Badger

&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin” Official Publications of TheWisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

November 29, 2013Vol. 90, No. 10aire

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

Midwinter Conference at Ho-Chunk to Feature Former Vietnam POW

The upcoming Midwinter Conference, scheduled January 17th – 19th, 2014 at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells will feature a special Team-building Banquet on Sat-urday evening. National Vice Commander Robert Newman of Indiana and Vietnam War POW Guy Gruters will be our special guests. All Legion Family members are in-vited to attend the event.

Upon graduation from the US Air Force Academy, Guy Gruters volunteered for Vietnam. He fl ew more than 400 combat missions and was shot down twice. On December 20, 1967, Gruters was captured by the North Vietnamese and spent over fi ve years as a Prisoner of War. The ordeal humbled his pride, tested his fortitude, and forged his faith.

During his captivity, Gruters cared for fellow Air Force Academy classmate Lance Sijan of Milwaukee. His testimo-ny was instrumental in Sijan being post-humously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1976. Gruters’ decorations include two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Fly-ing Crosses, two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star for Valor, the POW Medal and other awards. Guy will share his inspirational story and speak about many of the team building techniques that he learned from the best team he was ever associated with, his fellow POW’s at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton”. At the conclusion of the Team-building Banquet the $1,000.00 Member-ship Bounty incentive drawing will be held.

On Saturday, January 18th new train-ing opportunities will be provided by members of the National American Le-gion Staff. The new National training ini-tiative is known as LEAD – Leadership Education and Development. Mr. Zachary Hearn of the Washington, DC offi ce will brief attendees on VA Enrollment Priori-ties and Service Connected Disabilities, while Bill Sloan of the Indianapolis staff

Lance Sijan of Milwaukee graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1965. Upon completion of pilot training he was assigned to Da Nang Air Base in South Vietnam.

On November 9, 1967 an F-4C Phantom with Sijan and LTC John Armstrong aboard was engulfed in a ball of fi re over North Vietnam. Before the aircraft plunged into the jungle, Sijan managed to eject from the aircraft. An extensive search-and-rescue operation was unable to extract him. Dur-ing the rescue attempt over 20 aircraft were damaged by anti-aircraft fi re and had to return to base. Sijan suffered a fractured skull, a mangled right hand, and a compound fracture of the left leg as a result of his ejection and landing. He was without food, with very little water, and no survival kit. Nevertheless, he evaded enemy forces for 46 days.

He was fi nally captured by the North Vietnamese on Christmas Day, 1967. Ema-

Guy Gruters was raised in New Jersey where he spent his childhood trapping muskrat, camping, hunting and becoming an Eagle Scout. He attended the United States Air Force Academy graduating with a BS in Engineering Science. After Pilot Training and fi ghter gun-nery school, he served six years in Vietnam, more than fi ve as a Prisoner of War. As a POW, Gruters cared for Milwaukee native Lance Sijan, who died as a result of his wounds and subsequently was awarded the Medal of Honor.

During his duty in Vietnam, Guy fl ew more than 400 combat missions, fi rst in

will instruct Legionnaires on Post Opera-tions and Membership. Mr. Sloan will also conduct valuable in-depth training for Of-fi cers at all levels of the organization.

Other information and education op-portunities abound. Dr. Jeffrey Whittle of the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwau-kee will chair a discussion on VA Hospi-tal Research. VA hospitals in Tomah, Iron Mountain, Madison and Milwaukee have a research mission to improve the qual-ity of care that veterans receive. The VA would like to develop a way for Wisconsin veterans to provide feedback on the types of research that is being done. The session will cover the types of research conducted and the purpose of the program. Discus-sion will also include information on how veterans can have a voice in directing VA research and becoming involved as partici-pants.

Attorney Wendy Rusch of Reinhard, Boerner, van Driesen, SC will expose the myths and realities of Estate Planning and answer your questions. Think you don’t have an estate plan? Think you don’t need an estate plan? Think again. This presenta-tion will provide you with the knowledge you need to take control of your lifetime and post-death planning. The session will cover Probate issues, Wills, trusts, the ben-efi ts of marital property and the power of a durable power of attorney. The free in-formation provided will help you plan for future health care needs as well as gift and estate taxes.

The Americanism Program Resource Center is back for 2014 and better than ever! Make a point to “stop in” at the Re-source Center on Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM in the Upper Dells. Each of the Department Program chairmen will be on hand to provide in-formation on the individual Americanism programs of The American Legion that benefi t young people in Wisconsin. A

New Education and Training Seminars Covers VA Enrollment, Healthcare Research and Estate Planning

Lance Peter Sijan

Guy Gruters

ciated and in poor health, he still managed to overpower his guard and escape, but was recaptured several hours later.

Sijan was transported to a holding com-pound, where he was placed in the care of two other POW’s, Air Force Colonel Robert R. Craner and Air Force Captain Guy Gruters. In considerable pain from his wounds, he suf-fered beatings and extensive torture from his captors, but never divulged any informa-tion other than what the Geneva Convention allowed. In his weakened state, he contracted

pneumonia and died in the notorious Ha-noi Hilton on January 22, 1968.

His remains were repatriated in 1974 and he was buried with military honors in Arlington Park Cemetery in Milwau-kee. On March 4, 1976, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his self-lessness and courage in the face of lethal danger. His parents received the award on his behalf from President Gerald R. Ford.

O-1 “Bird Dog” light observation aircraft and then in the F-100 Super Sabre over North Vietnam. While fl ying the F-100

Super Sabres, Gruters was shot down twice. The fi rst shoot down resulted in a parachute landing offshore of North Viet-nam under heavy fi re from the coastal guns.

The incident and rescue is an awe inspiring story of the dedi-cation and courage of the Jolly Green Chinook Helicopter Search and Rescue units. His second shoot down on Decem-

ber 20, 1967, resulted in a fi ve year, three month odyssey as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese.

(continued on page 5)

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE NOVEMBER 29, 2013

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 offi cial publications of the Wisconsin

American Legion Family and are published ten times annually, once every fi ve 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 offi ces.

USPS ID Number 010-135ISSN: 2154-2627

Post 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.org

David 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 Offi cers

CommanderKen Rynes

Vice Commanders Robert Shappell

John WolfeDan Rindt

Larry Wrycza

AdjutantDavid A. Kurtz

Department ChaplainGreg Simonis

Assistant Department ChaplainLarry Olson

Sergeant-at ArmsCharles Roessler

Dave Wischer

Service Offi cerJames Fialkowski

NECmanDavid L. Gough

Alternate NECmanSteve 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 fi ll 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 fi lled out at the Post Offi ce. Department fi nancial 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 53901

Bonnie Dorniak, EditorJoyce E. Endres, Department President

Bonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/Treasurer

To change your address: Notify Unit SecretaryUnit Secretary: Notify Department

Headquarters on a Member Data Form

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

DEPARTMENT COMMANDERDEPARTMENT COMMANDER

Ken RynesDepartment Commander

Fellow Legion-naires, another Veterans Day has come and gone. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our Viet-nam era broth-ers and sisters.

This, as you all know, is the 50th anniversary of that time in history. I was a youngster at the time but I still remember Walter Cronkite giving the casualty and wounded numbers every night on the TV news. I remember the protests. I am sure most of you remember those times as well.

From May of 1961 when Army Green Berets were sent in to help train the South Vietnamese; to the Gulf of Tonkin in 1964; to troops

Shakespeare wrote, “What’s past is prologue” and as we fi nish 2013, we are set-ting the stage for 2014. One way to refl ect upon

the past and build for the future is to continue to reach out to Viet-nam era veterans in Wisconsin. It was recently announced that the Department of Defense is seeking partners to observe the 50th anni-versary of the Vietnam War. The Commemorative Partner Program is designed to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans for their ser-vice and sacrifi ces. To accomplish this, the Defense Department is re-cruiting Commemorative Partners throughout America. 50th Anni-versary Commemorative Partners will include governmental bodies, veteran’s service organizations, as well as The American Legion at

walking ashore in March of 1965, you answered the call. From Hue city; to the Tet offensive; to the A Shau Valley; to the siege of Khe Sanh, each of you answered the call. From Operation Frequent Wind in April of 1975 and fi nally, the Mayaguez incident, you an-swered the call. This is your time of remembrance, so embrace it. The sands of time will forever shift but your service in Vietnam sur-passes the test of time and places you in a group that answers but only to God.

We are fortunate in life to cross paths with many people. I was honored to have had the opportu-nity to befriend two Vietnam veter-ans during my service in the early 80’s. The fi rst was a Marine grunt named Dave Barton. Dave was

various levels.Commemorative Partners are

encouraged to participate by plan-ning and conducting events that will recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families. The idea is to recognize, thank and honor this specifi c group of veterans who saw our country through one of the most challenging confl icts we were ever involved in. Is your post, unit or squadron looking for an op-portunity to recognize and be of service to Vietnam veterans? Here is a great opportunity. The pro-gram is veteran-focused with the primary goal of honoring Vietnam veterans in the local communi-ties where they live! For many of these veterans and their families, it will be the fi rst time in 50 years that they have been recognized for their service and sacrifi ce. Partners in the program include the State of Wisconsin and The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin.

in the units that walked ashore in March of 1965. Dave always told me he didn’t do anything. Sitting in a listening post with a buddy in the middle of the jungle at night is quite a bit more than nothing. Dave and I still maintain contact today. The second was Major Mark Buscemi. Mark was a UH-34 Sikorsky pilot in the early days of the war. These aircraft were eventually replaced by the famous UH-1 Huey. Mark always told me that the engine sit-ting below the pilots saved his life more than once. Mark did 23 years in the Marine Corps before retiring to southern California. Mark did not adjust to civilian life and three years after retirement took his own life. To this day I think of him and wonder why.

Mark’s story is not an unusual

See details about this important program in this issue of the Badger Legionnaire.

The upcoming Midwinter Con-ference, scheduled January 17th – 19th, 2014 will afford us a unique opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans. The 2014 Midwinter will feature a special Team-building Banquet on Saturday evening with two very special guests. Guy Grut-ers spent more than fi ve years as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. He will join us along with Janine Sijan, sister of Medal of Honor re-cipient Lance Sijan of Milwaukee.

There will also be a host of new training opportunities. Two mem-bers of the National American Le-gion Staff will provide instruction from the new National training ini-tiative is known as LEAD – Lead-ership Education and Development. Other training and education op-portunities will include a presen-tation by Dr. Jeffrey Whittle of

one for the veterans of Southeast Asia. It is all too common and for-gotten. It is time to reach out, bring all the Vietnam vets into our ranks so that they may enjoy the cama-raderie of fellow servicemen and women once again. They should have an opportunity to share their stories and maybe, fi nd a place to release a story to the only person that might understand what they are going through. I don’t intend for this to be a membership drive. I would like you to seek out those veterans of Vietnam. Seek them out so that we can just listen to a story or guide them to a place where they can receive the help needed. It is time for them to come home so they don’t take the path of my friend Mark.

Commander Ken

the Medical College of Wisconsin on ways to improve the quality of care that veterans receive from VA facilities in Wisconsin. Attorney Wendy Rusch of Reinhard, Boern-er, van Driesen, SC in Milwaukee will attend and provide a free semi-nar on Estate Planning issues.

In addition to Funeral Honors and M1 Garand training, Depart-ment Program chairmen will be on hand to provide information and answer questions on all the indi-vidual Americanism programs of The American Legion. For those interested in American Legion Baseball, a “Baseball Spring Train-ing Camp” will be conducted for anyone interested in this signature program.

All in all, we are looking forward to a very exciting and educational Midwinter Conference January 17th through the 19th in the Wis-consin Dells. You won’t want to miss it, so make plans to attend.

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANTDEPARTMENT ADJUTANT

David KurtzDepartment Adjutant

November in the Veterans community is a special month. On the 11th, we recognize Vet-erans Day – a day to honor all those who honor-

ably wore the uniform of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman.

The importance of Veterans Day cannot be understated, especially while new veterans are this very minute being forged on the battle-fi elds of Afghanistan.

At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month of the year, in 1918, World War I ended. It was a costly and bitter war in which America lost 116,000 of its own on the battlefi elds and in the trenches of Europe. It was declared “the war to end all wars” – so deadly, costly, and massive at the time, few could imagine another war on that scale.

We know from the last 95 years of world history that World War I was not the end of wars, but in many ways actually set the stage for fu-ture wars, including World War II – which was far more deadly and widespread than the First World War.

What good that did come out of the trenches of World War I was pa-triotism, honor, stories of courage, respect and admiration of the U.S. servicemember.

It is in the end of that “Great War” that Veterans Day had its begin-ning.

A year after the conclusion of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson set aside November 11 as a day of annual remembrance for those Americans who had fought in the war. It became known at the time as “Armistice Day” – mark-ing the offi cial treaty that ended the combat of World War I.

After World War II and the Ko-rean War, Armistice Day was re-

named to Veterans Day – to honor the service and sacrifi ce of those who fought so desperately to save the world during the Second World War and to stop the spread of com-munism on the Korean Peninsula.

From the very beginning, Amer-ica owes its very existence to those that sacrifi ced so much to fi ght for it, build it, and sustain it.

The personal sacrifi ce and de-termination of the American Vet-eran has preserved our nation in the toughest of times, of which there have been too many. With-out the veterans of the Revolution, America would not exist. Without the veterans of the War of 1812, our new democracy would’ve been lost. Without the veterans of the Civil War, the condition of slavery would have continued on. Without the vet-erans of World War II, the forces of darkness and evil would have con-quered the world.

In the past half century our vet-erans have served to liberate op-

pressed peoples, restore order, and stand behind our allies, deterring aggression when possible, and backing it with force when required.

When peace and diplomacy fail, as they sometimes do in a world of competing interests and brutal dic-tators, war arrives. In our relatively young nation, we have heard the call to arms many times – to which Americans have always responded.

We understand that it is real, but only those who have lived it fi rst-hand truly know the cost.

Our men and women in uniform are currently serving, as they al-ways have, with honor, loyalty and a sense of duty – duty to their coun-try, families, friends and their com-rades-in-arms to their left and right.

Without veterans our nation would not exist. If our veterans are not supported, there will be few who answer the call to service to maintain what our veterans have fought so hard for since the birth of our nation.

WDVA SECRETARYWDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRENOVEMBER 29, 2013

Alan J. Lewis of the Cornice Grace Post No. 455 of Milwaukee was the recipient of the 2004 Buick Rendezvous donated by the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation, Farmers Insurance Group and Marshall Auto Body of Milwaukee. Comrade Lewis suffered extensive wounds at the International Airport in Baghdad, Iraq while serving with the 3rd Infantry Division in 2003. Commander Rynes is pictured here with Alan Lewis.

Dear Legion Family,

We are now in the Merry Month of November. We think of No-vember for many fond reasons. No-vember brings us

Thanksgiving and the Fall Harvest, the annual Deer Hunting Season, and most of all - Veterans Day.

Thanksgiving lets us enjoy the bounty of food, family festivities, football and preparation for the Christmas Season. Deer Hunting season is an annual tradition that brings families together to help in pursuit of the wily “Whitetail”.

November is also a time to reap the bounty of crops that God has given us the opportunity to grow. It is a time to relax after a long season of preparing, planting, weeding and nurturing of our fi elds.

Veterans Day is that one day set aside to honor all those who honor-ably, and with much sacrifi ce, gave this Nation the reputation that it has built. It allows us to honor each

branch of the service for those in-dividuals who have given us the opportunity to do what we do to-day. Veterans Day is a very somber day in our nations history. If it were not for our Veterans, much of the civilized world would still be in “chains and pain” from its oppres-sors. So as we participate in our various activities during the month of November, let us keep our prior-ities straight. Enjoy yourself, hunt safely, harvest your crops, shop ‘til you drop, but take time also to rec-ognize those who fought the good fi ght, and although they may no longer be with us, remember them for “who they were”, “what they did” and “why they did it”.

And most of all pray for their brave souls and offer your praise to God for the most precious gifts that these brave men and women gave to us. The Gifts of “Life”, “Love”, “Liberty”, “Freedom” and “Moral Responsibility”.

God Bless each and everyone of you, you are in my prayers.

-Chaplain Greg Simonis

DEPT. CHAPLAIN DEPT. CHAPLAIN

Greg SimonisDepartment Chaplain

Past Department Vice Commander Joe Story of Bronsted-Searl Post No. 93 presented a Good Citizenship Citation to Chandler Tollison of Tomahawk. Chandler received the award at his Court of Honor, a pres-tigious ceremony to honor a Boy Scout who has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Post No. 93 in Tomahawk has been sponsoring a Boy Scout troop for over 80 years.

The 1st District Chapter of the Wisconsin American Legion Riders were once again honored to lead the Carthage College Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 12th. The leader of the pack was Jimmie “JR” Rosko. After the parade, Riders immediately headed to Brighton where they led a second parade on a wet and rainy day. Although wet to the bone by the time they were fi nished, the Riders once again proved that their patriotism is totally weather proof.

Alan J. Lewis of the Cornice D. Grace Post No. 455 of Milwaukee received a 2004 Buick Rendez-vous at the conclusion of the 2013 Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9th. Alan served with the 3rd Infantry Di-vision in Iraq and was severely wounded during the initial inva-sion of Bahgdad.

Department Commander Ken-neth J. Rynes of Richland Center and National Vice Commander

The 75th Wisconsin Regional and Department Oratorical Con-tests are scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Ripon Col-lege, Ripon, WI. The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Competition is designed for high school students, including home schooled, who are looking for an academic challenge and enjoy public speaking. The contest was developed to increase awareness and appreciation for the Con-stitution of the United States. Participants develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and become prepared to accept the duties, responsibilities, rights and privi-leges of American citizenship.

Students begin at the local

You are invited to attend! If you have never witnessed high school students participate in the Ora-torical contest, don’t miss this op-portunity. On Saturday, January 18, 2014 beginning at 10:00 a.m., students from the 2nd District will be competing for the District title. The contest will be held in Upper Dells-C at the Ho-Chunk Conven-tion Center.

Each contestant will appear two times. The fi rst time students must

Robert Newman of Indiana were on hand at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center to make the presentation. Also in attendance were National American Legion Auxiliary President Nancy Brown-Park of California and Wisconsin Auxiliary President Joyce Endres of Waunakee.

Working in conjunction with the Department of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin American Legion Foun-dation, Marshall Auto Body of

Deserving Legion Member in Milwaukee Receives Vehicle

Waukesha and Farmers Insurance Group conducted a campaign to donate a 2004 Buick Rendezvous to an OIF/OEF veteran living in Southeastern Wisconsin. Farmers Insurance donated the vehicle and a number of applications were submitted for consideration.

The goal was to help a veteran in their local community because re-liable transportation is important and can provide a family with a new lease on life

Farmer’s Insurance and Marshall Auto Body Donate Car to Iraq Combat Veteran

Post level and progress through County, District, Regional and State Competitions. Winning orations are based on content and presentation. The subject matter is based on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the du-ties and obligations of a citizen. Complete rules and information can be found at www.legion.org.

• District winners eliminated at the Regional Competition receive $600 scholarships

• 3 Regional winners receive $1,000 scholarships and com-pete for the State title

– 2nd runner up receives an additional $1,000 scholarship

– 1st runner up receives an ad-ditional $1,500 scholarship

deliver prepared remarks for 8-10 minutes on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government.

Next, an assigned topic shall be drawn by the contest offi cial in full view of the audience im-mediately before the last speaker begins delivery of his/her pre-pared remarks. The assigned topic will be made known to the audience and each contestant ap-

– Department winner receives an additional $2,000 scholar-ship and competes at the Na-tional American Legion fi nals in Indianapolis, IN

• Ripon College offers a $5000 scholarship to each of the three Department fi nalists upon en-rollment at Ripon College

• National fi nalists receive scholarships of: – 1st place-$18,000; – 2nd place-$16,000; – 3rd place-$14,000

If you are interested in vol-unteering to assist as a mod-erator, judge, host or helper, contact Kim Shanks at Depart-ment Headquarters. Kim can be reached at (608) 745-1090 or by e-mail at kim@wilegion.org.

proximately fi ve minutes prior to their second appearance. Dur-ing their second appearance, each contestant is allowed 3-5 minutes for delivering remarks on the as-signed topic.

The Regional and State Final contests will be held at Ripon College on February 15, 2014 with the Regional contest be-ginning at 10:00 a.m. and the State Final contest beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Oratorical Competition Scheduled for February 15th at Ripon College

Th e 2nd District Oratorical Contest Comes to Midwinter

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE NOVEMBER 29, 2013

Department Commander Ken Rynes attended the dedication of the new Shiocton Area Vet-erans Memorial on October 27th. Pictured left to right are Commander Rynes, Senior Mas-ter Sergeant Mike Schmaling of the Wisconsin Air National Guard and 9th District Auxil-iary President Linda Coppock, who served on the Memorial Building Committee. Sergeant Schmaling was master of ceremonies and also served on the committee.

Third District Commander Rich Ruland announces his candidacy for the high office of Department Vice Commander. Rich earned his eligi-bility to join The American Legion by virtue of his service in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973. Rich served in the Republic of Viet-nam in 1970-71 and is endorsed by the Severson-Cairns Post No. 501 of Madison, as well the Dane County Council of American Legion Posts and the 3rd District. Commander Ruland is a Graduate of The Ameri-can Legion Extension Institute.

He currently serves on the Depart-ment Executive Committee and as Liaison to the Hospital Committee. Rich is a retired Carpenter and has one son who is a member of the Sons of The American Legion. Rich has devoted a lot of time in the Legion Family as well as to his community. He is committed to Troop and Fam-ily Support activities, having sup-ported numerous veterans Job Fairs and Business Symposiums.

A vote for Rich brings a passion-ate, knowledgeable Legionnaire to help move our organization forward.

Ninth District Commander Dale Oatman announces his candidacy for the high offi ce of Department Vice Commander. Dale has been a 44 year continuous year Life Mem-ber of the Anderson-Sather Post No. 524 in White Lake. His Legion eligibility was earned through 20 years of active service in the US Air Force, with a one-year tour of duty in South Vietnam. He has a bachelor’s degree in business.

Dale is a graduate of The American Le-gion Extension Institute. He served as Li-aison to the Department Policy Committee and is currently Liaison to the Communica-tions Committee. He has been appointed by the National Commander to the Nation-al Health Administration Committee. He attended Badger Boys State in high school and is a strong supporter of the program. Dale was named the 2006 Legionnaire of the Year by his post for his service to his post and the community.

Commander Oatman is member of VFW Post 9438, DAV Chapter 23, Vietnam Veter-ans of America Chapter 206 and past Chef de Gare and current Grand Box Car Di-recteur of 40 et 8 Voiture Locale No. 1204.

Dale is currently the Langlade County Veterans Service Offi cer and plans to re-tire next year. His fellow CVSO’s elected him to the CVSO Association Executive Committee and their Advisory Commit-tee to the Wisconsin Department of Veter-ans Affairs. He served on the coordinating committee for LZ Lambeau, the May 2010 Vietnam Homecoming at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Dale is a past offi cer of the Knights of Columbus and was a Boy Scout Leader for 15 years. He is supported by his wife of 42 years and is endorsed by his Post, County and District.

Dale is a true advocate for veterans with a wealth of knowledge of veteran’s benefi ts at the State and Federal levels.

Department Vice Commander Bob Shap-pell announces his candidacy for the high offi ce of Department Commander. Bob is a Paid-up for Life member of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedarburg. His Legion eligi-bility was earned through 26 years active duty service in the US Air Force after graduating from the US Air Force Academy. He previ-ously served as Second District Commander, Ozaukee County Commander, and three years as a 100% Post Commander.

Bob served two years on the Department Membership Committee, including a year as Membership Chairman. He also served three years on the Children & Youth Committee. He was County and Post Adjutant, as well as Post Service Offi cer. He is a member of the Sons of The American Legion (in honor of his father, a 63-year Legionnaire), 40 et 8 Voiture No. 1330, life member of the Veterans of For-eign Wars, life member of the Military Offi -cers Association of America, and life member of the Air Force Association.

Bob is supported by his wife, Pauline (also a Paid-up for Life Legionnaire), Post No. 288, the Ozaukee County Council, and the Second District. He is an affi liate faculty member of Cardinal Stritch University and teaches classes in business, management, human re-sources, and leadership. Bob has a master’s degree in management and supervision, and has completed all coursework toward a doc-toral degree in business administration.

Bob believes the keys to success for The American Legion are displaying outward pride in one’s Post and in all Legion pro-grams; maintaining integrity in all we do; having respect for everyone’s opinions; dem-onstrating and fostering initiative; and pro-moting greater teamwork within the Legion Family at all levels. Instilling these factors in all aspects of our Legion activities will go a long way toward achieving the fi nal key to our success – strength in numbers and growth in our membership.

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Candidate for Department Commander

Rich Ruland Dale Oatman Bob Shappell

First District Commander Dave Brisk is a candidate for Department Vice Com-mander.

Dave is a Paid-up for Life member of the Daniel J. Martin Post No. 8 in Wauke-sha and served as a sergeant in the Wis-consin Army National Guard, mobilizing for the Berlin Crisis.

He has served his Post as Service Of-fi cer, Vice Commander and Commander with 100% membership in 2009 and 2013. He also served as Honor Guard Captain for eight years. He was named 2006 Le-gionnaire of the Year at his post and has served on the Department Legislative Committee and National/Homeland Secu-rity Committees. He is presently Liaison to the Department Convention & Activi-ties Commission and is a graduate of The American Legion Extension Institute.

Dave and his wife Gerry have been married for 52 years and have a son Lee, a daughter Gina, and four grandchildren - Alison, Katie, Tara and Cole. Gerry is currently President of Auxiliary Unit No. 8 and Gina, Alison, Katie and Tara are Auxiliary members. Commander Brisk has the support of his family and the en-dorsement of Post No. 8, the Waukesha County Council, and the 1st District.

Dave believes that supporting Veterans in need and their families, along with re-cruiting new members and retaining our current members, should be top priorities for all Legionnaires.

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Dave Brisk

SPECIAL GIFT!

7"Brass Sword

Letter Opener with

your $50 Donation!NEW!

You should have received your Legionnaire Labels! Please use them with pride and remember your donation supports programs of The American Legion!

We will also send you this handsome brass 7” sword letter opener with your $50 donation!

Wisconsin American LegionPO Box 388Portage, WI 53089-0388

LegionnaireLabels

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRENOVEMBER 29, 2013

The Department of Defense is seeking partners in communities across the country to observe the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. 50th Anniversary Commem-orative Partners in the program include the Federal, State and lo-cal governments, as well as The American Legion at various levels.

The commemorative program seeks to achieve the following objectives:

1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as pris-oners of war or listed as missing

in action, for their service and sacrifi ce as well as the families of these veterans.

2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Fed-eral agencies and governmental and non-governmental organiza-tions that served with, or in sup-port of, the Armed Forces.

3. To pay tribute to the contribu-tions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.

4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine

50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Observedrelated to military research con-ducted during the Vietnam War.

5. To recognize the contribu-tions and sacrifi ces made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

The Comemorative Partner Program is designed to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring Vietnam Veterans and their families. Commemorative Partners are encouraged to par-ticipate in the Commemoration of the Vietnam War by planning and conducting events that will recognize Vietnam Veterans and

“The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration” is the offi cial title given to the Department of Defense program. Above is the offi cial fl ag.

United States Department of Defense Seeks Commemoration Partnerstheir families.

Events and activities should be dignifi ed, memorable occasions that show a sensitivity and appreciat ion for the so-lemnity of war and the losses s u f f e r e d by many. Commemo-rative Part-ners should communicate how their events will achieve the ob-jectives of the program.

To become an offi cial Com-memorative Partner, organiza-tions must submit an application and a signed Statement of Under-standing.

Applications are available at www.VietnamWar50th.com on the Commemorative Partner Program.

The approval process is usually less than 30 days. Partners are kept

informed through elec-tronic notifi cations.

Commemorative Partners will

be provided with a start-er kit of mater ials for devel-oping and implement-

ing their p r og r a m s.

Q u e s t i o n s regarding the

Commemorat ive Partner Program appli-

cation process can be directed to: whs.vnwar50th_cpp@mail.mil.

The Department of Defense is looking forward to working with American Legion posts across Wisconsin in assisting a grateful nation to thank and honor Vietnam Veterans and their families.

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Friday, January 17 8:00-10:00 AM Americanism Committee Lower Dells-E8:00-10:00 AM Fundraising Committee Lower Dells-FG8:00-10:00 AM Membership Committee Lower Dells-A8:00-10:00 AM Convention & Activities Commission Lower Dells-I10:00AM-12:00PM Camp American Legion Committee Lower Dells-B10:00AM-12:00PM Legislative Committee Upper Dells-C10:00AM-12:00PM Communications Committee Lower Dells-CD10:00AM-12:00PM Religious Emphasis Committee Lower Dells-Salon A10:00AM-12:00PM Hospital Committee Upper Dells-E12:00 PM Past Sergeant At Arms Meeting Stand Rock Buffet12:00 PM NEW! Past Dept. Vice Comm. Lunch Upper Dells-D 1:00-3:00 PM VA&R Committee Lower Dells-CD1:00-3:00 PM Finance Committee Lower Dells-A1:00-3:00 PM National & Homeland Security Committee Lower Dells-FG1:00-3:00 PM Policy Committee Lower Dells-E1:00-3:00 PM Children & Youth Committee Lower Dells-I3:00 PM WI Legion College Alumni Assoc. Upper Dells-E3:00 PM Wisconsin Historian’s Association Upper Dells-Board Rm3:30 PM Golf Association Upper Dells-Board Rm4:00 PM GNUTS Social Meeting Upper Dells-D5:30 PM Past Commanders Club Meeting Lower Dells-E2:00 PM-4:00 PM SAL Meeting Lower & Upper DellsSaturday, January 18 10:00-3:00 PM Blood Drive Lower Dells-A10:00-2:00 PM Americanism Resource Area Upper Dells Atrium 9:00 AM VA Enrollment & Priorities Lower Dells-CD9:00 AM Post Operations & Membership Dev. Lower Dells-E9:00 AM Roberts Rules of Order Lower Dells-GF9:00 AM Computer/Website Training Lower Dells-H9:00 AM Auxiliary Finance Meeting Upper Dells-Board Rm10:00 AM Baseball Spring Training Camp Upper Dells-A10:00 AM 2nd District Oratorical Contest Upper Dells-C11:15 AM Service Disability Claims Development Lower Dells-CD11:15 AM District/County/Post Leadership Training Lower Dells-E11:15 AM Funeral Honors/M1 Training Lower Dells-B11:15 AM Public Speaking & Post Administration Lower Dells-H11:15 AM VA Medical Research Project Briefi ng Lower Dells-I12:00 PM Auxiliary Luncheon Upper Dells-B 1:00 PM Dual Members Club Luncheon Sunrise Cliffs Café1:00 PM National Appointments Luncheon Upper Dells-D1:00 PM Chaplain’s Luncheon Sunrise Cliffs Cafe1:00 PM WALPA Upper Dells-Board Rm2:00 PM American Legion Baseball Directors Mtg Upper Dells-A2:00 PM VA Enrollment & Priorities Lower Dells-CD2:00 PM Post Operations & Membership Development Lower Dells-E2:00 PM Roberts Rules of Order Lower Dells-GF2:00 PM Computer/Website Training Lower Dells-H2:00 PM Funeral Honors/M1 Training Lower Dells-B3:00 PM SAL Detachment Executive Committee Upper Dells-E4:00 PM Service Disability Claims Development Lower Dells-CD4:00 PM District/County/Post Leadership Training Lower Dells-E4:00 PM Public Speaking & Post Administration Lower Dells-H6:00 PM Catholic Church Service Upper Dells-E6:00 PM Protestant Church Service Upper Dells-C7:00 PM Team-building Banquet & Dinner Celebration Upper Dells-BSunday, January 19 9:00 AM Department Executive Committee Lower Dells-BNoon Midwinter Sweepstakes Drawing Lower Dells-B

2014 MIDWINTER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE (subject to change)

MIDWINTER (continued from page 1)

highlight this year will be “Baseball Spring Training Camp” for Legionnaires, Coaches, Managers, Direc-tors and anyone interested in American Legion Base-ball. Team sponsorship and Registration, Background checks, Rules & Regulations are a few of the topics that will be covered.

If you are looking for infor-mation on the High School Oratorical Contest, Badger Boys State, Boy Scouting, American Legion Baseball, Jr. Shooting Sports, County Youth Government Day, the A&G Scholarship Program, Schneider-Emanuel Scholar-ships, Sons of The American Legion, as well as Children & Youth programs this is an opportunity for you. Re-source tables for each pro-gram will be packed with information for your Post to accept the challenges of sponsoring and conducting Americanism activities that foster wide-ranging com-munity service, youth de-velopment and educational advancement.

Please mark your calen-dars and save the dates of January 17th through 19th, 2014. Bring your family and enjoy the indoor water parks, attractions and many activi-ties offered in the Wisconsin Dells and the Ho-Chunk Ho-tel, Casino and Convention Center.

Visit www.wilegion.org or call Department Headquar-ters at (608) 745-1090 for Housing and Registration Forms.

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE NOVEMBER 29, 2013

The Last Bugle

3 AntigoKortland Koutnik K 10/13/134 AthensGraydon Peterson II 11/06/139 Wisconsin RapidsGeorge Lehmann II 07/19/1310 WausauRobert Warosh II 10/23/1311 Green BayClement Kabacinski II 10/31/12Paul F Desrochers K 11/01/1313 Richland CenterJoseph T Durkin II 11/01/1315 JuneauRodney Doughty V 11/08/1318 MilwaukeeClarence Knoblock II 08/08/1319 HartfordNorbert Breitkreutz II 10/13/13Lucian M Darin K 09/01/13Lloyd B Kluck K 09/24/13Neil Park II 10/16/13Szabolcs Degyurky V 11/03/1321 KenoshaCalvin H Hewitt II 10/15/1332 MenomonieFrank S Davis Sr II 10/12/13Thomas A Jacobson K 10/08/13Jewel T Wilson K 10/29/1335 EvansvilleDonald M Miller K 09/27/13Arthur R Baumgarten II 10/09/1338 AppletonHarold P Weiland II 10/12/13Donald W Muenster II 10/15/13Roy L Julius V 11/05/13Robert C Hebert II 10/24/1339 MarinettePatrick J Lahiff K 11/05/1340 BangorRobert W Dengel II 10/05/1342 PlattevilleDean Ostendorf K 09/10/13James L Leitl II 08/31/1243 RiponAlan J Kennedy K 10/26/1347 PortageJames L VanEpps II 10/12/1348 BeloitKevin G Hauser V 10/04/1351 West SalemMarlin J Wehrenberg II 11/09/13Karl T Yellick II 10/31/1353 Eau ClaireRobert D Kindschi K 11/02/13Michael D Hill K 11/03/13Jerome E Gugel V 08/03/1354 Marshfi eldMarvin E Kuehner V 10/07/13Glenn Anderson Jr K 11/01/13Gerald Weigel G/L 09/17/1355 HortonvilleLaverne Herzfeldt II 10/15/1367 Lake MillsGerald Zablocki K 10/26/13Gordon Christensen II 05/17/1373 NeillsvilleGerald R Kuehn K 10/19/1381 MaustonMichael J Laporte II 10/12/13Earl E Duffy K 08/19/1382 Port WashingtonRoger A Wach V 10/04/13

83 SheboyganCharles Kostmerchock K 10/25/1384 MonroeMarvin Wells K 10/16/1385 MuscodaFrank W Shadewald K 11/09/1391 OconomowocRueben Sauer II 09/21/13James Boyer V 10/08/1393 TomahawkRichard Bierlich K 10/08/13Robert Gessler K 10/03/13Lauren R Hulce K 11/10/13Kenneth C Clements II 11/09/1395 DelavanWilliam Oninski K 10/17/13100 SpartaGiven Klein K 02/18/13Graydon Garlough K 06/21/13Zel Rice II 05/01/13Floyd Trombley K 08/21/13105 ShuyllsburgCarl L Burgess II 10/03/13120 West AllisWilliam C Arndt II 05/14/13125 ChiltonEugene Berrens II 10/14/13126 BrillionGerhard D Lau K 09/28/13Willis A Scharf II 07/14/13128 StockbridgeJerome L Mueller V 11/01/13133 Camp DouglasMilo Ladell K 10/22/13141 New GlarusElwood J Anderson K 09/20/13146 Beaver DamEarl A Klossner II 10/19/13Victor W Buss II 10/12/13149 Sheboygan FallsRaymond M Visser II 10/20/13Edgar A Vogt Jr K 11/02/13Donald Perronne K 11/07/13157 HoriconLewis E Milner II 10/03/13158 Maiden RockCurtis Nelson II 10/15/13161 KingRobert L Hunt K 04/11/13Paul J Frank Jr K 05/26/13Earl H Lederhaus II 10/28/13Jack L Zahn K 07/07/13Claire D Trepanier V 10/23/13164 JeffersonHarlow Brumm II 11/05/13Robert E Mero K 11/13/13179 ChetekRay Olson K 08/12/13183 Genoa CityMichael R Katzenberg K 10/12/13186 IndependenceEd Dauer K 10/28/13189 WatertownSamuel J Luchsinger II 10/13/13Buford F Luedtke II 09/29/13204 EllsworthRichard W Klein PG 07/01/13205 JanesvilleCharles T Sanford II 10/04/13Homer V Brodie K 09/29/13206 WonewocAlbin C Ennis V 10/27/13209 OrfordvilleThomas E Phillips K 03/14/13212 BarronGlen M Springer II 10/30/13Reuben Kringle K 11/05/13216 LodiClarence Bushnell II 07/01/13223 HillsboroJames E Stanek II 10/26/13224 AlmaMildred E Huebner K 10/26/13226 ManawaMelvin L Bonikowske V 10/20/13234 OmroDonald R Christman Sr II 11/04/13240 BaldwinEldon J Bowen K 04/09/13

244 Westfi eldDuane J Miller II 10/18/13253 Spring GreenWarren Hoyer II 10/23/13258 Little ChuteJerome A Thomson K 10/19/13Norbert F Kilsdonk II 10/24/13James M Peeters II 11/10/13262 LuxemburgWallace L Dufek K 10/28/13263 New LondonWilliam N Jurack II 10/16/13Sigurd W Krostue II 10/27/13271 PoynetteJohn Moll V 09/15/13Nicholas Fiore V 11/21/12Lloyd Chadwick PG 10/17/13272 ButternutJohn Petroski II 10/11/13284 HolmenEric W Milisch II 12/11/12288 CedarburgJames E Gresch K 10/29/13294 HartlandWarren Hornburg K 09/20/13Daniel Thomas K 09/17/13295 BloomerClayton Olds II 10/21/13302 Oconto FallsRobert Mortell II 11/01/13306 Green LakeHarold H Bunkelmann II 11/11/13310 RacineJames S Hayek K 03/11/13312 PeshtigoRichard J Wiltzius II 10/02/13333 Sun PrairieWilliam Reynolds II 10/01/13Ivan Knutsen II 04/11/13337 PulaskiDarrell R Snethen V 11/02/13339 AlmondStu Stelow V 10/17/13Melvin V Roman II 11/01/13340 BerlinJohn Richter II 11/06/13342 LenaAlfred Imig K 10/15/13345 HinghamGeorge Harrison II 10/24/13351 MontelloRobert R Ross K 10/10/13352 CassvilleMarcus J Brinkman V 09/03/13

Lee G Cadwell V 10/16/13Charles M Russell II 11/09/13355 GraftonDelvin A Koopmann K 10/23/13363 DenmarkPhillip Coppersmith K 11/03/13375 MukwonagoGeorge Motto II 10/05/13382 Menomonee FallsPatrick J Patton II 10/14/13Robert H Sallmann V 10/16/13A.E. Siegel II 03/26/13385 VeronaClarence Deyager K 07/09/13386 CascadeAlois O’Reilly II 11/10/13393 EdgarRoman Andraska II 09/20/13399 OkaucheeKeith B Olson K 10/31/13402 Washington IslandRichard Ellefson II 06/30/13406 MilwaukeeDon Sametz II 05/04/13413 CrivitzAugust C Heabel II 10/30/13414 BowlerDonald Jahnke V 11/03/13415 MilwaukeeMark Newell P 10/17/13420 HustisfordDonald A Wolter V 02/28/13Joseph J Gillich Jr II 05/17/13Joseph G Koch II 08/01/08Ardell F Kiefer II 08/29/12Harold E Held K 02/18/13425 ExelandWoodrow W Garrett V 07/12/13426 MilwaukeeRobert Krejci II 08/26/13Roger B Peelen II 09/07/13Robert J Gliszinski K 10/26/13Richard H Schmidt II 10/20/13431 Three LakesOtto C Krause II 08/21/13Bernhard R Kuhl II 11/23/12George L Leimbacher II 11/17/12Dan Petras K 08/06/13Roman J Weinborn II 04/21/13Edward Tratz K 04/08/13Vern Joslin K 10/29/13439 MelrosePliny C Peterson K 10/21/13

440 ClintonJohn Gau V 10/22/13Richard J Mark K 10/14/13446 SteubenWilliam E Groom II 09/13/13454 Mt CalvaryStephen Abler V 10/29/13457 Mequon-ThiensvilleThomas E Mohr II 10/25/13470 SaukvilleRalph Vandeboom K 08/02/13476 LoomisMatthew Zepka II 10/26/13484 GlenbeulahFredk Hasler II 10/09/13497 KeshenaBenjamin L Ninham K 10/16/13500 West AllisFrank E Gerich II 10/27/13501 MadisonAlbert L Roehling II 05/04/13503 DaneWilliam L Biwersi V 11/23/12519 StetsonvilleFrank Bieniek K 10/19/13John Kelley V 10/03/13521 Fox LakeCharles Ehlenfeldt K 10/23/13525 PhloxMichael E Decker V 10/01/13534 McFarlandDonald R Skare K 10/09/13535 EagleGerald Lutz K 06/30/13Edward A Fisher K 09/09/13Jack Rolfe K 10/26/13Gerald W Lutz K 06/30/13Jack Rolfe K 10/26/13Edward Fisher K 09/09/13539 Green BayLouise U McMahon II 06/17/12543 PloverJack Fahrner K 05/23/12Fred L Beggs V 09/26/11James Brooks K 10/09/13Lloyd Wallin II 11/29/11Vance Krebsbach V 02/17/13Lawrence Mansavage II 01/14/12Michael Garsomke V 02/27/12Esther J Gear II 10/05/11Robert Puariea II 03/08/13Donald Schumitsch K 11/25/11544 Twin LakesRaymond E Rorie II 09/07/13Michael J Cardamone K 09/30/13

Who Will Help You?

©2013 Worldwide Rescue & Security 32109

Today’s travel can involve unexpected financial risks.But you’re GUARANTEED help in case there’s a medicalemergency away from home.

The Legionnaire Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+)Program offers you and your family security you needwhile traveling. EA+ delivers high-value benefits toprotect you such as:☞ Emergency Medical Assistance☞ Medical Evacuation & Transportation Home☞ Travel Assistance For You & Your Companion

To learn more about the benefits and services provided to you by Your American LegionDepartment, visit us online today at www.theLIT.com/EAP or call 1-888-310-1547.

This information is only an overview of the plan’s features. Terms & Conditions apply.

From Your American LegionDepartment

PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRENOVEMBER 29, 2013

Call for a free consumerguide and personal quote.-- Must be 62 or older.-- Never make a monthlymortgage payment again.-- Receive a lump sum ofcash, credit line or monthlypayments.-- Income and credit notrequired.

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100% POST COMMANDERS100% POST COMMANDERS

POST NO. 383 Arthur Temby

POST NO. 432Fred Jourdeans

Simply sign up a new mem-ber, or renew any former member who has not paid for 2 years (since 2011) and your name will be entered in a drawing to win $1,000 at the 2014 Midwinter Conference at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Ca-sino and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells. There is no limit to the number of times you can qualify – you get one chance for every new member you recruit. You’ll also qualify for a traditional “I Got 1” pin. This year the new “I Got 1” pins are larger and more visible than ever be-fore. Anyone who recruits a new member qualifi es!

National Commander Dan

Dellinger is raising the ante and offering any Legion fam-ily member who recruits 5 new members a special Build-ing for Tomorrow Today Pin. A new member is defi ned as any eligible person joining for the 2014 membership year who was not a member of The American Legion during the 2013 membership year.

Commander Ken Rynes is of-fering the opportunity to join the elite “Badger Big Ten” team. Sign up ten (10) new members and be a part of this exclusive group of Legion-naires. You’ll receive a pin and a patch to wear with pride.

For any Legion family mem-ber who obtains 15 new mem-

Exciting New Membership Incentives for 2013-14

2013 Fall Meetings Held at Headquarters

bers for 2014, National Com-mander Dan Dellinger will award his National Commander Coin. To maintain the integrity of the National Commander’s pin and coin incentive pro-grams, only one of each will be awarded per individual.

The National American Legion is also encouraging recruitment with the Silver Brigade (25 new members) and Gold Brigade (50 new members) awards for Le-gionnaires who recruit 25 and 50 new members respectively.

If you have any questions you can contact Chris at chris@wilegion.org or call headquar-ters at (608) 745-1090.

Commander Rynes wants you to “Get One” and Win $1,000

Department Commander Ken Rynes of the Ba-yard De Hart Post No. 13 in Richland Center pre-sides at the Department Executive Committee Fall meeting held Octo-ber 19th at headquarters in Portage. Post No. 13 is named in honor of PFC Bayard C. De Hart, who died on June 6, 1918 dur-ing the Battle of Belleau Wood, was the fi rst sol-dier from Richland Coun-ty to die in service to our country during WWI.

AdditionalMidwinter Sweepstakes

Entries are available from Headquarters!

If you would like additional entries, please contact

Sandy Miller at(608) 745-1090 or

email her at sandy@wilegion.org

SWEEPSTAKESMIDWINTER

FEELING LUCKY?