Drill Instructors from the Wis-consin Army National Guard Re-cruiting & Retention Battalion will provide Color Guard training at the 2016 Midwinter Conference. This will be the fi rst time that Legion-naires will be able to receive hands-on training from military profes-sionals in the proper posting and retrieval of the National Colors. All equipment will be available on site so there is no need to bring any-thing. The training will take place on Saturday, January 16th as part of the annual Midwinter Confer-ence which will once again be held at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center in the Wiscon-sin Dells.

Another new feature at the 2016 Midwinter will be the 1st Ameri-can Legion Family Joint Testimo-nial Dinner that will be held on

Saturday evening, January 16th. The banquet will honor Depart-ment Commander Dale Oatman, Auxiliary Department President Laura Calteux, SAL Detachment Commander Mike Kollmansberger and Wisconsin American Legion Riders Association President Ray McSherry. Tickets are $32 and are available through Department headquarters on a fi rst come fi rst serve basis.

Training venues will also include the Americanism Programs Re-source Center which is designed to help posts promote the programs of The American Legion in your com-munity. National American Legion staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide details on how you and your post can become involved.

Additional activities include a

demonstration Shooting Sports range where attendees can use competition rifl es on an indoor range. Department Shooting Sports Chairman Steve Shanks will be on hand to answer questions and pro-vide details on how your post can become involved in American Le-gion Junior Shooting Sports.

Other training featured at the Midwinter Conference includes courses of the Wisconsin American Legion College conducted by grad-uates of the National American Le-gion College, Leadership training and Membership training. There will also be a Historians Workshop and a Chaplains Workshop.

Courses on Direct Marketing Programs for Membership Reten-tion and Acquisition, Care and Maintenance of the M1-Garand rifl e, Funeral Honors training, Post Operations and Children & Youth programs will be offered along with the American Legion Exten-sion Institute Course. The schedule is subject to change depending on demand.

Legion members who sign up a new member, or renew any for-mer member who has not paid for 2 years (since 2013) can qualify to win a prize of $1,000 at the Confer-ence. Simply sign up a new mem-ber, or renew any former member and enter your name. The draw-ing will take place on Saturday at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center in the Wiscon-sin Dells. There is no limit to the number of times an individual can qualify – recruiters get one chance for every new member they recruit.

Please mark your calendars and save the dates of January 14 through 17, 2016. Bring your fam-ily and enjoy the indoor water parks, attractions and many activi-ties offered in the Wisconsin Dells. Register and reserve your hotel room online at www.wilegion.org.

Excitement builds as event takes shape.

Color Guard Training Featured at Midwinter

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

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

December 3, 2015Vol. 92, No. 10

Badger&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”

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

A team of Drill Instructors from the Wisconsin Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion will provide Color Guard training on Saturday, Jan-uary 16th. All post Color Guards are encouraged to attend and receive professional, hands-on instruction in the proper posting and presentation of the National Colors. Training will include the basic positioning of the Colors, Posting and Retrieving the Col-

ors and Movement of the Color Guard to the Rear. The National Guard team will demonstrate the proper procedures followed by hands on training. Training will take place in an open learning environment. All attendees will have the opportunity to break out into small groups and perform all the necessary Color Guard movements with the direct over-sight of Wisconsin Army Na-tional Guard Drill Instructors.

2016 MIDWINTER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

12th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

11th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

10th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

9th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

8th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

7th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

6th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

5th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

4th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

3rd PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

2nd PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

1st PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

District 5

75.22%

District 4

76.56%

District 1

76.84%

District 2

76.93%

District 7

77.11%

District 3

78.74%

District 10

78.77%

District 11

79.78%

District 8

80.56%

District 12

81.14%

District 6

81.28%

District 9

82.21%

2016 Membership Goal: 59,000 • November 25th Total: 47,356 – 80.26%

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 20167:00 AM-6:00 PM Registration Lower Dells Hall8:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits Lower Dells Hall 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 Centennial Committee Lower Dells-I10:00 AM-12:00 PM Camp American Legion Committee Lower Dells-B10:00 AM-12:00 PM Convention & Activities Commission Lower Dells-H10:00 AM-12:00 PM Legislative Committee Upper Dells-C10:00 AM-12:00 PM Communications Committee Lower Dells-CD10:00 AM-12:00 PM Religious Emphasis Committee Lower Dells-Salon A10:00 AM-12:00 PM Hospital Committee Upper Dells-E12:00 PM Past Sergeant At Arms Meeting Stand Rock Buffet11:30 AM Past Dept. Vice Commander Lunch Upper Dells-D1:00-3:00 PM VA&R Committee Lower Dells-CD1:00-3:00 PM Finance Committee Lower Dells-A1:00-3:00 PM National & Homeland Security Com. 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 Lower Dells-Board Rm4:00 PM GNUTS Social Meeting Wo Zha Wa Bar5:30 PM Past Commanders Club Meeting Lower Dells-E2:00 PM-4:00 PM SAL Meeting Upper Dells-A

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 20167:00 AM-3:00 PM Registration Lower Dells Hall8:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits Lower Dells Hall10:00 AM-3:00 PM Blood Drive Lower Dells-E7:00 AM-10:00 AM Americanism Resource Area Upper Dells Atrium 7:00 AM-10:00 AM Shooting Sports Shooting Range Upper Dells A 9:00 AM Post Operations Lower Dells-CD9:00 AM Americanism & C&Y in Your Community Lower Dells-A9:00 AM ALEI- $5.00 Fee Lower Dells-GF9:00 AM Funeral Honors/M-1 Garand Lower Dells-I9:00 AM Historian’s Workshop Lower Dells-Salon A9:00 AM Leadership- WALC Basic Course Lower Dells-B 10:00 AM 2nd District Oratorical Contest Upper Dells-C 11:15 AM Direct Marketing Programs for Membership Lower Dells-CD11:15 AM Economic- Education-SM Business and more Lower Dells-A11:15 AM Funeral Honors/M1 Training Lower Dells-I11:15 AM Chaplain’s Workshop Lower Dells-B11:15 AM Color Guard Training Lower Dells-H 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 Meeting Upper Dells-Board Rm2:00 PM Baseball Directors Meeting Lower Dells-GF2:00 PM Post Operations Lower Dells-CD2:00 PM Americanism & C&Y in Your Community Lower Dells-A2:00 PM Color Guard Training Lower Dells-H1:00 PM SAL Training Upper Dells-E3:00 PM SAL DEC Upper Dells-E 4:00 PM Direct Marketing Programs for Membership Lower Dells-CD4:00 PM Economic- Education-Small Business & more Lower Dells-A4:00 PM Membership – WALC Intermediate Course Lower Dells-B 6:00 PM Catholic Church Service Lower Dells-I6:00 PM Protestant Church Service Lower Dells-E 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Legion Family Cocktail Hour Upper Dells Atrium7:00 PM Legion Family Testimonial Dinner Upper Dells-A SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 20168:00 AM Four Chaplains Service Lower Dells-A9:00 AM Department Executive Committee Lower Dells-B

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE DECEMBER 3, 2015

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 010-135

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

2015-2016 Communications CommitteeKendel D. Feilen, ChairmanPhil Ingwell, Vice Chairman

Jim Young, DEC LiaisonBernard Olson

Harold RihnRory BurnsDan Osero

George Buchanan, HistorianLoretta Shellman, Auxiliary LiaisonBonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison

2015-16 Department Offi cers

CommanderDale H. Oatman

Vice Commanders Dan Seehafer

Jeff PuddyEd Cooper

Jerome KroftaAdjutant

David A. KurtzSergeant-at ArmsJeremy NordieDave WischerService Offi cer

James FialkowskiNECman

Steve KruegerAlternate NECman

Ken Rynes

District Commanders 1st – Tom Strey 2nd – Jim Lee 3rd – Mary Lloyd 4th – Mark Sandow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Todd Braun 7th – Mark Lesko 8th – Jim Young 9th – Laurel Clewell 10th – John Miller 11th – Frank Kostka 12th – Chris Sower

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 53901Bonnie Dorniak, Editor

Laura Calteux, 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 COMMANDERVeterans Day is

behind us and I want to thank all the Posts, Squad-rons, Units and outside organiza-tions that invited me for their func-tions over the

three week period. It was an honor helping celebrate our deceased and living veterans with you.

By the time the Badger Legion-naire is published, Thanksgiving and hunting season will also have passed. I hope everyone had joy-ous celebrations with family and friends and that the hunters had a successful season. Pearl Harbor Day is upon us and I regret not being able to celebrate with the many veterans at King. However, I hope to join them for the laying

The annual deer hunt marks the close of an-other fantastic Camp American Legion Season. We served near-

ly 1,300 campers this year, just 6 short in fact, to mark a new record. We also saw our second largest yearly increase over a previous year. Families bought 252 chil-dren of all ages to Camp this year, the youngest being only 2 weeks old. 853 campers came with a group. 286 were fi rst time attend-ees. 20% of our veterans this year were women and we were proud to host 8 veterans of WWII - twice as many as last year.

We can all feel proud, individu-ally and as one big team on what has been accomplished. We were

of the wreath on December 12th. The 2015 calendar year is rapidly

closing which means those Le-gionnaires who have not renewed their membership will pay at least $5.00 more in the coming year and possibly more with many Posts in-creasing their dues. Pay your dues now to prevent those additional costs. Post, County and District offi cers should have contacted you about those added costs so heed their plea and save yourselves some money. National Headquar-ters submitted their membership report on November 23rd and Wisconsin continues to be in fi rst place nationally for the ninth week in a row. I want to thank all of you for your efforts with renewals and recruitments thus far but National Commander Dale Barnett contin-ues to worry that we are not do-

able to assist so many who needed a helping hand, from WWII to Post 9/11 veterans, active-duty, Nation-al Guard & Reserve service mem-bers, families, spouses, caregivers and children; we helped them all. The power of Camp American Legion’s healing environment has once again done magic.

During the last half of the Camp season we hosted our Post 9/11 Veterans Week. These younger veterans bring great energy to Camp. They are our fastest grow-ing group of veterans we serve now year to year. The 950th En-gineering Company families also came to Camp. They gave each other a lot of support and lifted spirits as they wait for the return of their soldiers away on deploy-ment. Once reunited, they plan on returning in 2016 for a family re-

ing enough since, nationally, The American Legion is behind tens of thousands from our renewal and recruitment activities of last year at this time. Wisconsin is also down by around 600 from last year so we really need to step up our efforts for the remainder of this year and into next year. The 9th District leads the Department and they may be the District to beat for the remainder of our 2015 – 2016 membership year. Con-gratulations to all Posts who have reached 100%. I now look for Counties to hit 100%. All 100% County Commanders will have a chance to join me for the Lincoln Pilgrimage in February. Look for additional details in this edition of the Badger Legionnaire.

I look forward to all the training planned for Midwinter on Janu-

integration week. We then hosted our Caregiver Respite Retreat for Post 9/11 veterans, which grows little by little every year. This was followed by Camp Serenity for our Families-of-the-Fallen. This is the fi fth year we have hosted Gold Star families from the Wisconsin National Guard Survivor Outreach Services group and helped them honor their loved one here at this place of God and nature.

Once again our Hearing & Vi-sion Loss Veterans Week was a fun week. They are a group of veterans who love to have fun and they don’t let their disability stop them. This year’s theme was a Mexican Fiesta and what a party they had. We also conducted Vet-erans Recovery Week and the an-nual Diabetes Camp which is be-coming well regarded by medical

ary 16th at Ho-Chunk Convention Center in Baraboo. Don’t miss out on training like post opera-tions, Americanism and Children & Youth, economic & market-ing programs, leadership, funeral honors & color guard workshops, membership, chaplain and histori-an workshops and much more. Af-ter the training, stay for the com-bined Legion Family Testimonial dinner honoring the entire Legion Family. Check with your Adjutant or Commander for additional de-tails since this information and a lot more was provided in Post mailings. Also, don’t forget about the upcoming Oratorical Scholar-ship contests.

As we head into the Christmas season, I want to express a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

professionals throughout the state. The U.S Army Recruiting Bat-talion held their team building re-treat. The 2015 season closed with soldiers of the 121st Field Artil-lery and 127th Infantry Battalions of the Wisconsin Army National Guard occupying Camp. Not only did they come together to reestab-lish their camaraderie and to lift each other up, they helped us start the process to close down for the winter.

As Director, I want to recognize and thank our volunteers and the entire Wisconsin American Le-gion Family. Camp American Legion continues to grow and provide more help to Wisconsin veterans and their families every year. Camp’s success is the result of us all working as a team. With great feeling, I thank you.

It is truly a day that has lived in infamy and brought the United States in World War II.

On December 7, 1941, at 7:55

AM the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii, was attacked by Japanese torpedo and bomber planes. The attack ended just before 10:00 AM. In less than two hours, the Ameri-can forces at Pearl Harbor were devastated. Twenty-one ships of the U.S. Pacifi c Fleet were sunk or damaged. More than 2,400 Ameri-cans died and another 1,100 were wounded. All eight battleships moored on Battleship Row – the Arizona, California, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia – were sunk or damaged during the Japanese assault.

Even the passage of 74 years can-not diminish the magnitude of the attack or the extreme sacrifi ce of the thousands of brave Americans who lost their lives during this at-tack. It is important for all of us to remember their legacy, some of whom were our friends and neigh-bors here in Wisconsin before leav-ing to serve in the military.

Dorwin Lamkin, a native of Hudson, was one of those who witnessed the attack fi rst-hand and survived. A Navy medical corpsman assigned to the USS Nevada, he was sleeping late that day when a messenger came and told him the Japanese were attack-ing. Remembering only his shoes, Lamkin rushed to his battle sta-tion, the ship’s sick bay, wearing only his skivvies. There he heard the sounds of the raging battle and then began receiving and treating the wounded. Then the Nevada was hit. According to Lamkin, the

Japanese blew a hole “the size of a house” into the bow of the ship and before long his station began fi lling with oily water. One of the fortu-nate Sailors that day, he and the six others at his station were rescued, being hoisted up one-by-one before the ship sunk.

Mello Stapleton, of North Lake, was another Wisconsin native there that day in Hawaii. Stationed at Hickam Field near Pearl Harbor, he heard an explosion while on his way to breakfast and quickly real-ized an attack was underway. He ran with others to grab machine guns from the armory to fi ght back against the Japanese planes. At one point he was thrown by a close bomb blast and wounded by shrapnel.

Another Wisconsinite who was there that day was Army nurse Rhoda Ziesler of Manitowoc who was stationed at Schofi eld Bar-racks, some 20 miles from Pearl

Harbor. When she fi rst heard the sounds of low-fl ying planes that morning, she assumed it was a practice attack, but not long after she saw the fi re and smoke and the Japanese planes that were attack-ing. Ziesler was the head nurse of a medical ward, supervising six nurses and spent that fateful day treating the wounded.

Many thousands of Wisconsinites served in World War II and days like December 7th each year are cause for remembrance, refl ection, and celebration. We remember those who made the ultimate sacri-fi ce – from Pearl Harbor right to the end of the bitterest fi ghting of the war. We are given the opportunity to refl ect on the service and sacri-fi ce our World War II generation and how they shaped our world. With each day of remembrance and refl ection also comes a chance to celebrate the achievement of the generation that saved the world.

WDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

CAMP DIRECTOR

Dale OatmanDepartment Commander

Camp Season Ends Beautifully!

Kevin MosheaCamp Director

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREDECEMBER 3, 2015

Oral History Program: Preserving History

The Department is proud to an-nounce the 2016 High School Or-atorical Scholarship Competition. The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship program is a wonder-ful opportunity for young people to learn about the Constitution of the United States of America. This year is the 79th year of the Department’s program.

Twelve students representing each District will compete for the Department title at Ripon College on February 13, 2016. It takes many volunteers to have a suc-cessful event – from moderators, to time keepers, judges, escorts, tabulators and Sergeant at Arms - if you’ve been a part of the com-petition in the past, we hope that

Volunteers Needed for 79th Annual Oratorical Competition

The American Legion • Department of Wisconsin

79TH ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL

REGIONAL/DEPARTMENT CONTESTFebruary 13, 2016 • Ripon College

I would like to volunteer for the following during the Department Oratorical Contest:

My First Choice:____________________________

My Second Choice:__________________________

Name: ______________________________________________

Post #:______________________ District #:__________

Address: ____________________________________________

City:________________________________________________

email address: ________________________________________

Zip Code: ___________________________________________

Phone #: ____________________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Please submit no later than January 8, 2016Mail form to to: WI American Legion, Attn. Dawn,

PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901

Dedicated to the state’s citizen-soldiers, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (WVM) affi rms, com-memorates, and acknowledges the achievements and sacrifi ces of Wisconsin veterans. The WVM is an educational activity of the Wis-consin Department of Veterans Af-fairs. The WVM Oral History Pro-gram seeks to record the fi rst-hand narratives of these men and women in order to create primary sources concerning what it truly meant to serve. With over 2,000 interviews in the collection WVM encour-ages attention not only to the cre-ation of these interviews, but also to the preservation and accessibility of the information for researchers, visitors and future generations.

Below we feature one of our re-cent narrators and a segment of his compelling interview.

Ann Fritsch served as an occu-pational therapist and a physical therapist in the Army Medical Spe-cialist Corps from 1951 through 1983. Her service included two deployments during the Vietnam War where she worked at the 8th Field Hospital and the Military As-sistance Command Vietnam. She served at numerous hospitals state-side, including Valley Forge Army Hospital, Institute for Surgical Re-

search-Armed Forces Burn Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In her oral history inter-view, Fritsch recounted the story of what she refers to as her “master-piece” patient.

The doctor called and he said this young man had to get up, he had to start moving, or he was going to die, and we were to get him up walking. He wouldn’t talk to any-one, he wouldn’t eat, he wouldn’t move. He just, well, he wanted to die really, I think….

We stood him up, they put a walker on his cast, so that he could stand on that casted leg, and we stood him up, and I got down on my knees and I pushed one leg, one leg, one leg. He started to scream and he screamed and screamed and screamed. He called me ev-ery obscene name you could think of… I pushed those legs forward and got in front of him and pushed him back. They put him back in the bed, the next day they did the same thing, and we did this for about a week. Finally, he decided well, you know, we’re not going to let him die so he’ll do something about it, and he asked for food. He had been on a feeding tube up until then. So one by one, they kept pulling the tubes out. Then he got the casts off and

he started walking with crutches, and then he got down to a cane.

Fritsch remembered releasing the patient and the emotional goodbye everyone experienced.

I looked around and the corps-men were crying and the patients were crying, everybody who had gone through this with this kid was standing there crying...But he came in and he put his arms around me and he kissed me good-bye and he whispered “Am I your masterpiece?” And I thought, “Yeah, you were my masterpiece.” I’ll never forget that kid, ever, and the fact that he knew that we were practicing the art of medicine.

Fritsch’s passion for medicine and hard work earned her the rank of Colonel before her retirement and the honor of receiving the Viet-namese Technical Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

To learn more about Colonel Fritsch’s story, or any of the over 2,000 interviews in our Oral Histo-ry Collection, or to learn how you can participate in our Oral History Program please contact the WVM Oral Historian at oralhistory@dva.wisconsin.gov or (608) 261-0537. You can also visit our website: www.wisvetsmuseum.com/veter-ans/oral_history/

you will join us again – if you are new to the program but would still like to volunteer, please do so as it will be well worth your time.

Please fi ll out the volunteer ap-plication that appears below and mail it to Department Headquar-ters. Fillable volunteer forms are also available on the Wisconsin Legion website (http://www.wilegion.org/page.content/pro-grams/oratorical-scholarship-program).

You will be notifi ed at a later date what your assignment will be. Thank you for your support and we hope to hear from you very soon!

Robert P. StoneDept. Oratorical Chairman

GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR STOUGHTON VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

ONALASKA HIGH SCHOOL WALL OF HONORThe Onalaska High School

Alumni Association developed the “Wall of Honor” at Onalaska High School to recognize former students that died or were declared missing in action while serving in an offi cial capacity of the United States Military. The idea for the Wall fi rst surfaced in the spring of 2012 and then developed over the next two years. After identifying criteria for inclusion on the Wall, the alumni members spent signifi -cant time researching and identify-ing the former students that should

OHS Alumni Association and Squadron No. 336 member Erik Sjolander, his father Legionnaire Jerry Sjolander, Past Post No. 336 Commander Clarence Stellner, and OHS Principal Jared Schaffner at the OHS Wall of Honor.

be included. The efforts resulted in the identifi cation of nine former students starting with a World War I Veteran and spanning through two 2001 graduates. Alex Gumz, the student representative on the alumni board, wrote the nine bi-ographies that are included on the plaques.

The OHS Alumni Association hosted two dedication ceremonies; the fi rst one was on Saturday, No-vember 7, attended by over 200 family members and community members and the second ceremony

was on Wednesday, November 11 for the OHS students and staff. The OHS band and choir per-formed at both ceremonies and the keynote address was delivered by David Limberg, a graduate of OHS and West Point.

The Onalaska American Legion played a large role in making gen-erous donations, providing a color guard for both ceremonies and aid-ing in research along the way. The American Legion also assisted in planning the ceremonies to ensure proper decorum was followed.

Susan Knudson of Richard Ellis Post No. 205 in Janesville represented the Department of Wisconsin and attended National American Legion College October 25th through October 30th in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is pictured here with National Commander Dale Barnett of Georgia.

LEGION COLLEGE – Class of 2016 –

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE DECEMBER 3, 2015

USO WISCONSIN – THE LEGACY OF SERVICE CONTINUESUSO Wisconsin, Inc. is dedicated

to enhancing the quality of life of the US Armed Forces personnel and their families who reside or transit the state of Wisconsin. The US has been engaged in confl ict since 2001 creating a generation of military families who have sac-rifi ced much to protect our free-doms. Much of the general public is unaware that there are more than 15,000 service members who live in Wisconsin and are away from their support structure of extended families and friends. USO Wiscon-sin provides proven programs that give citizens a chance thank ser-vice members and their families in a meaningful way.

USO Wisconsin, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), non-profi t organization and has had a continuous presence in Wisconsin since 1941. USO is one of the few organizations that focus primarily on active duty military. USO has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Depart-ment of Defense and is chartered by Congress to support the Armed Forces. This allows open commu-nication with military contacts and helps USO identify the needs of

service members. USO Wisconsin is NOT funded by the government, military or USO worldwide orga-nization. USO Wisconsin is solely supported by the generosity of pri-vate citizens, service organizations, corporate gifts and foundations.

USO Wisconsin’s goal is to pro-vide stress relief and an oppor-tunity to reconnect for the more than 15,000 service members and their 20,000 family members who live in our local communities. Through the help of volunteers, USO Wisconsin has developed new programs to ensure families stay strong.

In 2011, USO Wisconsin opened two centers in Milwaukee, one at Mitchell Field and the other at the Military Entry Processing Center. In 2015, USO Wisconsin opened two centers near Tomah at Fort McCoy and acquired a mobile ve-hicle to reach units in remote areas, and in 2016 will open another cen-ter at the La Crosse Airport.

USO Wisconsin Centers• Military Entrance Processing

Station (MEPS) Relaxing area while new recruits go through the

lengthy processing schedule and volunteers support military fami-lies who are dealing with a loved one joining the armed forces.

• Milwaukee & La Crosse Air-ports VIP room supplied with Wi-Fi, comply furniture and free food for military families while in tran-sit, deployments, welcome homes, and families of the fallen.

• Fort McCoy Near Tomah, WI Opened on the training grounds in May and had 14,000 contacts with service members relied on the WI-Fi, called home, ate comfort foods, played corn hole and watched movies.

USO Wisconsin ProgramsOperation Christmas An event

for families who would not oth-erwise have a Christmas. Parents pick out free presents for their chil-dren and children get to wrap pres-ents they can give to their parents. It also includes decorating stock-ings for veteran’s, cookie decorat-ing and of course—Santa.

United Through Reading A USO staff member videos a service member reading a book. Then, that book video are given to the service

member’s children to watch during deployment.

Unit Activities Meeting location and food for families is provided during a Deployment/Welcome Home, Family of the Fallen, or vol-unteering a Family Unit Activity.How Can You Help

USO Wisconsin has shared a strong relationship with The Amer-ican Legion and the American Le-gion Auxiliaries in Wisconsin. We have collaborated to provide better programs and services to military families in our community. If any-one wants to learn how they can help more, below are some oppor-tunities.

CENTER VOLUNTEERS work regular shifts at one of the centers: Milwaukee Airport, Fort McCoy, La Crosse Airport or Milwaukee Military Entrance Processing Sta-tion.

EVENT VOLUNTEERS interact with military at: Operation Christ-mas, Father Daughter Dance, and many others.

NO DOUGH DINNER is an event where USO Wisconsin fi nds service members who could use a good meal or family members of

those deployed and partners with an organization who provides food, a location and volunteers.

COLLECTION DRIVE is a great way for a group to make a large impact with minimal effort. Service members at Fort McCoy and the airports often pack light so USO Wisconsin offers food items, personal care items and leisure ac-tivities.

With more community support that is offered through volunteer-ing, USO Wisconsin will be able to reach more military families who have been identifi ed through pro-grams that have been already been developed.

“Without you being here a lot of the soldiers would be in a much worse place emotionally. A cup of hot coffee and internet is life changing, and the only lifeline many of these guys have to their families right now.”

--Service member at Fort McCoy

Commander Oatman is pictured here in front of the Governor’s Mansion in Madison on the evening of Tuesday, November 10th prior to the annual Veteran’s Day Reception.

Commander Dale Oatman was greeted with a corsage by Unit No. 355 President Cathy Brunnquell at the Rose-Harms Post No. 355 in Grafton on Saturday, November 14th where he attended the annual Veteran’s Day Dinner.

2nd District Commander James Lee of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedarburg discusses membership strategy with Department Commander Dale Oatman during the annual Veteran’s Day Dinner at Rose-Harms Post No. 355.

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5Stoughton Area Veterans Park

Approximately 150 people attended the ground breaking ceremony for the Stoughton Area Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, September 26th.

The colorful ceremony be-gan with the playing on “Rev-eille” prior to the posting of the National Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Master of Ceremonies duties were performed by Bud Er-ickson of Stoughton Post No. 59. Other speakers included Stoughton Post Commander Sonny Swangstu.

Dignitaries then turned the

fi rst shovels of dirt and the construction of the Stoughton Area Veterans Memorial Park was under way.

Following the 30 minute cer-emony, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 59 hosted a reception at the Post Memo-rial Building, located at 803 North Page Street in Stough-ton.

For more information on the Stoughton Area Veter-ans Memorial Park, con-tact Bud Erickson at (608) 873-5305 or email Bud at torvlars@hotmail.com.

(Portage, Wis.) – Coach Bo Ryan, an Army veteran of the Vietnam era and Legion member, showed his commitment to veterans and heralded their sacrifi ces recently in a special Veterans Day message for the Wisconsin American Le-gion that was broadcast through-out Wisconsin from Monday, No-vember 2nd through Wednesday, November 11th.

“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to Coach Ryan for support-ing our veterans and the Wiscon-sin American Legion by recording a very special Veterans Day radio message,” said Commander Dale Oatman of American Legion Post No. 524 in White Lake. “His mili-tary experience and subsequent success are no coincidence. So many Vietnam and Vietnam era veterans like Coach Ryan used their military experience and the benefi ts they earned to build lives for themselves and enrich our communities. Thank you Coach, and congratulations on your com-ing induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.”

Visit The American Legion, De-

Coach Bo Ryan Delivers Legion Message

partment of Wisconsin website at www.wilegion.org to listen.

Ryan served in the US Army during the Vietnam era as a mili-tary police offi cer at Fort Gor-don, GA after completing basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The coach comes from a family with a distinguished service background. His father received a Bronze Star in World War II and his uncle served as an Army Ranger in the Korean War.

Ryan himself was the top pis-tol shooter in his class during his military police training at Fort Gordon. His service included

escorting military prisoners to prison at Fort Leavenworth. Af-ter discharge, Coach Ryan used his GI Bill to go back to school for coaching and teaching. He used his VA Home Loan benefi t to purchase a home. The Coach has described his experience in the military as positive, as well as his feeling that it was his re-sponsibility as an American.

Visit The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin web-site at www.wilegion.org to lis-ten. Contact American Legion State Adjutant David Kurtz at for further information.

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREDECEMBER 3, 2015

Candidate for Department Vice Com-mander Laurel Clewell is a Paid Up For Life member of the Johnston–Blessman No. Post 38 in Appleton as well as a Paid Up for Life member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 38. She is eligible for her American Legion membership because of her service during Desert Shield in 1991 and also during 2008 for the Global War on Terror. Laurel retired from the U.S. Army as a Command Sergeant Major in 2012 with 36 years in service. She also retired in 2014 from the City of Appleton where served in an accounts payable position. She dedicates her time and energy to her family, to veterans, and The American Legion.

Laurel married Gordy Clewell in 2013 and has two children and 4 step-children. She has one granddaughter and two grand-sons with one more grandson due in De-cember. Her son Pete is a member of the Sons of The American Legion and her daughter Teresa is a Paid Up For Life mem-ber in the American Legion Auxiliary. Her stepson Ryan is a member of The American Legion.

She has served Post No. 38 as Finance Of-ficer, all three Vice Commander positions,

Department Vice Commander and Past National Chaplain Daniel Seehafer an-nounces his candidacy for the high of-fice of Department Commander. Dan is a Paid-up for Life member of Post No. 157 in Horicon. He was commissioned as a Naval Officer in March of 1995 and en-rolled in the Navy Chaplaincy program. His service time as a chaplain candidate in the Navy enabled him to spend time not only with the Navy personnel in San Diego CA, Newport RI, Everett WA and aboard the USS Paul F. Foster, but also with the Marines at Camp Pendleton CA. He will always cherish the time spent in uniform, in which he earned the privilege to join The American Legion.

As his uniform changed through the years, his service to God and Country certainly have not. He has held numer-ous positions within The American Le-gion throughout his 19 consecutive years of membership. From his first leadership position as Post Adjutant, Dan eventually became Post Commander and led his Post family to six 100% memberships and an all-time high. He served as Dodge Coun-ty Commander - 2008-2010, 2nd District Commander - 2013-2015, Department Chaplain - 2006-2007, and National Chap-lain - 2010-2011.

Daniel has served on the National Amer-ican Legion System Worth Saving Task Force and is currently serving on the Na-tional Cemetery Committee. He has served on the Department Religious Emphasis Committee, the 2010 National Conven-tion Corporation, the Department Strategic

Frank Kostka, proud PUFL member of The American Legion, respectfully requests your support for his candidacy for Depart-ment Vice Commander.

Frank was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin and invested 20 years in the US Air Force from 1974 to 1994. He was an Electronic Technician, had many Supervi-sory Positions and culminated his career as Project Manager for the GPS Navstar Ground System Equipment at the Air Force Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs Colorado. Within 6 months of re-tiring from the service, Frank returned to Ashland where he opened his own business. Frank established the first ever Pawn Shop in Northern Wisconsin and over time his suc-cess even demanded expansion to a larger facility. He has become a valued business owner in the community for over 20 years.

He is supported by his wife of 40 years, Linda, and their 4 children, Matthew, Darcy, Joshua and David. Matthew is Post Adju-tant at Post No. 514 and Joshua is a proud member of the Sons of The American Le-gion. Linda and Daughter Darcy, as well as 8 Granddaughters are all members of Unit No. 90 of the American Legion Auxiliary. Frank was endorsed by the Kelly-Johnson Post No. 90 in Ashland and the Eleventh District.

Candidate for Department Vice

Commander

Candidate for Department Commander

Candidate for Department Vice

Commander

Laurel Clewell

Daniel Seehafer Frank J. Kostka

Commander in 2011-2012 and is cur-rently the Post Adjutant. She has served on the executive committee, house com-mittee, membership committee, finance committee, Scarlet Guard color guard and special committees such as the De-partment Convention Corporation. Lau-rel served Outagamie County in all three Vice Commander positions and as Com-mander. She has served the 9th District in the three Vice Commander positions, on the finance committee and is currently the 9th District Commander.

Laurel has extensive experience on De-partment committees, having served on the Fundraising Committee in 2007. She has served as Committee chairman of the National and Homeland Security, as well as the Children and Youth committees pri-or to assuming the position of 9th District Commander. Also, she has recently been appointed to the National American Le-gion Marketing Committee.

Laurel has been endorsed by Post No. 38, the Outagamie County Council, and the 9th District. She is asking for your support and vote as she pursues the high office of Department Vice Commander.

Planning Committee, and the Department Membership and Finance Committees as the DEC liaison. He has also served on the Department Americanism Committee as chairman of the County Youth Govern-ment program. Pastor Seehafer is a gradu-ate of both The American Legion Exten-sion Institute and The American Legion College, and is certified as a trainer for the ALEI course and as an instructor for the Wisconsin Legion College.

Dan is a member of the ANAVICUS, NALCAA, Past Commander’s Club, Sons of The American Legion and is very active within his community. Commander See-hafer was recognized as the “Legionnaire of the Year” in 2009 by the Dodge County Council and the 2nd District.

Reverend Seehafer received a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Concor-dia University and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. In August of 1997, he came to Horicon and was installed as the Assistant Pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church and School. He has served as Administrative Pastor at St. Stephen since October 2000 and was most recently elect-ed Circuit Visitor.

Dan is supported by his church family and endorsed by Post No. 157, the Dodge County Council, and the 2nd District.

With experience, knowledge and pas-sion, Dan will definitely be a powerful voice for you as your next Department Commander--as, together, we will contin-ue to provide service to our veterans, their families and their communities.

His experience in The American Legion includes having served as Post No. 90 Com-mander from 2004 to present. The post has achieved 100% in membership each of the last 5 years. Frank worked to established the new SAL Squadron No. 90 in Ashland this past year. He served as 11th District 2nd and 1st Vice Commander. His experi-ence at Department level includes member on the Camp American Legion committee for 2 years and member on the Communi-cations Committee for 1 year. He currently serves as a member of the National Legis-lative Council as a liaison to Congressman Duffy. During his service as 11th District Commander, he has served as the Depart-ment Executive Committee liaison to the Americanism, Camp American Legion, Communications, Legislative and VA&R Committees.

Legionnaire Frank Kostka is passionate about The American Legion as exemplified by his membership recruiting, earning the prestigious National Silver Brigade Award in 2014 and Gold Brigade Award in 2015. He looks to continue promoting how The American Legion supports our Veterans at large and how Local Posts support their Communities as a Department Vice Com-mander and asks for your support.

THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN

2016 Midwinter Conference January 15-17, 2016

Ho-Chunk Hotel & Convention Center ~ S3214 Highway BD ~ Baraboo, WI 53913

REGISTRATION FORM

Pre-register for the 2016 Midwinter Conference by returning this registration form and $20.00 per person (1 person per registration form) to Department Headquarters by January 4, 2016 and save $5.00! Registrations received after January 4, 2016 will be $25.00 per person. Or Register online at www.wilegion.org.

(Please type or print clearly in order for your badge to be printed correctly)

NAME MEMBER ID # ADDRESS CITY ZIP DISTRICT POST UNIT SQUADRON HOME PHONE CELL PHONE

ITEM NO PRICE TOTAL Registration Fee $20.00

Reg. Fee After 1/5/16 $25.00 Saturday Evening The American Legion Family Testimonial $1,000.00 “Get One” Bounty drawing and 3-$500.00 Post Drawings

$32.00

(Banquet registration deadline is 12/28/15)

Total Enclosed

Make check payable to The American Legion, or Enter Credit Card Information Below

Cash Check #

OR

Name on Card Card Type Card #

Exp. Date Sec. Code

Return to: The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin

Attn: Chris Schmidt P.O. Box 388

Portage, WI 53901 or email to chris@wilegion.org

SATURDAY MEAL CHOICE Stuffed Chicken Breast

Prime Rib

2016 Midwinter Registration Form

Return to: The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin • Attn: Chris Schmidt PO Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901 or email to: chris@wilegion.org

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE SEPTEMBER 25, 2014PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE DECEMBER 3, 2015

The LastBugleBugle

3 AntigoDoran Arrowood V 10/25/158 WaukeshaRichard Miller V 11/03/1510 WausauRobert Brainard 10/20/1511 Green BayMike Pyatt V 11/13/15Dale Oconnell V 04/16/15Mike Kellner K 11/16/1513 Richland CenterElgie Turnipseed K 10/16/15Wayne Crapser V 10/28/15Howard Hansen II 11/09/1519 HartfordGene Wittenberger II 10/21/1522 AmherstKenneth Trinrud II 01/17/1523 GlendaleGerald Gleason K 11/03/1532 MenomonieThomas Mason V 10/28/1533 NeenahGeorge Kenny K 10/25/15John Helms V 11/02/1536 West BendHerb Timmerman K 06/01/1538 AppletonBruce Marcks K 11/03/15William Bartell II 11/15/15Jim Cutler II 11/17/1539 MarinetteVelvie Finn II 10/20/15Francis Lebick K 11/06/1541 KaukaunaMarvin Heindl V 08/28/15Thomas Gast V 07/20/15George Greenwood K 06/29/15Wallace Mooney II 09/20/1547 PortageRobert Metcalf K 10/26/1553 Eau ClaireRobert Williams II 07/20/1554 Marshfi eldTerrence Frank V 10/20/15Dale Stelson II 09/30/1560 KimberlyJames Nirschl II 10/16/1567 Lake MillsRobert Stark V 10/15/15Gene Sukow V 10/22/15Michal Elliott V 11/05/1574 OcontoJack Maas K 10/16/1579 BurlingtonPat Lloyd K 11/14/1583 SheboyganDonald Anderson II 05/12/15Richard Bahr K 09/28/1587 Rice LakeLeland Scribner II 01/15/1589 MinocquaRobert Wagner II 09/24/1591 OconomowocEdward Polzin II 10/29/15Richard Petershack II 08/05/1593 TomahawkTheodore Haring II 11/14/15Robert Koth II 11/16/15106 SeymourAlvin Socha V 11/03/15Emil Gosse II 11/05/15

110 New LisbonRaymond Bailey II 10/26/15113 Mount HorebDonald Frisch K 12/27/14Gordon Wahlgren K 11/22/15114 Eagle RiverHarold Madsen II 10/11/15118 ThorpJerome Wnek K 10/25/15Donald Weggen V 10/27/15121 River FallsBob Pearson II 11/01/15122 PhillipsGlen Melville II 04/23/15125 ChiltonJohn Schmitz K 11/06/15128 StockbridgeDan Roberts K 07/15/15133 Camp DouglasGeorge Delap K 11/16/15George Frohmader II 11/17/15142 BlanchardvilleRichard Johnson K 11/17/15143 St Croix FallsLyman Samo II 10/19/15151 MadisonJohn Arnost K 09/22/15Michael Rellahan V 08/10/15153 PittsvilleJames Goode K 09/01/15154 MondoviWalter Pederson V 10/28/15155 WestbyRobert Johnson K 08/25/15Carlyle Sherry II 09/27/15Donald Jefson K 10/17/15167 Sauk CityGordon Richardson K 10/22/15170 Mineral PointBruno Galle II 10/23/15Donald Spink V 10/20/15173 WhitewaterRichard Chamberlain K 10/23/15176 WeyauwegaLawrence Kapitzke II 10/11/15200 Black River FallsRobert Austin 10/29/15Jerry Bares II 11/03/15201 TomahDonald Jerdee K 11/16/15204 EllsworthCharles Chadwell V 08/14/15205 JanesvilleDavid Knoer II 07/13/15Melvin Peterson K 10/28/15207 ElmwoodBernard Bechel II 08/26/15210 WaupunDaryle Miller K 10/19/15212 BarronRoyal McEwen II 10/31/15217 BonduelRoger Olson II 10/20/15219 MilwaukeeEdward Hoffmann II 10/31/15237 FootvilleWilliam Wingerson V 11/03/15238 GreenwoodVerne Vollrath K 10/31/15Donald Hoffmann II 10/19/15Burton Jolivette K 11/13/15239 TigertonArchie Huss V 11/07/15258 Little ChuteDennis Hendricks V 02/15/15Raymond Schommer K 10/29/15263 New LondonJames Oashger II 10/24/15272 ButternutMax Bruch II 11/02/15277 NecedahDonald Parker V 10/07/13Robert Schoff K 03/03/15Gust Nudi II 10/11/15Arnold Zellmer K 07/18/15282 MarkesanC Ken Werth II 10/20/15

286 OostburgLawrence Borucki K 11/01/15288 CedarburgHarold Nicholas II 11/09/15Gerald Walker K 11/15/15293 Silver LakeMorris Tillman V 10/21/15295 BloomerMike Bromberek P 10/20/15301 WoodvilleRussell Lund II 10/19/15Wayne Albrigtson V 10/17/15Elton Johnson II 11/07/15306 Green LakeRobert Schmidt V 11/20/14Carol Manley K 11/11/15317 WautomaCharles Gazzana V 10/30/15Robert Czarnecki PG 10/22/15Anthony Lynch K 10/05/15318 Lake TomahawkWayne Paugel K 11/09/15324 OsseoJames Blom V 10/29/15327 LyonsHarold Flack II 10/21/15333 Sun PrairieHerbert Huber II 08/27/15Donald Gallagher II 10/29/15

339 AlmondEdward Durrant K 10/28/15357 Bay CityThomas Tyler II 09/13/15Thomas Fleming K 08/13/15Kenneth Helmer II 08/20/15365 Plum CityLawrence Vonholtum K 10/21/15372 ForestvilleFrancis Froze K 10/24/14382 Menomonee FallsMerle Meister K 10/02/15Richard Rafferty II 09/16/15Philip Paradies II 11/02/15Merle Meister K 10/02/15385 VeronaAlbert Frazier II 10/20/15Robert Feller II 10/28/15401 CambriaDelwin Busse K 10/19/15412 BelgiumRobert Chamberlain II 09/14/14Sylvester Weyker V 10/30/15416 GreendaleRobert Mueller V 11/01/15420 HustisfordHarold Lehmann K 04/26/14Frederick Wenger K 08/25/15422 HighlandRobert Miess K 11/09/15

431 Three LakesKaren Carlsen G/L 10/20/15440 ClintonJames Bugge K 10/29/15Jack Stoney II 10/23/15Gary Jensen V 09/24/15449 Brookfi eldDonald Lodl II 08/08/15453 BelmontLyle Habel K 10/17/15457 MequonFrank Bolz II 03/04/15473 PotosiJack Cardey II 10/28/15481 MadisonMatthew Paprock G/L 11/03/15485 RudolphPete Radtke K 10/29/15494 CaledoniaMarvine Fennigkoh K 10/31/15519 StetsonvilleGary Schafer V 10/03/15526 Hazel GreenRobert Champion K 10/14/15Raymond Hillary II 10/24/15Irene Schroeder II 10/26/15553 MadisonFloyd Jones II 10/16/15

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PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

Team Wisconsin’s campaign for National Commander continues in high gear. At this point, our Candidate Denise Rohan has been invited to 24 different states for campaign visits. She is working on scheduling visits to the other states, as well.

Denise has visited Texas, Or-egon, Missouri and Idaho. All the Departments made her feel very welcome and one thing is certain – The American Legion is doing wonderful things across this na-tion.

Between campaign travel and the cost of hospitality rooms, campaign costs are adding up and we need to continue to work on fundraising.

The November Post and Unit mailings contained information about the upcoming “Club 600” Raffl e. Only 600 tickets will be sold at a cost of $50.00 each. Top prize is $2,000.00 with a total of $5,000.00 in prizes to be awarded. You can purchase these tickets at

the campaign table at Midwin-ter or by contacting Jan Pulver-macher-Ryan or Diana Sirovina. Proceeds from this raffl e will be split between Denise’s National Commander Campaign and Diane Duscheck’s National President Campaign.

Look for additional opportunities to donate toward Team Wiscon-sin’s campaign during the Mid-winter Conference. There will be a ‘Wing Span” raffl e Friday and a Yahtzee Game option on Saturday. Bring extra cash and stop by the campaign table to learn more.

Thank you to the Posts and Counties who are continuing to plan fundraising events, have do-nation jars out and to Men’s Hair House (www.menshairhouse.com) for their support. Please remember the Christmas in July fundraiser planned for Convention in Middleton.

Denise was recently asked why she wanted to be National Com-mander; her answer was “I’m not

doing this for myself; I’m doing it for Wisconsin.” The delegates at the 2012 Department Convention endorsed her as Wisconsin’s can-didate for National Commander. With that endorsement came the support of the entire Department. It is reassuring to know we have over 59,000 Wisconsin Legion-naires and the rest of The Ameri-can Legion Family as part of the Team.

If you would like Denise to par-ticipate in or speak at an event in your area, send her an email at deniserohan@tds.net or call her at (608) 225-1423 to make arrange-ments. You can check her avail-ability by going to her web site; www.deniserohan.org and click on CALENDAR to see what dates she has available. You can also go to the web site to make a donation by credit card or print a donation form to send with your check to her campaign headquarters.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Post No. 65 • Rome James Kitchen

Post No. 510 • Hollandale Mark Chrostowski

Post No. 236 • AlgomaCletus Conard

Post No. 540 • Haugen Lloyd Meinen

Post No. 287 • Mattoon John Priebe

Post No. 306 • Green Lake Mark Kramer

DECEMBER 3, 2015

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The 82nd Annual American Legion Pilgrimage to the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln will be held February 11th and 12th, 2016 in Springfi eld, IL. Command-er Oatman is announcing the County Commander Pilgrimage Challenge.

All County Commanders who achieve 100% of their 2016 Membership Goal by January 13, 2016 will have their name entered into a drawing to be held at the Wisconsin Legion Family Testimonial Dinner to be held on Saturday, January 16th at the Midwinter Conference.

The winner will receive a

trip to The American Legion Pilgrimage to the tomb of Abraham Lincoln. The pack-age includes hotel accommo-dations on Thursday, February 11th, a visit to President Lin-coln’s tomb the following day with Commander Oatman and the Wisconsin Legion Delega-tion, as well as a commemora-tive jacket and pin, a visit to the Lincoln Presidential Library and a formal breakfast and lunch on Friday, February 12th.

County Commanders must achieve 100% of their 2016 Membership Goal by January 13, 2016 to qualify.

100% POST COMMANDERS

ATTENTION: County Commanders Win a trip to the Lincoln Pilgrimage!