile gift cards. There are no additional charges. I was charged the value of the gift card. How much the Post receives depends on the gift
From the Chief…
We are at the mid-point in our 20082009 Program Year and, while the results are encouraging, there remains much for Bill Knudson us to accomplish. Commanders, QuarterChief of Staff masters, Adjutants and Post Chairmen, please note: • Online Reporting is working: Use the Internet! Our Online Reporting System eliminates 95% of the Chairman’s grunt work. Follow the E-Forms link on the top of all Wisconsin VFW WebCOM pages. You’ll need a password to access the Direct Online Reporting function. (A brief tutorial video is now up on the web to show newcomers how to do this.) • Don’t bother printing a copy of your submitted information. The Online Forms Print protocol is still undergoing development. Your submitted information may be viewed in the Community Service Summary report updated weekly on line. (Find it under the “Wisconsin Quick Links – Find it here!” link on our main page.) • Online Reporting of Buddy Poppy activity will be available by the time you get this newspaper. • If you are more comfortable reporting results by regular mail, you may do so, but ONLY using the 2008-2009 Post Action Report Form in your State Program Guide Book. (Extra copies of this form may be downloaded and printed from our E-Forms link.) • Using outdated forms from any previous Program Year is forbidden by your 2008/2009 State Program Guide, and submissions on outdated forms will be returned to you for resubmission on the proper forms. We still suffer from the problem of Quartermasters and Commanders who fail to read the materials in Department mailings, much less open them! If you failed to open your initial Department Mailing, you may still download and print the 2008/2009 Wisconsin Program Guide from our E-Forms link. This year’s program is our simplest ever, yet some of you insist on doing everything the hard way, thus jeopardizing your Post’s standings. White Hats or All American awards will not be given out based solely on membership, but 100% membership is your ticket of admission to Honors Post judging. Exceeding 100% does add extra points to your overall Point Totals, so keep on recruiting and retaining members! Bill “Knoot” Knudson Chief of Staff, 2008-2009 chiefofstaff@wi.vfwwebmail.com
cards you purchase. Donations are based on percentages and they range anywhere from 1% to 15% of the value of the gift card. I purchased a Woodman’s $100 gift card and the donation from that is $3.00 as they donate 3%. This may not seem like a lot. But stop and think, if you spend $100 a week or more for a family on groceries and multiply that by 52 weeks, through your purchase, the VFW would receive $156.00 per year. If every member did this, just think about how much money we can raise. The VFW Gift Card Store sells gift cards for athletics/sports stores, gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, office stores, pharmacy, restaurants, retail stores, toy stores, entertainment (such as movie theaters), some hotels. As you can see, they have a variety to choose from. Look them up on the web. If you do not have a computer, call them and they will send you an order form and a list of businesses to choose from.
• VFW Gift Card Store gift cards are the same as those sold in stores, except each card purchased earns a donation • Gift cards are sold at face value • There are no hidden fees • All purchases are made via check or electronic check withdrawal. (Bank account information is not retained as part of the security measures). • All orders are delivered directly to the purchaser’s home within 7-10 days. HOW TO ORDER There are five easy ways to order gift cards through the VFW Gift Card Store. www.vfwgiftcards.com • Online 800-514-1891 Monday thru Friday 8:30 – 4:00 CST • Phone • Fax 608-821-1025 • Mail P O Box 628458 Middleton, WI 53562 • Auto-Order Recurring monthly order option.
VFW GIFT CARD oRDER FoRM
FREE Movies! FREE Shipping!
FREE with Purchase!
Receive a Marcus Theaters "Buy One Get One" coupon and 2 Free Frosty Flicks admissions with any purchase of $200 or more.
*While supplies last.
Staples
3% Extra - Total of 5%
Lands' End
2% Extra - Total of 7%
American Eagle Outfitters
1% Extra - Total of 4%
KB Toy's
2% Extra - Total of 8%
Borders
2% Extra - Total of 6%
Bath & Body Works
2% Extra - Total of 6%
Save on Shipping!
Shipping on all orders of $100 or more is FREE through 12/31/08!
Gift Card Boxes
5% Extra - Total of 15%
Page 12
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
taPs
monitoring the Pressure - a valuable Program
A health promotion partnership that began in the VFW’s Department of WI under Commander Earle Banks, doctors and educators from the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Zablocki VA medical center is gaining strength and spreading across the state. The original project began with an idea from former state Veterans Service Officer Brian Feltes of West Bend Post 1393 and Zablocki VA physician, Jeff Whittle. It focuses on trying to make sure that veterans and their loved ones are taking an active role in their healthcare, particularly when it comes to the chronic diseases that people must live with rather than cure. Unlike other educational programs, this one depends on the Post members themselves taking the lead, whether it is working with the physicians on the team to select the topics for presentations, or taking information back to their comrades. After the first year of purely volunteer effort, the project was supported by the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program. The thirteen VFW posts that started the project included posts from Caledonia, Genesee Depot, Germantown, Greendale, Hartford, Kenosha, Mequon, Milwaukee, Port Washington, Sturtevant, Tichigan, Wauwatosa and West Bend. These original posts have now been involved for nearly 18 months, with a strong focus on high blood pressure. This was an obvious choice because more than half of VFW members have high blood pressure and it is very responsive to the kind of lifestyle changes that patients, not doctors, have to make happen. These posts are now considering how to modify the project activities so that the focus on health can continue without as much direct involvement of the VA and medical school partners, who are introducing the project to other posts. Earlier this year, the national VA approved a research project to see if this kind of education really improves how well veterans take care of themselves. As part of this project, 12 more Southeastern Wisconsin VFW posts will be able to participate. The project now includes VFW posts from Janesville to Sheboygan. Following the VFW’s example, 45 posts and chapters from other Veterans’ organizations have joined. This includes the Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, the National Association of Black Veterans, Korean War Veterans of America, AmVETS, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). If success continues, look for the project to continue to spread across Wisconsin … and to a post near you!!
TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS
PoST # 388 388 388 388 659 659 659 1038 1038 1038 1038 1248 1530 1530 1530 1530 1904 2037 2312 2923 2923 2923 3032 3143 3143 3143 3143 3319 Last Name BENDRICK HETTINGA KEENE RADENZ BUSHMAN KUSTKA SQUIRE BAIER BALTS JOAS STUEBS DUCAT CARLSON JOHNSON MILLER WOPAT MUMM JR HANSEN BRINKMEIER LITZAU MOSSAKOWSKI SCHMIDT MENSINK BECKER FREDRICH READER SR ROBERTS ARNOULDUSSEN First Name WILLIAM ANDREW JAMES EUGENE ORAN NORBERT CHESTER LEE LLOYD GEORGE WARREN RAYMOND RICHARD RICHARD ROBERT BERNARD EDWARD WILLIAM DAVID JEROME ANTHONY RALPH ROYCE LINUS THOMAS DONALD ROBERT PAT MI J R E F A L E H W G L A L J J L P. J City WAUSAU SCHOFIELD WAUSAU WAUSAU MANITOWOC MADISON MANITOWOC CHIPPEWA FALLS CHIPPEWA FALLS CHIPPEWA FALLS CHIPPEWA FALLS TWO RIVERS LA CROSSE LA CROSSE LA CROSSE STODDARD KING CEDAR FALLS, IA MONROE BROWN DEER OREGON MILWAUKEE ANOKA MN WOODRUFF MCNAUGHTON RHINELANDER MUSHEGO KAUKAUNA 3319 3589 3589 3635 5612 5716 6179 6375 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6707 7152 7852 7898 7929 8329 8483 8718 9060 9424 9496 9867 10187 10203 10911 10911 GODDARD GROSS PETTY WEBER SCHUMACHER STIGLER ANHALT HEGGIE CALLIES CLARK PFEFFER RANDALL SHAPIRO FREUND KLESSIG DE GRAND ALLEN BOTTOLFSON DICK MOEDE HARVEY SCHAACK CUNNINGHAM WITTERHOLT BASSETT TRAWICKI KRUEGER DEVITO LARSON EMILY HAROLD VIRGEL EDWARD CHARLES ALLEN CLAUDE GAYLE GERALDINE GENEVIEVE MARY BEVERLY MARVIN ROBERT RICHARD KENNETH JAMES BURTON JOE ROLAND CLYDE NICHOLAS ROBERT ROBERT WILLIAM ANTHONY EUGENE ALBERT GARFIELD L D J A M T COMBINED LOCKS JEFFERSON JEFFERSON NIAGARA PLYMOUTH MILWAUKEE MANITOWOC ELKHORN MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE DENISON TX MILWAUKEE BROOKFIELD KIEL ALGOMA WOODRUFF MINOCQUA AMERY CENTURIA MADISON OXFORD PRESCOTT CAMBRIDGE MIWAUKEE TREGO EDGAR MERRILL CAMP DOUGLAS MAUSTON
W L W E E R F
W A P J J R
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classifieds
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 13
January, 2009
Vietnam stories Project to launch soon
A wide-spanning statewide effort to honor Wisconsin Vietnam veterans will be officially launched soon. The Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories project began with the planning and production of a three-part documentary series produced by Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) and continues to grow in size and scope. The project now includes a proposed event coinciding with the documentary’s premiere in 2010 to recognize and celebrate the efforts of Wisconsin’s Vietnam veterans. Similar in format to the award-winning WPT projects Wisconsin WWII Stories and Wisconsin Korean War Stories, the Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories documentary will allow Wisconsin veterans to tell their stories in their own words, sharing experiences and memories from the war and their return home. Partners of the Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories project are working on several statewide outreach campaigns to identify and acknowledge Vietnam veterans in their home communities. Some of those efforts include: -- “The Wisconsin Historical Society is working with local history groups throughout the state to encourage projects that will help preserve and share the experiences of Wisconsin’s Vietnam War Veterans. Museums, historical sospring. -- The Wisconsin Veterans Museum (WVM), a division of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, is organizing listening sessions for Vietnam veterans starting next fall. Working with the state’s County Veterans Service Officers of Wisconsin (CVSOs), the WVM hopes vets will come together to recognize, support and listen to each other’s stories. -- WPT is working with libraries and other community groups to organize local previews of the documentaries and community discussions about the Vietnam War in the winter of 2009 and spring of 2010, bringing together veterans and local residents in hopes of better understanding of the impact of the war on all of Wisconsin’s residents. Production of the Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories documentary is in progress with producer Mik Derks interviewing veterans throughout Wisconsin. Other aspects of the project already underway include a companion book to the documentary, a centralized Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories project Web site, a school curriculum and a traveling portrait exhibit of Vietnam veterans. An official announcement about events surrounding the documentary’s premiere in May 2010 will be made when full funding is secured. The project partners are optimistic about this funding. An advisory board with representatives from many veterans’ organizations has been created to begin planning. Members of that committee presently include the Vietnam Veterans of America-Wisconsin State Council, the CVSOs, the Disabled American Veterans, the Wisconsin National Guard, the Gold Star Families of Reaching Out, Being There, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion of Wisconsin. The advisory group has already met to discuss proposed ideas for a premiere weekend event and will meet again in February 2009. Past State VFW Commander Bill Hustad represents the VFW on the Advisory Committee. “I’m glad to see Vietnam Veterans being honored in this way, and look forward to seeing the film completed,” Hustad said. “This is a story that deserves to be told. I hope that our Posts encourage their Vietnam Veteran members to participate in this worthy project.”
Classified Listings
For Sale
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
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
Will Williams, of DeForest, was a Wolfhound, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Division. 2 tours in Vietnam, the first in 1966 operating out of Cu Chi. Will is one of the subjects of WPT’s Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories production. cieties, and other groups will focus on collecting and preserving Vietnam-era materials, and sharing those stories with their community. Three workshops for participants will be held this
Dave Kies, of Verona, being interviewed by the crew of the WPT production Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories. Dave was 173rd Airborne in Vietnam, in the Iron Triangle, 1965-66. The videographer, Butch Soetenga, is also a Vietnam Vet.
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
toM tRadeweLL “wiSConSin - Let the good tiMeS RoLL” hoMeCoMing SepteMBeR 10-13, 2009 CongRatuLatoRy Book
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
Now’s The Time to Help Tommy T.
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 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?
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
Page 14
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
members HoNored
Van donated by Post 5158 member
On November 6, 2008, members of VFW Post 5158, Hartland, presented a custom handicapped accessible van to Mr. Phil Rosenberg, a paralyzed Army veteran. The presentation was made possible by the extreme generosity of Mr. Doug Kuehn, a Life Member of Post 5158. Doug donated the van to the post with the only stipulation being that it goes to another needy veteran or family of a veteran. Doug, who is paralyzed, is an Army Veteran who served in Vietnam. The van is in excellent shape, both inside and out, having never been driven in the winter. It is also equipped with an electric wheelchair lift and also came with a motorized wheelchair. Doug and his wife recently moved to Arizona to reside full-time instead of just wintering there. The recipient, Phil Rosenberg, served 3.5 years on active duty, completing a tour of Vietnam in 1969/1970 with the 82nd ABN and 9th INF DIV. He also spent 3 months in Panama at Jungle Survival School and a tour in Korea with the 2nd INF DIV near the DMZ. He is now an active member in the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) DAV, VFW, and American Legion. He would like to return home to the farming community north of Green Bay after he retires next year. Phil has spent the last 30 years helping out other veterans at the Zablocki VA Center working as a vocational rehabilitation specialist.
charter member Honored
A WWII veteran, and charter member, of Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 in Waupun, was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in always volunteering in the post’s activities and fundraisers. He even spent many hours during the recent “buddy poppy” fundraiser in Waupun. At age 93, Comrade Dean is the oldest member of the Waupun Post, having joined March 12, 1946. He served in the Euro-
Presenting the award to Normal E Dean (right), at the post’s appreciation dinner, held at the Rock River Country Club in Waupun, is Sr. Vice Commander Walter Riel Jr.
pean Theatre Operation during WWII as an ambulance driver, and first-aide man, in the Army Medical Corp, as they were attached to the 358th Engineers Regiment while they were constructing pipelines across central Europe. His duties took him across England, France, Holland, and Germany, including the Rhine and the invasion at Normandy. Photo And Story By Larry Duer, Post 6709
Members of Marshall-Johnson Post 5158, Veterans of Foreign Wars, (L to R) Kelly Wollschlager, Jr. Vice Commander; Ron Weber, Quartermaster; Amanda Pagac, Sr. Vice Commander; Mike Steger, Commander and seated, Phil Rosenberg.
King resident Gary mader Honored by WdVa
He is a soft-spoken and gracious guy. And, he is a consummate volunteer. Appleton native Gary L. Mader began his military service with the U.S. Navy in 1965, serving in Viet Nam and also on combat duty on the USS Bon Homme Richard in the Gulf of Tonkin. Following his 4-year naval hitch, Gary subsequently joined the U.S. Army in 1974, serving until 1978. He then joined the Naval Reserve in Green Bay, where he belonged until 1988, and attaining the rank of E-5. Over the course of his service he received numerous decorations and commendations. As a reservist, he also worked 32 years in the paper industry at Kimberly Clark, retiring as a machine maintenance worker in 2001. Over that time, he and his wife raised three children, and Gary served his church as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Gary has a long and active history with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, DAV and AMVETS. He is currently Post Commander of Post 1464, King. He has been a resident of the Veterans Home at King since 2005. At King, his quiet and unassuming leadership and dedicated volunteerism has focused on improving life for his fellow residents. The list of his activities and interests is a long and impressive one. Recognizing this unstinting
Norman and his wife, Audry, have been married for 59-1/2 years. They have two daughters, three grand children, and three great-grandchildren. Their home is at Pickett, WI.
– 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
Mr. Marvin J. Freedman, Chairman of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs, presents the Board of Veterans Affairs Lifetime Achievement Plaque to Gary Mader, resident at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, and VFW Post 1464, King, Commander, Gary J. Mader. The presentation took place following the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Home at King on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. willingness to help his fellow man, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs selected Gary J. Mader to be a recipient of the prestigious Board of Veterans Affairs Lifetime Achievement award. Few have ever deserved this recognition more.
caleNdar of eVeNTs
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 8 District 6 Meeting - Post 1393, West Bend, 1 p.m. 8 District 8 Meeting - Post 10244, Ashwaubenon, 10 a.m. 20-21 VFW & Ladies Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference 28 State Bowling Tournament - Waukesha MaRCh
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 15
January, 2009
1 State Bowling Tournament - Waukesha 7-8 State Bowling Tournament - Waukesha 14-15 State Bowling Tournament - Waukesha 22-25 VFW & Auxiliary Sr. Vice, QM/Adj & Secretary/Treasurer Conference 28-29 State Bowling Tournament - Waukesha apRiL 4-8 Voice of Democracy & Legislative Conference 5 Loyalty Day Parade - Lancaster 19 District 7 Meeting - Post 388 Wausau 12:00 p.m. 25 District 10 Spring Meeting - VFW & Aux Post 2490 Ladysmith 9:00 a.m. 25 Loyalty Day - Lancaster, WI
26 District 10 Spring Meeting - VFW & Aux Post 2490 Ladysmith 9:00 a.m. 26 District 3 Meeting - Post 10393 Boscobel 9:00 a.m. 30 HONORS POST COMPETITION DEADLINE! NO ExCEPTIONS 5:00 p.m. May 2 District 8 Spring Meeting 12:00 p.m. 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.
Wolf-olson Post to dedicate Historical marker
The Wolf Olson Post was established on August 2, 1924, twenty-five years after the creation of the VFW organization. The Post was named after Lt. August Wolf, a veteran of World War I and Lt. Herman Olson, a veteran of the Spanish-American War, both from Sheboygan. The Post at the time of its establishment was made up of veterans from both of these wars. On February 16, 1925 the Ladies Auxiliary of the Post was established. The dedication of the Post was held on November 24, 1940. This Post is a reminder of these treasured attributes of a great local organization imbedded forever into the culture of Sheboygan. It stands as a testament to the fine men and women of this community who served their country in time of war and forever solidified their special place in the history of Wisconsin and helped shape the great character of the City of Sheboygan. The Veterans of Foreign Wars was 25 years old when Sheboygan’s Wolf-Olson Post 1230 was established in 1924. Named after two Sheboygan natives, Lt. August Wolf, a Veteran of World War I, and Lt. Herman Olson, a Veteran of the Spanish-American War, Post 1230 was, at its inception, made up of members from both these wars. On February 16, 1925, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Post was Chartered, and the Post Home was dedicated on November 24, 1940. The rich history of Post 1230 is among the treasured attributes embedded forever into the culture of Sheboygan. It stands as a testament to the fine men and women of the greater Sheboygan community who served their country in time of war and shaped the great character of the City of Sheboygan when they came home. Their place is forever solidified in the history of Wisconsin and their community. On December 20, 2008, Wolf-Olson VFW Post 1230 will dedicate a Historical Marker recognizing the significant contributions this great organization and its members have made to their community. All VFW members throughout the State of Wisconsin are invited to attend this ceremony and share in the celebration of the Post’s rich history. The ceremony starts at 1:00 p.m. The Post is located at 1138 Union Avenue, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
NoTES FRoM
The Editor’s Corner
NatioNal Military Service
dave Behrend Com. Member national Military Services The Veterans of Foreign Wars has restructured its three major programs for assisting the troops and their families. Each has its distinctive place and application. Map: Military Assistance Program intended to assist the VFW at the Post, County, District, and State Level. Moneys can be received from the National MAP Grant Program to assist in expenses supporting troop for send offs, Home Comings and Family Readiness Group “FRG” activities. To apply for MAP application go online or contact Department MAP chair person Dave Behrend at dbehrenduscg@
operation Up-link, Unmet Needs, military assistance
prodigy.net or phone 920-4344750 home and 920-680-1339. unMet needS: Unmet needs is a grant application to assist the active duty soldier and their families in paying their bills. If the soldier’s cost of living is equal to or greater than their income, sometimes not to a fault of their own, can apply to Unmetneeds.com. This program does not qualify for credit cards, legal fees, and divorces. To apply, make a photo copy of all expenses that need assistance. Download the Unmet needs application, fill in the blanks that apply to the family needs and mail in to our national office in Kansas City. To apply for Unmet needs application go online or contact Department MAP chair person Dave Behrend at dbehrenduscg@prodigy.net or phone 920-434-4750 home and 920680-1339. up-Link: opeRation Operation Up-Link is the famous calling cards. They are still available but we have to keep track of who the card is mailed to. For the International Card present the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the Name, Rank, Branch of Service and mailing address for the soldier a card can be requested and mailed to the soldier. Soldiers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan can apply for a VFV pin number and use the satellite phone system. Here at home we have the Domestic Calling Card for our soldiers and veterans at VA facilities. To apply for Operation Up-Link application go online or contact Department MAP chair person Dave Behrend at dbehrenduscg@prodigy.net or phone 920-434-4750 home and 920-680-1339. donationS: When your post is donating funds to any VFW program, earmark your payment where you would specify which account your post is donating to, National or Department. If you have any question how to route a donation, contact Department MAP Chair Dave Behrend at dbehrenduscg@prodigy.net or phone 920-434-4750 home and 920-680-1339.
Pearl Harbor survivor succumbs at Veterans day ceremony
Pearl Harbor Survivor John Weinberger, 85, of West Bend, WI, collapsed and died during the Veterans Day Service at the Veterans Memorial in West Bend. He collapsed just before the city’s sirens signaled 11:00 a.m. His daughter, Joyce Lex, said of her father: “He was definitely a true veteran, very patriotic and loyal to his country.” Joyce went on to comment on his sense of humor and resiliency, and on the many memories she has of him. His passing, although a shock, probably couldn’t have happened in a more fitting way. “It was so appropriate,” she said. “There couldn’t have been a more perfect day to leave us than this.” He never forgot his fallen comrades. He was aboard the USS Whitney on December 7, 1941. In 2006, he returned to Pearl Harbor with the Slinger High School Band and laid a wreath at the Arizona Memorial, a mere 50 yards away from where he was at the time of the attack. One of only two Washington County Pearl Harbor Survivors, Comrade Weinberger will be missed by all. As part of “The Greatest Generation,” he died exemplifying the eternal mission of all Veterans: To remember our fallen Comrades. Story excerpted from West Bend Daily News article by Kristine Walden; Used with permission. Additional credit to John Kleinmaus - West Bend Post 1393 for alerting us to this story.
PHoTo By KRISTINE WALDEN/DAILy NEWS STAFF
John Weinberger in contemplation at West Bend Veterans Day Ceremony, just moments before collapsing. Weinberger was one of only two Pearl Harbor Survivors from Washington County.
Our year is moving at breakneck speed, and between editing the paper, being Chief of Staff, and helping my wife, Marla, in her year as Auxiliary President, it’s hard to remember exactly what our house looks like, other than I notice the pile of mail on the dining room table seems to grow between each brief visit home! But the travelling has allowed us to meet so many wonderful members of our great organizations, and that’s very rewarding. Thanks to all for their gracious hospitality. I was especially flattered to have been asked to be the main speaker at the very impressive, student-organized, Veterans Day Program at Waterloo High School. To the members of the Waterloo VFW Post: Thanks, again, for the invitation to participate. There is an obviously strong connection between this school and our veterans. You guys looked sharp! This issue of your State Newspaper is an early edition of our January paper. We had to do this because our November paper had to be produced prior to Election Day, and so this was the only way to get Mid-Winter information out to you in time. Additionally, watch the mail for an important Department Mailing later this month. Among other things, it will contain urgent information about our State Raffle, (sorely needs your individual and Post support), plus forms for State Bowling and our Loyalty Day event coming up in Lancaster at the end of April. Our next Wisconsin VFW News won’t be until March, so that Department mailing will be critically important. In closing, I must make a couple of observations about this year’s Army-Navy Game, played on December 7. Our State Commander, a devoted Navy Veteran, was excited, pleased, (even a little gloating!) over Navy’s victory. I congratulate him and all the Navy and Marine Vets out there. However, it is fair to point out that, defensively, Army did an outstanding… some might say Heroic… job of holding Navy to a mere 34 points. Go Army! Oh, and by the way… I think Army’s offense suffered from the camouflage uniforms: Apparently the quarterback couldn’t find his receivers! Final score: 34-Zip, Navy.
Page 16
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
TrUsT fUNd cHalleNGe
stratford Post 6352 serves Hot stuff at steam engine show
VfW Trust fund challenge
“It is the mission of the Wisconsin VFW Trust Fund to help fulfill America’s promise to its veterans. To aid Wisconsin’s veterans and their families in their time of need, through support of Wisconsin’s Veterans Homes, Wisconsin’s VA Medical Centers, Wisconsin’s Veterans Cemeteries, the Wisconsin residence at the VFW National Home and other worthy entities. To support VFW programs which in turn aid Wisconsin’s veterans and their families in their time of need. And to foster patriotism and scholarship among Wisconsin’s youth.” Patrick Nowlin from the Stoughton VFW Post 328 has issued a challenge to all VFW members and Posts. He will match all donations up to a $5,000 limit. Let’s meet the challenge and raise this money before December 31, 2008. Make your personal contribution and encourage your Post to make a donation. This is for the future of the VFW. Only the interest is spent, the principle re-
William Hustad
mains intact, so your contribution basically lasts forever to assist Veterans, Military personnel, their families, and VFW programs. If
each member would donate $20, we could raise $800,000 and then this would fund our vital programs in Perpetuity. Challenge coins will be given for donation of $50 and above, and pins are for sale and proceeds are also used to build the Trust Fund. Our Trust Fund started in 2000, slowly grew the first few years, and has now doubled each of the last 2 years. All contributions are taxdeductible.
Contributions payable to: VFW – Department of Wisconsin Earmark on memo line – Wisconsin VFW Trust Fund Mail to: VFW – Department of Wisconsin PO Box 1623 Madison WI 53701-1623 Stratford Memorial Post 6352 served up good eats at last summer’s Central Wisconsin Steam Engine Show in Edgar. The four day event drew a large crowd, and Post 6352 served plenty of food at their booth. This was a fund raiser for both organizations, and a successful one at that. Shown “working” are Karen Delis, LeRoy Syring and orville Bornbach.
Questions: William Hustad W4489 Exeter Crossing Rd Monticello WI 53570 e-mail: wfhus1@tds.net 608-527-2942
Here are some sample bequests you may consider to include in your will - with the guidance of your tax attorney: general Bequest: The residue of my estate, both real and personal, I give and devise as follows: ____%, thereof, to the Department of Wisconsin, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 214 N Hamilton St. Madison, WI 53703. Specific Bequest: I give, devise and bequeath to the VFW, Department of Wisconsin, 214 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, the sum of $_____ (or____%) from my estate to be used for its _____(Operation Uplink, Scholarship Fund, PAC, Bobby Nelson Christmas Fund, General Operations, etc.). Remainder of estate: After all specified bequests have been made, I give, devise and bequeath to the VFW, Department of Wisconsin, 214 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, all (or_____%) of my estate to be used for its _______(Operation Uplink, Scholarship Fund, PAC, Bobby Nelson Christmas Fund, General Operations, etc.). None of the above is intended to be legal advice. Be sure to consult an attorney when you draw up your will. Several methods of donations: • charitable gift annuities • memorial gifts • wills and trusts • charitable trusts simple bequests as above
Satisfied customers took advantage of good food and great service at Post 6352’s food booth. The post raised a handsome amount to help fund their many other community activities.
earl banks Will be National rep for mid-Winter conference
National Council of Administration member, Earl D. Banks Jr., has been designated to be the National representative for the Department of Wisconsin Mid-Winter Conference 20-22 February, 2008. Earl served in the U.S. Army from August 1965 to August 1992 when he retired at the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He served in Vietnam with Co. C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as an Operations/Medical Supply Sergeant 1968-69. After Vietnam, Earl served in a variety of assignments full of fun and adventure to include Air Marshall duty for Northwestern Airlines, Jumpmaster for several years, and Combat Medic Instructor. He later served in the Republic of South Korea 1984-86 as the First Sergeant of the 377th Air Ambulance Company. Upon return from Korea, Earl attended the Sergeants Major Academy and was promoted to Command Sergeant Major in September 1987. His first assignment at the highest rank was CSM of the 187th Medical Battalion, Ft. Sam Houston, Tx; the largest and most transient Battalion in the Army. He moved on to Germany in 1989 and was appointed CSM of 5th General Hospital, Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart; the first U.S. Army Hospital in Germany to close its doors as part ment, and National levels. These positions culminated in his election to Department Commander 20052006 in which he led the Department of Wisconsin to All American honors. Banks is also a member of the Military Order of Cootie, Pup Tent 33, Past Commander’s Club, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans Assoc., and the 82nd Airborne Div Assoc. Earl currently serves as National Council of Administration member, District 11, representing Wisconsin and Iowa and is in his last year of this term. He has attended University of Maryland and El Paso Community College, Tx in Business Management. He works with Rock County Health Care Complex as the Nursing Staff Coordinator in Janesville. He and his wife, Arlene, make their home in Milton, WI. He has 3 sons, Earl III, Eric, and Eugene, in Cameron, NC. His stepson, Jedadiah, is a life member of Post 1904 and lives in Oshkosh. His stepdaughter, WO1 Jennee` Williams is on active duty in the Army and is currently serving in Al Kut, Iraq. She is a life member of Post 2708 and a life member of Post 1621 Ladies Auxiliary. His son-in-law, Paul Williams, is a life member of Post 2708 and is currently serving Camp Hovey, Korea.
showing the colors – incorrectly
How often do you pass an American flag in a display and think, “That just doesn’t look right”? This display was observed on October 22, 2008 in Green Bay. It may be the home of America’s Team but certainly not America’s best flag presentation. Note that the U.S. Ensign is not on its own right [viewers left]. In fact the honor position is given to a corporate flag. The hotel manager on duty was informed of the error and promised an immediate change. This picture was taken 30 minutes after the notification. The VFW Headquarters Store offers flag etiquette booklets which are fine handouts for schools and great instructional manuals for those persons and companies who wish to show the flag properly. Have a booklet in hand to show the flag flyer the proper protocol. Be sure to thank the patriotic soul that wants to display our flag. Hey: Southside Green Bay VFW Post - would you check this out? We became eligible for the Veterans of Foreign Wars by defending this banner. Let’s not stop now! Photo & story by Roger Boeker
of the draw down. He also served in Desert Storm in 1991. His decorations, to list a few, include Combat Infantry Badge, Taiwanese and Vietnamese Parachutist badges, Master Parachute Badge, High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. Banks joined the VFW in 1995 at Milton and later transferred to Post 2708, Edgerton, WI. He has served in many appointed and elected positions at Post, District, Depart-
HoNors fliGHTs
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 17
January, 2009
Honors flights Pay Tribute
Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, the second “hub” in Wisconsin for the National Honor Flight Program, successfully completed its first flight on November 19, 2008. The group utilized an existing daily flight from Milwaukee to Baltimore/Washington International airport, and bought most of the seats on the aircraft. They were able to take approximately 80 veterans, along with their “guardians” (who paid their own way), and a medical support team. It was an early morning start, with veterans arriving in Milwaukee, some as early as 4:00 a.m., where they checked in, received jackets and backpacks, met their guardians and after clearing the TSA checkpoint, were treated to a continental breakfast at the gate. There, they were serenaded by the Port Washington High School choir. Prior to boarding, an ecumenical prayer was offered by a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, who was saved by his pocket bible, which stopped a bullet that would have killed him. The flight departed at 7:00 a.m. and arrived in BWI, where they were greeted by a large crowd to honor them and their service to our country. They boarded charter busses, and were off to the WWII Memorial, where they conducted a wreath laying and a flag ceremony. While at the Memorial, the veterans met Senator Herb Kohl and Bob Dole. Even though the weather was cold, none of the veterans complained. After leaving the WWII Memorial, the veterans were transported to the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknowns’, where they observed “Changing of the Guard.” A bus tour of D.C. followed, before they were returned to the airport. Upon returning to Milwaukee that night, they were first greeted at the gate by more than 40 service members, firefighters and police. As they entered the terminal proper, a
1st veterans reunion of tHe year in tHe nation
23rd annual winterfest r & r all veterans festival & reunion new Glarus, wisConsin
Sponsored by VFW Post 10549 and WI Vietnam Veteran Chapter 3
Schedule of Events Planned Hospitality suite on 2nd floor at the Chalet Landaus Inn. Swiss Lanes social time prior to parade Burning of Winter Ceremony on Railroad Street near Village parking lot and Post Office. Yodel club (singing, yodeling, alphorns). 9:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Line-up for Parade 6th Street & Railroad Street by Burning of Winter 9:30 p.m. Parade begins on Railroad Street and 6th Avenue Intersection 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Parade ends at Fire Station where there is a bar & dance. 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m Americal meeting 2nd floor - conference room - Chalet Landaus Inn 10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Village Wide Poker Run - Starts & ends at Ott Haus Pub. Veterans Owned. 10:30a.m. - 12:30am. Winterfest Auction New Glarus Hotel - “Football Mania” theme. Free admission. 2:30 p.m. - Sharp Annual group picture of all the Veterans outside Puempels Tavern 5:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Buffet banquet, veterans program & dance to music by Badge at the New Glarus Hotel. Price is: $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door. Send check made payable to WVV3 to: Bill Hustad, C/O Winterfest 2008, W4489 Exeter Crossing Road, Monticello, WI 53570. Midnight - ?? Back by popular demand... Big John Family Band -around the fireplace of the Chalet Landhaus Inn 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Meet for breakfast at the Chalet Landhaus Inn 6:00 p.m. - Leftovers Club - Location to be announced later. 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
January, 15-16-17-18, 2009
friday, January 16, 2009
saturday, January 17, 2009
sunday, January 18, 2009
They are disappearing at an alarming rate, this heroic generation that literally saved the world from tyrany. Now is the time for you and your Post to contribute to this outstanding program that allows The Greatest Generation to see and feel the honor so belatedly bestowed upon them. crowd of several hundred flag waving, cheering family, friends, veterans and ordinary citizens greeted them. Port Washington High School provided a musical quintet to offer a medley of patriotic songs. Numerous veterans, and guardians, commented that it was one of the best days of their lives. The group now has nearly 450 individuals on their “waiting list” for next year. The group’s mission is to fly WWII veterans to see “their” memorial, at no cost to the veterans; they also accept applications from any veteran with a terminal illness, and offers this tribute to veterans within a 120 mile radius of Port Washington. The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight is hoping to conduct as many as 5 flights in 2009, depending on their ability to raise the necessary funding. They are seeking “corporate angels” as well as private donations. Information regarding the program can be found at http://starsandstripeshonorflight. org, or by calling 262-284-8326 or 262- 284-9426. VFW member Bill Brockman, as mentioned in our last issue, is contacting Posts throughout the VFW Department of Wisconsin asking for donations to the Honor Flight fund so that even more WWII Vets can receive this extraordinary gift. If your Post has yet to hear from Bill, his phone number is: 414-217-1968 (corrected from last edition –ed.) or you may e-mail him at wmdbrock@ wi.rr.com. A donation for such a cause as this may be made from your Relief Fund. Please bring up this idea at your next Post Meeting.
23rd winterfest festival t-shirts, Patches, Pins and veterans raffle Calendars for sale
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PARADE ENTRIES OR VENDOR INFORMATION - CONTACT: Ron Lewis 608-251-6411 (days) or e-mail: wfhus1@tds.net (Bill Hustad) or Write: Winterfest 2008, P.O. Box 14, New Glarus, WI 53574 or Website for information: http://www. war-veterans.org/Winter.htm NEW GLARUS, WISCONSIN is a Swiss community of 1800 known for its festivals year round and hospitality. What sets this event apart from other festivals is that it is held in January in the Winter of Wisconsin. SO - dress accordingly. Motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts are within walking distance to everything. If you go to the center of New Glarus and go in any direction 6 blocks, you will be at the Village limits. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, gift shops, etc. to keep you entertained. Walk around to get where you are going. Park/leave car at hotel until you leave. You will have a great time in New Glarus. Motels and Bed & Breakfasts in and around new Glarus Chalet Landhaus Inn - 1-800-944-1716 or 608-527-5234 Swiss Aire Motel - 1-800-798-4391 or 608-527-2138 Hoch Haus B&B - 1-608-527-4019 Motels outside of new Glarus (15 Minutes away) Monroe, WI: Alphorn Inn 1-800-325-1178 / 608-325-4138 AmericInn- 1-800-634-3444 / 608-328-3444 • Gasthaus Motel - 1-608-328-8395 Super 8 - 1-608-325-1500 • Verona, WI: Super 8 Motel 1-608-848-7829 23rd annual winterfest - dinner - ProGraM - danCe ******************************************************************** date: saturday night, January 17, 2009 where: new Glarus Hotel, 100 sixth street, new Glarus, wi Agenda: 5:00 p.m.. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m Doors Open - Reservation check off at front door Cocktails / Free Spotted Cow beer Dinner Veterans Program Music by the band Badge Come as you are
Dress Code: Menu: Cost: Contact:
Hot Buffet - 3 kinds of meat, house salad, mashed potatoes/gravy, 2 vegetables, bread/butter and coffee. $25. in advance or $30. At door Bill Hustad (608)527-2942
detaCH tHis Portion and return witH CHeCk for advanCe reservations R.S.V.P. E-mail: Cost: William Hustad, W4489 Exeter Crossing Road, Monticello, WI 53570 wfhus1@tds.net $25.00 advance reservation per person - Make check out to: WVV 3 note: any CanCellations will Have tHeir CHeCk returned if CanCeled By no later tHan January 10, 2009 Names:_____________________________________Reservations______________ Items purchased in advance: Winterfest 2008 T - Shirt - indicate size: $12.00 each ________________________ Winterfest Pin - $ 3.00 each ____________________________________________ Winterfest patches - $ 3.00 each ________________________________________ 2009 Raffle Calendar - $10.00 each ______________________________________ Your e-mail address for confirmation purposes: ___________________________________________________________________ Representing what organization if any: ___________________________________________________________________ What unit did you serve in service if any: ___________________________________________________________________ If you would like to receive newsletter for the 2010 Winterfest / 24th Year - Please list your name and address and so on below and one will be sent to you on the dates and times, etc. Note: Early reservation names will be put in for door prizes which will be announced at banquet. Name: _____________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
Guest speakers and others brave the chill winds as VFW Commander Gary Erickson prepares to speak. A crowd of more than 100 sat in bleachers facing the small Memorial Park at the Weston Town Hall.
cold ceremony resonates With History
On November 9, a day that loomed windy and cold, a hearty and goodsized crowd gathered at the Weston Town Hall for dedication of a remarkable Veterans Memorial Park. Joe Kelbley, QM of VFW Post 8892, and Jessica Maples, Adjutant of Peplin Post 8820, combined efforts to complete what began as a simple refurbishment of an abandoned highway dedication marker several years ago. Numerous dignitaries addressed the crowd, but perhaps the most fitting observation at the outset of the event was that as we braved the cold, just think back and remember the bitterly cold weather faced by our troops battling in Korea, and before that, Europe, all while facing withering enemy fire. Other poignant remarks came from families of now-deceased Medal of Honor Recipients (who are also honored at the new Memorial) as they described the horrific and heroic circumstances by which their sons, brothers and fathers earned their high recognition. It was also heart-rending to see the families of troops lost in the current conflicts gifted with flowers as they gathered in the meditation courtyard of the memorial. Our congratulations to these two fine Posts and the other Veterans Organizations that joined them in fulfilling a community’s desire to honor their Veterans.
Page 18
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
aroUNd THe sTaTe
schafer Post 2923 celebrates diamond Jubilee
Seventy-five years and 3 days after their Charters were granted and Post and Auxiliary Officers were installed (December 2, 1933), the Corporal Henry J. Schafer Post 2923 of Milwaukee held a gala celebration dinnerdance at Alioto’s Restaurant. Keynote speaker for the evening was National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Tommy T. Tradewell, who pointed out that the original mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars remains much the same today as it was all those many years ago. Some of the issues have changed, but the mission to honor and support all veterans, especially to keep the Congress on task and maintaining veterans Rights, is still central to our existence as an organization. Other guest speakers included Past National Commander-inChief Wally Hogan, 5 District Commander Bob George and State Chief of Staff Bill “Knoot” Knudson, who filled in for Commander Gary Erickson who was unable to attend due to the untimely death of a dear friend. On the Ladies Auxiliary side of the evening, State Ladies Auxiliary President Marla J. Morgan and District Auxiliary President Laverne Trautmann conveyed warm words of congratulations and encouragement. Post Commander Roger Pesch and Auxiliary President Ruth Dettmann also addressed the guests. Ralph Culver did an outstanding job as emcee. Camello Audo, Post Chaplain, led the invocation and pledge of allegiance and Auxiliary Chaplain Ann Best presented the benediction. Following the delicious meal and brief program, a live band provided dance music and a good time was had by one and all.
VFW National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Thomas T Tradewell presents Commander-in-Chief Glen Gardner’s Commemorative Leather-Bound Certificate in honor of the Post’s 75 Anniversary to Post Commander Roger Pesch.
Soat-Vergenz Post 721 and their Ladies Auxiliary gave new stuffed animals to the Waukesha Fire Department Station 4. The firemen give the stuffed animals to children suffering from emotional trauma. Pictured with the firemen are Cora Tessman, Ladies Auxiliary President, and Post Senior Vice Commander Loran Lenhart. It is amazing to see the range of activities and interests that spur our organizations to action. And each, in its own way, makes our communities that much better for our presence.
others may forget, but not Bohlman-Grimes Post 1904, Fond du Lac. on october 12, 2008, they conducted the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for EN2 Marc Ian Nieto, one of the seventeen victims of the october 12, 2008 attack on the USS Cole while it was in the port of Arden, yemen. Pictured in the photo are, seated, Mr. and Mrs. Priepke (Mother and step-father of Marc Nieto), surrounded by members of Post 1904, from Left: Leonard Ziegler, John Lepinski, George Kaprelian, Gordon Schultz, Joel Delarme (Navy Recruiter), Bob Plummer, Dwaine Loest and Jerry Jost. Actions such as this demonstrate on the most important level the commitment of the VFW to honor and remember our fallen heroes.
Greendale VFW Post 10519 Commander David Kriesel participated in Milwaukee’s Veterans Day Parade on November 8. Riding with him was his grandson, PFC Adam Karny, home on leave. Adam left the next day for Ft. Richardson, Alaska, and was deployed to Iraq on November 13. He is with a Construction Engineering Battalion. His grandad, David, served with the 3 Infantry in Korea during that war. It is always an honor to see service to our country spanning generations. All the VFW wishes PFC Karny Godspeed.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 690, Ashland, and their Ladies Auxiliary provided good eats and a good time at a recent pancake breakfast. Then, they presented a check for $900 from the proceeds to go to a good cause: The local food bank. Here, Judy Pospychalla, Auxiliary Treasurer, presents the check to Betty Nasser, Food Shelf Director at The Brick, Ashland, WI. Sr Vice President Theresa Markesan looks on. This kind of action shows true community spirit, and is to be commended.
Working together with the Marshall American Legion Post, Marshall VFW Post 10510 persuaded village officials to rename and help revitalize an existing park, and now the town has its own Veterans Memorial Park, with memorials to all branches of service, including the Merchant Marine. The project began in october of 2006 and was completed in July of this year. The Post and their community are to be praised for this beautiful effort.
Visit to iron Mountain Va
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 19
January, 2009
official Visit to iron Mountain Va
Friday, November 14, was the official visit by Ladies Auxiliary President Marla Morgan and VFW Commander Gary Erickson. Together with other officers, the pair discussed problems and programs, and heard of numerous successes, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center at Iron Mountain, MI. This facility’s close proximity to Northern Wisconsin makes it an important health facility to many of our State veterans. The meeting was followed by a tour of the entire facility, and the group came away with a strongly positive impression with respect to what this VA Hospital is accomplishing for its patients. We can be pleased to have access to this important facility.
Wisconsin delegation, Marla J. Morgan, Auxiliary President, Michele Patterson, Cootie Grand Auxiliary President, Ken Patterson, Cootie Grand Commander, Karen Johnson, State Auxiliary Hospital Chairman, Twiggy Johnson, VFW Sr. Vice Commander, Gary J. Erickson, State VFW Commander, listen as Greg Weiss, Director of Volunteer Services at Oscar G. Johnson VA Hospital, Iron Mountain, MI, presents information about the facility and services provided veterans. Later, Weiss took the group on a complete tour of the hospital complex.
7th District Auxiliary President Mary Kimmel addresses Anniversary Dinner audience as she presents national Auxiliary Commemorative Citation to 2534 Ladies Auxiliary President Marjorie Reed.
PICTuRE by TIM REED
Wisconsin rapids aux Celebrates 75 Years
The Buckley-Baldwin Auxiliary to Post 2534, Wisconsin Rapids, celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a dinner at the Post Home on Saturday, November 15, 2008. Post and Auxiliary members and guests were in attendance. The auxiliary was instituted November 18, 1933 with 53 names on the Charter. July of 1946 the post changed the name John Buckley Post to Buckley-Baldwin in honor of Victor Baldwin, who lost his life during World War II. Lois Knuth gave the history of the last 75 years. District 7 president, Mary Kimmel of Stevens Point presented Auxiliary President Marjorie Reed with a citation from National, complimenting the Auxiliary for its many years. VFW Post Commander, Todd Boudreau did the honors of presenting a citation and plaque to the following Post members who have belonged 60 years plus. They were: Donald Pagel, Joe Parzy, Robert Almquist, Donald Knuth, and John Siewert. Clint Guelzow and Carlton Kuehl could not attend. Submitted By Lois Knuth
Commander Erickson, Audrey Dotzauer, Auxiliary Hospital Representative at Oscar G. Johnson VA Hospital, Greg Weiss, Hospital Volunteer Services Director, President Morgan, Michael J. Murphy, Medical Center Director, and Grand Auxiliary President Michele Patterson, pose for a group photo before heading off on their tour of the Iron Mountain VA facility.
Pearl Harbor: are we forgetting something important?
Just as we were going to press, we received an outraged message from one of our members, pointing out that his local newspaper (in a fairly large Wisconsin community) completely ignored Pearl Harbor Day: December 7. The writer was frustrated and feels “something needs to be done.” He took this glaring omission as a direct slap in the face to his father’s generation… and he’s right. December 7, 1941, “…a date that will live in infamy…”, as Franklin Delano Roosevelt so eloquently put it in his statement to Congress seeking a declaration of war, is fading away as members of that great generation pass on to their rewards. It is regrettable, but it is the natural state of things. Time passes, memories fade, and the great moments of our national life pass from headlines to footnotes. The soldier revered today is forgotten tomorrow. Even 9-11, our most recent national shock, is fading away as the media hungrily await the next great attack. The battle scars of yesteryear fade to almost imperceptible significance, along with our debt to veterans, unless…. Unless we take our VFW Mission to heart: To Honor the Dead
PHOTO by LARRy JAnquART
Past State Commander Joel Walker presents a framed certificate commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Milwaukee Post 2874 to Post Commander Robert Drakos.
Milwaukee Post Perseveres, Celebrates 75 Years of service
by Helping the Living. In order to accomplish that mission, we need to take it upon ourselves to proactively goad the media into publicly remembering the events that called the best among us to arms; that caused generations of us to sacrifice and persevere. The ubiquitous Buddy Poppy is a reminder of that sacrifice, yet how often do we take the time to pass along the origins of this unique tribute, to those who are ignorant of its deeper significance? Even some among our ranks don’t know the Buddy Poppy story. We are the Veterans of Foreign Wars. We fought “over there,” and now, in a continuing commitment, we need to keep up the fight. Tt is a battle to keep alive memories of a history that every single living American, in every generation, needs to know. Take the fight to the media. Pester them ahead of time to cover these significant dates. Keep the pressure on the press to do their job to perpetuate the most important memories of our history, and thus keep the living legacy of the veteran alive into the future. The City of Milwaukee VFW Post 2874 celebrated their 75th Anniversary on October 19, 2008. Helping to mark the occasion were two Past State Commanders: Joel Walker and Jerome Winneger. Past State Commander John Dahl dropped by to lend his support as well. Later in the evening, about 100 Post and Auxiliary members, family and friends, including current Post and Auxiliary Officers and Past President Mary West and several others, attended the gathering. They enjoyed a fine meal, door prizes and a great program that included remarks by PSC Winneger and the presentation of a commemorative Diamond Jubilee Certificate, from National Commander-inChief Glen Gardner, presented by PSC Walker. Post 2874 perseveres despite its ongoing legal battle with the City of Milwaukee in a dispute over the status of the Post’s claim to a rightful settlement of compensation for its leasehold interest in a building which was condemned to make way for downtown development. After a string of see-sawing court battles dating back to 2001, the Post is awaiting a new hearing to finally determine the value of the leasehold rights they lost in the condemnation action.
Page 20
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
MilWaukee Vets Parade
Milwaukee Veterans day Parade is a Winner again
The annual Veterans Day Parade in Milwaukee proved once again to be a great event. This year all Army Veterans were “Guests of Honor” at the event and there were special “dog tags” available at no charge. (The Chief of Staff connived with the Commander’s wife to provide Commander Erickson with a personalized Dog Tag that included the slogan “Army Proud.” Words can’t express his appreciation.) USS Freedom was commissioned on the same day as the Veterans Day Parade, at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park, adjacent to the Milwaukee County Veterans Center, terminus of the parade route.
Commissioned november 8th in Milwaukee, uSS Freedom will have two crews - Blue and Gold - of 40 Sailors each. The crews will rotate operating the ship for four month periods. because of the small crew size, Sailors are trained Distinguished guests at the Veterans Day Parade salute for multiple responsibilities. Other crew saving measures the colors as one of many units passes in front of the re- have been incorporated such as self help laundry and stockroom draws. viewing stand. The commissioning ceremony consisted of a few speeches, the acceptance of the ship by the Commanding Officer, the hoisting of the commissioning pennant, the setting of the first watch, and the charge of the Ship’s Sponsor to “Man our ship and bring her to life.” At that, the crew ran up the brow and mans the rail of the ship, radars started turning, lights and alarms went off -- you literally saw the ship come alive. The proximity of the commissioning drew additional people to the area and helped swell the crowd numbers. State Commander Gary Erickson and State Auxiliary PresAs noted elsewhere, the drawing The Color Guard of Greendale Post 10519 relaxes as they ident Marla Morgan follow the Wisconsin VFW State Hon- for our special Purple Heart Raffle await orders to begin the march through downtown Milwau- or Guard as they approach the reviewing stand at the end took place immediately following kee in the Veterans Day Parade. of the Veterans Parade in Milwaukee. the parade, at 1:00 p.m.
kids and Cops descend on Post 1318 for Pearl Harbor day
Pearl Harbor Day - December 7, 2008 – began with the U.S. Flag being raised and then lowered to half-mast by Commander Doucette and two past commanders. [That’s half-staff to the Army guys]. Comrade Jose Leon was fixing the lighted sign near the Lakeside Street sidewalk. Jose served in both the Marine Corps and the Army and finds it hard to distinguish between his staff and his mast. Inside the post, the Ladies Auxiliary was furiously setting up Christmas package decorating stations. Soon about 80 cops and 80 kids would arrive. No sirens, no shootout, but bundles of packages in large plastic bags made each pair of cop and kid look like Santa and an elf entering the old post. The national program of “Shop With A Cop” had begun its Madison version. Each child is a good student and a deserving recipient of this program and is selected by the lice, Oregon Police, and Middleton Police. Police organizations raised a lot of money to take the kids on a shopping spree. The whole effort is coordinated by Madison Police Officer Shannon Siirila. The kids get a $150 budget to buy each member of their family a gift and the child may purchase one gift for him or herself. Cop picks up kid at home and proceeds to a Target Store where the spree takes place. When through shopping, Cop and Kid come to the Cranefield Post to wrap the presents. The Ladies Auxiliary provides Father Henry Hall and 25 large tables pre-set with 75 wrapping stations. In one corner, a lady dispenses boxes, gift liner paper and gift bags for odd-sized packages. The Auxiliary also has dozens of pairs of colorful, crocheted mittens and caps, Christmas story books, and coloring books with a Crayon packet as gifts for them. On the raised stage, a police guitar duet strums and sings the old favorite Christmastime tunes during the wrap session. In the canteen, VFW comrades dispensed fresh fruit, vegetables and dips, soft drinks, pizza and cookies. The bottle displays, upright taps and entertainment devices were carefully gift-wrapped to change the barroom atmosphere to a kid-friendly holiday party place. The pizza party was visited by Little Caesar, donor of the pizzas. Surprisingly, every piece of pizza was consumed, but there were cookies left over. For over a decade, police and kids have been brought together in a cordial and cooperative environment in which the post is able and happy to participate. Story and photos by Roger Boeker
A wide range of police departments is represented at this annual event. notice the varied Department Patches on display here. teachers of their schools for this event. Seven peace officer groups participated: Madison Police, Town of Madison Police, University of Wisconsin Police, Dane County Sheriff, Maple Bluff Po-
It’s a busy time and everybody joins in. Look closely and you’ll even see Little Caeser himself in the background!
Half the fun of giving gifts is in the wrapping of them!
Pride of PoYnette
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 21
January, 2009
the Pride of Poynette: Comrade klawitter
Poynette, Wisconsin is the home of Eugene Klawitter and his VFW is the Portage Post 1707. Gene or Bill – his middle name is William - answers to either name. He is the current Junior Vice Post Commander and a longtime member of the honors firing squad. Gene has several hobbies in his retirement. Military service runs like strong thread through most of them. His woodworking avocation leans toward children’s toys (Stearman Bi-plane ‘kiddy karts’), special presentation plaques, and fancy frames for his line drawings of naval ships among other projects. Gene is probably bestwell known for his line drawings of famous ships. This activity started in high school when he took a drafting class for manual arts study. Just after high school, Gene worked in cannery near his hometown. His pals and he decided to beat the inevitable selective service draft by joining the Air Force. Gene’s working life was spent in manufacturing and supervision. In some plants, the company would make custom designed components for other firms. Often, smaller companies would show up at the plant door with only a rough sketch in hand. Gene would question the customer and study the sketch and produce a blueprint. Thus began his lifelong served by the tower and it never lifted off the runway, it ran out of runway and continued to drag along the ground to a slight berm, something like a rice paddy dike. There the plane nosed into the ground and the engines caught fire. The fire spread to the fuel and then to the bomb load. Amazingly, the nine man crew anticipated the explosion. When the plane stopped, all of the crew scrambled as far as they could from the plane and all survived. Not so lucky were the Japanese firemen who battled the long-lasting blaze and took several casualties. Gene thought the blast was far larger than any Honshu earthquake he had experienced. In another adventure, Gene and a pal visited Mount Fujiyama. At the bottom, Gene bought a stout walking stick at the recommendation of his Japanese guide. At each of a dozen stations ascending the volcano, a brand was imprinted on the walking stick that certified the height of the mountain attained by the climber. At around 11,000 feet, the men camped in a rustic cabin overnight. Next day they went all the way to the top over 12,000 feet and peered into the yet smoking crater. Gene points to a picture of Fuji with that commemorative stick, earned only through persistent prodding of his guide he says. Photos/Story by Roger Boeker
hobby of famous ships drawn to precise scale. Gene created an 18-inch by four-feet drawing framed and hanging in the Poynette Library today along with a large article about his avocations. His artwork is of the USS Hornet with Jimmy Doolittle’s 16 B25s packed onto the aircraft carrier’s deck. His next ship drawing will be the Japanese Battleship Yamato when his meticulous historical research is done. The Klawitter den, beside his living room, is full of the memorabilia of a serviceman and veteran. Gene served his tour in Occupation Japan with a B-29 squadron as a mo-
tor mechanic. While he was in his barracks one day, a huge explosion jolted the entire building. A few seconds later, a succession of booms signaled the crash of a B-29 loaded for a bomb drop in North Korea. By the time Klawitter and pals had run to within sight of the crash, the reverberations had smashed one-third of the windows on the whole base. The B-29s were so heavily laden that they used jet assisted take-off [JATO] rockets to get them off the ground. There was not enough of the crashed plane left to determine if the JATO failed to ignite or an engine died before take-off. However, the plane was ob-
In sum, Gene Klawitter is a fine woodworker, draftsman, mechanic, manager and community servant. He is the guy you would love to have as your next door neighbor and proud to have as your comrade. In special service to his community, Gene will collect the actual brass used for a veteran’s funeral by the firing squad. He makes a plaque with the appropriate information inscribed and mounts the shell casings in a design on the board. This is presented to the next of kin.
Commander Brown Visits son in Germany
The above picture was taken at Illesheim, Germany when Commander brown was visiting his son who is stationed in Illesheim. The Comrades in the above picture are Comrades of Germantown Memorial Post 9202 and are currently stationed at Illesheim, Germany. From left to right are Life Member Comrade John brown, Comrade Aaron Lewis, Commander Darrell brown, and Comrade David Whittaker. These comrades had just returned from their second deployment in Iraq. Photo/Story by Darrell brown
Page 22
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
BillBoard CaMPaiGn
Veterans Billboard Campaign launched in appleton
At high noon on a chilly, blustery Saturday, thirty people gathered in a wet commercial parking lot next to a roaring interstate highway for a single purpose. The people arrived singly and in small groups and soon began meeting old friends. The friendly chatter and bantering began almost immediately. They were all friends and acquaintances from five local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and their Auxiliaries from the surrounding area. They were also joined by the Mayor of Appleton, the Honorable Tim Hanna and WI State Representative, the Honorable Al Ott. The camaraderie and enthusiasm began to increase and soon the cold nipping at the ears began to subside. We were all gathered together for the common cause of dedicating the poster on the billboard above us. We shuffled around in a strange dance until we all found our places in the crowd and a sense of accomplishment and pride began to fill us. We have just done something to help the community, veterans and somehow, ourselves. We have placed a remembrance poster that reminds everybody who passes on the interstate to remember our veterans on this very reasonable. The VFW posts were asked to buy into the project after all the Auxiliaries had taken the project up to this level of completion. The cost per post with this arrangement was quite minimal. The cost was so low that the combined minds of the VFW began thinking that a project of this nature can be done several times a year if we combine our funds and ideas. This led us to the conclusion that we can accomplish more if we combined our efforts and resources. To this end, the Wisconsin VFW 8th District Commander, Louis Van Eperen, has started to develop joint projects for the community that rely on the involvement of local VFW posts and their Auxiliaries. The dedication was completed with a sense of accomplishment and empowerment through unity for all present. The sensation of the cold biting the ears and the penetrating chill of the wind returned as we left the area of the sign but the sense of unity of determination was still present. Story, Photos by Al Kudrle, Post 2778
A great message by a busy highway in Appleton. November 11th, Veterans Day. This story began months ago when Sally Lamers, Ladies Auxiliary Secretary, Heart of the Valley VFW Post 10544, Combined Locks, WI, drove past a similar poster in Houston, Texas. She had a startling moment of clarity when she saw the sign and thought, “That’s a great idea. We could do that!” Sally contacted a sign company upon her return to the Fox Valley and the work began. The sign company quoted a special rate for non-profit organizations such as the VFW. This rate was quite low but still a lot for a single post to pay. The Auxiliaries decided that if several posts contributed, the price would be
We Know Posts.
General Liability Liquor Liability Property Special Events Business Auto Work Comp Umbrella and More
Di Directors & Officers
Sally Lamers, of Combined Locks Ladies Auxiliary 10544, chats with 8th District Commander Lou Van Eperen as her Veterans promotional idea is officially launched. Sally and her Auxiliary Sisters put together a coalition of VFW Posts and Auxiliaries to bring a great idea to fruition in Appleton.
VFW Post Insurance Program
www.vfwinsurance.com
The assembled group at the billboard’s dedication included Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna and State Representative Al Ott among a crowd of about 30 who celebrated the launch of this campaign to honor Veterans.
(800) 829-8390
®
Mid-Winter ConferenCe
Department of Wisconsin February 20-21, 2009 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
SChEDulE OF EvENTS
All MEETINGS WIll BE hElD AT ThE Wyndham Airport hotel 4747 S howell Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
FRIDAy, FEBRuARy 20, 2009 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration 9:00 a.m Convention and Mid-Winter Conference Committee 10:00 a.m. VFW News Committee Meeting 11:00 a.m. Veterans Service Committee Meeting 1:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting SATuRDAy, FEBRuARy 21, 2009 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration 7:00 a.m. Past Commander’s Breakfast 8:30 a.m. General Session Begins 12:00 NOON Lunch/Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Winners 1:30 p.m. General Session Reconvenes 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Social Hour 7:00 p.m. Banquet
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
Page 23
January, 2009
MID-WINTER CONFERENCE
trooping the Colors
The Marion Cranefield Veterans of Foreign Wars [Madison downtown] provided the color guard for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP] Annual Banquet on October 3, 2008. State and local dignitaries filled the main hall at Madison’s Marriott Hotel. Pictured are [left to right] Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney, VFW Post 1318 Members Doug Manthe, Paul Washington, and Roger Boeker, finally Dane County Judge Michael Nowakowski. Doug Manthe is also the current Commandant of the Four Lakes Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Paul Washington is a past
State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans. Roger Boeker is a three-time past Post 1318 Commander. The three post members are also extremely active in the Madison Veterans Council. The Council provides the ceremonies at the Wisconsin State Capitol for Veterans Day and Memorial Day plus early services at Forest Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day. The Annual NAACP Banquet was held at Westside Marriott Hotel in the main hall. More than a dozen awards were presented for community service efforts. The Master of Ceremonies was a local newscaster. Story & photo by Roger Boeker
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.
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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
VOICE OF DEMOCRACy LunCHEOn
Saturday, february 21, 2009
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Saturday, february 21, 2009
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braised Swiss Steak/noodles/vegetable Salad/rolls/dessert/beverage
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MID-wInTER COnfEREnCE - 2009
Page 24
January, 2009
Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News
national HoMe tour
Commander Erickson addresses national Home Annual Meeting in Eaton Rapids. In the background are Patrice Green, national Home Executive Director, Roger Taylor, national Home board President, Marla Morgan, Wisconsin Auxiliary President, and John E. Hamilton, national Home board.
A gaggle of national Home “Trick or Treaters” looks over the crowd and the party goodies.
Some of the members of our national Home Tour gather by their bus in front Wisconsin “cottage” for a group photo. This is just a partial gathering of passengers from one of our two motorcoaches. Altogether, the tour took 95 people for a delightful weekend at the VFW national Home for Children.
national Home volunteer and Halloween Party Planner, Dave Schmidt takes a break from his whirlwind duties to strike a pose with Executive Director Patrice Green and Wisconsin Commander Gary Erickson.
national Home tour - Getting to the Heart of it all
It turned out to be a pretty good idea, and an even better time. The idea was to see if we could gather together enough members to afford to charter a motorcoach for the roundtrip from Wisconsin to Eaton Rapids, MI and the VFW National Home for Children. Our minimum number required to accomplish this was 35 people buying into a package that included transportation and accommodations for two nights in Charlotte, MI (nearest town to Eaton Rapids to have motels.) There were doubters, and a few naysayers, but from the outset, as people understood how the trip would work, the reservations came in at a fast and furious pace. We had our minimum of 35 signups within two weeks of formally announcing the package. In about we had signed up 95 people and now had two bus routes instead of one. One bus started in Prairie du Chien, came across I-90/94 to Madison, down 90 through Janesville and on to Michigan. The other bus started in Marshfield and went through Stevens Point, across Hwy. 10, down Hwy. 41, around Milwaukee on 894 out through Kenosha on I-94. With a little luck, we would reach the Old Country Buffet within 45 minutes of one another and, hopefully, continue on to Michigan more or less together. To our great surprise, both buses met up on I-90 in Chicago, arriving at the restaurant simultaneously. The weekend, as evidenced by the sampling of photos shown here, was a very good time. Nearly everyone enjoyed the whole trip, including the beverages and snacks on board, and the convivial atmosphere. Many passengers had never before been on a chartered motorcoach, and they discovered that it can be a lot of fun. Part of the package included the individual option to take a rebate consisting of a division of any leftover funds divided by the number of paying passengers, or to donate that money to the VFW National Home For Children. Once again, nearly everyone opted to make the donation. So, as a result, we are presenting the National Home with a check for $1,550.00. The greatest aspect of all, though, was the huge percentage of folks who discovered what we predicted: They came to understand that our VFW National Home for Children is truly the “Heart” of our
Sometimes no costume is scarier than anything else! national Council Representative Earl banks mugs for the camera with Wisconsin VOD/ Patriots Pen and news Committee Chairman, bob bolz.
“The Chef”, “Elvis” and “One night-stand” compare notes on the Halloween Party activities. “One night-stand”, aka Steve Lee, won a prize for “Most Original Costume” later on that evening. Way to go!
Each youngster at the national Home received a sweatshirt with this logo. another week, we were filled to capacity, and more reservations were coming in. So, we put another bus on standby and promoted a possible second bus. By the time we were done,
great organization. Many passengers told us that they are looking forward to doing the trip again next year. Plans for a repeat performance are already in the works, under the direction of Arlene and Earl Banks. We are grateful for everyone’s participation in this fun event, and wish to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful driving by our two experienced drivers, Dennis and Jim. And kudos to Southwest Bus Lines, Prairie du Chien. and Darcy’s Tour and Travel. In addition to a reprise of the Eaton Rapids trip, we are also looking into a Veterans Day Tour to Branson, MO. Keep an eye out for details in upcoming issues of the VFW News. Bill Knudson VFW State Chief of Staff
“Dr. Johnson” and “nurse Frazzle” check out our national buddy Poppy girl who has “Halloween Injuries”. The performance is monitored by “Referee Marla”.
“Tigger” bolz and Lion Cub friend enjoy some party time together at the national Home Halloween Party.
Missouri’s Auxiliary President Deborah Griffin, aka “Prisoner 631128”, Amanda Patterson, Greendale Auxiliary President, better known as the “Statue of Liberty”, Marla J. Morgan, Wisconsin Auxiliary President, known as “The Ref”, pose for a quick photo at the big Halloween Party. Adults and kids alike had fun dressing in costumes. The large delegation from Wisconsin added a more than usual festive atmosphere to the event.
The brats are cooked, the food is being served indoors, and there was no rain. Hoorah!
Post 1865 Service Officer Dave Goeldner delivers his Post’s contribution to Patrice Green for the national Home in the amount of $1,000. way to go, Kenosha!