Gold Medalist Astha Berry with Department Commander Ken Rynes

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

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

March 27, 2014Vol. 91, No. 3aire

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

12th dist.95.54%

7th dist.90.30%

3rd dist.93.54%

8th dist.89.96%

10th dist.92.51%

11th dist.89.35%

2nd dist.91.62%

1st dist.88.97%

6th dist.90.89%

4th dist.87.67%

9th dist.90.42%

5th dist.86.39%

2014 Membership Goal: 59,500 • March 20th Total: 56,735 – 95.00%

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Just like the Winter Olympics, competition was fierce Saturday, February 15th as 10 high school students competed for the Gold. This was the 77th Annual Ameri-can Legion High School Oratori-cal Contest held at the Ripon Col-lege Campus, Ripon, WI.

Each student appeared on stage twice, the first for an 8 to 10 min-ute Oration on some aspect of the Constitution followed by a 3 to 5 minute dissertation on one of 4

possible randomly drawn Consti-tutional Amendments. The 2014 Wisconsin American Legion Ora-torical Contest winners are:

Gold medalist - Astha Berry, a senior at Franklin High School. Astha prevailed in the compe-tition for the second consecu-tive year and is the recipient of a $3,000 scholarship. “To You, The People” was the title of her oration. Representing the 4th District, Astha was sponsored by

Hales Corners Post No. 299. She qualified to compete at the Na-tional Finals scheduled April 4-6th in Indianapolis, IN where she is eligible for at least an additional $1,500 scholarship. The three na-tional finalists receive $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000 scholarships respectively.

First Runner-Up - Silver medal-ist Thomas Chitwood. Thomas is a senior at Fond du Lac High School and was sponsored by Mt. Calvary Post No. 454. Thomas represented the 6th District. “The Tree Trunk of the Constitution” was the title of his oration. He has earned a $2,500 scholarship.

Second Runner-Up - Bronze medalist James Broomfield. James is senior at Whitefish Bay High School, home of the “Blue Dukes”. He was sponsored by the Alonzo Cudworth Post No. 23 and repre-sented the 5th District and earned a $2,000 scholarship. The title of James’ oration was “The Right to Bear Arms”.

77th Annual Wisconsin American Legion Oratorical CompetitionRegional PaRticiPants:

Emily Esser, a senior at Brook-field Academy was sponsored by Post No. 449 and represented the 1st District. She has earned a $600 scholarship.

Colten Parr, a senior at Lomira High School, earned a $600 schol-arship. Colten was sponsored by Post No. 347 and represented the 2nd District.

Vishal Narayanaswany, a junior at Madison Memorial High School was sponsored by Post No. 501 and represented the 3rd District. He has earned a $600 scholarship.

Sam Pinchart, a sophomore at Luxemburg/Casco High School was sponsored by Post No. 262 and represented the 9th District. Sam also earned a $600 scholarship.

Rachel Korntved, a senior at Cumberland High School was sponsored by Post No. 98 and rep-resented the 10th District. Rachel has earned a $600 scholarship.

Callista Wyles, a home schooled sophomore was sponsored by Post

No. 93 and represented the 11th District. She earned a $600 schol-arship.

Steve Hoffelt, a sophomore at Bruce High School was sponsored by Post No. 268 and represented the 12th District. Steve has earned a $600 scholarship.

All Scholarships are paid direct-ly to the recipient’s college upon proof of enrollment.

Commander’s Testimonial Dinner

Preparations con-tinue for Commander Ken “Rhino” Rynes’ 3-day motorcycle fundraising effort scheduled July 14-16. Representatives of the Legion Riders Association of Wis-consin have completed a prelim-inary “dry run” to verify times and distances for each portion of the trip as well as to judge road conditions. The ride itself will leave Department Headquarters in Portage on Monday, July 14th and finish on Wednesday, July 16th in Appleton, the site of this year’s convention.

En route the Riders will trav-el to Camp American Legion and the cities of Eau Claire and Janesville, visiting the follow-ing American Legion posts on the tour; Rosholt Post No. 509, Ladysmith Post No. 64, Brackett Post No. 550, Sparta Post No. 100, Richland Center Post No. 13, Darlington Post No. 214, Or-fordville Post No. 209, Mukwo-nago Post No. 375, Oak Creek Post No. 434, Grafton Post No. 355, New Holstein Post No. 124

and Appleton Post No. 38.

The money raised by the event will be used to fund schol-arships for children of military personnel who died while on active duty. Com-

mander Rynes has set an initial fundraising goal of $50,000 and is seeking ways to ensure that funds will specifically benefit children of Wisconsin service members.

Posts, units and squadrons are encouraged to participate by raising funds locally and present-ing the proceeds to Commander Rynes and the Riders at stops along the way. Individuals inter-ested in supporting with their tax-deductible donations or taking part in “Rhino’s Run” can reg-ister on-line at www.wilegion.org. All registered will receive a patch, pin and commemorative booklet, whether or not they par-ticipate on the “Run”.

Additional details on the route and expected arrival times will be featured in future editions of the Badger Legionnaire.

Statewide Fundraiser to Benefit Children of KIA’s Rhino’s Run Shaping Up

The pleasure of your company is requestedat Commander Ken Rynes’ Testimonial Dinner

June 7, 2014Arthur’s Restaurant

E4885 US Hwy 14 • Spring Green, WI

Cocktails/Appetizers from 4-6 PM • Cash BarDinner at 6 PM • Music by DJ at 9 PM

Cost $25.00

Rooms are available at the Round Barn Lodge and Germania Hotel (608) 588-2568 under the name of Legion Family. Round Barn Lodge

and Germania Hotel are adjacent to Arthur’s Restaurant

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE MARCH 27, 2014

Publication ScheduleAll articles due to the Editor four weeks before publication date. Send all copy to

info@wilegion.org

“Badger Legionnaire” & “Wisconsin”

The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are the official publications of the Wisconsin

American Legion Family and are published ten times annually, once every five weeks,

by The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901.Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WI

and additional mailing offices.USPS ID Number 010-135

ISSN: 2154-2627Post Master: Send address changes to

Badger Legionnaire and Wisconsin,P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901

“Badger Legionnaire”The American Legion,

Department of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

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

E-mail: info@wilegion.orgDavid A. Kurtz, Executive Editor

2013-2014 Communications CommitteeKendel Feilen, Chairman

Harold Rihn, Vice ChairmanDale Oatman, DEC Liaison

Butch Van Rossum, MemberBernie Olson, MemberPhil Ingwell, Member

Barb McDaniel, MemberCecil Groves, Historian

Loretta Shellman, Auxiliary LiaisonBonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison

2013-14 Department Officers

CommanderKen Rynes

Vice Commanders Robert Shappell

John WolfeDan Rindt

Larry WryczaAdjutant

David A. Kurtz

Assistant Department ChaplainLarry Olson

Sergeant-at ArmsCharles Roessler

Dave WischerService Officer

James FialkowskiNECman

David L. GoughAlternate NECman

Steve Krueger

District Commanders 1st – Dave Brisk 2nd – Dan Seehafer 3rd – Rich Ruland 4th – Claire Goodfellow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Jeff Puddy 7th – John Thurk 8th – Jerry Krofta 9th – Dale Oatman 10th – Ed Cooper 11th – Frank Kostka 12th – Jim Chapin

Change of Address & Other Information:Subscribers: To report any upcoming changes of address, please ask your Post Adjutant to fill out a Membership Data Form and forward it to Wisconsin American Legion Headquarters. The change of address form that will be completed by the Post Adjutant should not be confused with the change of address card filled out at the Post Office. Department financial statements are available to Legionnaires in good standing upon written request through their District Commanders.

“Wisconsin”American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 140 • Portage, WI 53901Bonnie Dorniak, Editor

Joyce E. Endres, Department PresidentBonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/TreasurerTo change your address: Notify Unit Secretary

Unit Secretary: Notify DepartmentHeadquarters on a Member Data Form

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

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Ken RynesDepartment Commander

Dear Legion-naires,

What a dra-matic example of the circle of life Ann and I have experi-enced since the last time I wrote

to you. Our State Chaplain Greg Simonis passed away as you al-ready know. On the other hand we not only had our first grand-child, but less than a month later we had our second. Department Adjutant / PDC David Kurtz had his first child and I am very happy to report all are healthy. This brings me back to Chaplain Greg. He was an avid supporter of children and youth both in The American Legion and in his per-sonal life. His loss might seem irreplaceable but Greg would be the first to tell you that he was only carrying on the legacy that was laid before him. Greg would

We’re all keeping our fingers crossed that spring is finally arriv-ing but in the meantime, the attention of De-partment staff

is focused on the major upcom-ing events on the horizon. Start-ing with the launch of the on-line Americanism & Government Scholarship test and the begin-ning of Legion baseball practice, the pace of 2014 will really heat up – regardless of the weather. Both the National and Depart-ment spring meetings will be upon us shortly.

It’s not too early to look ahead and plan for Memorial Day which will be observed this year on Monday, May 26th. Memo-rial Day is designated as a day

say don’t mourn my loss, but do pick up the torch and carry it forward for these newest little human beings - members of our American Legion Family. That is my challenge to you - pick up the torch not for Greg but for all Legionnaires who have gone before you. Let it burn in your hands until the good Lord extin-guishes that fire in your heart.

I wanted to thank, on behalf of the Simonis family, all of you who joined us at Greg’s cel-ebration of life. The turnout was overwhelming and Nancy, his wife, was so appreciative. Assis-tant Department Chaplain Larry Olson is an ordained Minister and will stand in capably so that Greg will continue to be with us in spirit.

There are many other things going on which I am happy to report; the Department won the Big Twelve membership compe-tition, which means the Depart-

of remembrance for those in our military who died while defend-ing this great nation during time of war. Posts across the state will hold ceremonies to honor all of those great men and women, so plan to take part or attend an ob-servance near you.

The coming of April and May also means that Legionnaires in each of the Districts will gather for spring conferences. Dis-trict Conferences are an excel-lent opportunity to meet active members from nearby posts to exchange ideas and learn more about how the programs of The American Legion can best be delivered in your community. Spring Conference dates and lo-cations appear at www.wilegion.org on the calendar of events.

The 73rd session of Badger Boys State will take place at Ri-pon College June 14th through

ment will be receiving $2,000 worth of computer equipment as a result of your hard work. We had 94 posts that reached the 100% goal by March 12th and became eligible for the $1,000.00 drawing. Congratulations to Iron River Post No. 506 for being the lucky winner. I heard there is a motorcycle ride this summer that they might want to donate part of their winnings to.

Once again the Department Oratorical contest was a great success. My thanks to Chairman Bob Stone and everyone that helped make it a success. Our winner Astha Berry is a repeat contestant at National so keep your fingers crossed that we get a national champion. The state Jr. Shooting Sports competition has been held and judged. I am very proud of Steve Shanks and his team’s efforts, as once again the number of teams participat-ing is up from the year before.

June 21st and reservations are limited. This premier program offers an opportunity for nearly 900 young men of high school age in Wisconsin to learn how government really works. Dur-ing the week they are in atten-dance, the “citizens” of Badger Boys State will enact and enforce their own laws, as well as elect their own representatives to Mu-nicipal, County and State offices. Two Senators will also be se-lected to represent Wisconsin at Boys Nation which will be held in Washington DC in July.

Headquarters staff is also well into the process of planning the 96th Annual Department Con-vention to be held July 18th thru 20th in Appleton. The represen-tatives from the Appleton Amer-ican Legion Family have worked hard to prepare for our visit so put it in your plans for this sum-

I know that Steve would defer to his wife Kim who works at Headquarters and I would agree with this. Thanks Kim! It also needs to be shared that Kim is leaving us as she thinks she is getting old and must retire. She is going to be with us to help train a replacement and then it’s out to pasture. Enjoy your days, Steve and Kim.

The Rhino’s Run committee finished the first practice run March 12th and it looks to be an enjoyable route. Much work is left to do, but I have a great team in place to make it a suc-cess. This will be one of three dry runs to ensure that we all have an enjoyable experience for a great cause. So much has hap-pened but I am limited in space so I will end by just thanking all of you and to remind you to laugh often and enjoy every sun-rise and sunset.

-Commander Ken

mer! It will be here before we know it.

Planning is also underway for the National Convention to be held in Charlotte, NC Au-gust 22nd thru August 28th. If you’ve never attended a National Convention this year presents an outstanding opportunity to take part in many of the excit-ing events and activities that will take place. Attend your District Spring Conference for details on becoming a Delegate or Al-ternate. The Department is plan-ning on sending a motor coach to Charlotte so “you can leave the driving to us”!

On behalf of your staff at Head-quarters, our Service Office and Camp American Legion – thank you for the opportunity to serve you and still serve America.

David A. KurtzDepartment Adjutant

As we hope-fully soon wrap up our bitterly cold winter sea-son here in Wis-consin, I want to take the time to remind Wis-

consin veterans that there are two important recognition days com-ing up in this spring, in March – Medal of Honor Day and Wis-consin Vietnam Veterans Day.

62 Wisconsinites have re-ceived our nation’s highest honor for combat bravery and

Wisconsin recognizes Medal of Honor Day on March 25.

These brave military members are memorialized on the King campus with the Medal of Hon-or monument.

Those recipients are also re-membered elsewhere in Wiscon-sin. In November, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison unveiled a new Medal of Honor exhibit, and is now displaying 5 of the Medals of Honor awarded to Wisconsinites.

Most of the living Medal of Honor recipients are from the

Vietnam War, so it is fitting that we also honor Vietnam Veter-ans around the same time we recognize Medal of Honor Day.

March 29 is recognized as Vietnam Veterans Day in Wis-consin. Vietnam-era veterans make up the largest group of Veterans in our state. As that group ages, we are here to en-sure they receive the care they deserve. More than 160,000 Wisconsin men and women served in Vietnam with 1,239 making the ultimate sacrifice.

Our 2013 Veterans Day cel-

ebration at the state capitol was focused on Vietnam Veterans, and now at the end of March we have cause to recognize those veterans again.

As these special days of recog-nition come to pass, I urge you to reflect on their meaning and take a moment to remember the sacrifices associated with these days. Every generation has its heroes, and we at the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs are very proud to have the op-portunity to serve the very he-roes that have served us all.

MaRch – Moh Day anD VietnaM VeteRans Day in WisconsinWDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT

David KurtzDepartment Adjutant

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREMarch 27, 2014

“Vietnam Veterans Week” New for 2014 Camp Season

Volunteering at Camp For the Young and the Young-at-Heart

The De-p a r t m e n t continues

to recognize the official 50th An-niversary of the Vietnam War as a partner with the Department of Defense and Camp American Legion is joining the effort this summer. The 2014 Camp season will fea-ture our first Vietnam Veterans Week from May 12th through the 18th just for Vietnam veter-ans. Many Vietnam veterans will remember “LZ Lambeau” which was held in 2010. Our program at Camp for 2014 is known as “FB Camp American Legion”. We are looking forward to making it an annual event that will grow in participation every year. It will be a very special week of sharing, camaraderie, storytelling, remem-bering, reminiscing, battle buddy support, personal healing and much more. Most of us know that Vietnam vets can come to Camp any week during the whole camp

The special feeling one gets from giving of themselves is well proven. We have all felt that proud, up-lifting feeling. By giv-ing to others we positively impact not only the recipient but our own lives as well.

I recently received a letter from one of our volunteers that I want-ed to share with you. Here is a message from a very special per-son who volunteered at Camp last year. She touched us all and left a permanent mark on our hearts. Her name is Ellie and here is what volunteering did for her.

“In the last few years, my moth-er and I both joined the American Legion Auxiliary. Since my WWII veteran grandfather passed on, our membership has been an enduring connection with him. Conversation at the kitchen table often turns to Grandpa when the newest Badger Legionnaire ar-rives. We exchange remembranc-es of Grandpa’s time in Norman-dy, his Purple Heart, and taps at his military service.

During one of these conversa-tions initiated by the Badger Le-gionnaire, we discovered Camp American Legion described in an article. The concept of a lakeside healing community for Wisconsin veterans impressed us. Serving those who have served our free nation – that sounded like the right way to spend some of my sophomore summer of college. Phone calls to Camp confirmed my hope that another volunteer was welcome, and I arrived at Lake Tomahawk in mid-June to help with Women’s Week for fe-

season. As a matter a fact, Viet-nam veterans constitute our larg-est camp population. But now, this special week will be set aside just for them. This week, like no other

will also have a free flowing element to it. In addition to

our week long campers, any Vietnam veteran can come just for the day, visit and enjoy. I strong-ly encourage you all to

come for the week or for a day. Camp is here to serve

you and this special FB Camp American Legion - Vietnam Vet-erans Week is “special just for you”. Pack up your duffle bag, get aboard your Chevy, Harley, Prius or Subaru and come! We look for-ward to seeing and serving you. If you are interested in attending this very special week, like any other Honorably Discharged Wisconsin veteran that wants to attend Camp, you must fill out an application. Contact Department Headquarters for more information.

Kevin Moshea, Director Camp American Legion

male veterans. Quickly the care with which

the campers are treated and fa-cilities are maintained became evident. I was impressed by the whole operation – the peaceful grounds, the thoughtfulness of the team. I learned the team that keeps Camp American Legion running is extensive and includes American Legion staff, weekend and weekday volunteers, spon-sors, donors, and the National Guard. As individuals we build, repair, cook, clean and entertain kids. We drive camp buses and boats and put bait on camper’s fishing hooks. Some individuals provide workshops or bring heal-ing dogs. On behalf of campers, some perform miracles of organi-zation while others roast a mean marshmallow. Other important roles go unlisted. But no single role or talent alone supports the camp experience. We serve as in-dividuals, but only as a team can we provide the service of Camp American Legion to campers.

Camp American Legion is a spe-cial place to serve. One reason is the attitude of mutual apprecia-tion. As soon as I’d thank a veter-an, I’d often hear an expression of gratitude in reply for my vol-unteering or for Camp itself. The ability to meet people who ben-efit directly from my work made camp an exceptionally rewarding volunteer opportunity. So much so, that I returned to Camp in August for Camp Serenity and Vision Impaired Week. Through-out the summer I was impressed by the perseverance of veterans

and their families, friends and caregivers. I learned a great deal about hardship and pain, but I also learned a lot about human strength. Sometimes strength is just taking one day at a time. For a week at Camp American Legion, a person doesn’t have to take that one day at a time alone. We’re amid the “Camp Family” as well as the honored memories of those who’ve served before us. At camp, we’re not alone in remembering the people, places, sacrifices, and gifts we’ve been given. Thank you veterans & your communities. Thank you Camp American Legion for the chance to give back. And thank you Grandpa. You’d have loved it here.”

– Ellie Cannon

I extend an invitation to any-one interested in volunteering at Camp American Legion this year. All you have to bring with you is an openness to serve in any way and a willingness to work. You will be rewarded as Ellie was. Ellie was a sophomore in college when she volunteered here; so I invite all ages of Le-gionnaires, Auxiliary and SAL members as well to volunteer. If you are interested, please con-tact me; Kevin Moshea – Camp Director at (715) 277-2510 or campal@newnorth.net.

If volunteering at Camp is not possible, your simple financial or material donation is great way to support our mission. Our “top-ten” most needed dona-tion items are simple, don’t cost

much and are greatly needed and appreciated;

1. General use anywhere gift cards (Visa, MasterCard)

2. BP gas cards3. Paper towels (jumbo/giant

size rolls, multi-roll packs) 4. Dinner napkins (the heavy-

duty ones are preferred) 5. Disposable cups (Styrofoam

for hot-coffee as well as plas-tic for cold drinks)

6. Zip-lock Freezer Bags (gallon size)

7. Coffee, regular & decaf (two (2) pound cans)

8. Trash bags (tall kitchen, small 4 gallon, and very large, strong garbage-can size)

9. Craft supplies for children’s

Ellie Cannon (center) volunteered at Camp American Legion last year. She became part of the team and is surrounded here by the other Camp volunteers and staff. Thank you Ellie! Read her touching letter in the article above.

activities (washable paint, brushes, color markers, cray-ons, glitter, beads, paper of any kind and size, any figures that can be painted, any easy modeling or craft kits)

10. Monetary support (financial donations of any amount are most important and give us flexibility to use where need-ed, when needed)

Wisconsin Legion Family, thanks for all you do in support-ing Camp American Legion. Our success is only possible through your work and generosity. The 2014 camp season is right around the corner, I know that as a team we can do it!

– Kevin Moshea, Director

At a recent 9th District Con-ference, a donation of $1,500 was presented to the Depart-ment Troop & Family Support Fund. Pictured here is Post No. 44 Commander Ron Boeldt pre-senting the check to Department Vice Commander John Wolfe of the Sullivan-Wallen Post No. 11 and 9th District Commander Dale Oatman.

Post No. 44 of Wabeno in Forest County is proud to sup-port veterans and their spouses in many ways. Recently post member John Nogalski present-ed a check for $1,500 to Camp American Legion Director Kevin Moshea to support Camp’s “Help to Heal” mission. The Depart-ment’s “Veterans Employment Initiative” was also a recipient of $1,500.

In addition, a donation of $l,500 was made to the Wis-consin Veterans Home at King from member Keith Rachoner. Jim Knight, Commandant at the home stated contributions such as this, enable them to provide

and enrich quality of life and an atmosphere which promotes ca-maraderie and lasting friendship.

Other presentations were made as well. Jim Pleva pre-sented a $500.00 check to the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, MI and Keith Rachoner presented a $500.00 check to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in

Annual “Weinerfest” Funds Many Legion Programs

Milwaukee. Donations totaling $7,000.00

were possible because of broad community support for the an-nual Weinerfest in Wabeno. Weinerfest is held on the last Saturday in July and is spon-sored by the Sylvan Post No. 44. Future donations will con-tinue to provide scholarships and other community support.

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE MARCH 27, 2014

When people hear of the Se-lective Service System they im-mediately think of the Military Draft. Currently there is no Draft and hopefully there will never be a need to reinstate the draft. The Selective Service System (SSS) is in place in case a draft should ever again become necessary. The SSS is the least expensive insurance policy our country has. Even though there is no draft, young men are required by law to register with the SSS when they turn eighteen. Registration can be completed on line at www.sss.gov, at the Post Office, in most high schools, or while applying for a drivers license.

Selective Service Headquarters is located in Arlington, VA under the direction of Mr. Lawrence Romo, a presidential appointee. The SSS is divided into three regions across the country. SSS Regions are administered from Chicago, Atlanta, and Denver. The state of Wisconsin falls with-in the Chicago region.

Forty-two local Draft Boards are divided up into ten Area Of-fices within the state; Rice Lake, Wausau, Green Bay, Eau Claire, Racine, Menasha, LaCrosse, Madison, West Allis, and Brook-field. These Area Offices are not in actually day to day operation, but are established in the event of a National emergency.

Each of the Local Draft Boards in Wisconsin is made up of five uncompensated members who are appointed by the Presi-dent upon recommendation of the Governor. Local Draft Board members are trained and meet periodically for follow up training.

In addition to local boards, there are two Appeals Boards in Wisconsin which are comprised of five members each. The ju-risdiction of each Appeals Board coincides with Federal Judicial Court boundaries.

All totaled, 220 volunteers make up the SSS in Wisconsin. Volunteers submit applications

which are screened for eligibil-ity. The information is reviewed by the WI Director of the SSS and forwarded for further con-sideration by the Governor of the State. Upon recommendation of the Governor, the application is then submitted to the SSS Re-gional Office for processing and Presidential Appointment.

Local and Appeals Board mem-bers may be male or female and must be at least eighteen years of age, however, they may not be military retirees. Presently there are openings especially in the counties of Brown, Burnett, Dane, Douglas, Florence, Jackson, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Outaga-mie, Racine, St. Croix, Walworth, Waupaca and Waukesha.

For additional information log on to www.sss.gov or contact:

John CumicekWI Director of SSS933 Fulton St.Seymour, WI 54165cumijohn@aol.com or 920-833-2859.

Pictured Left to Right are: Justin Rosemeyer, Butch Teclaw and Past De-partment Commander Robert Zukowski of Post No. 118 who presented certificates in recognition of their 70 continuous years of membership.

Eugene Robinson and his son Larry (pictured below) were both elected commanders of their re-

Justin Rosemeyer and Malen (Butch) Teclaw of the Cecil Tormey Post No. 118 in Thorp were recently recognized for 70 years continuous member-ship in The American Legion.

Justin Rosemeyer joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 18 in 1941. Upon gradua-tion from flight school he was stationed in Corpus Christi, TX as an instructor and was honor-ably discharged in 1945.

Butch Teclaw was in the South Pacific during WWII as a member of the U.S. Army serving in the Philippines. He was awarded a Bronze Star and held a variety of offices in Post No. 118 over the years includ-ing Finance Officer, Vice Com-mander, Commander and Post Adjutant for 33 years.

spective Posts for the year 2013-2014. Eugene is the commander of the Jefferson American Le-

gion Post No. 164 and has been a member there for 36 years. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War from 1962-1965. Larry is the commander of Post No. 305 in Johnson Creek where he has been a member for 12 years. Larry earned his eligibil-ity by virtue of his service in the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1998-2004. Eugene is very proud of Larry for his years of service to his country and for be-coming an active member of The American Legion.

A third member of the family, Eugene’s daughter Robin, is also a Legionnaire. Robin recently re-tired from the Wisconsin Air Na-tional Guard after 21 years and is a member of Post No. 164 in Jefferson.

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PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

Whenever I enter a room for an event or meeting, I’m always glad to see those unique caps that tell me that members of the Ameri-can Legion are there. Sometimes I see them at Independence Day parades, other times at a ceremony sending our troops off with pride or welcoming them home with joy.

Of late, though, I’ve been meet-ing a lot of Legionnaires in another setting: tax reform roundtables. Those two things may not go to-gether at first glance, but on reflec-tion it makes sense. Legionnaires are always active and engaged citi-zens, and they care deeply about the state they love and the nation for which they’ve made so many sacri-fices. They want to see Wisconsin strong, free, and thriving, and that means a growing economy that of-fers opportunity and the American dream for all her citizens.

I’ve been traveling Wisconsin these last few months with Reve-nue Secretary Rick Chandler hold-ing roundtables to solicit ideas and input on the reforms we can enact to make our tax system work better for our people. At our roundtables, we see not only Legionnaires, but also small business owners, farm-

Tax Relief & Reform to Honor Our Veteransers, realtors, retirees, working parents—people from every walk of life. After all, everybody pays taxes, so everybody has an opinion to share.

We’ve done a lot already to bring down property taxes. The budget the Governor signed into law last summer expanded the Veterans and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Credit to unremarried surviv-ing spouses whose husband or wife died of a service-connected disabil-ity. This fall, we passed $100 mil-lion in property tax relief statewide due to a budget surplus. And we re-cently proposed an additional $406 million in relief, which would bring down taxes on the median value home by $101. That’s real money that’s staying in your pockets rather than going to the government.

We’re also working hard to make taxes work better for our families and job creators. When our men and women return to the homefront, we owe them not only our thanks but also the opportunity for a good, family-supporting job. In addition to property tax relief, we also enacted $651 million in in-come tax relief in our last budget, which should be especially helpful

Minuteman Award Presented

Local Teachers Awarded by Post

Wisconsin Army National Guard SFC Todd Richter pres-ents the Minuteman Award to Commander Eugene Blindauer of Ladewig-Zinkgraf Post No. 243 in Plymouth. SFC Richter, an active member of Post No. 243, accepted the award on be-half of the Post at an annual Na-

Carol O’Mara and Rick Blas-ing, staff members at Lincoln Middle School in La Crosse were recently named 2013 Educators of the Year by Post No. 52. They both received plaques from past Post Commander Neil Duresky.

Ms. O’Mara was selected due her leadership of 8th grade stu-dents participating in the Nation-

tional Guard awards ceremony. Post No. 243 received the award for their support of B Battery of the 121st Field Artillery Battalion during their recent deployment to Afghanistan. SFC Richter is a member of B Battery and de-ployed with the unit, which is sta-tioned at the Plymouth Armory.

al History Day program. Four students advanced and competed as National Qualifiers with their project - a tremendous achieve-ment!

Mr. Blasing was recognized be-cause of his leadership with the Student Council, which complet-ed a project that replaced every American flag in the building.

REBECCA KLEEfiSChLt. Governor of Wisconsin

to families and small businesses. Lifting the heavy burden of taxes helps grow our economy and create good jobs for our citizens.

But we still have more work to do to reform our tax code, and that’s where these roundtables come in. It’s also where you come in. You can go to www.TaxReform.wi.gov or write to me at 19 East State Cap-itol, Madison WI 53702. We’re looking for your thoughts, opin-ions, and stories about taxes, how they impact your family or busi-ness, and how we in government can do better. Working together, we can reform our tax code to en-sure our state continues to grow strong and free.

2nd District Vice Commander Jim Lee, a member of Post No. 288 recently received the 2014 Cedarburg Civic Award from the Greater Cedarburg Founda-tion. The award recognizes vol-unteer work and overall contri-butions to the local community. The recognition to a community volunteer has been presented annually since 2003.

Although Jim takes part in many local efforts such as the community food pantry and vol-

Active Legionnaire Receives Civic Awardunteers as a tour guide, docent and school crossing guard most of the accomplishments spoken of at the award ceremony were directly as a result of his activi-ties in The American Legion. Approximately 250 people were on hand to see Jim accept his award. The Cedarburg Civic Award included a $1,000 grant to a charity of the recipient’s choice. A loyal Legionnaire, Jim directed the grant to Camp American Legion.

MARCH 27, 2014

Wilton Post Dedicates New Veteran’s MemorialThe small town of Wil-

ton is nestled in west-central Wisconsin approximately 50 miles southeast of La Crosse. Citizens consider this area of Wisconsin “God’s Coun-

try.” Pride in the town and the American Legion Post No. 508 is evident. Currently, 79 Veterans hold membership in the post, and membership is growing. Members visited the

Tomah Veterans Administra-tion Medical Center and held two brat feeds for 150+ Veteran patients in 2013. Post No. 508 also presented scholarships for local high school students and provided Funeral Honors at veteran’s funerals in the com-munity.

Recently, Legion members dedicated the Wilton Area Vet-erans Memorial. Over 800 area veterans from the Civil War to the present day are recognized within the star-shaped memo-rial constructed with bricks, tiles and granite benches. The $110,000 price tag would have been much higher without the many donations and contrac-tors’ volunteer hours. The gen-erosity of the Village of Wilton, area businesses, and private do-nors also made the memorial a reality.

Potosi Commander Wins Drawing

A drawing was held to award a custom Legion jacket to a Post Commander whose post had achieved 100% of their 2014 Membership goal by Veterans Day. Deptartment Vice Com-mander Bob Shappell of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 recently presented Potosi Post No. 473 Commander Bill Goforth with his

prize. Front row L to R: 3rd Dis-trict Membership Chairman Jim Hying, Deptartment Vice Com-mander Bob Shappell, winner and Post No. 473 Commander Bill Goforth, 3rd District Com-mander Rich Ruland, Potosi Post member Jerry Curtis. Back row: Potosi Post members Ron Udel-hofer, Jim Kruser and Joe Orton.

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE MARCH 27, 2014

The Last

Have you filled out all the above information?Please mail to: Legionnaire Insurance Trust • P.O. Box 26720 • Phoenix, AZ 85068-6720© 2012 AGIA Promo 18748 ADFREE 28791

Complete details of the coverage are contained in accident only Master Policy LIT102002 underwritten by LifeInsurance Company of North America. This plan is not available in all states.*For Purposes of the Legionnaire Insurance Trust, a member of The American Legion, with current year’s dues paid, couldbe eligible for the $5,000 Accidental Death benefit if he/she is traveling to, attending, or returning from an official functionat which the Legionnaire represents his/her Post, District, Department, or National Organization in an official capacity.

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10 WausauKenneth Whalen K 04/18/13 Donald Brummond K 10/18/13 Richard Mayer V 02/10/14 Joe Tiffany II 02/21/14 Robert Westberg 04/04/12 Wallace Wachsmuth II 01/06/14 Raymond Pekar II 04/18/13 Michael Lach K 02/28/14 13 Richland CenterMichael Upman LG 06/26/13 Robert Stowell V 11/17/12 27 MilwaukeeMichael Baranowski II 01/16/14 Robert Cook V 03/03/14 Thomas Schumacher II 02/28/14 38 AppletonWarren D Shedden K 03/06/14 41 KaukaunaLeo Driessen II 02/15/14 43 RiponDonald Ryerson II 03/05/14 44 WabenoDonald Bartels II 02/28/14 45 ElkhornKenneth Baker V 02/24/14 46 MerrillJames Janowiak K 03/11/14 47 PortageDonald Allan II 02/16/14 Walter Atkinson K 02/24/14 Wayne Mountford II 03/03/14 Richard Boockmeier V 03/06/14 50 HudsonWallace Gregerson K 02/22/14 52 LaCrosseRussell Hembd V 11/17/13 Frank Alberts V 11/25/13 Harold Kuschel K 12/12/13 Donald McClain K 01/10/14 Richard McDonah K 02/06/14 Herbert Gundlach II 02/10/14 William Anderson V 53 Eau ClaireRobert Welter II 02/23/14 67 Lake MillsWarren Gray V 02/08/14 70 OshkoshRobert Miller V 02/13/14 Erwin Rich II 02/19/14 75 Fond du LacLyle Hagman K 01/24/14 JM Doyle V 03/29/13 George Hoopman II 03/01/14 79 BurlingtonJohn Van Haren II 03/03/14 80 New RichmondRobert Heebink II 02/23/14 83 MonroeJohn Kundert K 11/28/12 89 MinocquaRichard Monterman V 02/08/14 90 AshlandJohn Drolson II 02/02/14 Harley Bassford II 02/04/14 91 OconomowocGeorge Bemis K 02/15/14 Raymond Ryan K 02/05/14 93 TomahawkRichard Turnbull LG 02/08/14 Edward Hoffman II 02/20/14 95 DelavanJohn Burch K 03/10/14

98 CumberlandGeorge Anderson II 12/21/13 117 ShawanoOscar Schumann K 01/31/14 120 West AllisJohn Kais K 03/06/14 131 ColfaxNorman Gilberts II 02/18/14 147 MedfordKenneth Coyle II 01/20/12 Joseph Simek II 02/18/13 Herbert Goerg II 02/08/13 Harold Gowey II 12/07/12 157 HoriconPaul Kruel II 02/28/14 158 Maiden RockMarvin Johnson K 03/07/14 164 JeffersonHenry B Miller K 02/15/14 171 Union GroveThomas Turner II 02/21/14 175 LoyalSherrin Mack II 02/12/14 Edward Strangfeld K 02/28/14 Elmer F Schreiner K 03/06/14 180 MilwaukeeRaymond Baranowski K 01/29/14 183 Genoa CityHarry W Tiggemann II 02/10/14 186 IndependenceRosemary Minetree V 01/12/14 192 FranklinFrank A Lisowicz II 02/01/14 Walter J Fiebrink II 02/11/14 200 Black River FallsGerald F Kappen II 02/13/14 Robert Terpening V 02/28/14 201 TomahawkFrancis Dittmar K 02/14/14 John Kopenhafer II 03/01/14 203 MilwaukeeRoy F Dawe II 10/03/13 204 EllsworthEd Holdorf K 01/12/14 205 JanesvilleLyle Buchanan II 06/13/13 Donald Taber II 08/16/13 Homer Brodie K 09/29/13 Ralph Schuett V 11/23/13 James Keith II 11/26/13 Hildegarde Myers II 01/29/14 Gerald Mink K 02/13/14 Gilbert Sedor K 02/18/14 Clarence Larson K 02/15/14 209 OrfordvilleRollo E Brunsell II 01/15/14 210 WaupunMilton Pautsch II 05/15/13 Roderick D Minkin K 02/15/14 216 LodiEdward Seiler II 02/16/14 220 Soldiers GroveRay Purington II 02/05/14 229 Mount HopeRichard Fivecoats K 01/04/14 Virgil Freymiller K 01/28/14 236 AlgomaEugene Richter K 02/24/14 238 GreenwoodWilliam Denk K 02/22/14 243 PlymouthKenneth Bedker II 04/16/13 245 Cross PlainsEmma Haag II 02/04/14 246 GenoaGeorge Minard II 01/21/14 250 AdamsEugene Czysz K 04/26/13 Clarence Mathe 02/09/13 Earl Strupp II 10/03/13 258 Little ChuteLawrence Heesakker II 02/11/14 Mark Laux V 03/03/14 Bernard Theisen II 11/11/12 263 New LondonEugene Gresen II 03/09/14 266 ColbyArnold Strathmann II 02/09/14

272 ButternutKenneth Bruch II 03/11/14 277 NecedahHenry Wegner II 10/26/13 280 ColemanThomas Scallon II 02/03/14 Ervin Guseck II 02/07/14 Michael Krajewski V 02/23/14 284 HolmenIrvin Romskog II 10/20/09 294 HartlandGene Mauel V 01/26/14 Phil Rueckert K 10/14/13 295 BloomerLorrell Kressin V 02/28/14 301 WoodvilleHarold Iverson II 01/26/14 304 PalmyraAugust Betenz II 02/03/14Richard Beischel II 08/22/13Melvin Bergmann II 02/07/14 308 Gays MillsArt Reed K 02/20/14 310 RacineJohn Jobick II 09/08/13 329 BriggsvilleDavid Krause K 03/06/14 333 Sun PrairieMiles Laubenheimer II 03/01/14 336 OnalaskaElmer F Kotek II 12/17/13 350 ReedsburgDavid Sanders K 01/06/14 351 MontelloGraydon Gray K 02/19/14 361 WilmotGlen Ziebel V 02/22/14 377 ElchoOtto Mach II 02/17/14 385 VeronaLaverne Henshue K 02/11/14 394 LorettaAlan R Steele V 01/01/14 406 MilwaukeeDaniel Marris II 02/26/14 412 BelgiumFrank Vrubley K 02/17/14 439 MelroseLowell Wegner K 02/18/14 Ralph Maack K 02/04/14 444 MilwaukeeRobert Lee II 11/21/13 448 MilwaukeeMary Jane Rosenqvist II 02/22/14 Dorothy Wenzel K 03/02/14 449 BrookfieldGerald S Lemke V 05/21/13 Edmond Soliwoda II 01/28/14 462 AdellEdward Bemis II 01/23/14 473 PotosiJerome Hesseling II 02/14/14 474 MilwaukeeDonald Ivy V 06/18/13 Nathan Levy II 11/29/09 481 MadisonGordon Haack II 02/28/14 482 BagleyWalter Ready II 03/02/14 491 CazenoviaDavid Pinkham V 02/16/14 Clarence Thompson K 02/27/14 James Cohoon II 03/02/14 501 MadisonLola Zinda II 12/14/11 Jack Straus II 03/15/13 507 MindoroKenneth Borchert II 02/26/14 511 RidgelandHarvey R Hinzman K 02/20/14 518 Green BayWalter Nash V 02/05/14 Myron Glodoski II 02/01/14 Desmond McCullagh V 01/21/14 Paul Larock V 07/24/13 519 StetsonvilleDonald Reckenthaler K 02/21/14

521 Fox LakeDonald W Heintz II 02/13/14 523 AbramsHobert Lubas II 02/16/14 534 McFarlandGregory Simonis V 02/13/14 Robert Kesterson II 08/10/12 Thomas Olson V 11/01/13

538 CarltonJoseph I Kinjerski K 02/10/14 Ronald E Brusky V 02/01/14 544 Twin LakesJohn Grasher V 09/05/13 546 RacineJ.C. Washington V 01/14/14

Please suPPort the legacy scholarshiP Fund sweePstakes

The American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin is holding their 7th annual sweepstakes to benefit the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. The Legacy Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships for children who have had a par-ent killed in the war on terror since September 11, 2001.

The mission of this scholarship is to ensure that higher educa-tion will be a reality for these families!

Last year Wisconsin contributed over $17,000 to the $764,000 total collected nationally. Working in conjunction with Rhino’s Run, the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin has set our goal at $50,000.

This April, 12 sweepstakes entry forms will be sent to all Legion Posts, Auxiliary Units, and SAL Detach-ments across the state. A donation of $5 each, 6 entries for $20 or all 12 entries for $25 is encouraged. A reply envelope will be provided for your convenience. We encourage every Post, Unit and Detachment to return your entry forms and voluntary donations to help sup-port the Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The awards are 1st–$1,000, 2nd–$500, 3rd–$250, 4th–$100, 5th through 7th–$50 each. The drawing will be held on Sunday, August 10 at 12:00 noon at American Legion Post No. 59 in Stoughton, 803 N. Page St.

If you would like to help the American Legion Riders help the children of America’s fallen warriors by distributing additional entry forms to your friends, family, co-workers, or fellow Legion Family members please contact Bob Lloyd at 608-873-5926 or lloyd2364@sbcglobal.net.

In 2014, the National goal is to raise over $450,000. We are asking the Wisconsin American Legion family to rally together and support this most worthy cause.

Please make your check payable to ALRA of WI and mail to: C/O Bob Lloyd - President, P.O. Box 16, Stoughton, WI 53589. Visit www.alrawis.org for official rules.

Bugle

SATURDAY JUNE 7, 2014Bikes or Cars • Rain or Shine

BENEFIT FOR CAMP AMERICAN LEGION

PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREMARCH 27, 2014

100% POST COMMANDERS

9TH ANNUALRIDE FOR PEANUTS

Post No. 479William J Strong

PoST No. 64James M Stanton

Post No. 171frank Konieska

Post No. 105 Ron Ubersox

Post No. 71Rollie Crandall

PoST No. 128Ronald Deets

Post No. 524Earl Clay

Post No. 157Brett Culver

Post No. 526Mike Vosberg

PoST No. 243Eugene Blindauer

Post No. 454John Schumacher

• Participate in parades• Provide color guard services• Provide support to other veterans and veteran organizations• Fundraising for the Legacy Scholarship Fund (a fund for children of military persons killed in the current war)

– Qualifying wartime veterans of any era –– Any type motorcycle of 500cc or greater –– Member of The American Legion Family – (Legion, Auxiliary or Sons)

Honoring our Life MemberGeneral Douglas MacArthur

The Alonzo Cudworth Post No. 23Milwaukee

MacArthur Memorial WeekJune 3-7, 2014

War Memorial Center

Please contact MacArthur Memorial Week Administrator Paula Lund for additional information including the schedule of pro-

grams for the week. Plund@warmemorialcenter.org.

Contact: State President Robert Lloyd(608) 873-5926 or lloyd2364@sbcglobal.net

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS ASSOCIATION OF WISCONSIN DISTRICT 11Registration: Northwoods Harley Davidson in Arbor Vitae from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

$10 Donation per sheet. For information call Jim Sprague (715) 277-4938.