FBI MIlwaukee CItIzens aCadeMyaluMnI assoCIatIonDecember 2013 Volume 2, Issue 2

On November 14th, after a 3 week on, 3 week Congress-induced hiatus, and then 3 week resumption, the 17th Class of the FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy were honored with a graduation event and dinner at MSOE’s historic Alumni Partnership Center, formerly Blatz Headquarters. Members of this year’s class were Bryan Belmer, Daniel Biernacki, Matthew Blowers, Johnathan Crawford, Karen Engeldinger, Cynthia Fleming, Diane Hendricks, Chet Hendrickson, Ashley Luthern, Kelly Morey, Ahmed Quereshi, John Rogers, Alex Runner, Steven Searcy, Katina Shaw, Scott Smith, Matthew Stippich, Meghan Stroshine, Jennifer Tenhaeff, Ann Marie Wick and Jeffrey Zambo.

The evening was emceed by the one, the only, Leonard Peace. Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs welcomed the graduates, their guests, and the FBIMCAAA Board. ASACs Steven Conley and GB Jones also took time out to congratulate the class.

Speakers included 2013 Class member Ann Marie Wick, whose parents met while serving at the FBI Milwaukee office, Johnathan Crawford, and FBIMCAAA President Kevin Berkel. The graduates received their certificates during a photo opportunity with SAC Combs. Each graduate also received an engraved commemorative pedestal, provided by PNC Bank.

Dinner for the graduates was provided by the FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy Alumni Assocation. A special Thank You to the Milwaukee School of Engineering for donating the space, and to FBIMCA Alumnus Nick Seidler at MSOE for his help in organizing the event.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Class of 2013

• Changes at FBI Milwaukee

• Rickie Weeks Award

• Humboldt Park Family Night

• SA Stephen Marshall

• 2014 Alumni Trip

• Range Day

• 2013 Events Recap

• 2013 Events Recap

• Upcoming Events

• 2014 Committees

weB lInks

Please bookmark the FBIMCAAA Website at h t t p : / / w w w. f b i m c a a a .weebly.com for additional news and updates.

There are a number of very useful links and a national Citizens Academy Alumni newsletter on the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association site, which can be found at www.fbincaaa.org.

And of course, www.FBI.gov is updated almost daily, including press releases to keep you informed on events in Wisconsin. To access the Press Room, go to www.fbi.gov/milwaukee/news-and-outreach/press-room.

class of 2013

Changes at FBI Milwaukee DivisionOn Friday, December 20, 2013, Acting SAC Chris Combs announced that Chief Inspector Robert J. Shields from FBI Headquarters was selected by Director Comey to be the next Special Agent in Charge in Milwaukee. The new SAC Shields said, “I’m very excited for the opportunity to work with the great people and strong programs of the Milwaukee Division.”

The FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy Alumni Association would like to thank Acting SAC Combs for his support of the Citizens Academy program and his leadership during a time of transition in the Milwaukee Division. Please join us in wishing him the best!

We also say goodbye to Assistant Special Agent in Charge Steve Conley who has been named Section Chief of the Field Intelligence Management Section at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. effective February 1, 2014. ASAC Conley has been a strong supporter of the CA Program, and we also wish him the best!

1

1

2

3

3

4

5

6

6

Graduation 2013

2

2

FBI MIlwaukee CItIzens aCadeMy aluMnI assoCIatIon newsletter

During the July 8, 2013 pre-game ceremonies, FBIMCAAA awarded Brewers 2nd Baseman Rickie Weeks with a plaque honoring his service to the community, and donation of Child ID kits.

The plaque reads:Outstanding Service Award

Rickie WeeksOn Behalf of the FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association,

Thank You For Helping Protect Our Nations’ ChildrenMay 25, 2013

National Missing Children’s Day

Several FBIMCAAA alumni handed out Child ID kits during the July 8 game against the Cincinnati Reds, which the Brewers won!

milwaukee brewer rickie weeks receives outstanding service award

Stephen Edward Marshall, age 48, passed away suddenly on December 5, 2013 in Verona Wisconsin, due to a pre-existing health issue. He was a graduate of Miami University of Ohio and John Marshall Law School, a loving father, husband, son and brother. Steve was honorably discharged from the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, where he received numerous awards and commendations. He continued his service to his country and began his duty with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent on September 28, 1997, and was assigned to the Milwaukee Division, Madison Resident Agency. While serving as a Special Agent,

Steve worked a variety of investigative programs. His collateral duties included SWAT team leader, sniper team leader, defensive tactics and fitness instructor. Steve served two tours of duty with the FBI in Afghanistan. During his career, Steve received multiple commendations and awards, including the FBI Medal of Valor. This medal was awarded for Steve’s heroic actions under fire in Afghanistan that saved the life of a US Armed Services member.

Steve dedicated his life to his family and in service to his country.

in memorium: special agent stephen marshall

2

School Safety & Wellness Night was held on May 23rd, 2013 at Humboldt Park School on South Adams Avenue. Law enforcement and first responders were in attendance, including the FBI with some assistance from the Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Although Sequestration has limited the number of these events the FBI could attend this past year, their presence was well-received at this family event.

Examples of safety gear used by the of FBI were shown to fascinated school children and their parents, and child ID kits were made available.

humboldt park family night

FBI personnel Steve Stassi and Leonard Peace, and FBIMCAAA alumnus and Board Member MaryCarmen Villasenor demonstrate FBI gear

From Left: FBIMCAAA Board President Kevin Berkel, FBI ASAC Steven Conley, FBIMCAAA Treasurer Tim Hansmann, and Rickie Weeks

deCeMBer 2013

3

alumni trip to washington d.c. / Quantico october 21st and 22nd, 2014

FBIMCAAA alumnus with FBI firearms instructor

On Saturday May 13, the FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy Alumni Association enjoyed a day at the Racine range. About thirty members and guests from various classes attended the event, followed by a great lunch provided by the FBIMCAAA. The group was welcomed by former SAC Teresa Carlson. Safety measures were reviewed and protective gear was provided before the shoot. Practice included various types of weapons such as the Glock model 17 9mm handgun and MP5 rifle, which participants were able to fire on both single and double shot settings. Everyone had an opportunity to move across the range and test their skill on both paper and metal targets.

New this year was access to the MILO Range system, which is the updated simulator standard for realistic use of force and firearms training.

Our hard working FBI Milwaukee Citizens Alumni Academy Association included Kevin Berkel and Sharon Kapps organizing the lunch. Meat was donated by Klements. Other alumni helped cook, set up and clean up.

The Alumni Association would like to express its gratitude to former SAC Carlson, Leonard Peace, ASACs Steve Conley and GB Jones and the weapons instructors for setting this up and taking time out of their Saturday. A great time was had by all!

Safety Training at the Racine Range briefing room

The dates have been set for the return of the annual alumni trip to Washington, DC & Quantico. We will visit FBI Headquarters on October 21, 2013 and Quantico on October 22, 2014. Due to restrictions for group sizes at FBIHQ and Quantico, we will be allowed a maximum of 30 people total in our group. This trip is open on a first come, first served basis. CA alumni members will be allowed to bring one guest (18 or older) for the FBI tours. All attendees will be subject to background checks. Currently travel days to and from D.C. are Monday, October 20, 2014 and Friday, October 24, 2013. Some activities for Thursday

10/23 (optional open day) are in the process of being planned, but as always anything other than the tour to Quantico and visiting FBI Headquarters is optional and anyone is welcome to plan their flights based on preference. The FBI is maintaining a list of Alumni members and their guests who are planning to participate in the trip. Please email Leonard Peace in FBI Public Affairs, leonard.peace@ic.fbi.gov and reserve your spot today.

Please check the March 2012 and November 2012 newsletters, available on the website, for stories and pictures from past trips.

alumni range day held may 13, 2013

FBI MIlwaukee CItIzens aCadeMy aluMnI assoCIatIon newsletter

103 World War II veterens and 10 Korean War-era veterans, including FBIMCAAA Class of 2008 alumnus Jerry Stern, travelled from Milwaukee on Saturday, June 8, 2013 to Washington D.C. on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, where they had the chance to see the monuments honoring the sacrifices made by them and many others on distant battlefields.

State Sen. Leah Vukmir travelled as the guardian for her Stern, her Brookfield East High School principal. He served on a Navy destroyer shortly after World War II ended. Stern has kept in touch with many of his students and followed Vukmir’s political career. Another former student is on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight board and encouraged Stern to apply.

“Typical of the folks in that greatest generation, he didn’t think he should go because he had been at the actual dedication of the World War II Memorial. He thought others should go,” said Vukmir in an article for the Milwaukee Journal.

Stern wanted to quit high school to join the Navy, but his football coach told him to earn his diploma first. He did, served his country and returned home. He earned a degree at Wisconsin State Teachers College in Milwaukee, becoming a biology teacher and later principal before retiring in 1985 after 23 years at Brookfield East.

The trip included visits to the Korean War Memorial, World War II and Iwo Jima memorials, Arlington National Cemetery and a stop at Marine Corps Barracks to see the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

jerry stern, fbimcaa alumnus, on honor flight

On Wednesday June 5th, 2013, FBIMCAAA Class of 2012 alumnus Gretchen Bartlett arranged for a behind-the-scenes tour of the radio and TV studios of the Journal Broadcast Group located at 720 East Capitol Drive. Members of the Alumni Association were treated to a morning tour of the Lake-FM and WTMJ-AM studios, as well as the WTMJ-TV newsroom

and the set of popular midday TV show The Morning Blend.

CAAA members were able to visit with CA alum and morning show host Gretchen Bartlett and host Danny Clayton. They also met WTMJ-AM host Gene Mueller, and were given a tour of the newsroom by Today’s TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray.

wtmj & lake-fm behind-the-scenes tour

4

WTMJ-TV Newsroom: Today’s TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray gives a CAAA tour of the TV newsroom

Citizens Academy Alumni members pictured with Lake-FM’s Gretchen Bartlett (far left) and host Danny Clayton (far right)

State Sen. Leah Vukmir travelled on the Honor Flight with her high school principal, Jerry Stern.

deCeMBer 2013

A ceremony held downtown Milwaukee on Wednesday May 8 paid tribute to fallen law enforcement officers. The ceremony featured Gov. Scott Walker, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, Sheriff David Clarke, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn and Mayor Tom Barrett, along

with a number of other local law enforcement officials and the FBI.

This was the eighth annual Greater Milwaukee law enforcement memorial ceremony, and honored Wauwatosa police Officer Jennifer Sabena and Milwaukee County sheriff’s Deputy Sergio Aleman.

special agent for a day

Alumni Don, Shellie, Lynn and Meg volunteer at the table at the Packers Spooktacular.

lambeau field spooktacularThe Packers Haunted Concourse was open again on October 12, 2013 in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Spooktacular Fun featured interactive entertainment including music, magic and variety acts. Children had an opportunity to have their faces painted and could put their artistic skills to work at Halloween-themed craft stations. 3400 families attended this year’s event.

The FBI Milwaukee Division and its Green Bay resident agency, in partnership with the FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy Alumni Association, had representatives on hand to distribute free child ID kits to parents and guardians. The paper child ID kits were donated by Rickie Weeks of the Milwaukee Brewers. The child ID app was also a huge success this year, embraced by many parents.

FBIMCAAA is most grateful to the FBI Green Bay Resident Agency, who volunteered their Saturday in spite of the government shutdown. In addition, retired Supervisory Special Agent Ray Greco was in attendance and worked the event with his police science students.

FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy alumni who volunteered their time included Don Macomber, Lynn Green and Hugh Green. A special thank you to Rickie Weeks - without him the FBIMCAAA would not have the kits to distribute.

5

Honor law enforcement

The FBI Milwaukee Division partnered with the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association in holding the Jr. Special Agent Essay Contest. The Jr. Special Agent Essay Contest was open to all 5th grade public and private school students in Milwaukee County during the month of February 2013. Six winners were selected to visit the FBI Milwaukee office where they met with Special Agent

in Charge Teresa L. Carlson, took a tour, participated in interactive demonstrations, listened to safety presentations by FBI Special Agents and enjoyed a lunch provided by the FBIMCAAA. The event occured on April 24, 2013. The six winners also received a Jr. Special Agent badge, credentials and a T-shirt, provided by the FBIMCAAA through your donations.

After a number of years working with Leonard Peace at the FBI Milwaukee Division, Steve Stassi will be moving on to a Special Agent position with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Many of you will remember Steve from classes and special events, and he has worked closely with the FBIMCAAA. We wish him all the best as he continues to serve our country with the ATF.

steve stassi Moves on

Summer 2013 offered a number of informal Thursday socials, held at such locations as Von Trier on Milwaukee’s East Side, Estabrook Beer Garden in Estabrook Park, and Saz’s in Wauwatosa. These gatherings are open to all alumni. Future socials are in the planning stages, so stay tuned!

FBIMCaaa thursday socials

FBIMCAAA Alumni at Von Trier in June, 2013

For Questions, News or Membership InformationContact:

FBIMCAAAc/o Tim Hansmann, Treasurer4467 North Newhall StreetShorewood, WI 53211

thansmann@wi.rr.com

uPCoMInG eVentsThe FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy Alumni Association has many excting events coming up, a few of which are listed below. As others develop, you will be contacted by email and it will be posted on the website. If you have any questions about events, please contact a Board member.

• Nomination forms for the 2014 Citizens Academy Class will be distributed in April. If you do not receive one, please contact Tim Hansmann at thansmann@tkwa.com.

• The annual trip to Washington D.C. and Quantico will take place on October 21st and 22nd, 2014.

MeMBersHIP/donatIonsBecome a member today! Not only will you be supporting the next class, but membership status is required to participate in some of the great activities such as Alumni Range Day.

Existing members will receive renewal notices in January.

We also need your donations to help support the 2014 Citizens Academy class. Please consider either a donation of money or sponsoring one of the evening’s meals.

tHank you!To all of you who have donated or contributed!

JoIn a CoMMIttee!The FBIMCAAA has a number of committees looking for volunteers:

• Social/Events

• Fundraising

• Continuing Education

• Communications/Membership

If you are interested in serving on a committee, or would like to learn more, please contact FBIMCAAA President Kevin Berkel or Treasurer Tim Hansmann.