WI VFW News May 08

Page 5 auxiliary Polar Plunge Page 11 Westfield Veterans Memorial Page 20 2008 Loyalty Day Vol. 25 no. 6 commitment may 15, 2008 National Reps for 2008 State Convention, June 25-29 Gary Kurpios Commander-in-Chief 2006-2007 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States VFW State Commander Bill Hustad is proud to announce that our National Representative at the State VFW Convention in June will be Past VFW Commander-inChief Gary Kurpius. Kurpius, of Anchorage, Alaska, was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on August 31, 2006, at the VFW 107th National Convention, held in Reno, Nev. He is the first member to be elected to this office from Alaska. Gary served in the U. S. Army from 1967-69. In Vietnam, he served with the 541st Transportation Company providing convoy security throughout the central highlands. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1970, Gary joined VFW Post 1539 Glenneta Vogelsang Past National President Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Representing the National VFW Ladies Auxiliary at our June Convention will be Past National President Glenneta Vogelsang of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Glenneta is currently serving the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the 2007-2008 National Advisory Committee. She has served in several other capacities for the national organization since her term as National President, including four terms each as Ladies Auxiliary Liaison to the VFW Political Action Committee and Special Events Committee Co-Chairman, and three terms as Budget Chairman. She has also remained active on the local level. For the past 14 years, she has served as Treasurer and Membership Chairman for the 700-member Clippard, Wilson, Taylor Auxiliary #3838, which she joined in 1952 on the eligibility of her late husband, Calvin, who was a VFW member and served in the U.S. Infantry during World War II. As 1984-85 National President, she asked members to be Guardians of Liberty, keeping America strong while conducting the Auxiliary’s community service and patriotic programs. They responded by recruiting 20,178 new members, which brought the membership to 720,591, achieving the 30th consecutive year of growth for the organization. That year, the Cancer Aid and Research Fund topped $2 million for the 4th consecutive year, and $70,995 was raised to restore the Statue of Liberty, a fundraising effort which raised a total of $219,000 over four years. Miss Liberty, a symbol of hope and freedom to the world, was also the symbol for her Presidency. in Babbitt, Minn., where he became a life member in 1976. He earned the title of All American Post Commander in 1977, and in 1983, was named All American District Commander. Gary transferred to VFW Post 9785 in Eagle River, Alaska, in 1985 and is currently a Life Member of VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla. He has served as the Department of Alaska Service Officer for the last 19 years and as Department Adjutant for the past 17 of those years. Gary was elected Department Commander and earned All American Department Commander status in 2001. Gary completed a four-year millwright apprenticeship and graduated in 1977 from Minnesota’s Lake Superior State College in Duluth. He also attended Vermillion Community College. Gary is a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America. In 1999, he received the Alaska Community Service Medal. He was selected Vietnam Veteran of the Year for St. Louis County in Minnesota by President Jimmy Carter and recently completed a two-year term as Governor Tony Knowles’ appointee to the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council. Gary and his wife, Nancy, reside in Anchorage. They have three grown children. She attended President Ronald Reagan’s Inauguration and visited all 51 Departments as well as Auxiliaries in the Far East. While serving in the offices leading to the National Presidency, she toured Europe visiting military installations, SHAPE, NATO, and the Berlin Wall, and met with Auxiliary members. She also represented the organization at the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her many offices held for the organization include National Council Member, two terms as Auxiliary President, Outstanding District President, and Runner-up State President of the Year. Her interest in helping veterans and their families stems from the fact that she is a granddaughter of a Spanish American War veteran, the daughter of a World War I veteran, the wife of a World War II veteran, and the mother-in-law of a Vietnam veteran. She is an active supporter of the VIP Sheltered Workshop and is a Board Member for the Regency House Apartments for Assisted Living for the handicapped and the Missouri Veterans’ Home Foundation. She enjoys reading, traveling, learning the computer, and playing bridge. The Vogelsangs have three sons, one daughter, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson. New State Raffle Announced Early Start Means Great Opportunity For Posts! The largest annual fundraiser for the VFW Department of Wisconsin and its Ladies Auxiliary has consistently been a State Raffle. Last year’s Joint Raffle, a first for the two organizations, returned to a tried-and-true formula of direct solicitation of members, although with a smaller prize package. Pricing at $5.00 per ticket was deemed reasonable, but the “discounted” pricing of 6 for $25.00 was regarded by some as too high an obligation. There was no way for posts to make direct income from raffle ticket sales to the public. Facing the new year, faltering membership will result in further pressure on an already stressed Department Budget. Addressing these issues, Department leadership has worked out an exciting and creative State Raffle action plan that not only sticks to tried and true experience, but borrows some great ideas from other successful departments and takes a cue from VFW National as well. Here’s the plan: First: The State Raffle Program is starting early! Grand Prize Drawing will be at MidWinter in February, ’09. But tickets will be mailed to VFW members starting in May. (At this writing, Ladies Auxiliary leadership is expected to participate, but will hold off mailing to their members until July, after convention. Incoming Auxiliary President Marla Morgan fully expects her new Council to approve Auxiliary participation at their initial meeting on June 29th.) Why the early start? Because this puts tickets in the hands of potential buyers before Memorial Day. This point will be more important, as you will see, further down the article. Second: Pricing returns to what has been most successful in past years: $5.00 Each, 3 for See New raffle, Page 7 Wisconsin VfW News, VfW 2nd District News, Take National Honors The Wisconsin VFW News once again captured 2nd Place in the annual VFW National Newspaper contest. Entries are judged by professional Freelance Writers. Joining the Wisconsin VFW News in the national spotlight is Wisconsin VFW 2nd District News, which also garnered the 2nd Place finish in judging of publications for Medium Size Districts. Awards will be presented at our State Convention in June. On the state level, a total of 16 Post and District newsletters were entered for the competition. Second District was the only entrant among Districts. Notwithstanding, editor Jim Paar does an excellent job and is to be commended. It is not surprising that he See NatioNal HoNorS, Page 12 official Publication: Wisconsin Veterans of foreign Wars Phone: (608) 255-6655 • Fax: (608) 255-0652 Website: www.vfwofwi.com • wivfw@tds.net VFW Department Headquarters Editor: William Knudson Phone: (715) 384-2500 E-mail: vfwnews.wi@verizon.net Page  May/june, 008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News state officers under the VFW forms section. Last year’s O.T.I. received rave reviews for its fresh format and presentations. We also heard some excellent constructive input and, as a result, will implement some specific breakout sessions for Quartermasters and other special areas of interest. The new year will bring some important changes to the way VFW National will conduct business and evaluate our performance. There is a new emphasis coming on programs, and reporting is going to be both simplified (throw out the old forms!) and more important to the success of your Post. The goal is to have productive and active posts throughout our ranks. The “numbers game” of membership will be sharply revised. Because this new direction will be so important in the coming years, it is critical that you set aside at least this one day to attend our O.T.I. in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, July 26. Sunday, July 27, will be the King Day Picnic. King is only 45 miles from Wisconsin Rapids, so I hope we can have a good turnout for our veterans who live at the King Home. And one more key point: Our State Raffle has long been a financial mainstay of our Department’s financial planning. After careful research, examination of recent raffle results and study of what has worked well for other VFW Departments, we believe we have come up with a State Raffle Program that will accomplish our financial goals, AND provide incredible earnings potential for participating posts at a time when money is tight at every level, especially at the post level. You will see a more detailed presentation of the new Raffle Program elsewhere in this issue, but suffice it to say that, with encouragement and support from the current administration as well as the national organization, we are launching our raffle drive in time for you to take advantage of all the major public events this summer, starting with Memorial Day. Our prize package is back to a whopping $30,000, (top prize: $20,000!) All members will receive tickets in the mail (including a special Purple Heart Fund Ticket to raise money for returning Wisconsin wounded warriors!), but in addition, all posts will have a chance to voluntarily sell tickets to the general public on a 50/50 Shared Revenue basis, and compete post-to-post for top sales honor in their division. Read all about and pitch in for your Department AND your Post! Best wishes and safe travels, Gary Erickson, VFW Sr. Vice Commander CHAIN OF COMMAND The VFW is structured in a pattern simi“Twiggy” lar to a military command. Post - County Council - District – State – National. That Johnson is our “Chain of Command.” Conducting State Jr. Vice the business of the VFW requires that we Commander respect and effectively use our Chain of Command. Whenever an issue arises, every 920-766-1491 member in the VFW should go through this jrvicecdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com Chain of Command at any level. The only time you jump the chain at the outset is if you feel you cannot trust or rely upon the Commander at that level. Then you can go one higher in the chain. When a Commander cannot answer or help you, that Commander will go to the next level in getting his/her question answered and should get back to you with an answer. If you’ve followed the Chain of Command, and then believe you didn’t get the right answers, you do have recourse to go one level higher. CONVENTION REGISTRATION Reminder: Every post must register at least (1) one post member to the State Convention and National Convention. Section 222 of the National BY-LAWS - $10.00 per member Section 708 of the State BY-LAWS - $10.00 per member Posts that do not register (1) one member from your post and BOTH levels is subject to loss of charter. Your post charter will be pulled. In April, both State and National sent out that information on the Convention registration. STATE CONVENTION June 25 - 29, 2008 Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel and Convention Center, 4747 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, 414-615-8000. Convention information was sent out to posts, in the quarterly mailing in April, and appears in this edition of the VFW News. Convention Registration forms are also available on-line in the VFW Forms Section of our State Website: http://www.vfwofwi.com. STATE WEB SITE Our State Web Site has undergone dramatic changes and offers many features that were not previously available. Every post in the Department of Wisconsin is eligible to sign up and claim their own Web Site through our WebCOM.org system. There is no charge, and the only requirement is a willingness on the part of one designated post member to take on the simple responsibility updating his or her own post’s site. The Web Site is a work in progress, and improvements are being made almost daily. In addition to our unique web network, WebCOM also provides an integrated Wisconsin VFW webmail system for all officers at all levels, plus a very active Web Forum where all members can express their ideas and opinions on a wide range of issues. There are also opportunities for local businesses to support the VFW through online advertising, Two big additions coming to the WebCOM are a calendar that posts will have direct access to for entering events and activities, plus an online store specializing in items of interest to VFW members and other veterans. There will be an ongoing training session on the new VFW WebCOM at our State Convention. Plan to drop in for training, orientation and an opportunity to get your post on-line at last! Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson, VFW State Jr. Vice Commander Address chAnge Please note I have changed my address to: (Please print.) Name _________________________________________________________ Street _________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________ Zip Code ________________________ Post No.______________________ Mail Address change to: VFW Circulation Department 406 West 34th Street Kansas City, MO 64111 Comrades and Sisters, The year has gone by fast! This will be William hustad my last news article as State Commander. It seems like yesterday that I was elected State Commander as your State Commander in June of 2007 608-527-2942 in Green Bay. In the July issue of the VFW News, a new State Commander will cdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com be addressing you. I hope you will work for Gary as hard, or harder, than you did for this team. Thanks for all of the hospitality shown to me and my wife, Jackie, during our visits to Districts, Councils, and Post meetings and functions. The VFW truly has many great people in the organization. I have enjoyed the year greatly and I have proudly represented the VFW at many outside functions. Thank you, too, to Jackie for letting me devote so much time to the VFW this year. Thanks to all of you for the many gifts given to us during the year. They are much appreciated. And, last but not least, “Thank you!” to Joyce Hoffman, the Ladies Auxiliary President this year. It was a pleasure to work with you and your husband, Tom. Congratulations to all that have reached 100% in membership and participated in our many worthwhile projects. Now, to the Posts and Districts that have not reached 100%: That goal is reachable! We are short 2,200 members in the State. However, we have over 5000 members that are unpaid. These unpaid members are on your Post unpaid lists, unpaid relocates to Wisconsin, Dept. At Large unpaid members in Wisconsin, and unpaid MIPS (one year of free membership) living in, or with a home address in Wisconsin. This tells me that with some work by all posts, we can again reach 100% in the State of Wisconsin. This is a matter of pride in our great State. Let’s get out there and contact these members face to face and collect those dues. This also gives us a chance to see our members and discuss what your Post is doing in the community and get to know our members better. Remember to also discuss that their dues helps to fund our Washington DC office that keeps the pressure on our elected officials to keep Veterans-friendly legislation moving. The main legislative goals of the VFW this year are to improve the Federal GI Bill, hire more disability claims adjudicators to decrease the claims backlog, and increase funding of our VA Hospital system. Their dues also help fund our VFW Service Office in Milwaukee that assists veterans across Wisconsin to get into the VA System, file Veterans Disability and Pension claims and also file appeals to claim results that are unsatisfactory. Last year, our VFW Service Office was directly responsible for $12,000,000 in claims collected by Wisconsin veterans. We need their membership dues to keep these efforts going. I personally want to thank the line officers and District Commanders for all of the hard work. A special thanks goes to Bill Knudson for the great job he has done as Editor of our newspaper and for getting our new website up and running. Our website is easier for members and non-members to find us. Everything on the old site is now available on the new website and much more. We are open to suggestions on how to improve it, so tell us what you think. Thank you to Sue Samson for the great job of being Chief of Staff, she is a dynamo and gets things done. We have worked as a team this year and we have set the course for a balanced budget this year and hopefully for the years to come. Finances were my number 1 priority and membership was second. We have reached the first goal; now as a team let us work on membership. The membership team headed by Woody and Bill Backes worked hard, now we need to all pull together these last two months. Lastly, I want to thank all who helped make VFW Loyalty Day in New Glarus such a great success. The weather mostly cooperated, and the crowd and parade were great. New Glarus enjoyed your visit. You were great guests. When we went out to pick up trash along the parade route, we found no trash. AWESOME! Thank you, Ed Andreas, for making this great event happen. Bill Hustad Commander, VFW Department of Wisconsin Comrades, gary It is election time, and we need your post and district election reports in to erickson headquarters as soon as your elections are State Sr. Vice over. We need the names of the officers and Commander chairpersons along with their addresses, phone numbers and, most important, their 608-723-7373 e-mail addresses. I encourage all posts to have a delegate at srvicecdr@wi.vfwwebmail.com State Convention for the meetings and for the voting on Saturday, the 28th of June. Each post must register a delegate for the State as well as the National Convention. It is in the State and National By-laws to have a delegate registered. Send in the name of your delegate as soon as you appoint them. The dates for the Council of Administration (C. of A.) and Officers Training Institute (O.T.I.) are July 24, 25 and 26, 2008. The committees will meet on Thursday, July 24. The Council of Administration (C of A) will hold their meeting on Friday, July 25. The Officer Training Institute will be held on Saturday, July 26. As in the past, the meetings will be at the Mead Inn in Wisconsin Rapids. As in the past, the O.T.I. meeting will be a key element in the requirement for all Post and District Commanders and Quartermasters to be considered for the All State Team. Sign-up forms for O.T.I. and the C of A will be on our VFW website (vfwofwi.com) ❏ Don’t Delay, Subscribe Today! One Year Subscription Name _________________________________________________________ Street _________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________ Zip Code ________________________ Post No.______________________ send this form along with payment to: VFW State Headquarters P.O. Box 1623 Madison, WI 53701-1623 Only $6/year state officers Comrades and Sisters, Here it is May, and time for another Steve Lawrence article. State Adjutant I want to remind each Post Quartermaster Quartermaster that you are required to register at least one delegate to the Department Convention 608-255-6655 and to the National Convention. Let’s send the check for $10.00 and submit the qm@wi.vfwwebmail.com National Registration Form. Do it now so you don’t forget. ANNUAL ELECTRONIC FILING REQUIREMENT FOR SMALL EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS – E-POSTCARD (Form 990-N). Don’t Throw Away Your Tax-Exempt Status Beginning in 2008, small tax-exempt organizations will have a new filing requirement. It’s short, easy and electronic – it’s the new e-Postcard. If you are a tax-exempt organization that normally has annual gross receipts of $25,000 or less and does not have to file Form 990 or 990-EZ, you must file the e-Postcard. The e-Postcard is due by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of your tax year. So if your organization operates on a calendar year, the e-Postcard is due by May 15 of the following year. What happens if you don’t file? You risk losing your tax-exempt status! If you think this new filing requirement may apply to your organization, go to www.irs. gov/eo for complete details and, while you’re there, sign up for Exempt Organization’s free e-mail newsletter, EO Update, to receive up-to-date information posted on the charity pages of irs.gov. I have been receiving 990-EZ forms that are not completed properly. Instructions were included in the last mailing. If these forms are being submitted to the Internal Revenue Service, each line must be completed. There is a much easier way for you to file – use the 990-N e-postcard. FILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR 990-N(e-Postcard) 1. Go to website www.epostcard.form990.org/ 2. Click on register as a new user 3. Request Login ID 4. Select Exempt Organization. 5. Enter the Federal Employer Identification Number, select Next button. 6. You are now on a page where you need to create a password, follow the instructions, enter your first name, last name, e-mail address and day time phone number. Then select the next button. 7. You should now have a screen entitled Request Login ID – Success. 8. You will receive an e-mail containing a link to click that will allow you to activate your login ID and create your e-Postcard. The e-mail will be from epostcard@urban.org. 9. After you click the link in number 8 above you will get a screen saying activate login ID (Success) This page has 2 buttons. One allows you to create your 990-N (e-Postcard) Now, or you can return to their home page. 10. If you selected Create your 990-N (e-Postcard), you will be taken to a page that says Electronic Notice – Form 990-N (e-Postcard) Organization information. A. This question should show your tax year, i.e., 1/1/2007 to 12/31/07 B. Has your organization terminated or gone out of business? Select Yes or No. Are your gross receipts normally $25,000 or less? Select Yes or No. C. Organization’s legal name, Line 1 and Line 2. This should already be filled, based on prior filings See AdjutAnt QuArtermASter, PAge 10 From the Chief... We’re not far off from closing the books for another successful VFW year. The State dynamic duo of Commander Bill and Chief-of-Staff President Joyce have done a superb job in leading this organization. Both of them 262-285-7618 made the tough decisions and took on a lot of risks in order to better our Department. chiefofstaff@wi As your Chief, this is my last letter to the vfwwebmail.com membership. First and foremost, I want to thank Commander Bill Hustad for giving me the opportunity to serve as the State Chief-of-Staff for Year 2007-08. It truly has been a rewarding experience and I will treasure all the fond memories; and most importantly, all the people that I have met in this organization. It has been fun working and socializing with my fellow comrades and sisters this past year. A pat-on-the-back to all the Department chairpersons and committee members for their assistance and support. Without you, things would not get done. You are all an extremely valuable asset for this organization; and again, thank you for volunteering your time and efforts in accomplishing our goals. Special recognition to all the great Districts and County Councils in the Department of Wisconsin. We appreciate your leadership, devotion and support. It’s not easy being the “middle person” in any organizational structure. But, over and over again, it has been proven that the “middle level” is critical in order for an organization to function properly. For the foundation of this organization, our VFW Posts and its Ladies Auxiliaries, you are the entity of our existence. THANK YOU! Your efforts are most appreciated to all. A Post is its membership and its character is determined by that membership. You are dedicated to supporting veterans and deployed servicemembers, as well as their families and communities. See you at the State Convention in Milwaukee. Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page  May/june, 2008 of God helping to comfort and lend support to the needy. For those that choose to be Chaplains, this is a vocation that we are called to. We might not be able to answer the why, but we willingly come alongside anyone wanting or needing our support. In 1962, as the members of Post 1865 planned their first event, an aspiring artist, George Pollard, offered his talents to do a portrait of the National Chaplain as an appreciation gift for their service and a 46-year legacy had begun. In the next 45 years, George Pollard would become a world renown portrait artist. He has drawn and painted portraits of some of the most famous people in the world. Amongst his subjects are Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, General MacArthur, several Presidents and First Ladies, four Wisconsin Governors, Brett Favre, Vince Lombardi, Martin Luther King Jr, and countless others almost too numerous to name. It has been said of George that “no citizen can truly achieve greatness if his or her portrait did not contain the Pollard signature.” The National Chaplains of the Veterans of Foreign Wars are amongst this honored group, as George has continued to do their portrait every year as well. George Pollard was born and raised in Waldo, a small town in northeastern Wisconsin. At 17, he left the family farm for Milwaukee to study art. He also studied in Pittsburgh and Chicago but, with the United States’ involvement in World War II, he joined the Marine Corps. He was first and foremost an artist, so he continued to draw in his free time. This attracted the attention of those above him and when General MacArthur and Eleanor Roosevelt visited, he was asked to do their portraits. Upon returning after the war, he continued his studies, married and settled down in Kenosha, Wisconsin. There he became a member of Post 1865. He used the talent God gave him to support veterans. George and his wife, Nan, prepared greeting cards that disabled veterans could paint and then they were sold and the veteran earned a fee for each card they colored. George Pollard was a deeply caring, generous man who recognized the value of our veterans and the debt we owe those who serve and sacrifice for our freedoms. He was like countless other veterans who make a difference using their unique talents and gifts in support of veterans everywhere. The world lost a bright shining star with his passing, but the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, especially Post 1865, lost a comrade and a brother. I dedicate this article to the Legacy of Service George Pollard gave and may he be an inspiration to us all as we honor his The late George Pollard and his memory by using our unique talents and wife Nan. The Pollards were a tal- gifts to make a difference in the lives of ented and artistic team recognized our veterans and our communities. internationally. See you in Kenosha on May 24! Our districts are in the process of completing their spring conferences or meetings. At one district meeting I attended Michael Borg recently, the election of trustees and vacancies issues came forward. Judge Advocate Issue 1: Can a district three-year trustee 920-739-5730 run again for that same position (threeyear term) or does he have to follow the judgeadv@vfwofwi.com normal progression to the next position as the district two-year trustee and so forth? If that’s the case, what is the progression, of the other two trustees? Does the two-year trustee move to the one-year trustee position – and another two-year trustee has to be elected? Plus does the original three-year trustee have to resign the progression position of the two trustees before the election process? Issue 2: During the election procedures – if the outgoing District Commander decides to run for another term, does he run against the original Senior Vice Commander? Do the Senior and Junior Vice Commanders have the right to stay in their original positions and be re-elected to those positions, or must they move forward to the next progression? Since there was some friendly disagreement between the State Judge Advocate and a very knowledgeable district member, I followed up with a call to National’s Assistant Director of Administrative Operations, David Prohaska. Here’s what he said: A trustee is elected for a three-year term unless they are unable to fulfill their term of office. If that person fails to fulfill their term, then an election takes place to fulfill the rest of the person’s obligation. If a two-year trustee is unable to fulfill his commitment, a person is elected in his place (the three-year does not move up). In the case cited, the three-year trustee’s obligation is to progress to the two-year trustee, he would not be eligible to run for the three-year trustee. However, this is my interpretation and one might argue that he has the right to run for three-year trustee, therefore vacating the two-year position, and an election for a two-year trustee would be needed…. and they would be correct. Elections periods (except trustees) are for one year (there is no progression like trustees stated in the By-Laws except to fill vacancies during the year). Any member can run for any position as long as they don’t hold two elective offices; therefore, a senior or junior commander could run for the same position and not move up. Now, when there is a vacancy, and they elect not to move up, they must resign their position and run again if so desired. And, on a related issue: If the district commander resigns or passes away and the senior or the junior vice commander, or both, refused to step up to the next progression what happens? In the Manual of Procedures Article IV – Districts, Section 418 – Vacancies and Removal of Elective Officers, states in part: “...District may fill any vacancy in their offices at any regular or special meeting. In the event of a vacancy in the office of District Commander, the Senior Vice Commander shall at once succeed to the title and duties of such office, and the Junior Vice Commander shall succeed to the title and duties of the Senior Vice Commander. Likewise, in the event of a vacancy in the office of Senior Vice Commander, the Junior Vice Commander shall at once succeed to the title and duties of said office. In either case, the district shall be convened for the election of a Junior Vice Commander. It is also my understanding that in the event of a vacancy in the office of Commander, the Senior moves up. If he cannot or refuses to move up, he must resign and the Junior Vice Commander will assume the duties of the Commander, and an election must be held for the office of Junior Vice Commander and Senior Vice Commander. See judge AdvocAte, PAge 7 Sue Samson A LEGACY OF SERVICE Where will you be on May 24? I would Charlene Cobb like to invite you to attend the 46th annual State Chaplain National Chaplain’s Day banquet at Kenosha Post 1865. This is a special event that is 262-882-6022 not duplicated anywhere in the world. Our chaplain@wi.vfw National Chaplain this year is Rev. Tom webmail.com Darling from the state of Washington. The members of Post 1865 have been honoring the service provided by chaplains since 1962. Traditionally, the Chaplain is just sort of there. He/she is expected to have a cheery word to brighten the day and lessen the load. But let there be adversity and the chaplain is expected to help pick up the pieces, explain why it happened, and hold everyone together. They are to be the emissary Page  May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News wdva update wdva news briefs John A. Scocos Secretary of the WI Dept. of Veterans Affairs working with Your doctor Working with your doctor – Part 2 Last time I wrote that there were three things I would like every patient to do to get the most out of their doctor visits. These three things were: 1) Make sure you bring a list of your medications, including supplements and over-the-counter medicines, to your doctor visit. 2) Bring a list of the things you want to talk about to the appointment; and 3) As soon as possible after you are finished with the doctor, write down what you and the doctor agreed was the plan. If you don’t like to write, tell a trusted friend or family member. I hope that all of you Jeff Whittle, already wrote out your medication list. I suspect that many of you MD, MPH have had a chance to test out what happens when you bring a list of Clement J. what you want to talk about to the doctor. I suspect that if you tried to Zablocki VA write down what you and the doctor agreed on, it was harder than you Medical Center thought it would be. For such a short visit, oftentimes a lot of topics are discussed. Like a lot of things, you will probably get better with practice. The next step to helping your doctor is to know as much as possible about your medical condition. This means that you have to find out what they are!!! Even though I try to be a good doctor who talks to his patients, I am frequently surprised when I say, “We will start you out at a low dose because of your kidney disease…” and the person replies, “Since when have I had kidney disease!?!” So you may also be surprised by some of the conditions your doctor thinks you have. I used kidney disease as an example because most people with mild kidney disease don’t have any symptoms. The same can happen when the blood count is just a little bit low, or if you have mild liver disease. It is very likely that your doctor knows you have these, and is considering these conditions in your treatment, but I think it is best if you know about them, too. You may also find that your doctor thinks you have conditions that went away years ago, or are even genuine mistakes. And you may find the doctor does not know about some important conditions. This happens with the very best doctors. Since you are your doctor’s partner, you need to help him or her. A good way to find out is by talking to the doctor’s nurse at the beginning or end of the visit. You can blame me or just say “You know, I am getting old enough that I am not sure I know about all my medical conditions. Do you and Dr. X have a list of my conditions? Another way to keep up with your conditions is to ask for a copy of the “discharge summary” when you leave the hospital. This is a document that the doctor who discharges you will write to summarize why you were in the hospital and what was done while you were there. Usually it includes a list of all your medical conditions. Good luck with your efforts to become a great partner for your doctor. Message from WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos: “Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember all who have passed who have served their nation. The WDVA theme for 2008 is ‘May We Always Remember.’ Please take time on Memorial Day to remember the service and sacrifice given by U.S. service members and their families since our nation’s beginnings. “To that end, it is critical to get veterans of all eras connected with available federal, state and local benefits, programs, services and resources. Through continued partnership, I am confident we will continue to provide and improve on outreach to veterans of the past, present and future. “The department report that follows includes information about this year’s Memorial Day ceremonies, and information about key events and activities.” Memorial Day. This year’s holiday is officially observed on Monday, May 26, 2008. WDVA will host observances on Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, and at 1:00 p.m. at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. On May 26, a ceremony will be held at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, at 9:30 a.m. waterside on Rainbow Lake, and then at the cemetery at 10:00 a.m. To view a list of ceremonies taking place throughout Wisconsin, see www.WisVets.com/MemorialDay. WDVA is accepting submissions about ceremonies taking place around the state. The White House Commission on Remembrance asks all Americans to honor a National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, at 3 p.m. local time. POW Remembrance Day. April 9 was observed as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, designated in Wisconsin as former Prisoners of War Remembrance Day. On April 4, a ceremony took place at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, at which over 25 Wisconsin former POWs were honored. Guest speakers were Howard M. Jones of Nekoosa, and Raymond Jablonski of Edgerton – both were Prisoners of War in Germany during World War II. One of the former POWs attending was Eugene P. Moran, the first recipient of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award. To read more about POW Remembrance day, go to www.WisVets.com/POW. Commanders’ Meeting. On April 9, WDVA Secretary Scocos met with the commanders of Wisconsin’s veterans ser- vice organizations, which included a briefing on current initiatives, current Veterans Trust Fund issues, and talking about who WDVA serves and what is provided, and what was discussed at the Stakeholders’ Conference in February. He asked for input from the commanders and adjutants about WDVA programs and services, talked about federal and state initiatives, and discussed the state budget process. The group discussed the Stakeholders’ Conference and Salute to the Legislature, providing suggestions about future events. On-Campus Veterans’ Benefits Open Houses. Three On-Campus Veterans’ Benefits Open Houses were held in April – at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau on April 3, at UW-Stevens Point on April 8, and at UW-Green Bay on April 23. The Open Houses are to assist recently separated student veterans regarding their benefits and services as they are returning to civilian life. They are held in coordination with each school’s veterans’ officials to provide information from VA health care staff, the Department of Military Affairs, County Veterans Service Offices, and others. Open Houses are planned for May 7 at UW-Milwaukee and October 23 at UW-Eau Claire, prior to the Supermarket of Veterans’ Benefits to be held in New Richmond (see below). Supermarkets of Veterans’ Benefits. Memorial Park in Arcadia was the venue of a two-day Supermarket of Veterans’ Benefits on April 16-17. Future events are planned for Milwaukee, July 6, in conjunction with Operation Freedom at the Milwaukee County Zoo; Fort McCoy, September 5 as part of Retiree Appreciation Day; and in the northwestern part of the state in New Richmond on October 24-25. There will also be a Veterans’ Job Fair in Kimberly (near Appleton) on June 18. Homes events. A Volunteer Recognition Banquet was hosted by the Wisconsin Veterans Home-King on April 16, to recognize the many volunteers who give thousands of hours of their time and talents to help residents of the Home. The dedication of the new Checkpoint Café at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove has been rescheduled for May 15. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, along with WDVA and others will dedicate the new food service area, operated under the oversight of Wisconsin’s Business Enterprise Program for Blind Persons. To learn more about veterans’ programs go to www.WisVets.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-WIS-VETS (1-800-947-8387). Vintage Baseball in the Brewers’ Backyard Annual VA Event Features Milwaukee Cream Citys vs. Civil War Troops, Eagle Diamonds Fashioned after Milwaukee’s first professional team formed in the 1860s, the Milwaukee Cream Citys are dedicated to educating the public about the origins of our National Pastime. The original Cream Citys joined the National League in 1878 before going bankrupt in their first season. At the same time, the Soldiers Home Foundation and the Reclaiming Our Heritage Committee are dedicated to educating the public about the legacy of VA health care and veteran history on the land overlooking Miller Park. Baseball and other sports were an important part of that history for many years, inlcuding sports played on land that now belongs to Milwaukee County for modern-day baseball. The recreated Cream Citys have been a popular facet of Reclaiming Our Heritage, the annual living history event at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, May 31-June 1. Now entering their seventh season, the Cream Citys will take on Civil War soldiers—North and South—on Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. At noon on Sunday, June 1, they will face the Eagle Diamonds, the team from Old World Wisconsin. Cranks (fans) are welcome. Some of the baseball rules of 1860: Pitching: The ball must pass below the hurler’s (pitcher’s) waist and should not be jerked or thrown. Fair or Foul: A ball is considered fair or foul depending on where it first lands. Fouls are not considered strikes. Strikes and Balls: A strike is called only if the striker (batter) swings and misses. A striker may wait for his pitch, but if he abuses this privilege, the umpire may begin to call strikes. Likewise, an umpire will not call balls on a hurler unless he continually throws bad pitches and abuses his time on the mound. Outs: A call is considered out if the player strikes out, if the ball is caught on the fly or if the ball is caught on the first bounce in fair or foul territory. Runners may not tag up and advance on a caught fly. If the ball is caught on the first bounce in fair territory, the striker is out, but runners may advance at their own risk. Hosted by the staff of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and sponsored by the Soldiers Home Foundation, Inc., this free-admission, family-friendly event takes place on the VA Medical Center campus, 5000 W. National Avenue. To avoid Miller Park traffic during the weekend Brewer games, exit I-94 at Hawley Road and enter the VA grounds from W. National Avenue. For driving directions, public transportation options and parking, visit www. rohmilwaukee.org or call the event line at 414-902-5599. Wisconsin VFW News Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News is published six times per year by the Department of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, 214 N. Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703. Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, WI. Subscription rates $6.00 per year for non-members, $.60 per year membership dues is for the official publication Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News. Postmaster: Send address changes to: V.F.W. Circulation Department, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Secretary John Scocos Honored in Eau Claire Story by Bill Bottoms Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary John Scocos, while in Eau Claire for a WDVA meeting, was invited to Post 305 to view their newly added addition. The addition is a museum complete with souvenirs and other war memorabilia donated by their members and other area veterans. The invitation was an understandable ruse designed to have Secretary Scocos present so he could be presented the Post 305 award by Wisconsin VFW State Commander William Hustad. One of the speakers pointed out that the Colonel/Secretary had earned his membership in the VFW by his two tours overseas – the first by his tour of duty with the 757th Transportation Battalion, and the second with the Gulf Region Division Logistics Directorate, International Zone, Baghdad, Iraq. Another emphasized to those in attendance how fortunate the Wisconsin veterans were to have a Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary who had been overseas during the current conflict and knew firsthand what our troops had undergone. “Thus,” the speaker said, “by his firsthand knowledge, Secretary Scocos would be able to separate the wheat from the chaff and the baloney from the blarney and be better able to serve the veteran than one who was acting on hearsay.” Among the other notables attending were WDVA Deputy Secretary Kloster, several members of the WDVA Board and committees to the board, former State Senator and Post 305 member Dave Zien, Past State Commander Al Kochendorfer, State Adj/Qm Steve Lawrence, Post Commander Richard Frietag and his staff. I.S.S.N. #1061-4591 U.S.P.S. #007787 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars COMMIttee: Robert Bolz - Post 1691, News Chairman Arlene Banks, Post 10549 Charlene Cobb, Post 10173 Bernie Olson, Post 10510 “Twiggy” Johnson, Jr.Vice Cmdr., Post 10544 Rita Garcia Rindahl, Aux. 8514, Ladies Aux. Liaison eDItOr: William Knudson 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: 715-384-2500 vfwnews.wi@verizon.net DeADlIne FIrSt OF tHe MOntH OF PublICAtIOn auxiliary Joyce’s Jingles As this will be my last article for the Joyce Hoffman VFW News, I don’t know where the year Department has gone! “Thank you!” to everyone who has made President my husband, Tom, and me welcome wher715-223-3844 ever we have gone. What a wonderful way joycehoffman@tds.net to get to know our Comrades and Sisters. There is no better way than to visit the Posts and Auxiliaries. Congratulations to all who have achieved their goals, and congratulations to all the elected officers for the ensuing year. Please keep up the good work. I hope I have been able to make things easier for our Sisters, and help them become better Sisters in the years to come. Commander Bill and the VFW Comrades have made this Year of Commitment a rewarding one. If anyone has Cancer Pins left, please let our Cancer Chairman, Shirley Sabatke, know, so the Sisters that didn’t get any may still purchase them. Thank you to all who have made my year a memorable one. There have been ups and downs; however, you have this in every organization, and if we come out of them feeling good, then we have accomplished something. Thank you for your donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You have made wishes come true for many of our youth. Loyalty Day in New Glarus was a windy one; however, many Comrades and Sisters came out to help celebrate this “Special Day.” Don’t forget Flag Day and Tomah Day. I hope to see many of you at the Department Conventions in June. AS “AUXILIARIES KEEP SERVING VETERANS” “THROUGH A TRADITION OF CARING”! Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page  May/june, 2008 Draping of the Charter District 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 Unknown Person’s Name City Elsie E Clausen Racine Betty Alderson Janesville Marian Bumgarner Janesville Edna Christiansen Janesville Inge Grimes Janesville Doris Heitsman Janesville Ila Jahr Janesville Betty Milam Janesville Shirley Schumacher Janesville Fay Smith Janesville Mary Wuksinich Janesville Mary Zentz Janesville Dorothy Elfering Kenosha Helen Lehnhardt Monroe Beverly Mae Artlip* Brodhead Lucille Winchell Brodhead Vivian R Doone* Waukesha Mary Jane Erdman* Waukesha Lillie M Hardin* Fort Atkinson Grace Edmunds* Madison-Day Dorothy Triggs Madison-Day Celia Walsh* Madison-Day Mary Ann Eilers Horicon Judith Scott Madison-Truax Marie Davis Richland Center Helen Kepler Richland Center Betty J Butson Platteville Alice M Hill Platteville Leona Spease* Platteville Bernice Skibba South Milwaukee Dolores Harmeyer Milwaukee Margaret Simons Milwaukee Elenore Karek Milwaukee Arlene Lunde Milwaukee Ruby Matthies Milwaukee Florence Lebotzke West Bend Bernadine Taylor West Bend Esther Vrana West Bend Margaret Guenther Chilton Bernice Hertel Chilton Shirley M Nichel Hartford Valeria Boehm Sheboygan Clara Mallmann* Sheboygan Nathaline Meyer* Sheboygan Elfrieda Pazaris Sheboygan Helen Bartilme* Wausau Edna Cherek* Wausau Elaine Gaulke Wausau Elvera Hahn Wausau Florence Myzaka Wausau Judith Ninabad-Gothamm* Wausau Earlena Olson Wausau Gertrude Pyan Wausau Pearl Rekowski Wausau Elizabeth Cornell* Waupaca Jean Luther* Waupaca Dottie Lund* Waupaca Joyce Johnson Colby Margaret Willmer Colby Irene Salter* Wisconsin Rapids Anna P Gruenberg Antigo Marie Kloos Stratford Estella Grych Mosinee Mavis M Voboril Manitowoc Myrtle Degroot DePere Millie Kleuskens DePere Phyllis Kornowske* DePere Eleanore Wannesheimer* DePere Viola Kopitske New London Mercedes Bowers* Appleton Audrey Kies Appleton Lorraine Krueger* Appleton Ruby Melchert Appleton Rosemary Rankin* Appleton Shirley Dachelet Kewaunee Rita Stoller Kewaunee Ruth Lewins* Duck Creek Doris Rohde* Eau Claire Mary Maurer Chippewa Falls Irene Ryder Chippewa Falls Lavon Schooleraft Black River Falls Millie Ziesak Black River Falls Yvonne Kunes Strom Ida J Crawford Mondovi Joanne Bents Barron Hazel Blihoude Barron Agnes Stevens Barron Mary Laufenberg Alma Center Marian I Auer* Cochrane Maggie Smedegard Superior Jane Ferkanich Hurley Lois Becksfort Ladysmith Mildred Matus* Phillips Bernice Yelle* Clear Lake Myrna Johnson Hayward Madaline Goodling Westboro Mary Laufenberg Alma Center Delores N Lenendowski* Eagle River Mary M Lobe Tomah Fern F Behrens* Tomah Joan L Byers LaCrosse Edna Stein LaCrosse Clara Bryant Reedsburg Pat Jax Mauston Betty Hanson Viroqua Julia Heyden Viroqua Doris Seidel Viroqua Lila Miller Cashton Dorothy Masny Unknown * Life Member ** Past National President or Past Department President Auxiliary 1391 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1865 2312 6858 6858 721 721 1879 7591 7591 7591 8057 8483 2267 2267 5274 5274 5274 3742 7485 7485 6498 6498 6498 1393 1393 1393 3153 3153 8834 9156 9156 9156 9156 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 1037 1037 1037 2227 2227 2534 2653 6352 8280 659 2113 2113 2113 2113 2732 2778 2778 2778 2778 2778 3392 3392 7534 305 1038 1038 1959 1959 6550 6711 8338 8338 8338 8494 10406 1091 1580 2490 5778 5828 7233 7817 8494 8637 1382 1382 1530 1530 1916 2114 3032 3032 3032 8584 Ladies Auxiliary Takes Polar Plunge Pictured (L-R) are Gina Adamski, Kathy Miller - Senior Vice President of Burns VFW Auxiliary 388, and Tony Adamski.The trio participated in the Polar Plunge held recently at Sunny Vale Park in Wausau. They received first place in “Best In Costumes” as cave dwellers. They had pledges of $1,267.00 to add to the total of $50,000 for Special Olympics. obituary Leone J. Morrissey The Wisconsin Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars lost a wonderful Sister and friend with the passing, April 30, 2008 of Leone J. Morrissey. At the time of her death, Leone was a resiLeone J. Morrissey dent at Sebring Past Department Assisted Care. President She was 91. Born February 16, 1917 in Ashland, she gained her eligibility for membership in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary through marriage to Lester G. Morrissey in 1942, who fought in WWII. She attended Northland College, transferring to Whitewater College, where she graduated. Later in life, Leone worked as a classifier at Forest Products Lab. Ever the active one, Leone couldn’t just “sit still” after retiring. Instead, she learned to use a computer at the UW Credit Union and applied those skills to prepare papers for UW professors. Leone loved to travel, read, play golf, bowl and play cards. She also showed creativity and ingenuity in her crafts and sewing projects. Along the way, Leone became active in the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a prominent member of VFW Auxiliary Post 1318 in Madison, and in 1968 became Department President. She served in many capacities at various levels of the organization over the years. Additionally, Leone was an active member of Midvale Community Lutheran Church. She is survived by her children, Tom (Carla) Morrissey, and Alane (Lee Vermilyea) Boutelle; two sisters, Joan Hunt and Marion Deming; grandchildren, Shannon (Chris) Wood, Patrick Morrissey, Jennifer (Scot) Bambei, Terri (Jim) Landry, and Lisa (Martin) Keane; and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester Morrissey; son, John Morrissey; and sisters, Janet Johnson and Ann Fries. She will be greatly missed by her Auxiliary Sisters as well as her family. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground “Christ has died, Christ has risen and I am at his side” Page  May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News uniform swap Ladies Auxiliary to Hold a Iraqi Veteran Is Auxiliary Guest Shawano native Colo‘Uniform Swap’ At Convention nel Richard Kucksdorf Has your spring cleaning unearthed an LAVFW uniform that you are no longer using? Here is your chance to pass it along to a Sister looking for a uniform. Another Auxiliary “Uniform Swap” is planned for the Department Convention in Milwaukee, June 25-28, 2008. This is a PERFECT OPPORTUNITY to turn the uniforms you are no longer using, into cash, OR to save big on the price of a uniform if you need one. The “Guidelines”: • Official uniform jackets, skirts, slacks and blouses • Blouse pins and jacket logo clip may be included if so desired • May be separate pieces, not necessarily entire uniforms • All items MUST be CLEAN and all “mishaps” REPAIRED • Final sale price agreements are between the seller and buyer As of this writing, I do know of an Auxiliary Sister who has both a size 8 skirt and size 10 slacks for sale. Both will be at the swap if they are not sold prior to the Convention. Also, another Sister is looking for a size 24W jacket and size 22W slacks. If you have those sizes that you are no longer using, please consider bringing them to the swap, or contact me and I will connect you with the potential customer. Questions or suggestions? Please contact Dept. Sr. Vice President Marla J. Morgan at either 715-384-2500 or marla.wi.aux@verizon.net. See you at the “Swap”! was a guest of V.F.W. Post #2723 and Auxiliary. Colonel Kucksdorf, now serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, served in Iraq as a commander of a team advising an Iraqi Brigade and also set up Core Headquarters for the Iraq National Police. Young Volunteer Award VFW Ladies Dept. President Auxiliary Hands Visits Medford Out Favors VFW Auxiliary VFW Post 721 Ladies Auxiliary of Waukesha present Lexie Rauchle the State Young Volunteer of the Year award. Pictured (L-R) are Lexie’s parents, Robert Rauchle (who served in Iraq) and Lisa Rauchle, Lexie Rauchle, and Cora Tessman, president of the Ladies Auxiliary. Ladies Auxiliary Adopted Troop VFW Auxiliary Post 664 of Clintonville President LaVerne Gehrke, Agnes Wege, and Arbitus Krueger presented all the residents and employees of the nursing homes a Christmas favor. The veterans were given another favor. Pictured is Melvin Klemp of Green Tree accepting his favor. The veterans of both nursing homes were remembered at other holidays, also. Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Department President Joyce Hoffman recently visited the Medford VFW Auxiliary meeting. Using her theme ‘Wisconsin Auxiliaries Serving Veterans,’ she is traveling the state, visiting auxiliaries and encouraging 100% in membership. President Jackie Gregory (left), VFW Ladies Auxiliary Medford welcomes Department President Joyce. Department Senior Vice preSiDent marla J. morgan As we complete our “Wisconsin Auxiliaries Serving Veterans” year, I congratulate Dept. President Joyce Hoffman on her year in office and wish her the very best for a productive and enjoyable Convention in Milwaukee. And congratulations in advance to all those who will receive awards recognizing their many achievements in the past year. Our Department and our Veterans are the grateful recipients of your service. Thank you for all you do! Looking ahead to 2008 - 2009, we are preparing for a number of program changes taking place at the National level. These changes will be ongoing for years to come, so that we may better address the needs of our veterans and our organization, and make the best use of our members’ resources, talents and energies. Our 2008 - 09 National programs are: 1. Veterans and Family Support (includes National Home; Buddy Poppy; Unmet Needs/Operation Uplink; Ladies Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship) 2. Americanism/Patriotic Instructor 3. Cancer Aid and Research 4. Community Service 5. Extension/Chief of Staff 6. Hospital/VAVS 7. Legislative/PAC 8. Membership 9. Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen 10. Youth Activities (includes Youth Activities; Junior Girls; Patriotic Art) In addition to program changes, we have some DEPARTMENT event dates that have changed due to conflicts with our National calendar. Please note the following on your schedule – more information will follow: • Saturday, June 28 – Joint Installation immediately following close of Convention; Note: Dept. Commander’s and President’s Reception 3-6 p.m. at Wyndham Hotel • Sunday, June 29 – Joint Kickoff Breakfast, VFW & LAVFW mtgs. at Wyndham • Saturday, July 12 – Line Officers’ Meeting – Marshfield, WI • Fri., July 25 – Sat., July 26 – School of Instruction and Chairmen’s Presentations/Council of Administration at Hotel Mead - Wisconsin Rapids, WI • Sunday, July 27 – King Day at WI Veterans Home - King, WI • Saturday, October 11 – Council of Administration – Platteville, WI; followed by Dept. Commander’s and President’s Celebration (Testimonial) Please check the full calendar of upcoming events in this issue also. See you at the Department Convention in Milwaukee. Safe travels! Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often Marla Morgan, Sr. Vice President Wisconsin VFW Ladies Auxiliary Jean Sonnenberg and Staff Sgt. Tiggs. Our troop has changed their title. The 961st is now the 372nd Engineer Company (Vertical Construction). But no matter what their title, we support our men and women serving our country. At the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Party, the ladies brought a lot of wonderful items such as wipes, packaged goods and many personal items. Two of our members brought a large box full of puzzles, handheld games and word and number books. Many of our members made financial contributions and some sent checks even if they couldn’t come to the party. With this money, I buy things that the troop likes and can use. This year, the post matched the money collected. This is the third year that I have done the shopping and delivering. After Christmas, I call the 372nd Army Reserve in Pewaukee. I have made friends there. The first year I met Staff Sergeant Tiggs. She has had two tours of duty and, in May, she will be transferred to Texas. She has been very helpful. A carload of goodies on its way to the troops. I did a lot of shopping at the dollar stores, Wal-Mart and Sam’s. Two things they like and need are DVDs and socks. The socks wear out in their boots with all of the sand. A lot of the food we bought were one serving snacks, meals, soup and juices, cappuccino, hot chocolate and tea mixes. I also pick up a lot of puzzles, word seek books and DVDs for their free time. Another thing they enjoy is magazines. I’ve collected both new and used from family and friends. On February 8, my husband, Gary, and I made our trip to Pewaukee. We both enjoy spending time with them. Each time we meet new men and women serving our country. When our donations are sent, they are put in a structure for all to enjoy. I’m proud and feel honored to be able to do this for our adopted troop. Thank you for all your support and prayers. Jean Sonnenberg, Chairman Gross-Yaksh Auxiliary 6498, Milwaukee marine corps league new raffle Continued from Page 1 $10.00. Tickets will be distributed to members in sheets of 6 tickets, so each member can buy a single ticket, or 3 for $10 or 6 for $20. This lets members tailor their participation to their own budget. Third: Our prize package is now up to $30,000 total cash prizes, ($20,000 first prize, $5,000 second, and $1,000 each for 3rd through 7th place!) The higher cash prize makes the raffle more attractive to most buyers. A Bonus Plan To Show We Care! Also included in the distribution to members will be a pair of special “Purple Heart” tickets. These tickets are priced at just $1.00 each. The “Purple Heart” drawing will be for one single prize of $1,000, to be awarded at the Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade Program on November 8. The balance of all funds collected in this special “Purple Heart” drawing is dedicated exclusively to our wounded troops returning to Wisconsin from Iraq/Afghanistan service. Our goal is to fund at least $200 per returning wounded warrior. Other than the $1,000 first prize, no other expenses will be deducted from this special “Purple Heart” fund! This fund will be solely based on the tickets YOU buy. Our cash gift to these brave comrades is truly a Vet-to-Vet gesture! When you receive your State Raffle tickets, return them early, and remember to purchase the Purple Heart tickets as well. As always, the “meat and potatoes” of our State Raffle is the response by members to our solicitation. Our entire success depends on your individual participation. Your response will determine the overall success of the program. What About Posts? This is perhaps the most exciting aspect of the new VFW State Raffle program. Not long ago, we made an attempt to generate raffle income through our posts. While the idea was good, the mechanics of the program and return for posts caused problems. For the new Raffle, we have come up with a better idea: A special series of tickets will be available for sale by voluntarily participating posts. The post share of these ticket sales? Fifty percent! That’s right: Each participating post will keep half of all the money they collect from the sale of the specially coded raffle tickets direct to the public. (Member tickets do not count toward these sales.) The reporting procedure will be simple, and supplies of additional tickets will be promptly available. And there’s one more thing: We will divide posts into three categories by post size: Small, Medium and Large. At the end of the Raffle (at Mid-Winter) the post in each category that has sold the most tickets will be rewarded by receiving back ALL the money they submitted. In other words, 3 winning posts will net 100% of the money they’ve collected. Pads of State Raffle tickets will be available to all posts beginning in Mid-May, in plenty of time for Memorial Day, and for sale throughout the busy summer holiday, picnic, festival and fair season. Ticket sales will continue throughout the rest of the year right up to the drawing at Mid-Winter. With costs escalating at the post level just as everywhere else, what better vehicle to earn some serious additional dollars than by offering a great prize package to members of your own community? The need for financial stability has never been greater for your VFW of Wisconsin. The upcoming State Raffle is our single best opportunity to achieve these important financial goals. Keep the VFW Department of Wisconsin a financially viable organization so that we can do the work we MUST be doing: Serving Wisconsin Veterans, Troops and their Families! • Buy your State Raffle tickets as soon as you receive them! • Remember to add Two Extra Dollars for your Special Purple Heart Fund tickets! • Send ‘em in EARLY! (Purple Heart Drawing is November 8!) • Then, help your post sell MORE raffle tickets throughout the summer and fall, and earn 50% on everything the post sells! • With some hard work – Your post can win its division and collect 100% of the income! Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 7 May/june, 2008 Marine Corps League Needs Help, Support In Completing Mission Golf Company Marines Receive Special Attention You may be familiar with Madison’s Golf Company Marine Corps Reserve unit. They’ve long done many things for the Dane County Community in which they are based: Conducting the annual Toys For Tots toy collection and distribution for Dane County families; Assisting the Stoughton Police and area residents after the 2005 tornado; Marching in parades and providing color guards throughout Dane County. They are part of the fabric of Dane County life. Early last winter, Golf Company marines deployed to Iraq for the second time since 9/11. They serve their country faithfully, leaving friends, family and places of employment behind to do what their country asked them to do. They ask nothing special in return. The Marine Corps League Detachment of Madison believes these Marines deserve unstinting support and so they are collecting items and money to send care packages to each Golf Company member – over 220 men and women. Collection of care package items will end at the end of June, and packages will be shipped out on July 1. The League is asking that your Post or Auxiliary help them in their efforts. They need “Thank You” cards, food and toiletry donations, collections sites, fundraising ideas, packers, haulers, and more. The League is also planning s “Silent Auction,” and will need items and a site for the auction. In addition to this support for Golf Company, the League is also honoring all Wisconsin Fallen Warriors (see inset feature). These projects provide a great opportunity for VFW Posts and Auxiliaries to support a fellow veterans’ organization. Individual members can contribute as well. To make a financial donation, or to get more information on how you or your organization can help, contact: Mary Lloyd Four Lakes Detachment Marine Corps League, Madison 1611 Moline Street Stoughton, WI 53589 You may call 608-873-5926, or 608712-5450, or email Lloyd2364@sbcglobal.net. The Fallen Warrior Memorial The Fallen Warrior Memorial is a bronze sculpture representing the symbol of the rifle, helmet, and boots. This sculpture is presented to all the families of Wisconsin servicemen and women who have been killed in the war on terror. The League has only been able to present about 1/3 of these memorials. Their goal is to present one to each deserving family. These memorials each cost just over $200. The Marine Corps League is also placing a life-sized Fallen Warrior Memorial in Quantico, Virginia to memorialize our Wisconsin service men and women. Judge advocate Continued from Page 3 This also holds true for the vacancy in the office of the Senior Vice Commander: The Junior moves up. If he cannot, or refuses to move up, he must resign and a new election must be held for the office of Senior and Junior Vice Commanders, not only the district, but also the post level. I hope we haven’t confused you completely. Elections and Vacancies – just remember – vacancies you must move up or resign your office. Elections – you have the choice to move up or stay in your original office and be re-elected. I hope this has addressed the issues and concerns of our district and post membership. With the help of our VFW News Web Administrator Bill Knudson, I will continue to address the concerns of a comrade in a new Judge Advocate Blog section designed to answer these kinds of questions. Watch for it soon at: http://www.vfwwebcom.org/wi/judgeadvocate/. Need To Get The Word Out? If you have a business, if you are running for a political office, or whatever the need may be, you can place an ad in our Wisconsin VFW News Phone: 715-384-2500 • E-mail: vfwnews.wi@verizon.net Supermarket of Veterans’ Benefits Reaches Out to Over 525 Veterans in West Central Wisconsin As the latest event in its ongoing “I Owe You” campaign of reaching out to state veterans, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs hosted a “Supermarket of Veterans’ Benefits” at the Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wis. on April 16-17 that drew over 525 area veterans and their family members. For the last eight years, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has been hosting the one-stop, “I Owe You” outreach events across the state in an effort to increase veterans’ awareness and access of benefits they have earned. “We’re reaching out to help all our veterans get all the benefits that they have coming to them,” said WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos. Like the 30 similar events that preceded it, the Arcadia event brought federal, state, and local government agencies and veterans’ service organizations together at a single location targeted to Wisconsin veterans who might not otherwise seek them out. “Veterans are reticent about coming forward to ask for benefits,” said Jim Ziegeweid, a member of American Legion Post 17 in Arcadia, who volunteered at the two-day event, adding that the venue made it easier and more accessible for them. While health care and education benefits traditionally generate the most interest, other areas of assistance important to veterans are also available at an “I Owe You” event. Long-term care at the two Wisconsin Veterans Homes, pre-arrangement for burial in the serenity of one of the three Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, employment assistance, disability support, and the new property tax credit also typically generate great interest. Other veterans are already receiving at least some of what they’re due, but come looking for a better understanding of what can be a complex maze through different levels of government and confusing programs that have varying eligibility and other requirements. Simply put by one Vietnam veteran, Tony Skroch of Whitehall, Wis., “I came to learn more about my current benefits.” Like many of the veterans who come to these outreach events, Skroch also was interested in taking advantage of a rare local opportunity for camaraderie with fellow veterans, even coming prepared with an album of photos taken during his service in Vietnam to share with others in attendance. The events are also popular with service providers, who can reach many veterans in one place. Jim Tratz, AMVETS State Commander, reported meeting with veterans from as far away as Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Winona, Minnesota. “This Supermarket was a wonderful opportunity to meet with and serve veterans,” said Tratz. Ruth Benzing, a supervisor at the Tomah VA Medical Center, reported that her team assisted veterans throughout the day who were not already enrolled in VA health care, spending much of the time answering questions and assisting in filling out applications to get enrolled – a requirement for veterans who want to get their health care from the VA. Bill Thoma, Trempealeau County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO), said, “I greatly appreciated the opportunity to have the event in Arcadia and appreciated the assistance from all of the providers as well as the veterans and civic organizations that assisted with the event.” For veterans in Trempeleau County who may have missed the event, CVSO Bill Thoma encourages them to call his county courthouse office at (715) 538-2311. For veterans in other areas, and for more information on “I Owe You” and other upcoming veteran-related events, information is available at www.WisVets.com or by calling WDVA toll-free at 1-800-WISVETS (1-800-947-8387). Page  May/june, 200 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News convention agendas VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN 87Th ANNUAL CONVENTION – MILWAUkEE, WISCONSIN VFW REGISTRATION & ALL MEETINGS WILL BE hELD AT ThE WYNDhAM MILWAUkEE AIRPORT hOTEL , MILWAUkEE, WISCONSIN PATRIOTIC RALLY – Wednesday, June 25, 2008 BUSINESS SESSION - Thursday, Friday and Saturday – June 26, 27, 28, 2008 AGENDA & PROGRAM SUBJECT TO ChANGE BY DEPARTMENT COMMANDER Wednesday - June 25, 2008 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Registration 10:00 AM Convention Committee 10:00 AM VFW News Committee 11:00 AM Service Committee 1:00 PM Finance Committee 2:00 PM Council of Administration 7:00 PM Patriotic Rally – Gen Mitchell Airport - Milwaukee Thursday - June 26, 2008 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Registration 8:00 AM Joint Awards 9:30 AM Committee Reports 12:05 PM Nomination of 2008-09 Officers LUNCH BREAK 1:30 PM Committee Reports Continue 4:00 PM Caucus 7:30 PM Joint Memorial Service- Wyndham Airport Hotel Friday - June 27, 2008 10:00 AM Convention Committee 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration 8:30 AM Reopen Meeting, Legislative Committee, Resolutions Committee, Service Committee, District Commanders’, County Council, State Officers Comments 12:00 Noon LUNCH BREAK 1:00 PM Convention Committee and Charter & By-Laws Committee 6:00 PM Presentation of All-State Awards/Cocktail Hour 7:00 PM Convention Banquet – Wyndham Airport Hotel Saturday - June 28, 2008 6:30 AM Past Commander’s Breakfast 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration 8:30 AM Reopen Meeting, Guest Speakers, Committee Reports 10:30 AM Election of 2008-2009 Officers 12:00 Noon Installation of 2008-2009 Officers 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM 2008-2009 State Commander & Auxiliary President Reception – Wyndham Airport Hotel LADIES AUXILIARY TO ThE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN 83rd ANNUAL CONVENTION – Milwaukee, Wisconsin Ladies’ Registration & Meetings will be held at Wyndham hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin WEDNESDAY, ThURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY – JUNE 25, 26, 27 & 28, 2008 Agenda and program subject to change by Department President Wednesday June 25, 2008 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Credentials & Registration 1:30 p.m. Council of Administration Meeting Floor Practice immediately following Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Patriotic Rally Thursday June 26, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Credentials and registration 8:00 a.m. Joint Opening Awards Chairman, Marie Skic Following Joint opening Opening Session: Shirley Anderson, Convention Committee Welcome, Cross of Malta, Welcome – PDP Nancy Stevens Ritualistic Opening Ceremonies, Escort of National Representative Glenneta Vogelsang, Escort of other National Officers, Approval of 2008 Convention Minutes, Announcement of the Convention Commit- tee Appointments, Convention Rules – Chairman Shirley Anderson PDP, Committee: PDP, Geri Dorow, PDP, and Annette Uhlig, PDP, and Lucetta Jasinski, PDP. Chairman Reports: Committee Chairmen: Veterans & Family Support Kathy Dahl Achievement Awards Marla Morgan Legislative & PAC Program Carolyn Olkives Junior Girls Program Lana Erickson Extension Program Helen C. Burkel Award Chairman Marie Skic Noon Department Officers Luncheon to be posted (By invitation only) 1:00 p.m. Convention Reconvenes Welcome, PDP Helen Burkel Gift to Hospital Joyce Hoffman Hospital Program Vernetta Fish Presentation of Pink Ladies Scholarship Programs Karen Johnson Presentation of Award Winners Greetings PDP Marian Furgal Gold Star Mother Recognition Draping of the Charter Memorial Service Memorial Address Nomination of Officers Credential Committee Pat Hahn, Chairman Announcements 5:00 p.m. Past District President’s Dinner to be posted 7:30 p.m. Joint Memorial Services Friday June 27, 2008 8 a.m.–9 a.m. Registration & Credential Filing 8 a.m.– 12:00 noon Convention Reconvenes Welcome PDP Vivian Paduano Presentation of Flags & Banners Annette Uhlig Roll Call: Program Reports Continued: Americanism Program Annette Uhlig WEB Administrator Kathy Stevens Community Service Dorothy Reinke Publicity Pat Holzhueter/Roth Historian Nancy Stevens Wisconsin VFW News Dorothy Genthe National Home Wisconsin Residence Carol Laabs-Kanios Noon Twenty-Five Year Club Luncheon location to be posted 1:15 p.m. Convention Reconvenes - Welcome, PDP Laurel Ann Wiese Past Department Presidents Presentation Patriotic Art/Voice of Democracy Karen Bolz Youth/Patriots Pen Heather Patterson Emergency Disaster Karen Janezic Bowling Liaison Michele Patterson Resolution Committee “Rusty” Garbacz, Marian Furgal, Audrey Fansin Convention Committee Shirley Ortmann, Shirley Anderson, and Carla Stockel Credentials Report Patricia Hahn Election of Officers Announcements President’s Remarks Joyce Hoffman National Representatives Remarks Glenetta Vogelsang 6:00 p.m. Cocktails 7:00 p.m. Convention Banquet Saturday June 28, 2008 7:30 a.m. Past Department President Breakfast location to be posted 8:00a.m. Convention Reconvenes: Welcome Jackie Gregory Marla Morgan, Sr. Vice President Presiding Roll Call: by Assistant Secretary Lois Wollenzien Program Reports Continue: Buddy Poppy Program Doris Kringle Cancer Aid & Research Shirley Sabatke Membership Linda Moran Initiation of President Joyce Hoffman into PDP’s Club Installation 2008/2009 Officers Presentation of Past President’s Pin All Chairmen be prepared to report at any time. 87Th ANNUAL CONVENTION –MILWAUkEE, WISCONSIN VFW REGISTRATION & ALL MEETINGS WILL BE hELD AT ThE WYNDhAM AIRPORT hOTEL MILWAUkEE, WISCONSIN Business Meetings - Thursday, Friday and Saturday – June 26-28, 2008 AGENDA & PROGRAM SUBJECT TO ChANGE BY DEPARTMENT COMMANDER Thursday, June 26, 2008 0800 Joint Awards Ceremony VFW & Auxiliary 0930 Open Meeting/Salute Colors William Hustad, Commander Opening Prayer Charlene Cobb, State Chaplain Pledge of Allegiance State Commander Roll Call Steve Lawrence, Adj/QM Assignment of Resolutions Adjutant Reading of Convention Rules Adjutant Credentials Committee Joe Ellis, Credentials Chair National Representative Gary Kurpius, Past C-in-C, VFW Inspector’s Report Le Roy Jansky, State Inspector Membership Report Dewitt “Woody” Woodworth, Co-Chair Bill Backes, Co-Chair Sue Samson, State Chief of Staff Citizenship Education Richard K Morey, Chairperson Bowling John Margowski, Chairperson Buddy Poppy Gundel Metz, Chairperson Community Service Dave Goeldner, Chairperson Strategic Planning Committee Earl D. Banks, Jr., Chairperson NCM Dist 11 IA & WI Competition/Voice of Democracy Robert Bolz, Chairperson Emergency/Disaster Fred Mercord, Chairperson Convention Committee Robert Knox, Chairperson Historian Steve Conto, Chairperson Flag Day/Veterans Assistance Chris Kanios Sr., Chairperson Life Membership Ron Turner, Chairperson Loyalty Day/VFW Trust Fund Ed Andreas, Chairperson Operation Uplink Pat Moran, Chairperson MAP/Public Relations/Unmet Needs David Behrend, Chairperson Veterans Employment Charlene Cobb, Chairperson VFW Raffle John Southworth, Chairperson Youth Activities/Scouting Larry Kutschma, Chairperson Junior Rifle/Sons of VFW/ Kenneth Patterson, Chairperson VFW Men’s Auxiliary Patriot’s Pen Ron Schell, Sr., Chairperson 1205 Hour NOMINATION OF 2007-2008 OFFICERS Commander Judge Advocate Sr. Vice Commander Surgeon Jr. Vice Commander Chaplain Quartermaster L U N C H B R E A K 1330 Hour King Day Kenneth Munro, Chairperson Hospital Report Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson, Chairperson Wisconsin VFW News Bob Bolz, Chairperson Website Bill Knudson, Web Administrator/Editor Scholarship Report Arlene Banks, Chairperson MOC Ken Patterson, MOC Grand Commander National Home David Schmid, Chairperson Political Action Committee Mike Furgal, Chairperson Finance Committee Bill Backes, Chairperson Salute Colors State Commander Closing Prayer Chaplain 1400 INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES Caucuses of Eleven Districts (After adjournment of daily session – Rooms to be announced) Friday, June 27, 2008 Reopen Meeting/Salute Colors State Commander 0830 Hour Opening Prayer Chaplain Roll Call Adjutant Credentials Committee Joe Ellis, Chairperson Legislative Committee (1) Mike Furgal, Chairperson Steve Lawrence (National) Comm Resolutions Committee (2) Al Kochenderfer, Chairperson Service Committee (3) Al Kochenderfer, Chairperson Lee Guerrero District Commanders, County Council Comments L U N C H B R E A K 1300 Hour Convention Committee (1) Robert Knox, Chairperson Charter & By-Laws Ed Mortensen, Chairperson State Senior Vice Commander Gary Erickson State Junior Vice Commander Wilfred “Twiggy” Johnson State Judge Advocate Michael Borg State Surgeon Carolyn Newton State Chaplain Charlene Cobb State Adj/Quartermaster Steve Lawrence State Commander William Hustad Closing Prayer Chaplain Salute Colors State Commander Saturday June 28, 2008 Reopen Meeting/Salute Colors State Commander 0830 Hour Opening Prayer Chaplain Roll Call Adjutant Guest Speakers Credentials Committee and Joe Ellis, Chairperson Voting Procedures Inspector’s Review Le Roy Jansky, State Inspector (Posts that cannot vote) ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2007-2008 Commander Judge Advocate Sr. Vice Commander Surgeon Jr. Vice Commander Chaplain Quartermaster Closing Prayer Chaplain Salute Colors State Commander Close Meeting State Commander Installation of Officers a look at the candidates re-Elect Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page  May/june, 2008 CHArlENE COBB Candidate for Chaplain VFW Department of Wisconsin Former National VFW Chaplain 2006-2007 “I look forward to serving our great Department for another year. I will appreciate your vote at State Convention.” STEVE lAWrENCE CANDIDATE FOr DEPArTMENT QUArTErMASTEr Education ♦ Associates Degree in Business Administration and Accounting Work Experience ♦ 30 years as tax accountant/analyst with State of Wisconsin VFW Experience ♦ Post Quartermaster, County Quartermaster and District Quartermaster, State Inspector, State Chief of Staff, State Commander. State Adjutant/Quartermaster 2006-2008. Served many years on State Finance Committee. Many other assignments. Instructor for Quartermasters for Dept OTI COMRADES. I ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!! I PLEDGE TO YOU TO DO THE BEST JOB POSSIBLE FOR THIS DEPARTMENT!! MY DOOR WILL BE OPEN!! re-elect MIKE BOrg as your State Judge Advocate 2008-2009 A PROVEN RECORD OF DEDICATION TO THE OFFICE 2000 - 2008 Madge Murphy Candidate for I ask and look for your consideration in support of my candidacy for re-election to the office of State Judge Advocate Department Conductress 2008-2009 • life Member Auxiliary 1621 • • Endorsed by Post & Auxiliary 1621 Janesville • • Past District One President 2004-2006 • • Past Auxiliary President • 1989-1990 1996-1997 2001-2002 2006-2007 • Past Auxiliary Treasurer • 1983 - 1989 • Department Chairmanship • Supported by 2nd Dist. and Its Posts National Aide-de-Camp Currently: • Veterans & Family Support • 2005-2007                                                                        Como Memorial Post 5811 Lake Geneva....announces lArrY KUTSCHMA Candidate for State Junior Vice Commander ’08/’09 “Honored for the endorsement of District #1” U.S. Army, Vietnam ......................................................................................Kontum ’68/’69 All-American District 1 Commander ........................................................................’06-’07 All-American Post Commander ................................................................................’06-’07 All State District #1 Commander ..............................................................................’06-’07 All State Team ............................................................................................................ 6 Years All State Team Co-Captain .............................................................................................. ’04 All State Team Captain ..................................................................................................... ’05 Post 5811 Commander .................................................................................... ’99 to Present State Youth Dev. Chairman ............................................................................ ’03 to Present State Scouting Chairman ............................................................................... ’03 to Present National Youth Dev. Committee ..................................................................... ’03 to Present National Scouting Team .................................................................................. ’03 to Present National Security & Foreign Affairs Committee......................................................’06-’07 National Deputy Chief of Staff........................................................................... ’06-Present • 1st Commander in Wisconsin to receive National “Fred C. Hall Memorial Award” • 1st Wisconsin Commander to make front page of USA Today national newspaper two years in a row, ’04 and ’05 • Department of the Army Commander’s Award for Civilian Service ................................................... Nov. 21, 2006                                                        Page 10 May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News convention lodging Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Department of Wisconsin 2008 Annual Convention ~ June 25-29, 2008 Wyndham Airport Hotel, Milwaukee, WI VFW and Auxiliary members may register on this one form. Please read and fill in the form below, total both columns and make out one check. When registering more than one Post or Auxiliary member please print each name, and title on a separate sheet of paper. Deadline for reservations is June 11, 2008. VFW Registration $10 in advance $12 at convention Name __________________________ Post #_______Title________________ Address_________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________ Ladies Auxiliary Registration $10 in advance $12 at convention Name____________________________ Aux #________Title_________________ Address__________________________ City/State/Zip______________________ Plan Now To Attend State Convention In June The VFW Department of Wisconsin and Ladies Auxiliary State Convention is coming soon: June 25 through June 29, to be exact. Make your Convention and Hotel Reservations now. The convention will take place at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel and Convention Center, S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee (Across from Mitchell International Airport). All posts are reminded that they are required to register at least one delegate for State Convention. Reservation forms are presented below, and are also on line at VFW Forms. Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel and Convention Center 4747 S. Howell Avenue • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207 (414) 615-8000 Veterans of Foreign Wars 2008 State Convention June 25-29, 2008 Last Name______________________________First Name _____________________ Address _____________________________ City _____________________________ State ___________Zip Code ____________ Daytime Phone ( ) _______________ Email Address _________________________@______________________________ Additional Names of Guests 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: 3PM CHECK-OUT TIME: 12:00 NOON Arrival date ___/___/___ Time _____A.M./P.M. Departure Date ___/___/___ Will you: Drive _____ Fly _____ Flight Arrival Time: _____ am/pm Use another sheet of paper to list names if registering more than one person #____Registrations @ $10 = $______ #____Registrations @ $10 = $________ Convention Banquet, Friday, June 27 Convention Banquet, Friday, June 27 # ____Tickets @ $25 = $_______ Orange Roughy ___ Stuffed Pork Chop____ # _______Tickets @ $25 = $________ Orange Roughy ____Stuffed Pork Chop____ Note: VFW Members on travel orders-Banquet tickets will be deducted from your check. Please indicate choice of food and mark T.O. in price field. Auxiliary Department Officers Luncheon, Thursday, June 26 – Noon Turkey Mignon, yams, baby carrots & green beans, dessert & coffee #___tickets @ $ 14.00 = $___________ Past Commanders Breakfast Saturday, June 28 #________tickets @ $13= $______ Past District Presidents Dinner Thursday, June 26 — 5 p.m. Roast New York Strip Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable, and dessert #______tickets @ $19.00 = $_________ 25 Year Club Luncheon Friday, June 27— Noon Seared Salmon Filet w/ spring greens, vegetable, dessert, coffee Total $_________________ #____tickets @ $15.00 = $___________ Total $_______________ Check Type of Room / Number of People Rate: $89.00 /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) To reserve accommodations a full deposit for ___ Triple: 1 2 3 – 2 Double Beds first night or a major credit card number (invalid ___ Quad: 1 2 3 4 – 2 Double Beds unless expiration date is included) is required. ___ Smoking ___Non-Smoking ___Accessible Room Deposit : Guaranteed by: $89 plus 14.6% City and State combined tax. Credit Card Check Make check payable to: Wyndham MKE Airport Hotel All requests based on availability. Reservations must be received by cut-off date. CUT-OFF DATE IS: 5/26/08 Reservation requests received after cut-off date are subject to space and rate availability. Send Lodging Reservation Directly To: gRouP RESERVATIoNS Wyndham MKE Airport Hotel 4747 S. Howell Avenue Milwaukee,WI 53207 (414) 615-8000 or Toll-Free 1-800-558-3862 or Fax (414) 481-8618 Type of Card_____________________________ Expiration Date___________________________ Card Number____________________________ Name on Card (Print)______________________ Total Check Enclosed $___________________ Send this form along with your check made payable to VFW 2008 State Convention and mail to: Ed & Carla Stockel, 1019 N. Church St. #104, Elkhorn, WI 531211185. Any questions or concerns please call Ed or Carla at 608-732-1430. VFW Registration times: Wednesday, 11am till 4pm—Thursday, 8am till 2pm—Friday, 11am till 5pm—Saturday, 7am till 8:30 sharp Ladies Auxiliary Registration times: Wednesday, 11am till 4pm—Thursday, 8am till 2pm—Friday, 8am till 9am In case of questions please list a contact person: Name_________________________________Phone_____________________ Address________________________________________Post/Aux#__________ PLEASE DoN’T bE A No SHoW We require 24 hours notice for cancellation **If you must cancel this reservation** obtain cancellation number from the Reservation Department by calling (414) 481-8000 or 1-800-558-3862 Hail and Farewell a star inside all the stripes on his chevron. Campbell takes the Sergeant Major’s chevron at his next duty station, unknown for sure at this time. Chris came to Madison in 2005 as the Instructor-Inspector first Sergeant. He spearheaded many projects that served the Golf Company Veterans and their families. The last two months, his picture has appeared in our newsletter amid the good works events of our post. He was the energy and coordination behind the Toys for Tots and the ‘Welcome Home’ dinner for the group among his many efforts. Chris joined the VFW in his hometown in Minnesota and transferred to the Cranefield Post. He belongs to several veterans’ service organizations besides the VFW. Sergeant Major-select Campbell says that he was truly amazed at the support of the Madison-area service groups for the military and reserve units and their families. He thanks us, but we can only thank him more. Good luck and Godspeed to Chris Campbell and his family. And SEMPER FIDELIS! Adjutant Quartermaster Continued from Page 3 D. Employer identification number (EIN), this should already be filled, based on your request to file e-Postcard. Click Save Changes, and then click Next Page. E. Now you are on the Page entitled Electronic Notice – Form 990-N (e-Postcard) Organization Address and Principle Officer Information. F. Question C continues. If your organization conducts business using another name (dba), enter other name in block provided. G. Organization’s mailing address, complete the blocks with required information. H. Organizations website address, if applicable. Complete block. I. Principle Officer, Select type of Name i.e. Person. List Post or Auxiliary Quartermaster/Treasurer. Complete the mailing address. Click save changes, Print each page of the form for your records. Click submit filing to IRS. J. You will be taken to a page that says Form 990-N (e-Postcard) Submitted. There are two buttons on the page, to log out or go to the Filing Status Page. If you go to the filing status page, you can click a link that says View Form 990-N. This will show an exact copy of the (e-Postcard) You can print this, for your records, and print another copy to submit to Department Headquarters. K. You will receive an e-mail indicating whether the IRS has accepted or rejected your e-Postcard. If accepted, you’re done for this tax year. If rejected, the e-filing receipt will contain instructions on how to correct the problem. Another item I wanted to talk with you about is Audits for your Post. We have audits that are outstanding from posts in each District. If you are planning on attending the State Convention, and are unsure as to whether your post has its audits completed, call me, and I will check for you. There is nothing more frustrating than to get to convention, and find out that your post will not be entitled to vote because the audits aren’t in for the period June 30, 2007 thru March 31 2008. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact me. Comrades and Sisters, thank you for the good work you do each day for veterans and their families. f you would like to contact me, I can be reached by e-mail sdlvfw@yahoo.com or by phone (608) 835-7494 evenings, or by mail Steve Lawrence, P.O. Box 23, Oregon, WI 53575-0023. Marine First Sergeant Chris Campbell Photo/Story by Roger boeker Marine First Sergeant Chris Campbell, Post 1318 member, has been selected for veterans memorial Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 11 May/june, 2008 Westfield Veterans Memorial 2008 Wisconsin Korean War Memorial Program Sunday, June 1, 2008 Colonel Raymond G. Boland, United States Army (Retired), will be the main speaker at this year’s Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial annual ceremonies and Colonel Raymond G. program, to be held on Sunday, Boland, United States Army June 1, 2008 at the Memorial (Retired) complex in Plover in Central Wisconsin. The commemorative program will begin promptly at eleven o’clock and end about 12:30 p.m. Colonel Boland, a native of Friendship, Wisconsin served two tours of combat duty in Vietnam, during which time he commanded an attack helicopter unit. Originally a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Colonel Boland capped his 30 years of continuous active duty as Garrison Commander of Fort McCoy. From 1992 until 2003, Colonel Boland served as Wisconsin Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He is recognized as a national advocate for ending homelessness among veterans. A recipient of many honors for his accomplishments, Colonel Boland is currently serving as Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army for Wisconsin. For the fifth consecutive year, the annual Wisconsin Korean Memorial program will A view of the Westfield Veterans Memorial which is open to anyone who served in the military – anytime or anywhere. It is built by veterans, for veterans, with funding coming from the sale of granite bricks with the veterans’ names, dates of service, and branch of service. There are many veterans memorials around the country, but there are not many as unique as the one in Westfield, Wisconsin. Population 1200. In October 2003, VFW Post 8718, Westfield, decided to build a memorial for all veterans. Many memorials are war era specific, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and all conflicts to the present time. Ours is open to anyone who served in the military, anytime, or anywhere. It was built by veterans, for veterans. There were no corporate sponsors or donations from the public to get the project rolling. The funding for the project would come from the sale of bricks. The bricks are granite, with the veterans’ names, dates of service, and branch of service. The village let us use an uninhabitable piece of property to build on. We decided on a design, made up some advertising flyers, and went public. The response from the community and outlying areas was tremendous. People bought them for themselves, relatives, loved ones, deceased veterans, and people who moved from the community and, in many instances, for people who have been long forgotten. In a matter of months, we had hundreds of orders for bricks. In the spring of 2004, construction began and by that fall there were over three hundred bricks installed on the wall. On June 19, 2005, we had a dedication celebration with over four hundred bricks in place. Word of mouth was our best advertiser. Orders came from all across America. We received orders from twenty-one different states. Servicemen and women from the Civil War to the current war are represented on the wall. We have now sold over six hundred bricks. We have expanded the wall once, and we will continue as long as there is interest. I believe there are children yet to be born who one day will have their names placed on this wall. This project will keep our post alive. This was accomplished by a post that has 59 members and, like most posts, only a handful are active. This project got people involved who otherwise would be content to let others do the work. It was, and is, a great motivator for our post. Westfield VFW Post 8718 Commander Gary Hooyman feature a separate ceremony honoring the Wisconsin men and women who have paid the “Supreme Sacrifice” in the continuing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among those being honored at the June 1 event will be State Senator Julie Lassa of Stevens Point whose amendment to the Biennial Budget provided $165,000 in matching funds – making possible a major reconstruction project on the Memorial Causeway in 2008. A senior representative of the South Korean Consulate General in Chicago will speak, and there will be musical entertainment provided by lyric coloratura soprano Seong Shin Ra, a native of Seoul, Korea now completing her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This year’s program will begin with presentation of colors, playing of the national anthems of South Korea and the United States and prayers for the war dead. It will conclude with a wreath laying ceremony conducted by senior Boy Scouts of Plover Troop 201, firing of volleys by the Honor Guard firing detail, and the sounding of “Taps.” Organizations are encouraged to bring their color guards, which should assemble not later than 10:40 a.m. KWVMAW Vice President (PR) Cliff Borden will serve as Master-of-Ceremonies for the occasion. After the program, everyone is invited to visit the island memorial and food and beverages will be available for sale by the local Marine Corps League in the park shelter. Visitors should use Exit 153 off I-39 and park curbside in the business center north of Worzella Pines Park. For location map and other details, visit our web site: www.koreanmemorial.org. McConnell Honored By VFW Post 6711 Patriot’s Pen Ronald G. Schell Sr., Chairman Wisconsin Patriot’s Pen 1st place winner, Katie Lelonek, a 7th grade student sponsored by VFW Post 1382 and Ladies Auxiliary, Tomah, took 12th place at National, receiving $2,000 savings bond and a citation signed by the Commander-in-Chief and Ladies Auxiliary President. National 1st place winner is Sarah Y. Polinski, 8th grade student, sponsored by VFW Post 1536 and Ladies Auxiliary, Sayre, Pennsylvania, winning the $10,000 savings bond and a special trophy. Remember, visit your schools before the end of this school year. Inform them of your Patriot’s Pen program and the deadline of November 1 at your Post level. Patriot’s Pen is for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The 2008-2009 school year theme is: “Why America’s Veterans Should be Honored.” Order your brochures (entry form) early so you have them by the start of school in September. (All forms and contest materials will also be on-line at http://www.vfwofwi.com in the VFW Forms section.) Read your “It’s About Service” guide to be informed of any changes. Help your new chairpersons. Remember one more thing – your students cannot win if they do not enter the competition! Veteran SerVing VeteranS Charles (Mac) McConnell was recently honored by Mondovi VFW Post 6711 for his many years of dedicated service to this post and furthering the aims and ideals of the VFW. He has been head of the House Committee for years, overseeing all aspects of organizing the maintenance, cleaning and rental of the property. He takes care of ordering supplies needed, organizing turkey and ham raffles, Citizen of the Year banquets, Poppy drives, and anything else that needs to be done. He is Sgt. of Arms and is in charge of military funerals, head of firing squad and seeing that flags are put on gravesites. Pictured above, George Moats (left) Commander of VFW Post 6711 presents a plaque to Mac (right). Panama – 1989 Bosnia – 1996 Iraq – 2005 Green Bay – Today Estate Planning, Business, Real Estate, Contracts, Litigation MARqUETTE LAW – ATTORNEYS, S.C. 1830 West Mason Street, Suite 3 PH: (920) 494-3077 Green Bay, WI 54303 FAX: (920) 494-3049 www.mmarquettelaw.com email: mmarquette@mmarquettelaw.com Page 12 May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News student awards Waukesha Post and Auxiliary Present VOD Awards Merrill Post and Auxiliary Honor Patriot’s Pen Award Winners VFW Schmidt-Manecke-Donner Post 1638 and Auxiliary, Merrill, awarded first place in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest to Garrett Schmelling (left), son of Kevin and Beth Schmelling of Merrill. Garrett is a seventh grade student at Prairie River Middle School. Second place was awarded to Kendra Ogden (right), daughter of Don and Lori Ogden, Merrill, also a seventh grader at Prairie River Middle School. The Patriot’s Pen essay contest is open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders. This year’s theme was “Why I am an American Patriot.” Length of the essay is 300-400 words, typewritten. This program is sponsored by Merrill VFW Post 1638 and Auxiliary. VFW Post 721 and Ladies Auxiliary, Waukesha, presented awards to their Voice of Democracy winners. Pictured left to right are Danika Richards, Cora Tessman - President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Crissa Richards, and Post Commander Loran Lenhart. Post 1707 Presents Civics Award On February 25, 2008 VFW Post 1707, Portage, held a Civics Competition at Portage High School. Junior Vice Commander Gene Klawitter is shown presenting the winner’s plaque and cash award to Danielle Schuld. The Post intends to make this Civics Competition an annual event. Ms. Schuld won a plaque and $25.00 cash. Each contestant was awarded prizes for participating. The classroom represented by Ms. Schuld was awarded a pizza party. national Honors Continued from Page 1 went on to achieve National recognition. Among Posts, the Wisconsin results were: Large Posts First Place: The Burns Bulletin, Post 388, Wausau Other Entries: Gross-Yaksh Newsletter, Post 6498, Milwaukee Medium Posts: First Place: Post Guardian, Post 1391, Racine Other Entries: Soaring Eagle News, 1391, Racine Truax-Longmire Newsletter, Post 8483, Madison The 721 Flyer, Post 721, Waukesha Small Posts: First Place: VFW Post 1038 News, Post 1038, Chippewa Falls Other Entries: Germantown Memorial Post 9202 Newsletter, Post 9202, Germantown Mukwonago Post 7221 News, Post 7221, Mukwonago Westby VFW Post 8021, Post 8021, Westby Runge Bros. 1691 Post & Auxiliary Newsletter, Post 1691, Milwaukee VFW & Auxiliary News Update, Post 7232, Town of Union Stratford VFW Post 6352 News, Post 6352, Stratford Voice for Waterloovets, Post 6614, Waterloo Below is the complete list of winners at all levels of the National VFW Competition: Department Publications Large 1st: The California Veteran, John G. Lowe, Editor 2nd: Wisconsin VFW News, William Knudson, Editor 3rd: Pennsylvania VFW News, John Brenner and John Getz, Editors Medium 1st: Tennessee VFW News, Ronnie Davis and John Furgess, Editors 2nd: The Oregon VFW News, Sue Piper, Editor 3rd: Nebraska VFW News, Gary Steckelberg, Editor Small 1st: Pacific Typhoon, Frank Hilliard, Editor 2nd: Idaho Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary News, Susan Thompson, Editor 3rd: South Dakota Overseas Veteran, Linda Nelson, Editor District Publications Large 1st: The Fighting 6th District News (District 6, Minnesota), Delphine Kelly, Editor Medium 1st: Notes and Quotes (District 3, New York), Arnold Anderson, Editor 2nd: VFW 2nd District News (District 2, Wisconsin), James Paar, Editor 3rd: 9’er News (District 9, Illinois), Elton Murphy Small 1st: Volunteers in Focus (District 1, Washington), Ruth Herren and Ron Haley, Editors 2nd: Newsletter (District 5, Georgia), James Closs, Editor 3rd: The Untouchable News (District 2, Illinois), Robert Drzewiecki, Editor Post Publications Large 1st: The Tucson Veteran (Post 549, Arizona), Johnnie Hoskins, Editor 2nd: Sentry (Post 3579, Illinois), Orlando Kienzle, Editor 3rd: Post 788 News (Post 788, Iowa), John Toomey, Editor Medium 1st: Warrior Shimbun (Post 9612, Pacific), Joseph Mortimer, Editor 2nd: Santa Fe Express (Post 846, Kansas), Ray Calore, Editor 3rd: Dokken’s Doings (Post 2118, South Dakota), Kris Struwe, Editor Small 1st: Post 7507 Newsletter (Post 7507, Arizona), Ralph Truax and Michael Smith, Editors 2nd: VFW Post 2016 (Post 2016, Massachusetts), Dennis “Ski” Iworsky, Editor 3rd: The Forsyth Post (Post 9143, Georgia), Michael McMahon, Editor VOD Awards Presented By Eau Claire Post and Auxiliary On January 15, 2008, VFW Post 305 and Ladies Auxiliary, Eau Claire, presented the first place prize of $300 in the VOD contest for 2007 to Tabitha Rueber. She is 17 years old, a high school junior, and is home schooled. She wrote her speech on the topic “My Role in Honoring American Veterans.” The family attended the presentation of the prize and her reading of her speech at the VFW Post 305 clubhouse. They enjoyed a pizza party with members of the Post and Ladies Auxiliary. Pictured (L-R) are VOD Chairman Barbara Zeug, Auxiliary President Jeanette Stabenow, first place winner - Tabitha Rueber, and Post Commander Richard Freitag. Waupun Veteran Meets Former Brigade Commander Thomas Holzman, a member of Waupun’s Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 attended his 40th reunion of the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division that was deployed to Vietnam in February 1968 by order of then President Lyndon B. Johnson. At the 40th Anniversary Reunion, held in Grapevine, Texas, on April 10, 2008, he met up with 86-year-old retired M/General Alexander Bolling Jr., who was then LTC Brigade Commander at the time of deployment. The ‘Golden Brigade’ arrived to a country in flames --- the communist North Vietnamese TET offensive of 1968 was being written in blood. However, the Golden Brigade fought bravely and successfully to open the Hai Van Pass, Hue-Phu Bai, Perfune River, ‘Street Without Joy’, A Shau Valley, Saigon, Hoc Mon Bridge, Cu-Chi, Hobo Woods, the Iron Triangle, Michelin Rubber Plantation, Song Be River and the Cambodian border. These were just a few of the areas where the Brigade conquered the enemy in every encounter and tried to help rebuild a nation. Thomas Holzman (left) and Retired M/G Alexander Bolling Jr. Platoon members at the reunion: (L-R) Steve Brashear, James Frye, Keith Bell, Thomas Holzman and Donald Thieme. calendar of events IN STEP WITH… Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News NOtes FrOm Page 13 May/june, 2008 New member, Joe Grider story and Photo by Arlene Banks Having lived in Beloit since he was 8 years old, Joe Grider comes from a long family history of military ancestors. He joined the Wisconsin National Guard at the age of 17 and has served for 20 years. He is currently with the 32nd Div, 1/32 “Red Arrow” Brigade. Joe works in Corrections in Beloit and holds an Associate Degree in Police Science. He is a single parent of three children pre-teen and teen years. His deployment meant an upsetting 15 months for his children for which they are still working through as a family. He served in Operation Katrina where his unit saved six lives. During his deployment to Iraq, Joe served as a gunner in ground security for convoys. He traveled joe grider over 40,000 miles of combat terrain and completed over 80 missions. “I never took a day off even if I was sick. You just didn’t want to let your buddies down. It felt good to bring a convoy back and have no one killed.” When asked what the VFW could do better for the younger vets, he had a few responses. During deployments, Joe feels the service members need more letters. “We never got enough mail. It was our only connection with back home. We often felt forgotten when we were over there.” As for possibly getting younger vets more involved, Joe said they need more exciting things to be a part of. He suggested starting a young vet drill team. The most pressing issue to him was VA health care. He feels the VFW should put more pressure on making the VA system easier to deal with. He personally has had bad experiences with trying to get both treatments for injuries sustained in Iraq and any disability claim started. “If you didn’t lose a leg or something like that, they just blow you off” were his sentiments. He tried to have his old injuries cared for at the Madison VA and they could not see him because he was not in the system. He has worked with his county service officer and has called the VFW Service Office, but has had nothing done to get him any closer to getting treatment or filing any claim. Joe says he was familiar with the VFW growing up. His father had taken their family to the Corn Boil every year at the Beloit Post even though his father never was a member. He was asked to join the VFW at the Ft. McCoy VFW recruiting site prior to his deployment in 2006. “I always thought the VFW was only for the “old guys” as I never remembered seeing younger veterans, but I joined all the same.” He was happy to have been transferred to Beloit Post 2306 and wondered why he wasn’t put there to begin with. He has attended his first meeting and hopes to become active with the Funeral Honors Team and wherever else he can help. He says he wants to learn more about the VFW and would like to be a Post Commander some day. the editor’s Corner It is hard to believe our 2007-2008 Program Year is almost over. State Commander Bill Hustad and Auxiliary President Joyce Hoffman are to be congratulated for remarkable years. Bill Hustad has, perhaps, visited more post meetings than any commander in recent memory. He exemplifies his own motto: Commitment! His visits enabled him to communicate directly with post members, including them in bottom line discussions of the issues facing our organization. For example, he has made it possible for many, many members to understand the importance and necessity of trading our old, problem-plagued headquarters building for something more suited to our future and budget that will provide ample parking, convenient location and handicapped accessibility. At the same time, Bill Hustad has opened the lines of access, communication and discussion throughout his chain of command, establishing a unique sense of continuity of mission shared by both his Senior and Junior Vice Commanders. We are thinking more than one year at a time. Here at the VFW News, we’ve also had a busy year. With only six editions, we have made a real effort to increase input from posts and districts, and to expand circulation among widowed auxiliary members so that they enjoy greater access to our news and information. Unexpectedly, we found ourselves deeply involved in organizing and rebuilding our internet presence through the unique and successful VFW WebCOM network. There were some growing pains at the outset, but we have accomplished much in a relatively short period of time. We’re also proud to note Dave Goeldner will be adding day-to-day web responsibilities to his Community Service duties. He will become my Web Operations Assistant. Our WebCOM Room at the Mid-Winter Conference in Green Bay was a great success, and we are repeating the experience at the Convention in Milwaukee. Look for Dave and me, along with WebCOM representatives, throughout the June convention. Stop in, sign up and learn what our WebCOM Network has to offer your post or district. On a personal note, the year ahead brings a new set of challenges. While my wife, Marla Morgan, will assume the presidency of our State VFW Ladies Auxiliary, I will also be taking up the responsibilities of Chief of Staff under next year’s State Commander, Gary Erickson. I’d like to thank current Chief of Staff Sue Samson for keeping me abreast of the many duties and activities of that position. It’s going to be a busy year again, I can see that! As a preview, I can tell you that National Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Glen Gardner is planning a huge shift in emphasis nationally, focusing on what we do in our communities that makes us more valuable to new, younger veterans and their families. Reporting will become both important, and less complicated. We have an exciting and uplifting year ahead of us! But in the meantime, we still have a year to finish. Membership numbers for the Department of Wisconsin are frustrating. Elsewhere in this issue you will find a listing of post standings as of the cutoff for the White Hat Program. But there is still time to honor the energy and dedication of a terrific State Commander in Bill Hustad. Let’s give it one more big effort and close out our year at 100% in respect for his leadership, dedication and commitment to our great VFW Organization! calendar of events May 15 Dodge County Council Meeting, Lowel Post 9392, 7:30 p.m. 17-18 District 10 Meeting, 9:00 a.m., Weyerhauser Post 5780. 18 District 1 Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Kenosha Post 1865. june 1 Tomah Day - VA Hospital, Tomah. 8 Flag Day - Waubeka 25-28 VFW & LAVFW State Convention, Wyndham Milwaukee Airport & Convention Center. 29 VFW and LAVFW Joint Kickoff Breakfast, 2008/2009 Council/Officers – Meetings at Wyndham. 30 QMs Quarterly Audit (4/1-6/30). july 9 Dane County Council Meeting - Mt. Horeb Post 9511, 7:00 p.m. 12 LAVFW – Line Officers’ Meeting, Marshfield, WI. 17 Dodge County Council Meeting Lowell Post 9392, 7:30 p.m. V 19 FW National Flying Squadron Recruitment Campaign, Chicago, IL. 25-26 VFW & VFWA C of A and VFW Officer Training Inst. - Mead Inn, Wisconsin Rapids. 27 King Day - Veterans Home, King. 31 Deadline: Quarterly Audit (4/1-6/30) august 15-21 VFW & LAVFW National Convention - Orlando, Florida. 21-22 VFW hosting picnic for National Guard Troops at Fort McCoy. septeMber 4-7 Commander-in-Chief’s Homecoming, San Antonio, TX. october 3-5 National Budget & Finance Meeting and National Council of Administration – Kansas City, MO. 11 Councils of Administration (VFW & LAVFW) followed by Department Commander & President’s Celebration (Testimonial) – Platteville, WI. 17-19 Big Ten Conference – St. Louis, MO. 25 Halloween Party at VFW National Home (Wisconsin Hosts). show ’em You Care! Much is said in this organization about reaching out and demonstrating our support for troops heading into combat. Now, someone is knee deep in plans to put those words into action. And it’s time for you to lend a hand. This summer, the Wisconsin Army National Guard will go under extensive pre-deployment training at Fort McCoy in preparation for their deployment by December and January. National Recruiter Peter Breed has put into motion a plan to spend two days, August 21 and 22, at Fort McCoy showing these troops that the VFW cares about them. On those dates, the troops will have just about completed their training exercise. Pete and his comrades, working with VFW National, has succeeded in getting a MAP grant of $12,000.00 to help put on a two-day picnic at the fort for at least 3400 troops, a total of 6800 meals! Working with Wal-Mart and other major vendors, Pete has negotiated excellent prices, and additional donations of brats, burgers, buns, condiments, Bush’s Baked Beans, watermelon, sodas and water. National Guard cooks will prepare the food, but Pete is looking for VFW members from across the state to show up in large numbers – forty or fifty members each day – to mix with the troops and demonstrate our support and concern. Yes, there will be recruiters available, but Pete wants us to be out there among the troops, wearing our caps, and shaking hands. These soldiers need to know us as proud veterans who are equally proud of their sacrifices, and are ready to support their families here at home. There is still more to do between now and then. Contact Peter Breed if you are able to connect with any large vendors who can offer beverages, snacks, desserts, or whatever that would make each day of this picnic memorable for these troops. Most of all, make plans now to get as many of your comrades together as possible to be at Fort McCoy for either or both of those days. Call Pete and let him know how many volunteers you will be bringing. This is not hard work: It’s heart work! Put your heart into showing these troops you care! “I don’t need 50 guys twisting arms to make these troops join our organization,” says Pete Breed. “I need 50 veterans who are simply there to show support and demonstrate that we are here for them.” For more information, or to volunteer as a VFW Ambassador, call Peter Breed at 715-237-2470. You can also send him a note to: 8235 287th Ave., New Auburn, WI 54757, or e-mail him at daisydawg 1999@yahoo.com. representing Veterans in Northeastern Wisconsin for over 50 years Social Security Disability (Including PTSD) Workers Compensation ∙ Personal Injury ∙ Family Bankruptcy ∙ Wills/Trusts/Estates Contact: William B. Kulkoski, esq. Lawrence G. Vesely, esq. Walter N. Neta, esq., CPt (Retired) Why do I get so much mail from VFW? If you’re wondering why you receive so much mail from VFW, consider this … Membership dues alone cannot possibly cover the costs of all the great work we do. Our Department relies heavily on the generosity of members like you. Our mailings are more than just “feel-good” gifts … they are vital to the strength of our programs and success of our organization. So please respond if you can. If not, please remember it’s all for a good cause, our cause! – 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 416 S. Monroe Ave. Green Bay, WI 54305 Office: 920-437-5405 Fax: 920-437-5917 www.okgv.com Page 14 May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News taps POST # 2925 3032 3032 3032 3032 3088 3088 3143 3589 3589 3635 5470 5470 5716 5716 5729 5729 5729 5828 5828 6007 6279 6279 6279 6279 6279 6279 6279 6279 6377 6498 6498 6550 6705 6709 6709 6709 7534 7534 7534 7591 7591 7694 7694 7753 7817 7817 7852 7933 8090 8090 8123 8337 8342 8342 8400 8447 8637 8637 8637 9202 9403 9403 9403 9424 9496 9677 9677 9692 9748 9924 9924 9924 9924 9924 9924 10231 10262 10262 10262 10262 10262 10262 10262 10262 10272 10331 10393 10393 10393 10406 10669 11346 Lname Fname MI FERNANDEZ DAVID CHITWOOD KEITH A C GETTER KENNETH HAAKENSON EARL A LINDAUER MELVIN G SMALL WILLIAM R. VERTZ FLOYD DIETZ CONRAD G ROTH DONALD WAGNER FREDERICK R. JAUQUET CLEM AMENDT WILLIAM S. PHILLIPS DONALD H MC FADZEN THOMAS REID MICHAEL FITZGERALD ROBERT MEYER LEON C VOIGHT DEAN S. ANDERSON CLIFFORD H WINEGAR MARSHALL G STANCE EUGENE R. BALAINE HUBERT H GALBRAITH LESTER A GRITZMACHER DANIEL L. HARRINGTON LOWELL G HOWLAND DONALD L. JULSETH DAVID KLEIN GILBERT ZAFFKE DALE A LARSON RONALD J KUZEL RICHARD SHARPE GEORGE TODAHL ORVILLE R. DENOR ARTHUR C BOETTCHER WILLIAM L. IRISH EARL SMIT DELMAR DENEYS RONALD F GAGAN ARTHUR J MASSEY RICHARD J BIRKETT ELMORE F MINOR GEORGE H WENDT WALTER WITWEN KEITH SCHARPING ERIC C GALLISTEL MELVIN THUMS EDWARD CHIVERS MERWYN L. REYNOLDS JUAN L. SLINGER SR. FRANK ZUHLKE HENRY YTTRI VILAS NELSON CEDRIC H BUCHKOWSKI WALTER DAMASK MICHAEL M ASHLEY JAMES M THOMPSON WILLIAM D ABRAHAMSON CHARLES G ARNDT *** CHARLES C FREEMAN PATRICK J KURTZ DAVID M CRONK DARRELL L. C PARSON NELSON SIMONDS ROBERT J BROUGHAM RICHARD F NARDELLI FRANK P FAGER LEONARD JAUQUET HUBERT TROST ROBERT CRAKER LOREN DOHAS KEN D GRUNEWALD MARVIN H T KALLAS CHARLES LINDEKUGEL PAUL W MANZ WILLIS WICKESBERG CHARLES BRENDLE DAVID J J CHICK LEONARD DEMEYER HELMER L. EIDEN ROBERT J LASKY RICHARD P MERKEL NORMAN W TUTTLE TED S. WALTER BRUCE E WORZALLA JOSEPH C CURRAN CHARLES J BECKER FRANCIS G LUEBKER GENE SWENSON JOHN J THEILE JAMES R. MILLER ROBERT E. KELLY WILLIAM M RICHTER RAYMOND A *** INDICATES PAST STATE COMMANDER City MARION, IA VIROQUA VIROQUA VIROQUA MUSCODA STURGEON BAY STURGEON BAY RHINELANDER JEFFERSON JEFFERSON IRON MTN, MI WHITEWATER WHITEWATER NEW BERLIN MUSKEGO MEDFORD MEDFORD MEDFORD CLEAR LAKE CLEAR LAKE HANCOCK ADAMS FRIENDSHIP BARABOO ADAMS FRIENDSHIP GRAND MARSH ADAMS ARKDALE THIENSVILLE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE ELEVA DENMARK DELAVAN WAUPUN WAUPUN GREEN BAY GREEN BAY GREEN BAY MONONA MONONA PRAIRIE DU SAC PRAIRIE DU SAC WHITELAW OGEMA WESTBORO WATERTOWN ANIWA COLUMBUS PORTAGE DE SOTO ELLISON BAY HATLEY HATLEY BOULDER JUNCTION TAVARES, FL EAGLE RIVER EAGLE RIVER EAGLE RIVER HUBERTUS MILTON MILTON JANESVILLE CAMBRIDGE MILWAUKEE LUXEMBURG GREEN BAY WARREN, IL IOLA HOWARDS GROVE HOWARDS GROVE SHEBOYGAN SHEBOYGAN SHEBOYGAN FALLS SHEBOYGAN NECEDAH PLOVER SCHOFIELD STEVENS POINT STEVENS POINT STEVENS POINT STEVENS POINT STEVENS POINT PLOVER STOUGHTON CHETEK BOSCOBEL BOSCOBEL BOSCOBEL BUFFALO CITY CANTONMENT, FL ROSHOLT TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS POST # 305 305 305 305 305 305 305 305 305 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 388 721 721 721 721 721 1037 1038 1038 1038 1038 1248 1248 1248 1248 1248 1256 1393 1393 1393 1464 1464 1464 1464 1464 1464 1530 1530 1530 1530 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1638 1638 1904 1904 1908 1916 1959 1959 2113 2115 2115 2115 2115 2115 2115 2115 2126 2204 2227 2267 2267 2267 2267 2336 2336 2373 2534 2534 2534 2534 2787 2903 2923 Lname AARON FRAKER HOEPPNER LEE MESANG MICHAELS MILLER REDIGER ZIEGENBEIN ABT DRENGLER EWING HUEHNERFUSS MASZK PASTERNAK PESTKA SCHAEFER SKINNER WEIGAND WILSON BORZENSKI DANCEY GASCOIGNE *** HEKKERS HINKLE MYERS ANDERSON CHRISTORF MAYER REDARD AHEARN ARIENS JR MUELLER PAWLITZKE SCHRAMM FRISTED JOHNSON OPGENORTH WEIS BENDER FINERAN MEEHAN SCHABACH SHAKER SKIBA KUMBIER MILLER MULLER SEXAUER BURTON BUTEK BYRNE COX HENDRICKSON LE TOURNEAU LEITZKE OLMSTEAD PINNGEL STOLTZ STONE WORLUND RAMMER SCHMIDT BOETTCHER MCKINNEY PARSONS BREIGHT SAUNDERS TAYLOR GILSON HAMMER JORGENSON LANG LYKSETT MILLER NELSON OLSON CHRAPLA LARSEN BREHM HERNAM JOHNSON PECKMAN WILLIAMS BISCH KNAPP ALLEN DAHLKE HUFFMAN JUDGE STICKNEY FREDRICH HEISLER BROWNE Fname LESTER PHILIP JOHN ALGER DONALD RICHARD FREDERICK DELBERT H.K. “ZEKE” JOHN GERALD JEAN EARL WINSLOW THEODORE LEO KENNETH DONALD JOSEPH DUANE JOSEPH DAVID ROBERT KENNETH JAMES LLOYD TODD DONALD GERALD DAVID JOHN IRA WALLACE DANA FRITZ WALTER GORDON LLOYD DONALD DELBERT JOHN RICHARD LESTER DAVID RUFIN HAROLD DALLAS FRED ROBERT JOHN WARREN EUGENE HOWARD ALLEN RICHARD WALTER DUANE EDWIN DONALD ROBERT LAURENCE JAMES ALBERT HARVEY DELBERT KENNETH JOHN DUANE CECIL RALPH PHILLIP HELMER CHARLES ROBERT JAMES DARRELL NORVAL WALTER JAMES RAYMOND ROBERT CLYDE KENNETH JUSTIN LEO HARVEY WILLIAM JOHN WILLIAM THOMAS HERBERT MATTHEW DONALD IRVING MI T F M L. A M H G R. W J C J A L. M J L. W F B D E. E R. J R. E. J G M E M J R. C G S. C R. J C P A E. L. T E J A E D A J J F M D W L. E E. R. R. L. A G B W F C G City EAU CLAIRE EAU CLAIRE EAU CLAIRE BRUCE EAU CLAIRE EAU CLAIRE ST PAUL, MN EAU CLAIRE EAU CLAIRE WAUSAU WAUSAU WAUSAU WAUSAU SCHOFIELD SUN PRAIRIE WAUSAU WAUSAU WAUSAU WAUSAU WAUSAU WAUKESHA WAUKESHA NEW BERLIN WAUKESHA WAUKESHA WAUPACA EAU CLAIRE ALTOONA CHIPPEWA FALLS CHIPPEWA FALLS TWO RIVERS TWO RIVERS TWO RIVERS TWO RIVERS TWO RIVERS BALDWIN WEST BEND MILWAUKEE FOND DU LAC KING KING KING KING KING KING ONALASKA LA CROSSE LA CROSSE LA CROSSE BELOIT JANESVILLE JANESVILLE BELOIT JANESVILLE LODI UNIONTOWN, OH JANESVILLE JANESVILLE BELOIT JANESVILLE STOUGHTON NEKOOSA PORTAGE WEST BEND N. FOND DU LAC EUREKA REEDSBURG BLACK RIVER FALLS BLACK RIVER FALLS DE PERE BALDWIN HUDSON HAMMOND HUDSON MINNEAPOLIS, MN HUDSON HUDSON NEENAH RIVER FALLS COLBY MONONA LONE ROCK BOSCOBEL LA FARGE BARABOO BARABOO JANESVILLE WISCONSIN RAPIDS MILWAUKEE TRIPOLI NEKOOSA NEW BERLIN MILWAUKEE COLGATE TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS TAPS obituaries Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 15 May/june, 2008 Charles C. ‘Chuck’ Arndt Past State Commander Charles C. “Chuck” Arndt, VFW Wisconsin State Commander (1975-76), died Wednesday, April 9, 2008 after a long illness. He was 81 years old. A native of Park Falls, Chuck Arndt was a US Navy Veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Guam during WWII. A resident of Eagle River most of his life, he was involved in many community activities, especially those related to military veterans. He was an active member of three veterans’ groups in Eagle River, including VFW Post 8637, and the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. He held many positions at the Post, District and State levels and was a longtime member and chairman of the VFW News Committee. He was also Chairman of the VFW Big 10 Conference 1992/93. He also served as a lobbyist on the VFW’s Political Action Committee in Washington, D.C. He was always a strong advocate for the continuation of this newspaper, The Wisconsin VFW News. Survivors include his wife, Mary; a daughter, Terry (Steve) Vivio of Norway, MI; three sons, Ken (Paula) of Sugar Camp, Dick of Mayville, and Larry of Eagle River; two brothers, Ron (Lillian) of Oconomowoc, and Ed of Duluth, Minn.; numerous grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held April 13 at Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River with the Rev. Larry Berg and members of VFW Post 8637 officiating. Cards of condolence may be sent to Mary Arndt, 5040 County Rd. G, Eagle River, WI 54521. Scout out a good turn What do Mark Lee [WI], Steven Speilberg [CA], Neil Armstrong OH], Gerald Ford [MI] and Jim Lovell [WI] have in common? Are these unfamiliar names? Here are some hints: SpaceLab, StarWars, Moonwalk, Oval Office, and “Houston, we have a problem…” Try another question: What do 11 of the 12 men to walk on the moon share in common? Give up? Answers: The first five are all Eagle Scouts and second, the eleven were all in Scouting and three were Eagles. Only one boy in five becomes a Boy Scout. Only one Scout in 50 becomes an Eagle. That’s one boy in 250 American boys is an Eagle Scout. They are rare. This is a successful organization judged by the output of their alumni. The VFW has always invested in the future. It takes $110 in program costs to fund a Scout for one year. Your unit should sponsor one Scout and a whole pack or troop if you can. Do you like popcorn? Buy yours from the ‘Friends of Scouting’ [FOS] campaign. This is put on by every Scouting unit in the nation. Find a pack or troop or crew, buy some popcorn, and help them sell more. What if you don’t like popcorn? Give $25 to the campaign and the popcorn will be shipped to military personnel around the world with your name on it. These are the boys that will become our successors and the defenders of America in the future. They share our values and ethics. They work to deserve our support. They make our surroundings and communities better. Scouts become the worker-leaders that make us proud to be Americans. For more details, contact Roger Boeker at rsboeker@charter.net. R. Boeker, Eagle Class of 1960 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 foR SaLe: Co LLeCtion of 119 Mini aLCohoL LaMpS with display rack, $200. Call 715-522-0009 for photos. 8/08 foR SaLe: 1953 M-37 beautifuL paRade vehiCLe. Extra tires and wheels, flags and flag holders. VFW 3143, Rhinelander, WI, $7,500.00. Call Ralph, 715-369-1451. 8/08 foR SaLe: uSed 24” CaSt aLuMinuM vfw eMbLeM.Was mounted on masonry – would work on wood also. First $500 takes it. Call 414466-7304, Post 2923, Milwaukee. 8/08 Robert W. Gascoigne Past State Commander Robert “Bob” Gascoigne, a proud Marine Corps Veteran and Past State Commander of the VFW Department of Wisconsin (1985-86), died Saturday, April 5, 2008. He was 77 years old. Bob Gascoigne was a longtime member of Waukesha Post #721. As State Commander, Bob Gascoigne achieved All American honors. He was a productive and loyal participant in the causes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for many years, serving in a wide variety of positions at all levels of the organization. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita (nee Wernsman), Robert Gascoigne is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Stopar of Iron Ridge, and grandchildren Nicholas and Joshua Stopar. He will also be dearly missed by his loving sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn (Dick) Johnson and their children, and by the Cauley family. Memorials are appreciated to the Waukesha VFW Post #721, PO Box 721, Waukesha, WI 53187 or St. Mary Catholic Community. 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 v i e t na M v e t e R a n bu y i n g hiStoRiCaL iteMS for personal collection (no resales), especially U.S., German WWI, WWII items, helmets. 715-453-8882. Bob Steigerwaldt, N11005 Pickerel Creek Rd., Tomahawk, WI 54487. 8/08 2007-2008 wisconsin vfw ‘Scout of the year’ awards Following are the results of this year’s Department of Wisconsin “VFW Scout of The Year” Contest. All of the Eagle Scouts who were entered, along with their parents, troops, and sponsoring VFW Posts, are invited to attend the presentation of awards in Waubeka, WI on Sunday, June 8, 2008 beginning at 12:00 noon followed by a parade at 1:30 in conjunction with the VFW Flag Day observance. TOP AWARDS TO: 1st Place: BRENT D. DENTON, Troop 67, Appleton – (Harvey Pierre Post 2778) 2nd Place: KEVIN J. NELSON, Troop 9105, Kaukauna – (Freedom Post 7692) 3rd Place: BRENTON WIERNIK, Troop 290, Stevens Point –(Greater Plover Memorial Post 10262, Plover) 4th Place: KURT KEMNITZ, Troop 41, New Berlin - (Albert H. Groska Post 8320, Brookfield) 5th Place: DAN CARRIVEAU, Troop 57, Little Chute - (Electric City Post 3319, Kaukauna) HONOR AWARDS TO: MICHAEL ASMUSSEN, Troop 95, Colgate –(Horne Mudlitz Post 6377, Sussex) DAVID COCHRAN, Troop 7, Sparta – (Major General R B McCoy Post 2112, Sparta) DOMINIC M. GALHA., Troop 880, Cascade – (World’s Cheese Center Post 5612, Plymouth) ADAM KERN, Troop 13, Chippewa Falls – (Chippewa FaIls Post 1038) ANDREW LEE, Troop 1172, Green Bay – (Duck Creek Post 7534, Green Bay) CRAIG MAECHTLE, Troop 855, Port Washington – (Port Washington Memorial Post 7588) DALE SANDBERG, Troop 1054, Peshtigo – (Kniskern Neuman Post 8813, Peshtigo) CHARLES E. SIMMIERMAN, Troop 243, Elkhorn – (Elkhom Memorial Post 6375) Thank you to all posts and comrades for promoting scouting in your area. Your efforts will strengthen our message of patriotism and love of this great nation. Larry Kutschma, State Scouting Chairman For rent Cabin on heaRt Lake, Conover, WI, sleeps 6. $500 per week. (715) 5478409. Boat & motor. www.kenheiser.com. 12/08 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 Make a difference two ways. Support our troops. Support our troops. Support the Scouts in your community and the men and women in military service. when Scouts call on you. Just purchase $25 of trail’s end® popcorn as a donation to those serving their country. it will be distributed by Support our troops®. thank you. A bus trip is being planned for our sponsorship of the Halloween Party at the VFW National Home. Details and sign-ups will be available at Convention. Page 16 May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News proposed resolutions States, that we remain strongly supportive of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) and urge the President and Congress to  demonstrate their resolve to keeping this issue a high national priority  by earmarking a fully funded dedicated line item appropriation for  the JPAC budget. The intent of this resolution is: To call upon the President and Congress to fully fund a dedicated line item appropriation for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. Resolution No. 404 RECOVER ThE REMAINS OF ThE GEORGE ONE CREW BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  States,  that  we  strongly  urge  the  Department  of  Defense  and  the  United States Navy to fully fund and support the recovery operation  to retrieve the remains of the George One crew; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon Congress to  provide the needed funding and direct the Department of Defense to  carry out this operation. The intent of this resolution is: To urge dod and the Navy to fully fund and support the recovery operation to retrieve the remains of the George One crew. Resolution No. 405 SUPPORT FOR ThE GLObAL WAR ON TERRORISM BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  States,  that  we  continue  to  support  decisive  action  in  the  war  on  terrorism by staying on the offensive against international terrorist  organizations and groups, as well as rogue or outlaw states guilty of  inciting, harboring or aiding and abetting terrorists; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we unequivocally support the  men and women of our armed forces who carry out the orders to prosecute the war on terrorism around the world and across the nation. The intent of this resolution is: To support the war on terrorism and combat terrorist activity by taking decisive and offensive action when warranted. Resolution No. 406 SUPPORT FOR ThE TROOPS ANd ThEIR MISSION IN ThE WAR ON TERRORISM BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  States, that we support the Commander-in-Chief and the brave men  and women fighting the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, as  a matter of security for the American people: and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Administration and Congress to provide all the funding necessary to ensure  the safety of our armed forces and to secure victory in the war on  terrorism. The intent of this resolution is: To support the war on terrorism, the troops engaged in battle, and the prosecution of their mission. Resolution No. 407 INCREASE ThE dEFENSE bUdGET BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  States, that we strongly urge the Administration and Congress to increase defense spending to a minimum level of at least 5% of the Gross  Domestic Product in order to adequately provide for the readiness,  training, modernization, and sustainability of our armed forces; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call for an increase in  personnel end strength for all branches of the military. The intent of this resolution is: To urge the Administration and Congress to significantly increase defense funding. Resolution No. 408 bALLISTIC MISSILE dEFENSE IS A NATIONAL SECURITY PRIORITY BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  States, that we support the development and deployment of a ballistic missile defense system to protect our country and our deployed  military forces; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Congress  to fully fund a ballistic missile defense program as a high priority  national security requirement. The intent of this resolution is: To support a ballistic missile defense system and urge Congress to fully fund this program. Resolution No. 409 MAINTAIN GLObAL AIR SUPREMACY BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the  United  States,  that  we  call  upon  Congress  and  the  Department  of  Defense  to  provide  the  aircraft  that  the  Air  Force  and  all  services need to carry out their mission and maintain global air  supremacy. The intent of this resolution is: To urge Congress and department of defense to provide the military services with the aircraft necessary to maintain global air dominance. Resolution No. 410 SUPPORT FOR ThE NAVY’S dd(x) dESTROYER PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  States, that we support the need to design and produce the Navy’s  next generation destroyer, and call upon the Congress to fully fund  the DD(X) program. The intent of this resolution is: To support and urge Congress to fully fund the dd(x) destroyer program. Resolution No. 411 SUPPORT FOR ThE COAST GUARd dEEPWATER PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the  United States, that we fully support the United States Coast Guard  Deepwater Program, and call upon the Congress to fully fund the  modernization  and  recapitalization  of  the  Coast  Guard  through  this program initiative. The intent of this resolution is: To support and urge Congress to fully fund the Coast Guard’s deepwater Program. Resolution No. 412 RAISE MILITARY bASE PAY TO EqUAL PRIVATE-SECTOR WAGES BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  States, that we call upon the Administration and Congress to provide  a  military  base  pay  raise  that  will  restore  full  comparability  with  private-sector wages. The intent of this resolution is: To achieve full military base pay  comparability with private-sector wages. Proposed Resolutions RESOLUTION 2008-1 RESOLUTION to CLARIFY PROTOCOL for the POW/MIA FLAG  WHEREAS, the POW/MIA flag is considered a federal banner;  and  WHEREAS, there continues to be confusion as to its position in  a “line-of-march”; and   WHEREAS, this confusion continues when on a pole with other  flags flown below the United States Flag; and  WHEREAS, the POW/MIA issue is of national importance; and  WHEREAS, there is no definite answer on protocol established  in writing or codified in law; now therefore  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans  of Foreign Wars of the United States and the National staff take action  to amend the Federal Flag Code (Public Law 94-344) to establish  protocol for the POW/MIA flag; and  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the POW/MIA flag be granted  precedence over any other flag, except the United States Flag, and  that it be directly beneath the United States Flag when flown from a  pole; and when carried in a “line-of march”, it is to be immediately  to the left of the United States Flag. Submitted by: Steven D. Lawrence Steven D. Lawrence VFW State Adjutant/Quartermaster VFW Department of Wisconsin RESOLUTION 2008-2 RESOLUTION TO AMENd ARTICLE xI – FINANCE Section 1105. Competition Fund of the Charter and By-Laws of  Department of Wisconsin WHEREAS, at the Department Convention held in June, 2007,  a resolution was adopted to delete Section 906. Competition Committee; and WHEREAS, there was a related section which required similar  action; now therefore BE  IT  RESOLVED,  that  Section  1105,  Competition  Fund  be  deleted in its entirety. Submitted by: William Hustad State Commander 2007-2008 Dated: 4-15-08 RESOLUTION 2008-3 RESOLUTION TO AMENd ThE ChARTER and bY-LAWS of dEPARTMENT of WISCONSIN WHEREAS, The title of Chairman is no longer acceptable, now  therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that wherever it appears that it be replaced  with the title of “Chairperson.” Submitted by: Wilfred Johnson State Jr.Vice Commander 2007-2008 Dated: 4-20-08 RESOLUTION 2008-4 RESOLUTION TO AMENd ARTICLE VII – dEPARTMENT CONVENTION and MId-WINTER CONFERENCE Section 702. Paragraph (5) Meetings of the Charter and By-Laws  of Department of Wisconsin WHEREAS, the By-laws require this committee to have its first  business session on Friday immediately preceding the July Council  of Administration meeting; and WHEREAS, this requirement does not allow the State Commander  the necessary flexibility to coordinate the activities of the Council of  Administration sessions, now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that the first two (2) lines of Section 702.  Paragraph (5) Meetings, be rewritten to read: Meetings – This committee shall, each year, hold its first business session at the direction  of the State Commander. This session shall be held prior to the July  Council of Administration meeting. Submitted by: Wilfred Johnson State Jr.Vice Commander 2007-2008 Dated: 4-20-08 RESOLUTION 2008-5 RESOLUTION TO AMENd ARTICLE VII – dEPARTMENT CONVENTION and MId-WINTER CONFERENCE Section 701. Convention and Mid-Winter Conference Section  702.  Convention  and  Mid-Winter  Conference  Committee Section  703.  Convention  and  Mid-Winter  Supervision  of  the  Charter and By-Laws of Department of Wisconsin  WHEREAS,  currently,  arrangements  for  the  July  Council  of  Administration  meeting  are  being  handled  by  the  State  Adjutant/ Quartermaster; and WHEREAS, the Headquarters staff is limited; and WHEREAS, a separate committee is formed to plan and coordinate  this Big Ten meeting; and WHEREAS, there is a standing committee which is responsible  for the management, operation and arrangements for the Convention  and Mid-Winter Conference; and WHEREAS, this standing committee could add to their responsibility these two meetings; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the following amendments be adopted: Re-title  Article  VII  -  Department  Convention  and  Mid-Winter  Conference To: Department Convention, Mid-Winter Conference, Council of  Administration and Big Ten Conference. Re-title  Section  701.  Convention  and  Mid-Winter  Conference  Time and Place To: Department Convention, Mid-Winter Conference, Council of  Administration and Big Ten Conference Time and Place. Section 701. Paragraph (3) be deleted in its entirety and replaced  with: (3) A Council of Administration Meeting shall be held within thirty  (30) days following the Department Convention. Section 701. Add the following paragraphs: (4) Bids for the Department Convention shall be submitted to the  Council of Administration at the Mid-Winter Conference up to five  (5) years prior to the scheduled convention, at which time it will be  considered. (5) Bids for scheduled Council of Administration meetings shall  be submitted to the Council of Administration meeting in July up to  two (2) years prior to the scheduled meeting, at which time it will  be considered. (6) Bids for the Mid-Winter Conference shall be submitted to the  Council of Administration at the Mid-Winter Conference up to three  (3) years prior to the scheduled Mid-Winter, at which time it will be  considered. (7)  Bids  for  the  Big  Ten  Conference  (scheduled  to  be  held  the  third (3rd) weekend in October) shall be submitted to the Council of  Administration at the Mid-Winter Conference up to three (3) years  prior to the Conference, at which time it will be considered. Re-title  Section  702.  Convention  and  Mid-Winter  Conference  Committee To: Department Convention, Mid-Winter Conference, Council of  Administration, Big Ten Conference Committee. Section 702. Paragraph (1) Purpose - Line two (2) and line four (4)  add Council of Administration and Big Ten Conference. Section 702. Paragraph (2) Duties - Line three (3) add Council of  Administration and Big Ten Conference. Re-title  Section  703.  Convention  and  Mid-Winter  Conference  Supervision To: Department Convention, Mid-Winter Conference, Council of  Administration, Big Ten Conference Supervision. Delete the sentence that follows and replace with: These meetings shall be under the guidance and supervision of the  Council of Administration Submitted by: Wilfred Johnson State Jr.Vice Commander 2007-2008 Dated: 4-20-08 RESOLUTION 2008-6 RESOLUTION TO AMENd ARTICLE VII – dEPARTMENT CONVENTION ANd MId-WINTER CONFERENCE SECTION 701(2) OF ThE ChARTER ANd bY-LAWS OF dEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN WHEREAS, Section 701(2) requires that the Mid-Winter Conference be held on the third Saturday of February, and WHEREAS, Section 802(2) requires that the preceding Mid-Winter  Conference set the time and place of the Mid-Winter Conference,  and WHEREAS, these two requirements conflict with each other, now  therefore BE  IT  RESOLVED  that  Section  701(2)  be  changed  to  read  as  follows: “The Council of Administration shall hold a Mid-Winter Conference  at  a  time  and  place  determined  in  accordance  with  Section  802(2).” Submitted by: Wilfred Johnson State Jr.Vice Commander 2007-2008 Dated: 4-20-08 RESOLUTION 2008-7 2008 bYLAWS – RESOLUTION RESOLUTION TO REqUEST LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO PROVIdE INSURANCE FOR ALL ARMEd FORCES RETURNEES. WHEREAS, it is the duty of the United States Armed Forces, of  which the National Guard is a component to protect the citizens of  the United States; and WHEREAS, the President of the United States is the CommanderIn-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, and WHEREAS, Congress enacts Legislation; and WHEREAS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and  its Ladies Auxiliary expect that single and married Veterans have two  years of health insurance coverage; and WHEREAS, Veterans with or without service-related health problems need insurance coverage; and WHEREAS, finding employment or engaging in self-employment  regulates all service personnel to health care up to two years; now  therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the one-point-four million members  of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Ladies  Auxiliary, request that the legislation be enacted to provide health  insurance coverage for all returning service members. Submitted By: Marie Skic, Past Department President Russ Iwen, 7th District Commander Dated: 1 May 2008 ThE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS ARE ALL SUbMITTEd bY ThE NATIONAL COMMANdER-IN-ChIEF: Resolution No. 401 POW/MIA FULL ACCOUNTING COMMITMENT ANd AGENCY FUNdING BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the goal of  the fullest possible accounting of all U.S. military personnel from all  of our nation’s wars; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon Congress to  fully fund the efforts of the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office and all operations of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting  Command. The intent of this resolution is: To achieve the fullest possible accounting of all POW/MIA’s from all wars and urge Congress to fully fund all dod POW/MIA offices and commands. Resolution No. 402 POW/MIA PUbLIC AWARENESS BE  IT  RESOLVED,  by  the  Veterans  of  Foreign  Wars  of  the  United States, that we will provide routine distribution to the field  of pertinent, credible and responsible information and reports, such  as those initiated by the VFW National Security & Foreign Affairs  Director; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each Department, District  and Post is encouraged to exercise maximum effort to maintain the  vitality and thrust of the POW/MIA program and appoint an interested member to act as the POW/MIA project officer or committee  chairman; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day and encourage the display and  daily flying of the POW/MIA flag. The intent of this resolution is: To support public awareness of the POW/MIA issue. Resolution No. 403 FULL FUNdING FOR ThE JOINT POW/MIA ACCOUNTING COMMANd BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United  proposed resolutions Resolution No. 413 LOWER THE RESERVE COMPONENT RETIREMENT PAY AGE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress and the Administration to lower the retirement pay eligibility age to 55 for all Reserve Component members. The intent of this resolution is: To support legislation that will reduce the Reserve Component retirement pay eligibility age to 55. Resolution No. 414 CORRECT THE FY08 NDAA RESERVE RETIREMENT PAY PROVISION BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress to provide all Reserve Component members who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation since September 11, 2001, with eligibility for early receipt of retirement pay as outlined in the provision included in the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act. The intent of this resolution is: To allow all Reserve Component members serving on active duty since September 11, 2001, be eligible for early retirement pay as outlined in the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act. Resolution No. 415 ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL AUTHORIZATION DATE CHANGE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the President of the United States to issue an executive order changing the effective date to qualify for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to March 3, 1946; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Joint Chiefs of Staff to review all military operations during this period and award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to participants of those operations that qualify. The intent of this resolution is: To change the authorizing date of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal from July 1, 1958, to March 3, 1946, and award it to participants of military operations that qualify. Resolution No. 416 SECURE AMERICA’S BORDERS / HALT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Administration and Congress to fast-track funding to departments and agencies responsible to halt the flow of illegal aliens from entering the United States; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Department of Homeland Security to expedite all initiatives to secure the entire United States border and ports of entry; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we insist the U.S. government aggressively work to identify all illegal aliens and determine who should be deported and who should be allowed to apply for citizenship under existing laws. The intent of this resolution is: To expeditiously secure U.S. borders and halt the flow of illegal immigrants. Resolution No. 417 SUPPORT NATO EXPANSION BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support the continued expansion of the NATO Alliance to ensure the future security of Europe, as well as U.S. strategic interests in that region. The intent of this resolution is: To support future NATO expansion on the European continent as an element of U.S. strategy for greater stability in the region. Resolution No. 418 SUPPORT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the government of the United States to keep a substantial military presence in South Korea and increase its military aid and assistance to the Republic of Korea by providing modern state of the art weapons and technology to safeguard its freedom and promote security in the Pacific and Asian regions. The intent of this resolution is: To urge the U.S. government to keep a military presence in the Republic of Korea and provide them with military aid and assistance to ensure stability in the region. Resolution No. 419 SUPPORT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON TAIWAN BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Administration to employ its full range of influence to contain aggressive posturing of the Peoples Republic of China; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Administration and Congress to support the admission of the Republic of China on Taiwan into the United Nations and the World Health Organization; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage the Administration to afford the President of Taiwan (ROC) the same respect and privileges as afforded to other visiting heads of state. The intent of this resolution is: To urge the Administration and the Congress to strictly adhere to the concepts of the Taiwan Relations Act; and urge the U.S. government to employ its full range of influence to contain aggressive posturing of the Peoples Republic of China; and to afford Taiwan (ROC) heads of state equal respect and privileges. Resolution No. 420 INVESTIGATE THE ISRAELI ATTACK ON THE USS LIBERTY BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we call upon Congress to immediately investigate the attack on the USS Liberty that was perpetrated by the armed forces of the State of Israel on June 8, 1967, in order to determine the truth behind the attack. The intent of this resolution is: To call upon Congress to investigate the attack on the USS Liberty by Israeli military forces on June 8, 1967, to determine the truth behind the attack. Resolution No. 421 CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL FOR ALL CODE TALKERS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to support the efforts to identify all Native Americans who served as “Code Talkers”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon Congress to award all Native American Code Talkers the Congressional Gold Medal. Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 17 May/june, 2008 The intent of this resolution is: To award the Congressional Gold Medal to all Native Americans who served in the armed forces as Code Talkers. Resolution No. 422 OPPOSE TRICARE FEE INCREASES BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we oppose any TRICARE fee increases and urge Congress to prevent the Department of Defense from escalating or realigning co-payments or any other fees for TRICARE services and benefits; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support legislative action to move the authority to set TRICARE fees to the United States Congress. The intent of this resolution is: To oppose any TRICARE fee increases and support moving the authority to set fees to the Congress. Resolution No. 423 EUROPE DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we call upon the United States Congress to establish a Europe Defense Service Medal to recognize the significant contributions of U.S. military personnel in the defense of Europe that resulted in the Cold War victory. The intent of this resolution is: To establish a Europe Defense Service Medal. Resolution No. 424 WORLD WAR ONE (WWI) GENERATION NATIONAL HONORS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that in recognition of a grateful nation’s homage to its WWI veterans’ courage and service, we urge the Congress to endorse and the President to proclaim that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff from all public buildings, military installations, and naval ships for the time of notification of the passing of the last WWI veteran until that individual is laid to rest, or for one week, whichever is shorter. The intent of this resolution is: To urge the President to proclaim the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff upon the death of the last WWI veteran. Resolution No. 425 HALT NORTH KOREA’S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we call upon the Administration to halt North Korea’s nuclear weapons development program and the proliferation of nuclear weapons or material to third world countries, terrorist states or organizations. The intent of this resolution is: To call upon the Administration to stop the development and proliferation of nuclear weapons by North Korea. Resolution No. 426 COLD WAR VICTORY MEDAL BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support the creation and awarding of a Cold War Victory Medal to all eligible U.S. service personnel who served in the military during the Cold War era, 2 September 1945, to 26 December 1991, and whose service has not already been recognized by a campaign or service medal. The intent of this resolution is: To establish a medal for the Cold War period. Resolution No. 427 EXPAND THE DATES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR THE VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Congress to direct the Secretary of Defense to authorize the Vietnam Service Medal for service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period of 29 March 1973, to 28 April 1975, providing the service member meets the eligibility criteria considered as qualifying service during 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. The intent of this resolution is: To expand the dates of eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal. Resolution No. 428 RE-DESIGNATE THE POSITION OF SECRETARY OF THE NAVY AS THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support legislation to re-designate the position of the Secretary of the Navy to Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. The intent of this resolution is: To rename the position of the Secretary of the Navy to Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Resolution No. 429 AMEND CRITERIA FOR AWARD OF THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION WWII MEDAL BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the Congress of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and/or the Secretary of the Army to rectify this injustice by awarding the Army of Occupation Medal to those who served in Trieste, Italy with the U.S. Army from May 8, 1945, to October 25, 1954. The intent of this resolution is: To petition Congress, DoD and U.S. Army to award the Army of Occupation Medal to those who served in Trieste, Italy with the U.S. Army from May 8, 1945, to October 25, 1954. Resolution No. 430 RECOGNIZE MILITARY VETERANS WHO WERE KILLED OR WOUNDED DURING THE EARLY PERIOD OF THE COLD WAR BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we petition the President to sign an Executive Order that will award the Purple Heart Medal to members of the military during the period 9 May 1945 to 25 April 1962 under identical circumstances as contained in Executive Order 11016 and Executive Order 12464. The intent of this resolution is: To award the Purple Heart Medal to military members wounded or killed while engaged in certain operations or missions during the early period of the Cold War. Resolution No. 431 EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ARMY COMBAT ACTION BADGE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we strongly urge the Department of the Army to expand the eligibility for the Army Combat Action Badge to those soldiers who served during the dates ranging from December 7, 1941, to September 18, 2001. The intent of this resolution is: To expand retroactive eligibility for the Army Combat Action Badge to those soldiers serving during the dates ranging from December 7, 1941, to September 18, 2001. Resolution No. 432 UNIFORMED SERVICES FORMER SPOUSES PROTECTION ACT BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress to reform the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act to include granting divorce awards based on the service member’s rank at the time of divorce, and not require service members with more than 20 years of service to divide their expected retired pay before they actually retire. The intent of this resolution is: To urge Congress to reform the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act. Resolution No. 433 SUPPORT FOR THE ARMY’S FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEMS PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States that we support the Army’s Future Combat Systems program that will better prepare and protect soldiers for current and future threats; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon congress to fully fund the Future Combat Systems program this year and into the future to achieve program stability. The intent of this resolution is: To support and urge Congress to fully fund the Army’s Future Combat Systems program. Resolution No. 601 ADEQUATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Congress of the United States to mandate a budget and authorize appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will fully fund and maintain the integrity of, and enhance, veteran entitlement programs and health care system. The intent of this resolution is: To have Congress pass a budget that fully funds and sufficiently maintains all VA entitlement programs and services. Resolution No. 602 CONSIDER TREATMENT FOR A PRESUMPTIVE SERVICE CONNECTED CONDITION AS A FORMAL CLAIM FOR VA COMPENSATION BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to enact legislation requiring that treatment for a condition or disease recognized as presumptively service connected will be considered to be an informal claim for service connection for compensation purposes. The intent of this resolution is: To provide legislation that would consider treatment for a presumptive service connected condition as a formal claim for VA Compensation. Resolution No. 603 EXTENDING GULF WAR PRESUMPTIONS, REGISTRY, AND HEALTH CARE TO AFGHANISTAN THEATER VETERANS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress and the VA to include Afghanistan in the Southwest Asia theater of operations so that appropriate benefits, including eligibility for compensation based on undiagnosed illnesses and medical care eligibility, will be provided retroactive to the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom. The intent of this resolution is: To extend Gulf War benefits under 38 CFR 3.317 to include veterans serving in Afghanistan. Resolution No. 604 OPPOSE VA PHARMACEUTICAL CO-PAYMENT INCREASES BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we oppose increases in the VA pharmaceutical co-payment. The intent of this resolution is: To oppose raising VA co-payment for medication. Resolution No. 605 ENTITLEMENT TO NURSING HOME CARE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to mandate and provide funding for the provision of nursing home care for all veterans. The intent of this resolution is: To urge the Congress to mandate fund nursing home care for all veterans. Resolution No. 606 HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to provide sufficient funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that appropriate screening, diagnostic services, treatment and life-long case management services are available to every veteran suffering from TBI; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase its research pertaining to screening methods, diagnostic tools, and more effective treatments for traumatic brain injury patients to ensure that wounded TBI veterans are receiving the best treatment and rehabilitation care available. The intent of this resolution is: To provide sufficient funding for VA to provide appropriate screening, diagnostic services and treatment for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and increase the research on screening methods, diagnostic tools, and more effective treatment modalities. Resolution No. 607 EFFECTIVE VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SYSTEM BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support a viable and effective veterans employment and training system, which has necessary funding and capability to assist veterans in seeking and maintaining meaningful employment and re-employment opportunities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any veterans employment and training system be held accountable and that veterans receive priority of service in all federally funded job-training programs. The intent of this resolution is: To support an effective veterans Page 18 May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News proposed resolutions care services for veterans to include those who were sexually assaulted, and promote a confidential screening and assessment process leading to treatment, and require DoD to establish a no tolerance policy for sexual assault and develop educational programs for service members. Resolution No. 623 INCREASE IN SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to enact legislation to increase the special monthly compensation above the annual adjustment for inflation. The intent of this resolution is: To increase the amount of VBA special monthly compensation. Resolution No. 624 EXEMPT BOTH CATASTROPHICALLY DISABLED VETERANS AND LOW INCOME, PENSION ELIGIBLE VETERANS FROM PAYING ANY VA CO-PAYMENTS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to exempt category 4, catastrophically disabled veterans and low-income, pension-eligible veterans in category 5 from paying any VA co-payments. The intent of this resolution is: To exempt catastrophically disabled veterans and low income, pension eligible veterans from paying any VA co-payments. Resolution No. 625 A GI BILL FOR THE 21ST CENTURY BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to enact a new GI Bill for the 21st Century, which would provide an educational benefit allowance in addition to the cost of tuition, fees, books and related expenses along with a stipend to cover housing expenses at the university or college of the veteran’s choice. The intent of this resolution is: To support a new GI Bill for the 21st Century. Resolution No. 633 ESTABLISH REGIONAL VA EPILEPSY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish centers of excellence for epilepsy to increase research opportunities and to improve treatment for all veterans suffering from epilepsy’s effects. The intent of this resolution is: To support the establishment of VA centers of excellence for epilepsy. employment and training system. Resolution No. 608 HIGH QUALITY VA SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge VA to increase priority given to women veterans by providing adequate mental health care services to include individuals trained to provide care for Military Sexual Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge VA to also mandate a full-time women veterans program manager at all VA medical centers and to ensure necessary and gender-specific health care services are available to women veterans; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to improve outreach and expand programs for women veterans to close critical gaps by offering a full-range of services, designed to meet their current and future needs. The intent of this resolution is: To ensure VA health care and access to mental health services for women veterans are available at all VA medical centers or nearby network facilities. To further mandate a full-time women veterans program manager position at all VA medical centers and to increase priority and outreach to women veterans. Resolution No. 609 EXTEND A PRESUMPTION OF SERVICE CONNECTION TO BLAST SURVIVORS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to approve a presumption of service connection for the conditions associated with TBI and/or Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) that are the direct result of blast events sustained in combat, and manifest themselves at a later date. The intent of this resolution is: To encourage Congress to extend a presumption of service connection for TBI and ABI as a result of blast injuries. Resolution No. 610 ASSURED FUNDING FOR VETERANS’ HEALTH CARE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to establish an assured funding mechanism for VA Health Care to ensure that all veterans receive the needed care they have earned from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The intent of this resolution is: To have Congress establish the funding for entitlement to veterans’ health care as assured rather than discretionary appropriations. Resolution No. 611 VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that VA help eliminate the barriers that veterans face when trying to establish and/or maintain a veteran or service disabled veteran-owned small business; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress must provide the Department of Veterans Affairs with additional funding for the Center for Veterans Enterprise so they can meet the increasing veteran demand for entrepreneurial services; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that VA must expedite implementation of P.L. 109-461 so veteran entrepreneurs can receive set-aside and sole source contracts. Further delays in approving policy and regulation dangers the success and longevity of recently established service disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The intent of this resolution is: To require Congress to eliminate the barriers that restrict veterans from establishing or maintaining a veteran-owned small business by providing sufficient funding to the VA Center for Veterans Enterprise and enforce the implementation of VA’s special authority to provide set-aside and sole source contracts to small businesses owned and operated by veterans and disabled veterans as authorized by P.L. 109-461. Resolution No. 612 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION VETERANS PROGRAMS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we support the strengthening and sufficient funding of an effective veterans’ entrepreneurship program in the Office of Veteran Business Development within the United States Small Business Administration. The intent of this resolution is: To obtain increased funding and staffing for the Office of Veterans Business Development within SBA. Resolution No. 613 EXPAND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) PRE-SEPARATION COUNSELING AND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we request that Congress require that a comprehensive DOL review of TAP sites be conducted and encourage state cooperation in providing adequate Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) staff and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) personnel to conduct TAP sessions vice contracting out the work of the DVOPs and LVERs, and further allow the inclusion of nationally accredited service organizations in their programs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that DoD expand their existing pre-separation counseling programs to ensure counseling services are available to all service members during regular duty hours; add additional information on VA healthcare and entitlements, federal and private sector employment opportunities, information on homelessness, and to assure that individual service members will receive at least eight hours of transitioning services; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that DoD’s pre-separation counseling and DOL’s TAP programs include information pertaining to National Guard and Reserve members and ensure that they receive the same level of services as regular active duty members prior to demobilization. The intent of this resolution is: Seek legislation to expand DoD’s pre-separation counseling process and DOL’s transition assistance program prior to demobilization. Resolution No. 614 VA CLAIMS BACKLOG BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to continue to exercise its oversight capacity and provide sufficient resources to hire, train and sustain a workforce sufficient to overcome the backlog and provide quality and timely service to those claiming benefits or appealing decisions from VA. The intent of this resolution is: To urge Congress to allocate the necessary resources for the Veterans Benefits Administration to hire sufficient employees to implement the necessary train- ing and transitional planning that will allow VBA to begin to overcome the claims backlog. Resolution No. 615 SUPPORT THE UNIFORMED SERVICE EMPLOYMENT AND RE-EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that the provisions of the Uniformed Service Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act be strictly enforced; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in its efforts to educate employers on the ever-increasing importance of hiring National Guard and Reserve members and the employer’s responsibilities as mandated by USERRA. The intent of this resolution is: To strictly enforce the Uniformed Service Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act and support the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in its efforts to promote the hiring of National Guard and Reserve members and retention in the labor market. Resolution No. 616 SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ALLOWANCE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that Congress should review and amend the law to allow an eligible veteran to receive multiple uses of the specially adapted housing allowances during the course of their lifetime. The intent of this resolution is: To allow veterans to apply for a second special adapted housing grant. Resolution No. 617 PRESUMPTIVE SERVICE CONNECTION FOR TINNITUS AND HEARING LOSS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, we urge the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to grant service connection on a presumptive basis for any veteran diagnosed after discharge with hearing loss or tinnitus when the evidence shows that the veteran participated in combat or worked in a position or occupational specialty likely to cause acoustic trauma. The intent of this resolution is: To authorize presumptive service connection for veterans with a hearing loss or tinnitus due to combat or occupational acoustic trauma. Resolution No. 618 DOD CERTIFIED TRAINING BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge DoD to align military occupational specialty training programs with civilian licensure and certification requirements so recently separated service members can take licensing and certification exams based on skills acquired while servicing in the military. The intent of this resolution is: To reduce the transition period for recently released armed forces members entering the civilian work force in jobs requiring licensing and/or certification as related to skills acquired in the military. Resolution No. 619 NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE BENEFITS BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to take necessary actions to upgrade Guard and Reserve benefits to include medical care, Montgomery G.I. Bill educational benefits, and entitlement to the VA Home Loan program. This will allow Guard and Reservists a comparable level of benefits as their active duty counterparts and provide a means to help ease the tremendous operational stresses imposed on Guard and Reserve members and their families. The intent of this resolution is: To upgrade National Guard and Reserve benefits and support programs to a comparable level as active duty personnel. Resolution No. 620 DEFINITION OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR VA BENEFITS PURPOSES BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge Congress to reject any revision of the standard or definition that would change the terms of VA compensation for disabilities or deaths as a result of service in the armed forces. The intent of this resolution is: To oppose changing the definition of “line of duty” for service-connected for VA benefits. Resolution No. 621 VETERANS PREFERENCE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we oppose all attempts to limit or circumvent veterans preference laws and require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) which administers entitlement to veterans preference and the Department of Labor (DOL) which is responsible to investigate alleged violations of veterans preference to aggressively provide training and oversight of government hiring personnel and hold them accountable for violations of veterans preference laws; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we also encourage both state and municipal governments to establish or strengthen veterans preference laws as an entitlement for those who served in the armed forces of the United States. The intent of this resolution is: To oppose all attempts to limit or circumvent veterans preference laws and require OPM to hold hiring managers accountable for violations of veterans preference. To also encourage state and municipal governments to either establish or strengthen veterans preference laws within their jurisdictions. Resolution No. 622 HEALTH CARE FOR SEXUAL TRAUMA BE IT RESOLVED, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, that we urge both the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) to ensure necessary and appropriate health care services are available to all veterans to include those suffering from sexual trauma; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the current screening process for sexual trauma be expanded in a way that will convince veterans that the process protects the victims confidentiality and provides a full assessment and treatment for the symptoms associated with sexual trauma; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that DoD must aggressively support a zero tolerance policy for sexual trauma and include a new definition pertaining to sexual assaults in the Code of Military Justice; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that service members be provided educational programs aimed at prevention of and response to sexual trauma during initial training and pre-deployment. The intent of this resolution is: To urge VA to ensure health Special Recognitions Three District 7 Posts were recognized at the Spring Conference for special achievements: Shawano Post 2723, which hosted the District Meeting, was also recognized for its recent 75th Anniversary. Here, State Judge Advocate Mike Borg presents a National Commendation to Post Commander Oscar Schumann. State Judge Advocate Mike Borg presents a National Commendation to Big Falls Post 8770 Commander Donald Grogan in recognition of their 50th anniversary as a post. Mike Gesick, Commander of Mosinee Post 8733, happily receives a special National Recognition Award for their active sponsorship and support of Scouting in Mosinee. District Commander Russ Iwen presented the award. Overdue medal presented      Garret B. Yunto, 81,  a life member of BentleyHull  VFW  Post  6709  in  Waupun, was presented the  long overdue Bronze Star  Medal for his actions while  serving  with  the  United  States  Army’s  38th  Division in the Pacific Theater  of  Operations  in  WWII,  more  than  60  years  ago.   A farm boy growing up in  rural Waupun, Mr. Yunto  received  his  draft  notice,  Garret B Yunto and  he  entered  service  in  Milwaukee,  WI  on  30  September 1944. He was sent to Camp Wolters, TX for  13  weeks  of  basic  training.   Training  was  supposed  to  be 18 weeks, but because of the Battle of the Bulge, his  training was cut short. After a short 9-day leave back home, he was deployed  from Oakland, CA to the Philippines on 26 March 1945.  He arrived 25 April 1945 in Manilla, Philippines. He received his rifle and equipment, and the next day was sent  to the front lines. He served with the Company D, 152nd  Infantry Regiment, 38th Division. Company D was in combat protecting the water source  for Manila. The 152nd Infantry was given a battle commendation by Major General William C. Chase, commander of the 38th Infantry Division for superior performance  of duty in battle from 29 January to 18 June 1945 during  the Luzon Campaign. During that time the 152nd Infantry  destroyed the greater part of the Japanese 39th and 31st  Infantry Regiments. Approximately  5,900  Japanese  soldiers  were  killed  during this fighting. Ten U.S. divisions, including Yunto’s  152nd Infantry Regiment of the 38th Division, along with  five independent regiments, saw intense action on Luzon,  making it the second largest campaign of the Pacific war,  surpassed only by Okinawa. His unit was then scheduled to begin training for the  invasion of Japan, but the dropping of the atomic bombs on  the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended the  war. Although many of Yunto’s fellow comrades headed  for home, he remained behind, patrolling the Philippines  and overseeing Filipino laborers.   Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 19 May/june, 2008 Long Overdue Bronze Star Medal Presented to WWII Veteran This reason, combined with the late announcement of  award criteria,  caused the inequity. In order to rectify  this disparity and oversight, criteria was established to  award the Bronze Star Medal to soldiers who received  either the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical  Badge during the period 7 December 1941 to 2 September  1945, to receive the BSM. The  Bronze  Star  Medal  (BSM)  was  established  in  February 1944, by Executive Order signed by President  Franklin  D.  Roosevelt.   Announcement  of  the  criteria  for the award was made several months later. However,  most vets had separated from their units and were back  home when this decision was made and were, therefore,  never told. In addition, many commanders were unaware  of the criteria for awarding the medal.  Garret  Yunto  never  knew  he  was  eligible  for  the  Bronze  Star  Medal  until  he  contacted  Fond  du  Lac  County  Veterans  Service  Officer  John  Wertschnig  seeking  an  unrelated  benefit.  Unfortunately,  many  of  the  WWII  veterans  are  already  deceased  when    someone  finally  finds  out  about  it,  usually  when  they  inquire about a death benefit. However, these medals can  be granted to the family posthumously. At  a  special  ceremony  held  at  the  Waupun  Public  Library,  Fond  du  Lac  County  Executive  Officer  Allen  Buechel awarded Yunto the Bronze Star Medal. He was  also presented the Combat Infantryman Badge, by  John J.  Wertschnig (Fond du Lac Co. Veteran Service Officer). Additional  medals  were  presented  by  Yunto’s  four  children: Garret  Yunto  Jr.  presented: The  Good  Conduct  Medal. Steven  Yunto  presented: The  World  War  II  Victory Medal. David  Yunto  presented: The  Philippine  Liberation  Ribbon  &  Bronze  Star  Attachment  (single),  and  The  Sharpshooter  Badge & Rifle Bar, and The  Honorable  Service  Lapel  Button WWII. Pamela Trawicki presented: The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (single). John J. Wertschnig (Fond du Lac County Veteran Service Officer), Garret B. Yunto, James L. Romnek (VFW 6th District Commander) and Allen Buechel (Fond du Lac County Executive Officer). Mr. Yunto departed the Philippines on 6 September 1946  and arrived in Oakland, CA on 2 October 1946. Mr. Yunto  was transferred to Ft. Sheridan, IL to out-process. He was  then allowed to return to WI and they mailed him his discharge. He was discharged on 24 November 1946. The youngest of four children, Yunto said his deployment  was especially hard on his mother, who wrote letters to him  every day the entire two years he was gone. On his third week  home, Yunto had plans to go fishing with his father after an  early supper. After giving the blessing, his mother got up to  get the coffee pot and said she felt dizzy. He grabbed her in  his arms and she was gone. Yunto was devasted. Shortly  after,  Yunto  married  his  sweetheart,  Helen  Heideman. At  the  conclusion  of  World  War  II,  General  George  C.  Marshall,  upon  reviewing  the  numbers  of  awards  received  by  infantrymen,  was  disturbed  to  learn  that  comparatively  few  had  received  recognition  and  that  infantrymen  accounted  for  more  casualties  than  any  other  branch  or  element  of  the  U.S.  Armed  Forces.  It  was  determined  that  many  Command  ers  were  unaware  of  the  criteria  for  awarding  the  Bronze Star Medal (BSM). District 7 Presents 2nd Annual ‘Bob Munro’ Awards At Spring Banquet   The 7th District Spring Meeting Banquet on Sunday,  April 20, was the setting for presentation of the 2nd Annual Bob Munro Service To Veterans Awards. This award is designed to recognize those among our  ranks and within our communities who have gone “above  and beyond” in service to Veterans and Deployed Troops.  The  Award  is  named  for  late  Past  State  Commander  Bob Munro, whose selfless dedication to veterans and  hard work within our organization brought honor to his  beloved 7th District.  All nominees are recognized with attractive framed certificates, and two top award winners each receive special  certificates mounted on a handsome eagle-emblem plaque.  There are two categories: VFW Members, and Non-VFW  Members, since the award serves not only to recognize those  among our members who go the extra mile, but also others in  our communities, not necessarily veterans themselves, who  show their support and concern for veterans and troops. It’s  a way for us to say “Thank You” in a big way. Nominees this year included: John Southworth, Adjutant and extremely active member of Post 6352, Stratford;  John  Moede,  Quartermaster  and  dedicated  member  of  VFW Post 2723, Shawano; and Donald McGowan, a nonmember who devotes countless hours to assisting troops,  veterans and their families in the Shawano area. The independent panel of judges selected two outstanding individuals to receive the District’s Top Awards: Among members, Jack Eaton, of Post 2653, Antigo,  was  selected  in  recognition  of  his  many  instances  of  outstanding, selfless and dedicated hard work over the  years. Jack has shown a generosity of spirit, time and  money in so many cases it is difficult to list them all. He  is an outstanding patriot, and has for many years made a  point of stopping at a home displaying a tattered American Flag, knocking on the door, and simply handing the  homeowner a new flag and a reminder of the importance  of this most worthy emblem. And  among  non-members  nominated,  the  top  award  went to a man who, while not a resident of the 7th District,  nonetheless is a voice across it: John Maino, well-known  personality on WIXX Radio, Green Bay. John has taken  it as a personal goal to honor and support the troops of  Wisconsin who have deployed to the Middle East. He has  travelled to Kuwait, embedding with the 2/127th, and even  travelling with them on several convoy security combat  missions into Iraq. He brought gifts and messages from  home. Here at home, he has organized a trip to Walter  Reed Hospital, taking wounded troops 100 backpacks that  included  many  items,  among  them  iPods,  autographed  Brett  Favre  photos,  and  portable  DVD  players.  He  has  also hosted numerous returning vets to Green Bay Packer  games, viewed from a private skybox. John is preparing  for a return trip to Iraq, embedding with the 432nd Civil  Affairs Bn. He will take with him school supplies for Iraqi  kids, and tons of laughter, smiles, encouragement and gifts  for our soldiers so far from home. • Raffle Tickets • Posters • Newspapers • Letterheads • Envelopes • Business         Cards • Manuals • Newsletters • Booklets • Brochures • Forms Return the favor. For veterans, their needs,  their families. We all depend  on them. They depend on  each other. And you. Thanks! www.vfwfoundation.org District 7 Commander Russ Iwen presents the 2008 Bob Munro Award for Outstanding Member Service to Antigo Post Commander Jack Eaton. WIXX Radio Personality John Maino receives his Bob Munro Award from District 7 Commander Russ Iwen. Maino is preparing for a second trip to spread good will and encouragement among our troops in Iraq. Page 20 May/june, 2008 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News loyalty day 2008 It Was A Great Day For True Patriots! Story by Arlene Banks Photos by Leroy Jansky and Wally Bandomir It was cold and windy under sunny skies, but New Glarus Post 10549 delivered a great 2008 Loyalty Day Parade and Program just the same. The New Glarus Fire Department and Post volunteers smoothly handled posts, official cars, and spectators for parking and placement. The 50-some entrants paraded, led by the New Glarus Police Department and Parade Marshall, Steve Allbaugh. The parade was cheered by a fair crowd of spectators concluding at the fire department for an indoor program. The opening ceremony of the program featured the State Honor Guard posting the Colors, the local Girl Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Nancy Marty beautifully singing the ‘Star Spangled Banner”. Guest speaker and New Glarus Village President, Mr. Erwin Zweifel, gave a warm welcome to all. Distinguished guest, Anthony Hardy, addressed the 200+ audience on issues of America and veterans. State Commander Bill Hustad, and State President Joyce Hoffman, gave their greetings and thanks to those who attended. Annette Uhlig made flag presentations to both Mr. Zweifel and Anthony Hardy. The program concluded with Nancy Marty singing “America” and an inspiring prayer from our State Chaplain, Charlene Cobb. All in all, it was a great day to be an American! Everyone who participated in the parade was a winner! Those who took home plaques of recognition were: Senior Men’s Marching Unit: 3rd Place to VFW Post 6279 of Adams-Friendship, 2nd Place to VVA #635 of Oconomowoc, and 1st Place to VFW Post 7591, the “Black Knights” of Madison. Senior Ladies Marching Unit: 2nd Place to the State Ladies Auxiliary Color Guard and 1st Place to VFW Auxiliary Post 7591, the “Madison Dayettes”. Overall Marching Unit: VFW Post 7591 the “Black Knights” of Madison. Overall Unit: Irish Piper, Mike Ganshert. Floats: 3rd Place to VFW Post 6279 of Adams-Friendship, 2nd Place to Post 987 and its Ladies Auxiliary of Baraboo, and 1st Place to Jackie Hustad.