Badger

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

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

June 6, 2013Vol. 90, No. 4aire

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

1 2ND 3RD 4 5 6 7 9 10 1211

Dist. 5100%

Dist. 399.16%

Dist. 1096.90%

Dist. 496.18%

Dist. 794.96%

Dist. 694.83%

Dist. 294.15%

Dist. 993.89%

Dist. 193.76%

Dist. 892.67%

Dist. 1292.43%

Dist. 1191.22%

Oconomowoc to Host 95th Annual ConventionOpening Ceremonies at 9:00 AM. First time attendees will have a great opportunity to socialize and learn about the business of The American Legion fi rst-hand. Convention Committee Meetings will take place at 2:00 PM and consider a number of Resolutions related to Legion business and veterans issues at the state and national levels. The ever popu-lar “GNUTS” meeting will take place at 4:30 PM with a “TET” party to follow. Candidates for Department offi ces will be host-ing Hospitality Suites at the Olympia Resort, Hotel and Spa later in the evening.

Saturday will be a busy day at convention with the election of Department offi cers beginning at 8:30 AM. The convention will reconvene at 9:00 AM and many prominent speakers are expected. Department award winners will also be recognized for their ac-complishments. There will be a Military Vehicle Display in the parking lot at the Olympia Re-sort from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Wisconsin’s Future Leaders Assemble in Ripon The Olympia Convention Cen-

ter in Oconomowoc is slated to host the 95th Annual Depart-ment Convention July 18-21. The Olympia Convention Center is a beautiful facility and will be hosting a Department Convention for the fi rst time. The Convention Center and surrounding area is a popular destination with ample parking and features a number of popular shopping venues and res-taurants. There are four (4) hous-ing choices for Legion Family members to choose from. They are the Hilton Garden Inn, Stay-bridge Suites, Olympia Hotel and Marriott Milwaukee West, all with complimentary shuttle service.

The Edwin L. Jones Post No. 91 of Oconomowoc and many Waukesha County Legion Family volunteers are proud to sponsor the convention and have planned a number of special activities to entertain visitors.

Department Headquarters will establish a presence at the convention site on Wednesday, July 17th. Initial meetings that day will include the Wisconsin

The Wisconsin American Le-gion’s Badger Boys State pro-gram will open its 72nd session on June 8, 2013 at Ripon Col-lege. The annual week-long pro-gram brings together hundreds of high school seniors from throughout Wisconsin to create a 51st state known as Badger Boys State.

The program is part of the many youth initiatives offered by The American Legion, De-partment of Wisconsin and is designed to educate youth on the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American citi-zenship. It was developed on the fundamental principle that youth learn best by actively participat-ing in the process. As much as possible, the mechanics of gov-ernment in Badger Boys State are patterned after the estab-lished agencies of city, county and state government.

Badger Boy State participants, known as Citizens, are selected based on their qualifi cations as good students, strong leadership skills, and rank in the top third of their class. Since 1939, over 60,000 students have attended Badger Boys State. Planned highlights of this year’s session

American Legion Foundation Board of Directors. That eve-ning at 5:45 PM there will be a dinner and Pontoon rides on Lac Labelle and a concert by the Post No. 91 American Le-gion Band with guest conduc-tors Commander Wayne and President Diana. In case of rain the cookout will be held at Post No. 91. RSVP by July 10th to ensure your reservation by con-tacting Post91oconomowoc@yahoo.com or Tom Strey at (262) 490-0416.

The various standing Depart-ment Committees will begin meetings at 7AM on Thursday, July 18th. The early starting times are necessary in order for the busi-ness of the sub-committees to be completed in advance of the De-partment Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 4 PM. For those not attending Department meetings, discount golfi ng will be available at the Paganica Golf course in Oconomowoc that day.

The convention will begin in earnest on Friday, July 19th with District Caucuses at 7:30 AM and

include guest speakers, Wiscon-sin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh-Bradley, Charles Wiley of the National Press Corps, Briga-dier General Scott Legwold, De-partment Commander Wayne W. Jensen and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, among others.

The staff members are volun-teers who relinquish a week of their vacation to serve at Badger Boys State. Last year, the entire counseling staff was comprised of previous Badger Boys State Citizens. A volunteer staff com-prised of former Citizens is very unique to Boys State programs, demonstrating the strength of the Wisconsin program.

Legionnaires are invited to attend any evening program for a fi rst-hand glimpse at what Badger Boys State is all about. Come and see why your Post is involved each year. For more information about Badger Boys State feel free to visit badger-boysstate.com or contact Sandy Miller at sandy@wilegion.org or (608) 745-1090. For more information regarding the Bad-ger Boys State Alumni Associa-tion, please visit bbsalumni.com or contact Nathan Grunewald at alumni@bbsalumni.com.

(continued on page 4)

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JUNE 6, 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

2012-2013 Communications CommitteeHarold Rihn, Chairman

Ron Hessil, DEC LiaisonBernard Olson, Member

Phil Ingwell, MemberVern Pitt, Member

Mike Herkowski, MemberJames Lee, Member

Kendel Feilen, ConsultantLoretta Shellman, Auxiliary LiaisonBonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison

2012-13 Department Offi cers

CommanderWayne Jensen

Vice Commanders Ken Rynes

Chuck RoloffRon Hessil

Randy Lenser

AdjutantDavid A. Kurtz

Assistant ChaplainGreg Simonis

Sergeant-at ArmsTodd Braun

Charles Roessler

Service Offi cerJames Fialkowski

NECmanDavid L. Gough

Alternate NECmanSteve Krueger

District Commanders 1st – Dave Brisk 2nd – Robert Shappell 3rd – Rich Ruland 4th – Claire Goodfellow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Barb Belmont 7th – John Thurk 8th – Dan Rindt 9th – Dale Oatman 10th – Larry Wyrcza 11th – Frank Kostka 12th – Bob Buhr

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, EditorDiana Sirovina, 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 COMMANDER

WDVA SECRETARY

Wayne JensenCommander

Camp is clean and we are ready for anoth-er exciting sea-son. Our offi cial opening day for 2013 was Mon-day, May 27th.

What could be more fi tting than to open Camp on Memorial Day?

Every so often I like to write about something other than Camp. Yes, I do like to do this once in a while. This simple story happened over a year ago but now is the time to share it with our Legion Family. I feel we need stories like this once in a while to lift our spirits and to remind us all what a great organi-zation The American Legion is.

This story starts with me being asked to speak on Camp at a local Post meeting. That same day I had a good friend visiting me at camp. I brought her along with me. Seems all pretty normal doesn’t

NOW HEAR THIS….

If there has been a single d i shea r t en ing fact of being your Department Commander it would be the vast

amount of our fellow Legionnaires on the sick list. Each time a friend or acquaintance befalls to an ac-cident, or disease, it is a reminder of our fragility and mortality. What amazes me is where we fi nd the comrades to step up and carry on our traditions.

Spring Conference has come and gone. I was extremely impressed with the actions of the VA&R and Legislative Committees as relates to Senate Bill 13, which is legis-lation dealing with asbestos and Mesothelioma. What made it im-pressive was the sincere caring, and attentiveness, that was placed in the discussion and dialogue. To me the resolution was incidental

Flag DayA fl ag is of-

ten an enduring symbol of a sov-ereign country or nation’s heri-tage, conjuring up images rang-ing from struggle

and war to freedom and political ideals. In America, our fl ag com-mands a great measure of respect, born from the patriotic history that accompanies it.

In America our fl ag is almost sa-cred; so respected that Flag Day is observed on June 14th of each year. It is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our fl ag that was fi rst conceived of during our war for independence

it? Well, here is what happened; in her own words.

“Awhile ago, just by chance I had the privilege to be in attendance at the beginning of an American Le-gion meeting. There were some things which impressed me that I remember to this day, even though it has been over a year since that meeting.

When I walked in the building I noticed all the works of art on the front wall. There were soldiers, battle maps and various other symbols. Each one depicted a war that our military had fought. They were beautifully made and I asked someone about them. The person told me that they were all handmade by veterans. I was im-pressed.

When the introduction before the meeting began, I, probably for the fi rst time in my life, saluted the fl ag. It gave me a feeling on intrin-sic importance. Then we recited

compared to the process which was as intriguing as any courtroom drama. For the record, the Depart-ment Executive Committee acted on the recommendations of these committees and voted to oppose the legislation. Now it’s up to you Legionnaires to contact your repre-sentatives and urge rejection of the bill. I refer you to the Commanders Communique of May 17th which was issued by e-mail and posted on our website at www.wilegion.org.

I had the honor of represent-ing you over the Memorial Day weekend in both Pewaukee and Mt. Horeb. It was the ideal time to showcase Americana and The American Legion at our best. Na-tional Commander Jim Koutz says it best when he states, “Every Day is Veterans Day”. This is the time of year we remind America that mil-lions of our service members paid the supreme sacrifi ce. Surviving mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, nieces, nephews and friends were not celebrating the beginning

from Britain. Nicknamed “Stars and Stripes,” “Old Glory” and “The Star-spangled Banner,” our fl ag has been a symbol of our na-tion since 1777.

Flag Day occurs on the anniver-sary of the Flag Resolution of 1777. It was offi cially established by proclamation by President Wood-row Wilson on May 30, 1916. However, it was not until August 3, 1949 that President Harry S. Tru-man signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

Our fl ag has accompanied our soldiers and explorers to the ends of the earth and beyond since our founding and it is hard to look at the fl ag without a deep association between our achievements and

the pledge of allegiance. I hadn’t said those words since I was in grade school, but I could say them without forgetting a word. That surprised me. I guess some things that are meaningful stay with us no matter how old we are.

The one thing that really was the most memorable for me happened when the veterans at the meeting said a prayer for our veterans. My father is a World War II veteran. He is not in real good health, but does his best. I was much moved, listing to these Legionnaires and in my mind thinking – they are all praying for my father! It was a spe-cial moment that I will never for-get. After they fi nished the prayer I thought of something bigger yet. I realized that somewhere at every American Legion Post meeting in the country, there are veterans praying for my father, for which I felt a profound sense of gratitude. It too, is something special that I

of summer, but refl ecting on their lost family members. Our hearts go out to them as we rededicate our-selves, that their lives will not have been sacrifi ced in vain.

Over the last several years I ob-served that previous Department Commanders seemed to tire at this point of their term of offi ce. But what I’m actually feeling is a sense of sadness that my days as your Commander are rapidly coming to a close. As we prepare for the De-partment Convention, I’m observ-ing that we are already preparing for the next commanders agenda. We are hard at work preparing a 5 year membership plan and we have important resolutions dealing with potentially combining certain com-mittees. Streamlining operations will go far in determining the De-partment’s success as we move into the future.

As the District Commanders prepare their recommendations for standing committees I urge young-er members to step forward to work

those who sacrifi ced so much to achieve them. Our fl ag has been fl own by our Armed Forces in every engagement since the Revo-lutionary War and carried by our explorers and adventurers to as far away as the moon.

A decade ago, when Army sol-diers received orders for a deploy-ment to Iraq or Afghanistan, the fl ag became an integral part of their deployment uniform to iden-tify them as U.S. troops. Before the Army and other military branches adopted digital pattern uniforms and Velcro patches and fl ags, the Army wore green-colored cam-oufl age for most stateside duty and desert-colored camoufl age for deployments to the Middle East. When soldiers got their new desert

still think about at times and feel what a great thing it was to have been at an American Legion meet-ing.”

Legion family, here in the North-woods I have a lot of quite time to refl ect on things. All of us have limited time here on earth, time that is truly precious. When you think about it, all time is really sa-cred. As we move through life, we never really know when we can infl uence somebody in a profound way. We never really know when we can touch someone’s heart and soul. I have come to refl ect on that thought often. That night when my friend attended her fi rst Legion meeting she was infl uenced and touched in a very deep and mean-ingful way. The American Legion is a great organization of high value, positively impacting lives. Sometimes we don’t even see it but it does happen. Thank you American Legion and God bless.

on Department committees. That is where you truly learn the pro-cess of The American Legion. So much ire and discontent is borne at the Post level because folks ei-ther don’t know, or understand, why things can or cannot be done. Remember; “Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.” This is where being a mentor is so vital to The American Legion. Younger minds bring fresh ideas. As an older member of your Post, you can either be a dinosaur or a wise mentor.

Last, but not least, please ensure your Adjutants are submitting the Consolidated Post Report. The time, money and efforts your Post spends accomplishing aspects of the Four pillars (Americanism, Children & Youth, Veterans Af-fairs and National Security) needs to be compiled so when we talk to our representatives in Congress and Madison, we can show them why our concerns count.

God speed and smooth sailing.

uniforms, a “backward” American fl ag was sewn to the right shoulder – the fl ag streaming rearward as it would if it was being carried by a standard-bearer as he or she was moving forward.

Now the fl ag is standard for Army utility uniforms, whether on combat assignment or not. The fl ag is truly a worldwide symbol of our country that instantly identifi es us whether on a soldier’s uniform, a suit’s lapel pin or a fl ag fl ying in a veteran’s front yard.

When you fl y the fl ag this June 14, or observe someone else’s fl ag fl ying, take a moment and think on where the fl ag comes from, where it has been and what is says about us as Americans.

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

CAMP DIRECTOR

Kevin MosheaCamp Director

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJUNE 6, 2013

When the new Wisconsin Vet-erans Home at Chippewa Falls put out a wish list for needed items, members of the Martin A. Treptow Post No. 295 in Bloom-er were willing to share their time and talent for a project.

The need for an altar suitable for all faiths was on the wish list and post members agreed to con-struct one according to the speci-fi cations of the Veterans Home. Plans were approved and some highly skilled veterans went to work. The altar had to be mobile so it could be moved into place for services in the Home’s cha-pel which is also attached to the

The Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) held its 48th annual meeting of the Board of Directors in New Orleans on April 16th. Forty-eight of the forty-nine American Legion Departments that comprise the LIT were represented at the meeting.

The meeting was presided over by Frank Barrett of Maryland, the newly elected Chairman. Chuck Yunker of Kansas and Braxton Bridgers of Alabama were named to serve on the Executive Commit-tee. Chairman Barrett dedicated the meeting in honor of the found-ing Chairman, John J. “Jack” Fly-nn of California, who transferred to the “Post Everlasting” in February 2013. The Department of Wiscon-sin was represented by Trust Direc-tor David Kurtz.

The Board meets annually to re-view the affairs of the LIT. Agenda items included: the fi nancial status of the LIT, approval of allocations and fee distribution, receiving an update on the programs and ser-vices, review the Trust Adminis-trator’s report, and set the future direction of the Trust.

The Board will meet again during The American Legion’s National Convention in Houston, Texas.

The Legionnaire Insurance Trust was formed in 1966 with the ex-pressed purpose: “to provide Le-gionnaires with the most advanced and least expensive form of insur-

community room. When these rooms are combined, the seating capacity is 160.

Post members are currently working on another project for the home and are building maga-zine racks for the library.

Katie Plendl-Director of Volun-teer Services at the home stated that three members of the clergy are presently serving the Veter-ans Home and she is looking for more volunteer clergy to come forth. Mark Wilson-Comman-dant of the Veterans Home indi-cates that within a few weeks the Home will be at the capacity of 72 residents.

ance to protect themselves and their families while providing American Legion Departments with a reliable source of revenue”. Proceeds from the LIT are generally ear-marked to support Department VA&R and other related activities. Since join-ing the LIT in 1984, the Department of Wisconsin has received over $2.2 million in support of American Le-gion programs, with over $700,000 in the last 6 years. This revenue is vital to maintain the level of servic-es offered to Wisconsin veterans by The American Legion.

Chippewa Falls Veterans Home Puts Out the Call and Post No. 295 Answers

48th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors

A total of 94 persons attended the annual Marinette County American Legion Commander’s Dinner to honor Paul Dyer, as the 2013 Marinette County Le-gionnaire of the Year. Dyer has been a member of Post No. 413 in Crivitz for 60 consecutive years. The dinner was served Saturday, April 13 at Lynda’s Sky Harbor to 94 guests.

A very special guest was Dy-er’s grandson, Ben, who had just come home from serving a year of duty in Afghanistan as part of a 39-month hitch as a Scout with the U. S. Army.

Marinette County Commander Claire Bolander presented Dyer with the Man of the Year Award, and introduced State Command-er Wayne Jensen and 9th District Commander Gene Oatman (who is also the Langlade County Veteran’s Service Offi cer); fel-low Marinette County offi cers Rodger French, Adjutant Tony Magerowski and Chaplain Ron Kaempf, Crivitz Village Presi-dent John Deschane and his wife, Candy, and VFW Com-mander Jerry Swanson.

Dyer introduced his family - Lois, his wife of 53 years; his son and daughter-in-law Scott and Tina, grandson Ben; and daughter Christina.

“After 60 years as a Legion-naire, my most rewarding ser-vice has been in the Honor Guard,” Dyer said, after ex-pressing appreciation for being honored. He felt there was no greater honor than to be sure a fellow veteran was given proper respect at burial.

Dyer was the only 60-year Le-gion member present. Erv Kru-kowski, a World War II veteran, was saluted as a 50 year-mem-ber. Jensen was guest speaker, and Oatman also gave a brief address. Bolander and Mage-rowski presented Bolander with a certifi cate of appreciation.

Traveling trophy for being

Marinette County Legion Commander’s Dinner

LEGIONNAIRE OF YEAR—Shown above at the Annual Marinette County American Legion Commander’s Dinner are 9th District Commander Dale Oatman of Antigo; State Commander Wayne Jensen of Milwaukee; Paul Dyer of Crivitz Legion Post 413, who was being honored as Marinette County’s Legionnaire of the Year for 2013, and Marinette County Commander Claire Bolander. The event took place Saturday, April 13 at Lynda’s Sky Harbor in Crivitz. In addition to being Legionnaire of the Year, Dyer received a plaque from Jensen for more than 60 years of continuous membership in the Legion.

Pictured from left to right: Katie Plendl- Director of Volunteer Services; American Legion Members: Jim Zwiefelhofer, Marv Weber, Jim Conrad, Norman Kouba-Post No. 295 Commander, Fran Yohnk, Tom Vodacek, Jim Hudacek-Post No. 295 Adjutant, Mark Wilson-Chippewa Falls Commandant.

Th e Legionnaire Insurance Trust

“over the top” in membership for the year once again went to Com-mander Elmer Mullard of Loom-is Post 476, with a record 115.38 in membership.

Bolander noted there were many Korean War veterans on hand, and reminded everyone that they are now eligible for the Honor Flights to the memorial in Washington, DC.

“Think about some of the things we’re accomplishing,” Jensen told the Legionnaires, citing a long list of events and activities the Legion supports. “I feel it’s imperative that we take the time to let folks know what we’re doing,” Jensen declared. “How else will we ever get younger members?” Jensen is a retired Milwaukee police offi cer and 20-year military veteran. He pre-sented Dyer with a lapel pin. At the conclusion of the meeting the red, white and blue center-piece that graced the head table was presented to Jensen’s wife, Donna.

Oatman asked the Legion-naires to support the budgets of Gov. Scott Walker and President Barack Obama, since they both provide increased benefi ts for veterans.

He thanked the Marinette County posts for their mem-bership results, 95.51 percent for the county as a whole. Two posts, Loomis and Peshtigo were over 100 percent.

Veterans and their families who were at Camp Lejeune from 1957 to 1987 may be eligible for special benefi ts because of hav-ing drank contaminated water there. There are high incidences of several types o cancers.

The new Green Bay Veterans Clinic is close to completion and expected to be in operation by the end of summer. There will be Legion Day at the Vet-erans Home at King on Sunday, June 16th.

Bolander expressed special thanks to all the posts for the event.

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PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JUNE 6, 2013

HILTON GARDEN INN1443 Pabst Farms CircleOconomowoc, WI 53066

(262) 200-2222 www.oconomowoc.hgi.com

Group Code: WAL King Rooms- $99.99/Night

Queen Rooms- $109.00/Night NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS

OLYMPIA RESORT1350 Royale Mile Road

Oconomowoc, WI 53066 (262) 369-4982

www.olympiaresort.com Group Code: Post 91 2013 LLC

Wisconsin American Legion StateConvention

$95.00/Night for two guests3-4 people per room is an additional

$10/person/night RESERVATIONS AFTER MAY 13TH

STAYBRIDGE SUITES1141 Blue Ribbon Drive Oconomowoc, WI 53066

(262) 200-2900 www.staybridge.com/milwaukeewest

Group Code: WAL $99.00/Night - Includes Breakfast

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MARRIOTTMILWAUKEE WEST

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(262) 574-0888 www.marriott.com/mkemw

$99.00/NightFull Service Restaurant & Lounge

Pool and Hot TubNOW TAKING RESERVATIONS

2013 DEPARTMENT CONVENTION HOUSING CHOICES Please Note: Free shuttle transportation will be provided to and from Olympia Convention Center for all hotels listed below.

95th Annual Convention (continued)Following the convention ses-sion, the Legion Riders will hold a Legacy Run tour of Waukesha County American Legion Posts to raise funds for The Ameri-can Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Following the Legacy Run there will be a Pool Party and Live band at the Olympia Resort prior to the Past Commander’s Club evening bash.

The 95th Annual Department Convention will wind up on Sunday. The Memorial Service will begin at 8:00 AM in the convention hall. Following the installation of the newly-elected offi cers and the closing ceremo-

By Arnie Tucker – Special to the Badger Legionnaire

Camp American Legion has no comparison. Located 24 miles north of Tomahawk and fi ve miles east of Highway 51 on Big Carr Lake, it is one of a kind in the entire United States. “It is the only camp in the country that has a ‘help to heal’ mission,” said Camp American Legion Director Kevin Moshea. “Our mission is to help our veterans, to give them a helping hand, to help them with their situations and their chal-lenges.”

From its beginning, Camp American Legion had a rather narrow focus. Now, the mission is “help to heal” as the camp bro-chure shows. The camp’s purpose is to help heal not only Wiscon-sin’s military veterans and active duty personnel, but their families as well. “Camp American Le-gion has a phenomenal history,” said Moshea. Since 1925, Camp American Legion has served Wisconsin military veterans with physician-documented injuries, illnesses or disabilities. Camp American Legion is completely free.

Moshea became director in the summer of 2009. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he served from 1971 to 1977 in the communi-cations fi eld. His non-military background includes 30 years in corporate communica-tion. He was employed with the Kimberly-Clark Corporation un-til downsizing elimi-nated his position.

In hindsight, the tim-ing of the downsizing seemed appropriate. “Probably in my last 10 years in the corpo-rate world, I saw my life heading to a more caring service to peo-ple,” he said.

That service includes 15 years as a hospice volunteer. Moshea also helped his sister, who was severely handi-capped as the result of

nies, the Grand Prize winner of the Convention Sweepstakes will be drawn. The grand prize is the winner’s choice of either $20,000 in cash or a new Ford from the Boucher Automotive Group. All in all it is anticipated to be a busy and exciting weekend in Oconomowoc. More details and a comprehensive schedule will appear in the next edition of the Badger Legionnaire. Register for the event by using the Registra-tion Form in this edition of the Badger Legionnaire or log on to www.wilegion.org. Registration on-line is fast and easy.

a car accident. “My spirituality grew greatly,” he said. “My life has gone down the road of person-al service and caring for others.”

Ironically, Moshea was famil-iar with Camp American Legion long before he became director.

“I have been coming to Camp American Legion since I was probably 10 years old, and always with my dad, who was an Ameri-can Legion member,” Moshea said. “I didn’t even know at that time it was called Camp Ameri-can Legion. My connection with this place goes back that far.”

The area of Camp American Legion where Moshea stayed with his parents is directly across Highway D from the main camp. Cabins belonging to various Le-gion posts are located there. As Moshea’s father often did, Le-gion members rent the cabins and bring their families. Moshea be-lieves that these personal and pro-fessional experiences converged and ultimately led him to becom-ing director of Camp American Legion.

In four years, he has seen the full spectrum of how Camp American Legion has helped veterans who have stayed at the camp. “We have brought fami-lies back together who have been struggling,” he said. “We have created programs that reach out to certain veterans in certain ways.”

Moshea said he experienced a moment that revealed how pro-found the camp’s impact was on one camper. With his vehicle packed and his family ready to leave the camp, a veteran insisted on talking with Moshea. “All of a sudden it became obvious that we were doing this because he didn’t want to leave,” Moshea ex-plained. “He said, ‘Kevin, I really don’t want to go back.’”

Moshea said that any veteran’s time in camp is a time to heal, a time to get away from the chal-lenges, concerns and issues in life. Veterans can do whatever they want at camp, whether it is going on a boat ride, fi shing, or just sitting by Big Carr Lake and reading a book. And it is free of charge to eligible Wisconsin vet-erans and their families.

In addition to veterans’ ages ranging from the 90s to the 20s, Camp American Legion has had a dramatic rise in the number of campers. In two years the number increased 76 percent. It rose by 43 percent last year alone. “We are here to serve and bring smiles to their faces. A lot of veterans have not smiled in a long time,” Moshea said. “For a week, we can give them a different perspective on life and meaning to their life, that they’re worth something and they’re valued. We can give them something to believe in.”

Helping to Heal: Camp Director Kevin Moshea on a Mission for Wisconsin Veterans and their Families

The main lodge at Camp American Legion. Photo credit to Arnie Tucker

First Name__________________ Last Name _____________________________

Member ID Number _________________________________________________

District ____________________________________________________________

AL Post # ________ Auxiliary Unit # ______ SAL Squadron # _________

Street Address _____________________________________________________

City ________________________________________Zip ___________________

Email _____________________________________________________________

Home Phone (__________ ) __________________________________________

Cell Phone (__________ ) ____________________________________________

ITEM QTY. AMOUNT TOTAL

Registration Fee ___________ $25.00 __________

Reg. Fee after July 15, 2013 ___________ $30.00 __________

Total Enclosed __________ Make check payable to The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin or enter credit card information below.

Cash Check Credit Card

Card Type__________________Card # __________________________________

Expiration Date ______________ Security Code _____________

Return to; Wisconsin American LegionAttn: Chris Schmidt • P.O. Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901

The American Legion Department of Wisconsin

REGISTRATION FORM

95th AnnualDepartment Convention

This is your registration form only, NOT your delegate form. Delegate forms are mailed to the Post 30 days prior to Convention per the Constitution and Bylaws.

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJUNE 6, 2013

JACKSON COUNTY CHRONICLE BY CASSANDRA COLSON REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

Black River Falls High School students recently took part in an American Legion-sponsored event designed to increase their civics knowledge.

Twenty BRF students participat-ed in the online Americanism and Government Scholarship Program test put on by The American Le-gion, Department of Wisconsin.

Students were tested on their knowledge of current events, coun-ty, Wisconsin and U.S. government and the Constitution in addition to fl ag etiquette.

BRF student William Mackenzie was one of 32 recipients of a $250 scholarship. He achieved the honor out of a pool of 4,360 students.

“I think it’s a good opportunity from the Legion. It connects very well to our curriculum, so we’re try-ing to promote (the test) on that lev-

On April 20th 2013, Sons of The American Legion Squadron No. 196 of Delafi eld aided a local veteran, Harry Sobocinski. Harry served in the US Army Reserve from 1960 to 1966 and has lived at his Delafi eld residence for more than 25 years.

Due to recent health problems Harry needs a transport van to take him to and from doctor and hos-pital visits. However, his gravel driveway was rutted and in gen-eral disrepair. The Delafi eld Sons of The American Legion conduct three major fundraisers through-out the year which raise money for projects such as this. With the help of Lake Country Landscap-ing and the Delafi eld SAL, the driveway was reconstructed and is a usable driveway once again.

Black River Falls Students Brush Up on American Civics Knowledge

Delafi eld SAL Squadron Assists Local Veteran

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Operation Comfort Warrior (OCW) is a National American Legion program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. Commander Jensen is asking all posts to support Op-eration Comfort Warrior by do-nating funds. Fond du Lac Post

No. 75, Chaseburg Post No. 202, James Lee of the Communications Committee, Trempealeau County Youth Government Day are the latest to respond with generous do-nations. Donations for OCW total over $2,000 for 2013.

You can show your support by sending a donation to OCW in care of Department Headquarters or by visiting the Wisconsin Veterans

el,” said BRF social studies teacher Paul Rykken, who helped promote BRF’s participation.

“It’s fundamental, basic knowl-edge that American citizens should have.”

Many of the test’s questions are similar to the test people take when hoping to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. BRF’s participation this year represents a ramped up ef-fort to get students involved in the program and increase their interest and knowledge in civics, Rykken said.

The school also has plans to in-crease participation in coming years, including next year, which American Legion representative Ken Schoolcraft supports.

“I think it’s important because they’re starting to get away from the things that veterans have died for in the past. It’s so far back that they don’t realize what kind of price was paid,” said Schoolcraft, who serves

as Jackson County American Le-gion commander and Americanism chairman of Post No. 200 in BRF.

“That’s part of our creed in the Legion— to promote 100 percent Americanism. We want to keep it in our schools. We want it to con-tinue.”

Schoolcraft also said he hopes other area schools, including Mel-rose-Mindoro and Lincoln, will par-ticipate in the test in coming years. BRF students will help the school and Legion promote the activity, which likely will spur more interest, he said.

“I want to get it into the other two schools in the county,” Schoolcraft said. “I think the thing is that they have to have more incentive.

“The kids in Black River are go-ing to make a video about it, and if a kid is promoting it, other kids are probably going to jump on board.”

For more information on the test, visit www.wilegion.org.

Back Row standing left to right: Pat Trier, Mike Stohl, Mike Trier, Jim Brucks, Steve Reardon. Front Row kneeling left to right: Mitchell Nuern-berger, Jerry Nuernberger, Joe Lindemann

Operation Comfort Warrior Challenge

Representatives of the Win-egar Post No. 480 of Presque Isle went before the Vilas Coun-ty Court on April 2nd and pre-sented a settlement agreement that addressed the issues that remained in their confl ict with the Township of Presque Isle. The County Judge accepted and ruled that American Legion Post

An all too familiar Memorial Day scene.

zation to maintain the Memorial in perpetuity.

This settlement and court or-

der now lays to rest a contro-versy that has affected the com-munity for many years.

H o m e at King on Father’s Day, June 16th, for the 58th Annual American Legion King Day sponsored by the 8th District. At that time we will col-lect all donations for presentation to National Commander Jim Koutz at the 95th Annual National Con-vention this August in Houston.

Presque Isle Post No. 480 Settles Lawsuit With TownNo. 480 will own the Legion hall with no reversionary clause or encumbrances to the title. The Memorial land peninsula does have a reversionary clause which states that if the Legion post does not complete a Veterans Memo-rial to the Legions satisfaction within 10 years from the date of the court ruling, title to the pen-

insula would revert back to the Town of Presque Isle.

The reversionary clause also states that the Legion cannot at-tempt to sell or lease the Memo-rial Peninsula. Once a memo-rial is built, should the Winegar Post No. 480 ever cease to exist the Memorial Peninsula can be deeded to any veterans’ organi-

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JUNE 6, 2013

The Last Bugle

1 GermantownMatthew Holentunder K 02/23/13 James M Enott V 04/21/13 4 AthensMark A Wisnewski K 05/10/13 8 WaukeshaPaul Fay II 05/17/13 10 WausauRichard T Mayer V 03/25/13 Robert Westberg II 04/04/13 Donald R Brummond K 03/31/13 11 Green BayArthur Eldridge II 05/10/13 14 IolaJoseph W Keller K 04/22/13 26 BarabooLowell C Haugen K 03/31/13 Fred L West II 04/13/13 27 MilwaukeeWilliam Dreher II 05/10/13 32 MenomonieWilliam Chamberlain V 03/16/11 Lawrence Michelbook II 05/05/1343 RiponFern B Schultz II 08/08/12 Leonard E Ringstad II 05/03/13 44 WabenoFred Reimann II 04/22/13 45 ElkhornDelorme A Getchell II 04/23/13 53 Eau ClaireWillard C Johnson II 04/20/13 Duane W Foss II 05/02/12 William J Guyton II 12/13/12 Robert L Gay K 04/28/13 55 HortonvilleCharles C Jandourek II 03/03/13 70 OshkoshWilliam G Haidlinger K 04/26/13 73 NeillsvilleRaymond Barth K 04/23/13 75 Fond du LacSylvin Steffes 04/21/13 Clarence Pierce II 04/26/13 Warren Hess II 03/10/13 William Notbohm II/K 10/21/12 Ken Richardson K 05/07/13 77 Chippewa FallsWayne G Anderson V 05/07/13 Leo Fisher II 05/11/13 79 BurlingtonGerald L Levans V 04/18/13 Warren Hefty II 05/06/13 82 Port WashingtonMilton Koch II 04/02/13 83 SheboyganLaVern R Larson II 03/26/13 Theodore Zimmermann II 05/11/13Robert L Voight II 07/15/12 93 TomahawkHarvey Nelson K 04/26/13 Ronald Linn II 05/15/13 Edward Bajorek K 05/17/13 106 SeymourThomas Burke K 04/28/13 121 River FallsRoman Falteisek II 04/25/13 127 HilbertHarold Vanharen II 05/02/13 133 Camp DouglasMilford N Hansen V 05/09/13 134 BoscobelGlenn Marks V 05/17/13

141 New GlarusHoward J Jeglum K 04/10/13 143 St Croix FallsJohn Edling K 04/26/13 Lester H Swanson II 12/31/12 Phillip B Bourasa V 01/25/13 Thomas W Eisen V Leonard Meyer V 04/05/13 Ronald J Lambert V 04/26/13 Steven W Johnson V 146 Beaver DamRussell W Kroll II 04/21/13 150 WausaukeeWilliam Weissgerber K 04/18/13 Peter Orlando II 05/17/13 168 Glenwood CityRobert Ryan K 04/30/13 170 Mineral PointJohn Keyes II 05/03/13 171 Union GroveSam Muratore K 04/19/13 Robert Lewis V 09/06/12 179 ChetekRoger Bronstad K 08/09/12 Mickey Standford K 01/12/12 Richard Nelson II 11/09/11 180 MilwaukeeJohn Gruil II 04/03/13 Wilbur O Korbein II 04/29/13 Edmund R Marus II 05/08/13 182 Park FallsDonald L Weimer K 04/25/13 Louie J Diem V 05/06/13 186 IndependencePeter P Palkowski K 04/13/13 189 WatertownLawrence N Reichert II 04/16/13 John C Kaercher II 04/10/13 199 ReedsvillePaul P Thelen II 04/09/13 200 Black River FallsJames Gearing K 05/13/13 201 TomahClarence E Kozarek II 04/29/13 205 JanesvilleRichard A Loga II 04/26/13 Richard Levihn K 05/11/13 206 WonewocPeter A Carr K 05/21/13 215 PardeevilleHoward McCarthy II 05/06/13 225 Shell LakeRoy F Slater K 04/16/13 233 WaterlooErvin Borck K 04/15/13 238 GreenwoodDewayne Vollrath K 03/14/13 Vern Mech II 04/28/13 258 Little ChuteRobert J Lamers K 04/26/13 Joseph F Lenz II 05/12/13 260 Deerfi eldEdwin D Frank K 04/26/13 263 New LondonEverette G Collins K 05/06/13 269 CushingLeroy G Lien V 04/04/13 272 ButternutClifford C Bruch K 04/29/13 274 Rib LakeArthur Gerstberger II 04/09/13 Kenneth Arndt V 05/07/13 288 CedarburgAllen Sattler II 05/02/13 Raymond F Melger II 05/12/13 294 HartlandCharles O Jensen II 07/21/12 Kurt O Kretschmer K 02/16/13 Jerry Stoecker K James Matusek V 10/01/12 Gerald J Shurte K 02/02/13 295 BloomerPaul E Lanzer Jr K 05/10/13 Richard R Colville K 03/31/13 296 Brookfi eldJohn A Rajski K 05/05/13 303 WinterFred Pearson II 05/06/13

310 RacineMarvin J Wirtz II 04/28/13 315 StoddardLester Helgeson K 04/28/13 324 OsseoWillis G Olson II 04/27/13 Jacob G Thoma K 04/16/13 332 Black CreekEdward G Rawling V 04/18/13 333 Sun PrairieDaniel Clavette V 05/05/13 Barbara Clark V 02/17/13 347 LomiraRoy A Lenhardt Sr II 04/13/13 John Kinyon II 04/17/13 Edward F Eilbes V 04/21/13 David J Sauer V 04/25/13 Robert E Retzlaff K 05/08/13 350 ReedsburgRoger Wobschall II 02/21/13 Lowell Davis V 04/22/13 351 MontelloWalter Marx K 04/25/13 Chester Mozden II 05/03/13 Mary B Riedl 05/02/13 355 GraftonJohn Kroeger K 05/11/13 359 GilmanLawrence Krak II 04/26/13

360 WaunakeeRobert D Paustian II 04/21/13 368 HixtonArthur Gilbertson II 05/17/13 377 ElchoLeonard Simonis II 05/08/13 382 Menomonee FallsJerry Redner K 05/08/13 384 KewaskumGerald Vetter V 04/28/13William McDonald II 04/29/13 Roger W McKenna K 04/29/13 385 VeronaHenry W Schroeder 04/27/13 390 GreshamDonald N Mathews K 11/07/12 401 CambriaWalter R Wiersma V 05/05/13 406 MilwaukeeFrederick R Wagie II 04/23/13 412 BelgiumEdwin P Knepprath K 04/16/13 413 CrivitzWilliam England II 05/14/13 436 WrightstownGregory J Russo V 04/20/13 Thomas A Ramage K 05/01/13 437 MazomanieRobert Stoller II 04/27/13

446 SteubenLawrence Bay 04/10/13 480 Presque IsleRonald Gebhard K 05/04/13 482 BagleyDenzel Woodward II 01/14/12 483 AllentonDonald Kirsch V 04/29/13 494 CaledoniaRobert Brink Sr II 05/08/13 508 WiltonHarley Chambers II 03/10/13 518 Green BayDavid J Lane II 03/23/13 521 Fox LakeSam Tomovich K 05/11/13 Ivan A Brueggemann II 05/13/13 524 White LakeNorwin G Gau II 04/28/13 534 McFarlandMarvin Langeteig II 05/19/12 Michael Addams V 02/14/13 Garry F Hausen V 01/12/11 537 MilwaukeeChester E Wnuk K 05/01/13 Robert W Schoenberg II 04/26/13 561 MasonAurelia Lobos II 06/26/12 Jerome Hager V 10/07/12

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PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJUNE 6, 2013

Commander Wayne Jensen attended the annual party cel-ebrating the founding of Stod-dard-Heinle Post No. 500 in Milwaukee on May 16th. The Commander presented three

Pictured left to right are De-partment Outreach Coordina-tor Steve Dykes and Warden Michael Meisner of the Co-lumbia Correctional Institu-tion standing in front of a

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Commander Jensen Visits Post No. 500

Th e Legion Visits the “Big House”

Department Commander Wayne Jensen wants to recog-nize those County and District Commanders who attain 100% of their 2013 membership goal by placing their photos in the Badger Legionnaire. The suc-cess or failure of our member-ship efforts is in direct propor-tion to the efforts of leadership. Congratulations to all Legion-naires who have worked so hard to strengthen our organization.

members of the post with cer-tifi cates marking continuous membership. Receiving cer-tifi cates were Ed Schuh - 65 years, Walt Zihn - 67 years and Helen Sullivan - 66 years.

Veterans display area at the facility. The display has been dedicated to the more than 80 veterans that serve as Cor-rectional Offi cers within the prison system.

Pictured left to right with Commander Wayne Jensen are Ed Schuh and Walt Zihn. Helen Sullivan is seated in the front row.

Wisconsin American Legion Riders from Districts 1, 2, 4 & 5 observed Armed Forces Day on May 18th and were once again honored to lead the Support the Troops Ride from Hal’s Harley Davidson in New Berlin to the Harley Davidson Museum in downtown Milwaukee. Include on the ride and pictured with the Riders are Major General Donald Dunbar, Adjutant Gener-al of the Wisconsin National Guard (in uniform) and US Army Major General Michael Berzowski, retired.

The Krause-Simpson Post No. 300 of Gillett held their annual Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 27th. Department Adjutant David Kurtz of the Alonzo Cudworth Post No. 23 was the keynote speaker. Kurtz is pictured here with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from the Gillett area.

Pictured from left to right; US Congressman James Sensenbrenner, Wauke-sha County Commander Marcia Goodrich, Post No. 71 Commander Rollie Crandall, Department Commander Wayne Jensen of the Milwaukee Police Post No. 415 and Fred Galante - Past Commander of Post No. 71.

MEMORIAL DAY 2013

The Pewaukee Post No. 71 dedicated a new Veterans Memorial on Friday, May 24th with a community open house and an appropriate ceremony.

MP

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