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

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

January 17, 2013Vol. 90, No. 1

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.

2013 Membership Goal: 59,760 • January 8th Total: 53,922 – 90.23%

1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH 7TH 8TH 9TH 10TH 12TH11TH

Dist. 1088.33%

Dist. 487.39%

Dist. 386.82%

Dist. 986.45%

Dist. 885.55%

Dist. 685.48%

Dist. 583.98%

Dist. 783.96%

Dist. 183.52%

Dist. 283.11%

Dist. 1182.67%

Dist. 1282.17%

The Four Chaplains, also sometimes referred to as the “Immortal Chaplains”, were four US Army Chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel during the sinking of the troop ship USAT Dorchester on Feb-ruary 3, 1943, during World War II. They helped other sol-diers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chap-lains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. The four men were relatively new chap-lains, who all held the rank of fi rst lieutenant. They included Methodist minister Reverend George L. Fox, Rabbi Alexan-der D. Goode, Roman Catholic priest Reverend John P. Wash-ington, and Reformed Church of America minister Reverend Clark V. Poling. Their back-grounds, personalities, and faiths were different, although Goode, Poling and Washington had all served as leaders in the Boy Scouts of America. They met at the Army Chaplains School at Harvard University, where they prepared for as-signments in the European theater, sailing on board USAT Dorchester to report to their

The 74th Wisconsin Regional and Department Oratorical Con-tests are scheduled February 16, 2013 at Ripon College, Ripon, WI. Regionals will begin at 10 AM. The state fi nals will begin at 2 PM. The American Legion Ora-torical Scholarship Competition is designed for high school students, including home schooled, who are looking for an academic challenge and enjoy public speaking. The contest was developed to increase awareness and appreciation for the Constitution of the United States. Participants develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and become pre-pared to accept the duties, respon-sibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

• Session dates June 8-15, 2013• Location–Ripon College Campus • Sponsorship is $250 per boy

The Sponsor Chairperson is the person responsible at the lo-cal level to organize your Boys State Program. The Chairperson arranges for sponsorships, main-tains contact with schools, and ensures the paperwork is com-plete and forwarded to the BBS Program Coordinator at Depart-ment Headquarters. Please keep in touch with your selections right up to opening Saturday.

The initial mailing was sent to the Badger Boys State Sponsor /Chairperson and was mailed in November 2012. It included a Tri-Fold Program Brochure ex-plaining the Program and a 2013 Reservation Card. The Reserva-

Oratorical Competition Scheduled

2013 Badger Boys State

Date set for February 16, 2013 at Ripon College – Ripon, Wisconsin

Important Information About This Years Session

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

• District winners eliminated at the Regional Competition re-ceive $600 scholarships

• 3 Regional winners receive $1,000 scholarships and compete for the State title

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

• 1st runner up receives an ad-

tion Card is used for sponsors to “reserve” a slot for as many boys as they intend to sponsor. This card is usually returned to Head-quarters along with a check for $250 per boy sponsored by Janu-ary 31. This is to ensure “Res-ervations” are available for each boy sponsored.

The Badger Boys State Sponsor Chairperson should have already called on schools to inform the appropriate offi cial about the pro-gram and how many boys will be sponsored.

Upon receiving the white Res-ervation cards at Department Headquarters, a Registration Card is mailed for each boy selected along with an Alternate Card. The cards are clearly marked to distinguish between them. The

ditional $1,500 scholarship• Department winner receives an

additional $2,000 scholarship and competes at the National Ameri-can Legion fi nals in Indianapolis, IN

• Ripon College offers a $5,000 scholarship to each of the three Department fi nalists upon enroll-ment at Ripon College

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

If you are interested in vol-unteering to assist as a modera-tor, judge, host or helper, contact Kim Shanks at Department Head-quarters. Kim can be reached at (608) 745-1090 or by e-mail at kim@wilegion.org.

R e g i s t r a -tion cards are mailed when the reservation is re-ceived.

Registration by the delegates must be completed online. The Registration Card is each boys commitment to attend. Registra-tion cards are brought to Badger Boys State for registering and contain the medical consent in-formation. To sponsor a boy, or for more information on the Badger Boys State program, contact Sandy Ryce at (608) 745-0341 or e-mail sandy@wile-gion.org. Visit our website at www.badgerboysstate.com.

–Russ HanseterChr. of Bd. BBS Inc

new assignments. Each year, ceremonies are held to honor the Four Chaplains, who set an example of service and sacrifi ce for us all.

2nd District – Four Chap-lains Dinner and Observance will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at Beaver Dam Post No. 146, located at 300 Beichl Ave, Beaver Dam. Cocktails start at 5:00 PM, Dinner at 6:00 PM, Ceremony to follow.

3rd District Observance – Four Chaplain’s Observance will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Oakwood Village – Prairie Ridge Campus, 5565 Tancho Dr., Madison, in the Tree of Life Chapel. The service will be conducted by Department Chaplain Robert Herried and Assistant Department Chaplain Greg Simonis.

5th District Observance– Four Chaplain’s Ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at the Zablocki VAMC - Matusek Auditorium, 5000 W. National Ave., Milwaukee. The service will be conducted by 5th Dis-trict Chaplain Ken Leidel and 5th District Commander Ens-ley Brown.

Four Chaplains Service

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE January 17, 2013

Publication ScheduleAll articles due to the Editor 4 weeks before publi-cation 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

Bob Wipf, Vice-ChairmanRon 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

ChaplainRobert Herried

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 – Pete Goosens 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

As we enter into the New Year the De-partment staff is excited about a number of im-provements and changes taking place which will

help improve our procedures and programs. I’m sure you’ll notice a little addition to this edition of the Badger Legionnaire which we hope will become a regular feature. Editorial Cartoonist David Butler of Montello is a retired minister and member of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron No. 329 in Briggsville. David is a tal-ented artist and we welcome him aboard.

The National Executive Com-mittee passed a Resolution at the

First and fore-most it is my sad duty to advise you of the pass-ing of Past De-partment Com-mander Duane W. Neuman (1983-84). On

behalf of the Department of Wis-consin we send our condolences to Dorothy, and the Neuman family.

Since you’ll be receiving this edition of the Badger Legionnaire on the eve of the Midwinter Con-ference, I want to share how ex-cited I am at the planned itinerary. As much as possible, you’re get-ting training you have asked for. I’m especially anxious to attend the Sunday morning symposium to gain advice on how we can help our returning veterans as they as-similate back into society. As a lieutenant with the Milwaukee Police Department, I recall the dif-fi culty some of our returning GIs had adjusting to the civilian life

As we celebrate the holiday sea-son by closing a successful year and remember-ing our achieve-ments, we also look forward to the new chal-

lenges this new year brings, main-taining our gains and adding to our previous accomplishments. We will continue to honor and serve our great state’s veterans and strive to provide them with the quality care and benefi ts they have earned through their selfl ess service.

On December 26, 1776, General George Washington took the de-spairing Continental Army which had suffered a year’s worth of defeats and boosted their morale with a victory at Trenton, New

2012 Fall meetings in Indianapolis which requires background checks on the various volunteers that work with our American Legion Baseball program. Department staff has worked closely with the leadership of the Wisconsin Amer-ican Legion Baseball Association to put an effi cient system in place that will meet the mandate and help ensure the safety and security of the children and youth we serve through this signature American Legion program. We anticipate that the background check require-ment will be extended to all the Legion programs that effect young people in communities across the nation and the Department is ready to do what is necessary to help protect them.

Another development is the addition of a new full time staff

when they were used to spontane-ous life or death situations. On a personal level I recall returning from Vietnam, and going through the police academy where a politi-cal insider sergeant tried impress-ing me with the need for survival skills on the streets of Milwaukee. Needless to say it takes a lot of pa-tience and understanding as these veterans assimilate back into “the real world.” Come and learn how we can help our returning heroes become a valuable part of society.

As adjutant at my Post, I know how some people are confused when they receive the Legionnaire Insurance Trust Form that should be provided with your member-ship renewal cards. Two years ago you received the same form, which was supposed to be good through 2015. The reason for the new form is an upgrade in cover-age from $1,000 to $5,000. It also extends your coverage through August 2016. If you have not received a form, and want to up-

Jersey. In terrible weather, Wash-ington made a hazardous crossing of the Delaware River north of Trenton and surprised the enemy, defeating them with a much need-ed victory. That victory rallied his troops to another at Princeton to bring in the new year and set the war on a new course.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs also continues to count victories in their mission to help Wisconsin’s veterans and is prepared to do the same next year. This past year, the WDVA has continued to help the state’s veterans through outreach, veter-ans homes and employment as-sistance.

The WDVA opened a new Vet-erans Benefi ts Resource Center in 2012, ensuring veterans who call can speak with staff trained to answer the most frequently asked

member at our Service Offi ce at the VA Regional Headquarters in Milwaukee. Expanded capabili-ties at The American Legion Ser-vice Offi ce means we will be bet-ter able to meet our commitment to helping our fellow veterans receive the benefi ts they earned through their military service. With the increased staffi ng, the Troop & Family Support program will now be administered by the Service Of-fi ce. The transfer of administrative responsibility will bring this im-portant Department program “in-house” where the National Tempo-rary Financial Assistance program is also handled. The Troop & Fam-ily Support program is designed to assist post-9/11 combat veterans with emergency needs while the Temporary Financial Assistance program is designed to assist vet-

grade, see your post adjutant or contact Department Headquarters.

As a fellow human being I at-tempt to learn something new each day. As your Department Commander I have spent almost half a year being humbled by the things (Legion wise) I don’t know. I have been making the customary rounds to the VA medical centers that serve Wisconsin veterans along with Auxiliary President Di-ana Sirovina, and Adjutant Kurtz. Each facility has its individual fl avor by virtue of their individual tasking. One thing in common at each facility is the intense love and pride the volunteers bring to these homes away from home. As I’d listen to these ladies and gentlemen laugh and chit chat, I could sense a feeling of happi-ness and comfort that is ultimately being conveyed to the veteran(s). From Iron Mountain, to Union Grove, Zablocki and Middleton VA Medical Centers and King; that same care from the heart

questions about the department’s benefi ts. Since its inception, the VBRC has responded to more than 5,000 inquiries.

The department also hosted 16 career and benefi ts fairs to inform veterans of employment opportu-nities and the many resources and benefi ts available to them. In 2012, WDVA’s outreach unit conducted 112 events to provide 12,000 vet-erans with the information they need to successfully seek and gain employment. We will build on this effort in 2013.

In 2013, the WDVA plans to continue its success in provid-ing for our veterans. The Chip-pewa Veterans Home is the fi rst of many things the department will accomplish this year with the home opening in February. The department will continue to focus on maintaining a high quality of

erans with minor children in the home who face acute emergencies.

One of the biggest changes for 2013 is something that many Legionnaires will hardly notice at all. By action of the National and Department Executive Com-mittees, each of our Districts and County Councils have now been chartered. This action means that as a District and County Coun-cil they have legal standing and can better serve each individual post and the Legionnaires across Wisconsin. More details on the new structure of our Districts and County Councils is being commu-nicated to all levels of the Depart-ment and we are excited about the many ways this new development will strengthen The American Le-gion as we head toward our 100th Anniversary in 1919.

is exactly what National Com-mander Jim Koutz and myself are looking for in Operation Comfort Warrior. All of these facilities are doing phenomenal jobs, but it is you; the volunteer, that is the “tie that binds.” Thank you for your kindness from the heart.

Just to advise, your commander went “under the knife” on Janu-ary 4th for knee replacement, so I’ll be slowed down for a couple weeks. But I anticipate being back on my feet to see you at Midwinter. Please channel any well wishes, and/or prayers to-wards our fi ghting comrades across the sea. I’ve got every-thing I need with Donna playing nursemaid/mother to me. Here’s a twist…“Ms. Daisy” will now be driving her chauffer around. On second thought, maybe I do need your prayers.

Stay active and keep the mem-berships coming.

care, safety and affordability by increasing capacity to serve more veterans and raising staffi ng levels to provide better care.

It is also important to the de-partment to recognize the great accomplishments of Wisconsin’s veterans. One of the ways we did this in 2012 was with the “Year of the Veteran”, a part of which will carry into 2013 with the “Faces of Freedom” event March 2 host-ed by First Lady of Wisconsin Tonette Walker to benefi t the Wis-consin Veterans Museum Founda-tion. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail recep-tion, comedy program and dance.

As we end the year and begin a new one, let us continue to cel-ebrate our veterans as we always have and remember their sacrifi c-es as we drive ahead into the new year.

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT

David A. KurtzAdjutant

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJanuary 17, 2013

Camp Sponsorship “�e Ultimate Commitment–�e Greatest Reward”C a m p

American Legion just f i n i s h e d our most

successful season. How did this success happen? Many things made it so but one of the most important elements of Camp’s success in 2012 and throughout our history has been the dedica-tion and hard work of our Camp sponsors. Camp sponsorship is a unique and special commit-ment made by individual Ameri-can Legion Posts, Districts or County’s to support Camp in a very particular way. It is an of-ficial “hand-shake” agreement by an American Legion group to care for and maintain some camp entity. It can be a cabin, building, boat, recreation area or some type of equipment. It is something tangible here at Camp American Legion that needs periodic service and care. Sponsors believe so strongly in Camp and our mission they cannot just sit back, they have

to be involved. As an example, our cabins have sponsors. The Brillion Post No. 126 sponsors Cabin No. 1, the Dane County Council sponsors Cabin No. 5, the Waupaca County Council sponsors Cabin No. 8 and so on. It is the highest level of dedica-tion and there is nothing more rewarding. Sponsors are special people that want to be and, must be, personally involved in camp. They want to be “active” mem-bers of the Camp American Le-gion team. Camp sponsors have always been the corner stone of camp. Along with the generous support of the Wisconsin Legion Family, they have made it pos-sible for Camp to function for over 87 years.

Why do they do it? Why do various American Legion groups become Camp sponsors? I be-lieve it has to do with the fact that Camp’s “Help to Heal” mis-sion touches them on a very deep personal level. It moves them to pack their bags, grab their tools, and come. They cross that line

where words are not enough; it is time for action. We all hear a lot of people talk about camp. Well, Camp sponsors turn their words into ACTION! They don’t just talk-the-talk, they walk-the-walk. They roll up their sleeves and get dirty – AND THEY LOVE IT! And that is the bot-tom line; they LOVE it! They get involved and make the ul-timate commitment. I tell you, they are a special breed of cat.

Now after saying all that; can any one, and I mean “any” Legion Family Post, Unit or Squadron, County, District, in-dividual Legion Family member be a sponsor? YOU BET, AB-SOLUTELY, YES YOU CAN! Camp American Legion spon-sors are ordinary people who do extraordinary service. Any one can do that and I encourage and welcome any individual or group who wants to; to DO IT! If the interest is there, all it takes is a phone call to me at camp (715) 277-2510.

Camp Sponsorship has many

positive effects. It brings groups together and makes them stron-ger. It gives them and their group a “mission”; a stronger reason for being; a common bond. It provides a purpose; goals and objectives. IT MAKES THEM A STRONGER LEGION FAMILY. Being a Camp sponsor is one of the highest levels of involvement and commitment a Legion Family member or group can make to the Wisconsin American Legion.

Bell Telephone Post No. 427– I am greatly honored to say a

gigantic THANK YOU to Bell Telephone Post No. 427. This post just relinquished their cabin sponsorship. It is a sad day filled with joy! Today, no one really knows how long they have been the sponsors of Cabin No. 9. It could go back over fifty years. On top of their cabin sponsorship they also maintained our camp-wide intercom/phone system; bringing it up every spring, maintaining it and taking it down every fall. They are an incredible group and the perfect example of the joy and

proud legacy of Camp American Legion sponsorship. The cabin sign that hung on Cabin No. 9 will now hang proudly in their Post. (see photo)

The Price County Council of American Legion Posts is the new sponsor of Cabin No. 9. I met with members of this group and they are very excited to take the reins from Post No. 427. As they surveyed the cabin, one of the volunteers remarked; “We will become the new sponsor of the cabin; because we are the Wisconsin American Legion and this is Camp American Le-gion. We should and must be involved”.

Legion Family brothers and sisters, that quote says it all about Camp American Legion sponsorship. Thank you all for what you do in support of Camp American Legion. God bless.

Kevin MosheaDirector

Camp American Legion

Longtime members of the Bell Telephone Post No. 427 of the 4th District in Milwaukee County pose with a sign that previously hung on Cabin No. 9.

Recent news headline;Politicians avoid Fiscal cliFF

INCLUDES: Soups, Sandwiches, BBQ’s, Breakfast Fillers, Beer, Snacks, and Mixers. The New-est Curling Club Ice in Columbia County, Cards, Big Screen TV, Raffles, Fun, Prizes. With plenty of additional activities in the local area.

BANQUET SATURDAY NIGHT (at curling club)….. Extra tickets for guests--- $15

Deadline for 2/1/13 • MAIL ENTRY FORM TO:Matthew Zeman • W12285 Van Ness Rd • Lodi, WI 53555 • (608) 577-7890 Email: z_n_zw@yahoo.com

Check Made Payable to American Legion Post #216

Post#: _________________________________________________________

Contact: ________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________________

Skip: ___________________________________________________________

3rd: ___________________________________________________________

2nd: ___________________________________________________________

Lead: __________________________________________________________Area Hotels:

Quality Suites (608) 592-1450 • Lodi Valley Suites (608) 592-7331 • Bridge Motel (608) 592-5599

The 2013 Camp season starts May 27 and ends September 8. We are accepting applications. Camp, located in the heart of the Northwoods, is a haven for Wis-consin veterans, active duty ser-vice members and their families who could use a little “Help to Heal”. With fully furnished cab-ins, a restaurant-quality dining facility and recreational facilities and activities, Camp American

Legion is the place for those who could use some time of rest and recuperation on their road back to health.

Qualified individuals get a full week stay; free of charge to them and their family. To get more in-formation on Camp and an ap-plication go to The American Legion, Department of Wiscon-sin website – wilegion.org. Once there click on the Camp Ameri-

Camp American Legion Opens May 27can Legion logo and go from there. You can also get an appli-cation from many other VA and military service member support resources and individuals.

For assistance call or write;Camp American Legion8529 County Road DLake Tomahawk, WI 54539(715) 277-2510 e-mail: campal@newnorth.net

2013 STATE AMERICAN LEGION BONSPIEL

HOSTED BY MAYNARD-SCHULGEN POST No. 216LODI, WISCONSIN

FEBRUARY 15, 16, 17 2013

Open to ALL Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and Sons

Entry Fee: $220 per team • Four Events, Three Game Guarantee

“When Elephants and Donkeys fight, it is the grass that suffers.” (Eastern Adage)

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE January 17, 2013

Almond Dedicates Memorial to Honor VeteransSuperior Post Generates ActivityBy SCOTT STEUCKPortage County Gazette – Reprinted by permission

Recognizing a need for a new memorial to veterans buried in the St. Martin’s Catholic Cem-etery in the town of Almond, lo-cal Legionnaires and Cemetery Association members started a fund drive earlier this year. Their efforts paid off as they installed a new memorial recently.

“We knew we wanted to do something in tribute to veterans and the display case on site was becoming diffi cult to read due to weathering over the years,” said DeLloyd Trebiatowski, of the

What’s your New Year’s res-olution? To lose a few pounds? To Quit smoking? These are admirable goals. Here’s some other ideas: read the scriptures, work on developing a closer relationship with God; attend worship services on a regular basis. Did you know that Faith and Reverence are two of the Ten Ideals of the Sons of The American Legion? Do you identify with any religious or-ganization? The Sons of The American Legion is not only a patriotic organization, but a spiritual one. You will notice I did not say a religious orga-nization. The SAL encourages religious faith, but does not as-cribe to any particular religion. Members are encouraged to understand their own religious beliefs and to practice them, to include belonging to a church or synagogue, etc.

In 1988, Congress unani-mously declared February 3rd as Four Chaplains’ Day to hon-or the dignity, courage and faith

During the month of De-cember 2012, members of the Richard I. Bong American Le-gion Post No. 435 in Superior were very busy embracing and demonstrating the community and holiday spirit. Beginning on Saturday, December 1st, Legionnaires volunteered as “Bell Ringers” for the Salva-tion Army and spent the entire day at the local Walmart Store. Legion members raised over $1,700, which was one of the largest single-day amounts col-lected by a volunteer organiza-tion in Superior!

The following Friday, De-cember 7th, the Bong Post con-ducted a special “Flag of Hon-or” ceremony at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Cen-ter remembering and honoring those Americans, both military and civilian, who lost their lives as a result of the Japanese

fl ag pole was installed next to it.The memorial was purchased

from Twin Cities Monument of Neenah, which quarried and crafted it entirely in the U.S. The fl ag pole and excavation work at the memorial were all donated items. An offi cial dedication will take place at 9 AM on Memorial Day in 2013, which falls on May 27. The public is invited to the ceremony, said Trebiatowski.

Trebiatowski said that 85 per-cent of the money needed for the memorial has been collected, and additional donations are wel-comed. Donations can be made by calling him at (715) 347-4972.

Mead-Rath-Gutke American Le-gion Post No. 339 of Almond.

Trebiatowski said 34 veterans are buried in the cemetery, which is located at 7805 County Road BB. They have served in wars beginning with the Civil War un-til the Gulf Wars, along with vet-erans who served during peace time.

The new memorial includes a large stone monument that has the names of all 34 veterans on it, along with room for the names of 62 veterans who may be bur-ied in the cemetery in the future. It has emblems from all branches of the military on it, and a large

of four chaplains of the U.S. Army. On Feb. 3, 1943, the United States Army Transport Dorchester – a converted luxury liner – was crossing the North Atlantic, transporting more than 900 troops to an American base in Greenland. Aboard the ship were four chaplains of different faiths: Reverend George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Al-exander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Ro-man Catholic). Around 00:55 AM, a German U-boat fi red a torpedo that struck the Dorches-ter’s starboard side below the water line and near the engine room. The explosion instantly killed 100 men and knocked out power and radio communica-tion with the Dorchester’s three escort ships. Within 20 minutes the transport sank and more than 670 men died. As soldiers rushed to the lifeboats, the four chaplains spread out, comfort-ing the wounded and directing others to safety. One survivor,

attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 71 years ago. Then, on Satur-day, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th, the Bong Post Honor Guard was part of the Opening Ceremonies for the 5th Annual “1943 USO Can-teen Radio Show” performed at the Douglas County Histori-cal Society History Theatre in Superior. Finally, in the spirit of the holiday season, the entire Superior Legion Family worked with the local Book Club and the Veterans Historical Center in collecting gift donations for the Silver Bay Veterans Home in Silver Bay, Minnesota. This annual worthwhile endeavor makes a huge difference in the lives of our fellow Veterans at the Silver Bay Veterans Home. It was quite a December for members of the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post No. 435. Kudos to all!

Pictured here is the new Veteran’s Memorial at St. Martin’s Cemetery in Almond, WI. The large stone monument was created by Twin Cities Monument of Neenah. The stone used to build the monument was quarried in Alberton, Georgia. All carving and inscriptions were hand-cut in Neenah. A large fl ag pole was also donated and installed.

Legion volunteers from the Richard I. Bong Post No. 435 in Superior demon-strated their holiday spirit in December and worked as “Bell Ringers” for the Salvation Army. Legionnaires braved the cold and stood at the entrance to the local Walmart raising over $1,700 in a single day.

The Bong Post Honor Guard is pictured here at the opening ceremonies of the “1943 USO Canteen Radio Show” at the Douglas County History Theatre in Su-perior. The “Canteen Show” was a reenactment of WWII-era comedy and music featuring Randy Lee & The Northland Youth Music group

DETACHMENT CHAPLAINPrivate William Bednar, later said, “I could hear men crying, pleading, praying. I could also hear the chaplains’ preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.” Another survivor, John Ladd, watched the chaplains’ distrib-ute life jackets, and when they ran out, they removed theirs and gave them to four young men. “It was the fi nest thing I have seen, or hope to see, this side of heaven,” he recalled. As the Dorchester sank, the chaplains were seen linked arm in arm, praying.

Now that you know their sto-ry, look for ceremonies to hon-or the Four Chaplains in your squadron/post and/or county on or around February 3rd. Some places commemorate these brave men of faith on the Sun-day closest to February 3rd. If you can’t fi nd one, I’d be glad to help you start one.

Sean Patchin, SrDetachment Chaplain

On Veterans Day, Department Vice Commander Ron Hessil of Post No. 21 in Keno-sha dedicated a brick at the Prairie Springs Park in Pleasant Prairie in honor of John Lucas, who served in the US Army from 1982 to 1989. Pictured with Vice Commander Hessil are Frank and Rita Lucas.

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJanuary 17, 2013

Are you interested in Extreme Sports? If so, we have something for you – and it’s not far away!

During the fi rst weekend in Feb-ruary there will be Ski Jumping in Southwestern Wisconsin and vet-erans will be admitted FREE for the sixth straight year! Now that winter has fi nally arrived, be sure you don’t miss this fun event!

The 90th Annual Snowfl ake Ski Tournament will be held on February 1st and 2nd at the Snowfl ake Ski Club near Westby, 25 miles southeast of LaCrosse. There will be over twenty jump-ers from across the US, and up to a dozen in a fi eld of foreign jump-ers. All jumps will be on a “118 meter hill,” which meets the same engineering specifi cations that are used in Olympic competition.

The competition on Friday will begin at 7 PM Friday evening. Jumping at night with lighting provides an exciting and unique atmosphere! Saturday’s competi-tion will begin at noon. Results of both competitions will be used to determine winners.

In addition to the normal jump-ing for points seen during the Olympics, there will be a crowd pleasing “Standing Long Jump” where jumpers who are brave enough try to have the longest jump of the day without falling. This is normally where new hill records are set! The jumper’s style, an important part of the score, does not count for these jumps. The Snowfl ake Queen and her court “pass the hat” among spectators to build up a pot of money for the daring jumper who wins. Stand-ing Long Jumps will take place on Friday and Saturday after the end of regular competition.

There will be lots of other ac-tivities going on, including a large fi reworks display on Friday night followed by live music and a dance lasting until after mid-night. On Saturday, there will be live music and a dance after the competition lasting until 7 PM. A small cover charge applies to both dances. There will be opportuni-ties for children to sled on smaller hills and dig in a large snow pile for over $100 in quarters. On Sat-urday, there will also be free horse drawn sleigh rides and helicopter rides for a reasonable fee. Intro-duced last year, the helicopter was very popular with the crowd. An

excellent food stand will provide refreshments both days, and there will be rendezvousers camping out on the site and selling pelts and caps.

The Snowfl ake Ski Club is proud to admit all veterans and their spouses at no charge upon display of a DD Form 214 or your American Legion membership card. If you are serving on active duty, are an active member of the National Guard or Reserves, or are a retiree of any of these com-ponents, you and your spouse and children will be admitted free. Just present an ID card at the gate. Normal admission is $20 per person for the weekend.

Westby is a small town of 2,000 with a rich Norwegian tradition –which explains the ski jumping tournament. It has a fi ne Scandinavian gift shop, a creamery with a wide variety of cheeses and cheese curds, some antique stores, and wonderful bed and breakfasts nearby. There are many excellent restaurants and motels in the area. Westby is also located in a large Amish area, and many Amish farmers sell such items as furniture, quilts, honey and maple syrup on their farms or in local shops.

Dress warmly - this is an out-door winter event! There will be bonfi res and other interesting activities for the entire family. This is in a very scenic part of Wisconsin known as the Coulee Region. In addition to every-thing going on at the tournament and the surrounding area, there is lots to do and see in the historic nearby Mississippi River city of LaCrosse.

Be sure to bring your camera and a noise maker like a cow bell or horn. The crowd traditionally recognizes the really good jumps with noise! There is plenty of free parking, and if you arrive early enough you may be able to fi nd a spot to watch the jump-ing from your car. Come for the weekend or just for the day.

This is something you won’t see anywhere else in the area, and something you will never forget!

This is a great winter festival for the entire family - check out the club’s web site for pictures, a map, admission fees and an excit-ing YouTube video: www.snow-fl akeskiclub.com.

Snow� ake Ski Jump 2013When Rhett Roeth, a disabled

Navy veteran based in Madison, wanted to move his glass vial dis-tribution business out of his base-ment, he sought advice from the U.S. Small Business Administra-tion and its resource partners. At the UW-Madison SBDC (Small Business Development Center), he worked with a (now retired) counselor who helped him de-termine his next steps. “Jack had such a well-rounded knowledge base,” Roeth said. “If I had a ques-tion that he didn’t have the answer to himself, he knew where to go to fi nd the answer.” Ultimately the fi rm, Discount Vials, received an SBA-guaranteed 7(A) loan which enabled it to move into a ware-house, buy in bulk, and make its prices among the most competi-tive in the industry. The company now has fi ve employees.

Roeth is in good company. Nearly one in 10 small business-es—2.4 million--around the coun-try are veteran-owned, with more than 65,000 in Wisconsin alone. Nationally, they employ nearly 6 million people and generate more than $1 trillion in revenues. In the private sector, vets are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans.

SBA Wisconsin is here to help the state’s veteran entrepreneurs and businesses through access to

capital, counseling, and assistance with obtaining federal contracts. Last year, 97 veteran-owned Wis-consin businesses received a total of $36 million in SBA-guaranteed loans, including $1.9 million through the Patriot Express pro-gram detailed below. Activity has accelerated in the new fi scal year with $6 million being loaned to veterans in October alone.

While all SBA loan programs are open to veterans, there are special opportunities for them as well.

Patriot Express is the most popular veterans’ SBA loan guar-antee program. Veterans, active duty military members, reservists, National Guard members, spous-es, and widows/widowers are all eligible. The maximum loan is $500,000 with the SBA guaran-teeing up to 85 percent depending on loan size. Patriot Express has a quick loan approval process and requires the bank to be fl exible about the type of collateral it ac-cepts. For loans under $350,000, SBA will not require collateral if

the bank does not. With regard to counseling and

training, Wisconsin’s 18 SCORE locations, 16 SBDC programs, and eight Women’s Business Centers throughout the state pro-vide workshops and business planning services. Online, the SBA’s Small Business Training Network is a virtual campus with free online courses, workshops, podcasts, and business readiness assessments. These can be found at www.sba.gov/training. Nation-ally, programs such as Operation Boots to Business are designed for transitioning service mem-bers; V-Wise for women vets; and Endure and Grow for reservists.

The SBA also provides vet-specifi c contracting opportu-nities. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program has a federal government-wide goal of award-ing at least three percent of prime and subcontracting dollars to such businesses each year.

Just as Rhett Roeth learned, the SBA can make the difference for your business’ success. For more specifi cs on veterans’ programs, go to www.sba.gov/vets. SBA Wisconsin can be found online at www.sba.gov/wi. Wisconsin’s SBA Veteran Representative is Frank Demarest at frank.demar-est@sba.gov or (414) 297-1099.

U.S. Small Business Administration Supports Veterans’ Entrepreneurship in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Program Helps Veterans and � eir Families Communicate Better On � e Telephone

Last May Walt Matzek, a 70+ year old Veteran from Prescott, WI, heard about the Telecom-munications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP), decided to ap-ply, and has never looked back since.

TEPP is a program that is avail-able to all Wisconsin residents who experience diffi culty com-municating on a regular telephone. It provides vouchers which in turn are redeemed for specially engi-neered phones that both amplify and clarify sound while providing a variety of special features. The vast majority of applicants receive their equipment free of charge.

Walt dedicates much of his spare time to serving fellow Vet-erans on a variety of issues and decided that telling his comrades about the TEPP program would be a worthwhile endeavor. “My experience with approximately 30 applicants is that this is an invalu-able program which more veterans need to take advantage of. Many tell me it’s given them a new lease on life because they can now com-municate more effectively on the phone. The program is for real, it’s very easy to access and in a sense – we’ve paid for it already”, noted Matzek.

The telephones offered are rich in features that enable those with a hearing loss to communicate over the phone. These features include hearing aid compatibility, ampli-fi ed volume, enriched tone con-trols, extra large numbered key-pads, loud ringer volume choices, caller ID capability, and unique speed-dialing features. Both cord-less and corded models are avail-able.

The TEPP program is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF) – a fi fty cent to one dollar surcharge that has appeared on the phone bills of all Wisconsin resi-dents for decades. Mr. Matzek fur-ther commented, “One of the con-cepts I try to relate to Vets about this program is not to think of it as a giveaway but rather as “getting something back for your taxes.”

Dr. Nancy Puetz, a certifi ed Au-diologist from Wausau provided further insight into the hearing needs of the Veteran community. “Basically, what we are faced with is a large, aging population that has experienced prolonged expo-sure to loud sounds in their mili-tary service and/or industrial ca-reers. An acoustically refi ned and amplifi ed phone would defi nitely benefi t those who experience mild

to moderate hearing loss and even those who currently employ hear-ing aids.”

Vets who apply for the TEPP program can expect to receive their equipment in approximately 6-8 weeks. Under the “Hard Of Hearing” disability category there is no co-payment for the phones. No additional charges will ever appear on the individuals’ phone bill and the equipment becomes their property. In several years time, TEPP participants may reap-ply in order to receive technologi-cally advanced equipment to deal with additional needs.

In closing, Matzek noted, “We utilize the capabilities of Elder-Com, a service organization that handles all aspects of applica-tion entry, product shipment, and service follow through. So far, this arrangement has worked out extremely well and it’s made my Veteran-service related work much easier.”

If you would like to apply for the program, refer other Veterans with hearing needs, or inquire about organizing a TEPP Workshop at your local American Legion Post, please contact Paul Klocko at (715) 241-6940 or email him at: pklocko@dwave.net

JAMES MOSEYIndependent Sales

Representative

Offi ce: (262) 446-0077Cell: (262) 367-1171

Call for FREE Cremation Preplanning Counseling

www.neptunesociety.com/Milwaukee-cremation

Cremation is Affordable • Prepaid Cremation Saves Money Preplanning Gives You Control and Provides Peace of Mind

A D V E RT I S E M E N T

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE January 17, 2013

The Last Bugle

4 AthensArthur Hummer II 12/17/126 Stevens PointDonald Quimby II 11/27/12Ray P Kitowski II 11/27/12Neal E Johnson II 11/16/12J Mike Suplicka V 11/16/12Joseph R Cera II 11/22/12James R Ostrander II 11/22/128 Waukesha Ward M Rostagno V 12/24/129 Wisconsin RapidsRichard W Kirschling II 12/21/1210 WausauRobert E Tierney II 12/21/12Rodney H Wendland II 12/14/12Robert W Smith V 12/10/1211 Green BayKerry Garland V 12/10/1213 Richland CenterLyle K Berry II 12/24/1235 EvansvilleHarry E Roderick II 11/19/1236 West BendJohn R Norman II 12/12/1237 Elk MoundErnest E Johnson K 12/09/1238 AppletonWillis Babb II 12/04/12Edward DeRoche II 12/04/12Carl Techlin V 12/06/12Donald R Theyerl K 12/18/12Dewain A Sturms Jr K 12/23/1241 KaukaunaDaniel J Burns Jr II 12/01/1243 RiponEarl W Hoth K 12/01/1245 ElkhornJames F Murphy K 11/22/1253 Eau ClaireGeorge Troutman II 12/30/12Jerome L Roach V 10/25/1254 MarshfieldAlphonsus Taylor II 12/08/1259 StoughtonClifford H Pauli II 11/19/12Bernard G Hron V 03/28/1263 ClintonvilleLeRoy Splittgerber K 12/19/1267 Lake MillsLaverne D Scheel K 12/30/1270 OshkoshMichael F Nowland K 12/04/12Andrew S Bralich II 12/12/12Calvin C Phillips II 12/17/1277 Chippewa FallsClarence J Horvatin II 11/25/12Leon R Greening K 10/09/12Raymond J Heller II 01/01/1380 New RichmondBurton F Blair II 11/24/12James R Hall Jr PG 12/04/1283 SheboyganGerald Sampson II 10/20/12Herbert W Schneider K 11/29/1293 TomahawkLeroy C Schuetz II 12/20/12Roger A Steckhan V 12/21/12Gerlad J Kurth Sr K 01/01/1395 DelavanLeonard Cross K 12/09/12102 WalworthCurtis M Hubertz II 12/15/12

110 New LisbonLoren R Walker 12/03/12112 StanleyFrancis Derks V 12/12/12117 ShawanoEdwin E Erbrecht K 11/12/12124 New HolsteinLloyd Petrie K 11/26/12Gerald Laetsch II 11/19/12130 SharonDaniel J Hering V 10/18/12John R Roney II 05/14/12131 ColfaxFrancis L Piotrowski K 11/26/12133 Camp DouglasMyron J Belcher K 02/05/12Emil Trochta II 11/11/12134 BoscobelNorman L Wellington K 12/17/12141 New GlarusFranklyn Rear V 11/30/12148 BloomingtonFrederick Edwards K 12/23/12157 HoriconJames Sperling V 12/16/12164 JeffersonJames Orton Sr K 06/26/12166 Fort AtkinsonJohn Kuykendall V 12/17/12Leslie Peckham II 12/11/12167 Sauk CityEdsel J Steuber II 12/21/12169 AmeryArnold A Handy II 11/15/12174 HawkinsHarold Johnson K 12/17/12175 LoyalAllen Luber II 12/04/12180 MilwaukeeVernon H Darm II 12/03/12George Schlinder II 03/02/12Lawrence K Nelson II 12/18/12Ronald T Mrotek K 01/01/13186 IndependenceClarence J Mlynek II 12/09/12189 WatertownCharles G Haseleu K 12/25/12Percy T Wade K 12/27/12191 WhitehallOliver Peterson II 12/01/12Ardell Herried K 12/22/12Erling Hanson II 12/29/12199 ReedsvilleRudy P Ourada II 11/10/12201 TomahFloyd H Phillips II 12/01/12203 MilwaukeeGerlad J Hanus II 11/23/12205 JanesvilleJesse Scarborough II 12/19/12Monte D Krebs K 01/05/13206 WonewocRoy R Apker K 12/14/12209 OrfordvilleRobert R McCartney II 211 FlorenceChester Granica II 12/07/12217 BonduelLester W Meyer II 12/16/12238 GreenwoodClayton A Boon K 12/09/12243 PlymouthGeorge Sippel V 12/22/12245 Cross PlainsMilton Lukken II 12/01/12Edward Hilgendorf K 11/30/12Sylvester Statz II 10/01/12250 AdamsEdward Thomsen II 10/30/12James O Legreid II 03/11/11Vern R Davis V 12/20/12258 Little ChuteJerome P Elliott V 12/04/12James R Toonen K 12/08/12Chester L Wachowiak II 12/31/12262 LuxemburgDonald C Monyette K 10/09/12263 New LondonEdward C Jagoditsch II 12/02/12

Clarence L Ingalls Sr K 12/16/12268 BruceAllen F Jenness II 12/14/12283 SuringRobert J Olson II 01/04/13288 CedarburgCharles J Sandoval K 12/01/12Cesar L Maes II 12/27/12315 StoddardGuy Engen II 11/18/12324 OsseoWilbur H Klick II 12/19/12Ardell Hogstad II 12/23/12327 LyonsRaymond J Post II 12/08/12Kurt H Bayer II 01/01/13337 PulaskiHarry J Paradowski II 11/28/12John Jaworski K 12/08/12339 AlmondJohn Walkowicz II 11/26/12340 BerlinDavid Ziehm II 12/06/12Hyman Lawent K 12/21/12345 HinghamStanley Lammers K 12/29/12350 ReedsburgClarence O Dreifke II 12/09/12351 MontelloJustice Spillner V 12/21/12355 GraftonElmer Livingston II 12/02/12

Ken Andrews V 10/05/12Oliver Karrels K 12/15/12375 MukwonagoAlfred H Bopp K 11/28/12377 ElchoJack LaMar V 11/23/12382 Menomonee FallsKenneth Sturm II 12/11/12Anthony H Raebel II 12/26/12388 MilwaukeeJohn M Mussa V 09/17/12Richard T Mussa II 10/04/12Gregory D Helminski V 08/18/12391 FremontCarl Abraham II 12/27/12396 Indian CreekAlbert J Dubois II 08/03/12Gregory R Leonard V 12/03/12399 OkaucheeArno W Ledebuhr II 12/17/12400 WauwatosaJames L Airoldi V 01/07/13405 DousmanRichard H Stephan II 12/02/12415 MilwaukeeDominic Guiliani II 12/07/12Felmers Chaney II 12/05/12422 HighlandGerald Kroll V 12/01/12Lauren G Smelzer K 07/26/12Pat Pink K 05/16/12John T Riley K 05/10/12

435 SuperiorFerdinand D Ekelund II 12/19/12436 WrightstownDonald J Vandersteen V 12/02/12Marvin Cootway II 12/15/12440 ClintonRalph O Haase K 10/02/12454 Mt CalvaryKenneth J Sippel II 11/24/12457 MequonKenneth Schultz II 12/07/12469 MarathonWyman J Ruplinger II 12/09/12477 St NazianzAubrey W Zutz II 12/08/12486 JacksonHarold Howell V 12/07/12James R Zilke K 11/13/12494 CaledoniaThomas L Piarulli II 11/08/11Hilary B Rinke II 12/27/12497 KeshenaBernard J Fowler PG 12/11/12509 RosholtNick Knitter II 01/02/13519 StetsonvilleRaymond J Boxrucker II 12/21/12William R Baker K 12/25/12527 Sister BayEdward Knudson 11/27/12544 Twin LakesDonald Ward V 11/17/12

Up To $100,000.00 Legionnaire Insurance TrustTravel Accident Protection

Legionnaire “ON-THE-MOVE” Benefit Stands By You -Around the Corner OR Around the World.

As a Legionnaire, you’re o�cially entitled up to a $100,000.00 bene�t. YOU CANNOT BE TURNED DOWN …regardless of your health, occupation, past driving records, or the number of miles you travel annually.

☞ $100,000.00 CASH BENEFITSPAID to your family if you die as a fare-paying passenger in a covered commoncarrier accident (such as commercialpassenger plane, taxi, bus, cruise ship ortrain).

☞ $50,000.00 CASH BENEFITSPAID to your family if you die as aresult of a covered accident in a privatepassenger vehicle (either as the driver ora passenger).

☞ $150.00-A-DAY CASH BENEFITSPAID for every day you’re treated as aninpatient in a hospital because of acovered travel accident. Benefits paiddirectly to you for up to 730 days or afull two years.

Your Legionnaire “ON-THE-MOVE” hospital accident bene�ts are always paid REGARDLESS OF any otherinsurance you may have. It’s a valuable cash bene�t to help pay toward expenses your regular health insurance doesn’tcover – like co-payments or deductibles … plane tickets for loved ones to �y home … even bills like the electricity andmortgage piling up at home.

High-Dollar Bene�ts Without the High-Dollar Costs Up to a $100,000.00 bene�ts for only pennies a day.

ACCEPTANCE GUARANTEED - You Cannot Be Turned Down

©2012 AGIA 26532

You know it can be hard to getthe insurance that you need.You’re seen as a high riskgroup, so it’s difficult to get agood plan at a decent price. Weknow there are manyLegionnaires that ride, and wewant you to be covered. That’swhy we’ve developed a newTravel Accident Plan thatspecifically covers all motor vehicles – including motorcycles!With the Travel Accident with Motorcycle coverage you get:$200,000.00 CASH BENEFITS PAID if you die as a fare-paying passenger in a covered common carrier accident -$100,000.00 CASH BENEFITS PAID if you die as a result ofa covered accident in a private passenger vehicle - $50.00-A-DAYCASH BENEFITS PAID for every day you stay in the hospitalbecause of a covered travel accident.

Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-810-8369 or visit us on the web at www.theLIT.com

Endorsed by Your Departmentof The American Legion

NEW! ☞ Benefit for Legionnaires with Motorcycles: TheLegionnaire Insurance Trust Travel Accident Protection Planprotects you as a motorcycle rider.

26532 LT.15944 Travel Accident Ad_Layout 1 3/27/12 9:57 AM Page 1

PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJanuary 17, 2013

Commander Jensen Leads the “Pack ”

Wounded Veteran Receives Support Friends of Camp American Legion

Pictured (L-R) Tom Winker, Steve Oelhafen, Dan Gasser and Steve Hubing.

Legionnaire Honored by National Guard

“A Gem Like No Other – Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King”

Wisconsin Adjutant General, MG Donald Dunbar recently dec-orated Legionnaire Jeffrey Unger of the Olson-Grinde Post No. 348 in DeForest with the Meritorious Service Medal. Held as Wiscon-sin’s second highest decoration behind the Distinguished Service Medal, it is awarded for merito-rious service and achievements that contribute significantly to the accomplishment of the mis-sion of the Wisconsin Depart-ment of Military Affairs and the Wisconsin National Guard.

Unger, a VA service connected disabled veteran, serves as the State of Wisconsin’s Transition Assistance Advisor (a federal contractor) assisting National Guard service members and Wisconsin veterans and families gain access to veteran’s benefits, programs and services. He was

The Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs and the Home at King cordially invite you to rel-ish a piece history where bonds of patriotism meet over 125 years of Caring for Americas Heroes’. All branches of the armed forces are represented here. Each branch has their own esprit de corps, but all are united as veterans of this great country in a community with camaraderie born out of shared military experience.

The consideration and respect

to Wisconsin’s Warriors which supports American Legion pro-grams.

hills, the sights and sounds of this magical setting will take your breath away. This unsur-passed beauty is not commonly home to a long term care facil-ity, but how appropriate a set-ting providing peace and tran-quility for those who bore the battle.

Come see for yourself what the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King has to offer, and how we are serving those who self-lessly served for all of us

instrumental in assisting the Wis-consin American Legion Founda-tion with the 1st Annual Salute

veterans show for each other is apparent and reflected in our mission as we strive to meet the unique needs of Veterans by providing compassionate, com-prehensive care, built on the foundation of integrity, honor and respect.

Spanning across 320 acres of the richest, picturesque scenery, the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King is a gem like no other. Exquisitely nestled between the bluest of blue spring-fed lakes, embraced by lush green rolling

The Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove was visited on November 29th by both Depart-ment Commander Wayne Jensen and Cub Scout Pack No. 385 of Bristol.

The Cub Scouts are led by Den Mother Kimberly Allen and are based Bristol Grade School.

The “Friends of Camp Ameri-can Legion” (FOCAL) are based in Belgium WI. FOCAL has once again showed their amazing dedication and support of Camp American Legion. Through their Annual Poker Run Fundraiser they have donated to Camp a new 4-seat golf cart. The rear seat of the cart folds back to form a

Tickfer - Erickson American Legion Post No. 17 of Arcadia held a benefit at the Holmen American Legion Post in Hol-men, WI on December 1, 2012 and donated $1000.00 to Marine Cpl. Gauge Griffin. Corporal Griffin was severely wounded in combat in Afghanistan, los-ing his left leg below the knee, in January of 2011. He has had to undergo extensive surgeries

Boys also come from Providence Catholic School and Brighton Elementary. All local boys are welcome to join. Pictured here are the scouts who visited Union Grove along with Commander Jensen. The scouts are third grad-ers that are currently working to-ward their Bear badge.

flat-bed which is great for haul-ing cargo. In addition, FOCAL has also donated a large rolling tool chest completely stocked with tools as well as an industrial gas-powered leaf blower. All the donations have a value in excess of $6,000. A big “Thank you” to all the Friends of Camp American Legion!

Pictured here is MG Donald Dunbar with Legionnaire Jeff Unger

4107

998-

01

1-888-458-5586 N2665 Cty. Rd. QQ, King www.wvhking.comWisconsin Veterans Home at King

“Caring for America’s Heroes For 125 Years”

and a long hospitalization and rehabilitation for that and other injuries. Cpl. Grif-fin is a member of Post No. 354 in Ettrick, WI.

Pictured right to left are Arcadia Post Commander Dr. Todd Fetsch (Vietnam Era) and Legionnaire Rus-sell Severson (WWII–Iwo Jima) presenting the check to Cpl. Gauge Griffin.

ReverseMortgages

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

Let a retired active dutyveteran you can trustshow you how you maybenefit from a ReverseMortgage.

Mike Kraus7365 Kirkwood Court North, Suite 300Maple Grove, MN 55369763-355-8540 mkraus@muihomeloans.com

NMLS ID #283509

REVERSE MORTGAGES

TOLL FREE: 1-800-707-4859

A D V E RT I S E M E N T