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

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

April 2, 2015Vol. 92, No. 3

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.

As Camp prepares to open in May for our 91st season of service, plans are under way to restore the historic land footprint and provide new recreational and therapeu-tic opportunities for veterans and their families. On February 25th the Natural Resources Board took the initial step and authorized the beginning of the process to amend the DNR’s Master Land Use Plan for the area.

A Public Hearing has been ten-tatively scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Lake Tomahawk Town Hall with a formal presentation of plans at 4PM. Note; This time and date is subject to change. Moni-tor the Department website – www.wilegion.org or Facebook page for the latest developments.

Allegations of improper pre-scription drug treatment proce-dures and retaliatory manage-ment at the Tomah VAMC have generated controversy and a number of federal and state gov-ernment investigations. Problems began to come to light after Ja-son Simcakoski, a 35-year-old Marine Corps veteran, died of an overdose in the Tomah VA psy-chiatric ward.

VA Secretary Robert McDon-ald indicated that an internal in-vestigation was being launched in a statement made on January 16th. McDonald indicated that “a clinical review team consisting of specialists” would “review medi-cation prescription practices” at Tomah. Meanwhile the VA’s Of-fi ce of Accountability Review be-gan investigating whether or not psychiatrist Dr. David Houlihan, the hospital chief of staff, had abused his authority in dealing with personnel who expressed concerns about the prescription drug treatment procedures there. Since then Houlihan has been placed on administrative leave.

The preliminary report indicated

Persons not able to attend the Pub-lic Hearing will also have an oppor-tunity for their voices to be heard. The DNR land use amendment process also includes a period of time for written Public Comments to be submitted. All interested par-ties and supporters of Camp Amer-ican Legion will be encouraged to contact Laurie Ross - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resourcesat ( 6 0 8 ) 2 6 7 - 7 4 2 0 o r Laurie.Ross@wisconsin.gov. The Public Comment period is tenta-tively scheduled to run from Thurs-day, April 9th through Thursday, May 7th. Note; This time frame and dates are subject to change. Monitor the Department website – www.wilegion.org or Facebook page for the latest developments.

LAND LEASES - The current lease is the latest in a series of

that Tomah patients were receiv-ing opiate doses 2.5 times higher than the national average and that veterans’ medications were not changed even “in the face of aberrant behavior.” Since the release of the preliminary report Tomah Director Mario DeSanctis has been reassigned within VISN 12 Health Care System. The Wis-consin Department of Safety and Professional Services has also began an investigation into the prescription drug treatment prac-tices at Tomah.

Many of the issues at Tomah were initially covered in a re-port by the VA inspector general which was completed in March 2014. The report was not released to the public until February 6, 2015 or shared with members of Congress, some of which had made inquiries of the Tomah VA on behalf of constituents. Mem-bers of Congress have since de-manded changes and alleged that the VA has engaged in a cover-up.

Since releasing the report, the VA has launched a new internal investigation into “the quality of medical care provided by the

April 16th Hearing Scheduled on Camp Land Expansion

Investigations Into Tomah VA ContinueJoint Congressional Hearing Slated for March 30th

agreements between the State of Wisconsin and the Legion. Camp American Legion has encom-passed different areas of State-owned lands at different times dur-ing Camp’s 90 year history. The Department of Wisconsin is now pursuing the restoration of the historic boundaries of Camp in order to provide more rehabilita-tion and recreational opportuni-ties for Wisconsin military ser-vice members, veterans and their families.

LAND FOOTPRINT - The land affected by the most recent Lease, which runs through December 31, 2024, is shown in yellow on the accompanying map of the site. Additional land controlled from 1927 to 1944 is shown in red on the map. And a substantially larger additional area of land

Tomah facility.” Marv Simcakos-ki, father of Jason Simcakoski, has indicated that VA representa-tives have met with him to dis-cuss his son’s death as part of the new investigation.

Offi cials with the Drug Enforce-ment Administration (DEA) are also investigating the possibility that powerful narcotic painkillers were diverted from patients and traffi cked as street drugs. Wis-consin Senator Tammy Baldwin has asked Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct an investiga-tion by the Department of Jus-tice into the deaths of three vet-erans, whistleblower retaliation and failure to maintain medical equipment.

As this edition of the Badger Legionnaire goes to press the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af-fairs, chaired by Wisconsin Sena-tor Ron Johnson, is poised to hold a joint hearing in Tomah with the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on March 30. A team of congressional investigators has been in Tomah to independently assess the various issues raised.

YELLOW - Camp land footprint (1964 - current) RED – YELLOW - Camp land footprint (1927 - 1944)

GREEN – RED – YELLOW- Camp land footprint (1944 - 1964) (Continued on Page 5)

2015 Membership Goal 59,600

March 26th Total: 55,900 94.00%

2015 Membership Goal 59,600

District 1296.58%

1st PLACE

District 293.39%

3rd PLACE

District 993.49%

2nd PLACE

District 193.36%

4th PLACE

District 1092.44%

6th PLACE

District 392.55%

5th PLACE

District 692.13%

7th PLACE

District 891.30%

9th PLACE

District 791.37%

8th PLACE

District 1189.97%

10th PLACE

District 581.62%

12th PLACE

District 487.26%

11th PLACE

Possible Expansion of Land in Process

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE APRIL 2, 2015

Publication ScheduleAll articles due to the Editor four weeks before publication date. Send all copy to

info@wilegion.org

“Badger Legionnaire”& “Wisconsin”

The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are the offi cial publications of the Wisconsin

American Legion Family and are published ten times annually, once every fi ve weeks,

by The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901.Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WI

and additional mailing offi ces.USPS ID Number 010-135

ISSN: 2154-2627Post Master: Send address changes to

Badger Legionnaire and Wisconsin,P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901

“Badger Legionnaire”The American Legion,

Department of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901Phone: (608) 745-1090

E-mail: info@wilegion.orgDavid A. Kurtz, Executive Editor

2014-2015 Communications CommitteeKendel D. Feilen, Chairman

Jeremy Nordie, Vice ChairmanEnsley Brown, DEC Liaison

Bernard OlsonPhil IngwellHarold RihnRory Burns

Greg Eirich, HistorianLoretta Shellman, Auxiliary LiaisonBonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison

2014-15 Department Offi cers

CommanderRobert ShappellVice Commanders

Dale OatmanRich RulandJohn ThurkDave Brisk

AdjutantDavid A. Kurtz

Sergeant-at ArmsCharles Roessler

Dave WischerService Offi cer

James FialkowskiNECman

Steve KruegerAlternate NECman

Ken Rynes

District Commanders 1st – Tom Strey 2nd – Dan Seehafer 3rd – Mary Lloyd 4th – Claire Goodfellow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Jeff Puddy 7th – Mark Lesko 8th – Jerome Krofta 9th – Bob Lemke 10th – Ed Cooper 11th – Frank Kostka 12th – Jim Chapin

Change of Address & Other Information:Subscribers: To report any upcoming changes of address, please ask your Post Adjutant to fi ll out a Membership Data Form and forward it to Wisconsin American Legion Headquarters. The change of address form that will be completed by the Post Adjutant should not be confused with the change of address card fi lled out at the Post Offi ce. Department fi nancial statements are available to Legionnaires in good standing upon written request through their District Commanders.

“Wisconsin”American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 140 • Portage, WI 53901Bonnie Dorniak, Editor

Teresa Isensee, Department PresidentBonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/TreasurerTo change your address: Notify Unit Secretary

Unit Secretary: Notify DepartmentHeadquarters on a Member Data Form

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

DEPARTMENT COMMANDERIt was silent and

solemn in the Ca-det Chapel. Over 350 comrades and family members sat in the massive aluminum and glass structure to remember 34 of

our own. I felt a strange, but com-forting closeness to the men around me. Some were very close to me – as close as brothers; a few I had not seen for 35 long years. All of them, however, were my comrades in arms. We were members of the 1975 graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy.

A roll call of 34 departed class members was read. After each name was called, a different voice from somewhere in the huge, inspirational chapel replied, “Absent, sir.” Later I heard “James M. Simonitsch,” a roommate of mine who died early in his career as the result of an aircraft accident. The last of the 34 names was “John T. Wolter,” the fi rst mem-ber of my cadet squadron to report to the Supreme Commander. As the man next to me replied “Absent, sir,”

As I was writing thank-you notes to some of our many Camp sup-porters for some reason I thought of the teaching that appears in the Bible at Mark

12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4. It is the story that starts “he observed how the crowd put money into the trea-sury. Many rich people put in large sums of money. Then a poor widow came up and put in two small coins worth a few cents.”

So many members of The Ameri-can Legion Family have supported camp fi nancially and have helped in so many ways. I don’t have enough

my body involuntarily shook and I felt tears begin to roll down my cheek. I knew it would happen, I was prepared for it, but I was still over-whelmed by the intense emotions.

Then the haunting notes of TAPS es-caped the bell of the trumpet, playing upon our emotions. Through tear-stained eyes, I looked up at the immense pro-peller-like cross suspended high above the altar. The voices of a cadet choir sang the hymn “Lord Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly.” Many thoughts crossed my mind as I re-fl ected upon the lives of these men. Some died early in their careers, many in aircraft accidents. As age overtook their youthful strength, those who died in later years were

words of gratitude. In big and small ways you have stepped forward and given. The American Legion Rid-ers have greatly blessed Camp with their annual Fall Rides. We also have veteran campers living on fi xed in-comes who support the camp with small individual donations. There are Posts, Units, Squadrons, Coun-ties and Districts who conduct large fundraisers which generate thou-sands of dollars for Camp. We even have veterans coming to our Home-less Veterans Week willing to con-tribute their small donation. They insist we take it and would be hurt if we did not. Last year a golf event fundraiser raised $10.000 for Camp and it took my breath away upon receiving it. And we receive many

often the victims of disease and ill-ness. All had served their country with honor; all were my dear and loyal friends.

The 34 names that echoed in the Chapel that Fri-day afternoon represent to me all the veterans who have served this country so admirably. They were gone, and I wondered what each had left be-hind. What was their legacy?

Then I thought of the cadets I had the privi-lege to speak with during my visit – all smart, energetic, and en t hu s i a s t i c.

Even more impressive was their awareness of the danger, impor-tance, and potential sacrifi ces of their future service as Air Force of-fi cers. They represent what is good and right about our great nation.

small donations with a note saying they wish they could give more. We get 30 cases of paper towels from a large corporation and two single rolls from an individual.

We have members of the Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary contrib-uting to camp on a large scale with signifi cant donations. Then you have all those Units and individual ALA members giving to our Donation-of-the-Month program with one book of stamps, plastic garbage bags, a cou-ple a batteries, a can of coffee or one pack of drink mix. We have had me-morial donations to Camp ranging from a thousand dollars to ten. The big fundraising events may get the most attention but the work we do at Camp would not be possible without

They are the legacy of those who went before them. They are the leg-acy of my classmates who are gone but not forgotten.

Our legacy as Legionnaires is also those we leave behind - the new members we recruit and mentor – those we train to take our places in the Post. The charters, pictures, and memorabilia hanging on the walls of our posts mean nothing if there is no one left to carry on when we are gone. Those Legionnaires who pre-ceded us worked to provide us the benefi ts, opportunities, and respect we enjoy today. They didn’t know us, but they knew we were going to follow in their footsteps. While we do not personally know the young people who will follow our foot-steps of service, we do know that we must safeguard their futures by en-suring the same benefi ts, opportuni-ties and respect that were passed on to us. Our legacy is those who fol-low us in military service and in our Legion posts. They may not realize it now, but in the future they will know what we did – and they will be eternally thankful – and they will continue our legacy.

all of the small donations that add up to big things. Each contribution received is noticed and greatly ap-preciated. If my memory serves me the smallest donation I have received here at Camp was $2.00. I stood face to face with that vet and accepted it with great gratitude.

Scripture tells us at Mark 12:41-44 –– “Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, Amen, I say to you, the poor widow put in more than the others contributors. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she from her poverty, has contributed all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

God bless all of you, working to-gether as we start our 2015 Camp American Legion season!

“Today, Ameri-ca can regain the sense of pride that existed be-fore Vietnam. These events, tragic as they are, portend nei-ther the end of the world nor of

America’s leadership in the world.” These words are quoted from former United States President Gerald Ford in April of 1975, regarding the Viet-nam War.

On April 30, 1975, the last Ameri-can servicemembers in Vietnam withdrew from the rooftop of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, ending the Vietnam War. About 203,000 sol-diers from Wisconsin served in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam Era, 165,400 of them in Vietnam.

Our Vietnam Veterans will re-member their 1,239 comrades from Wisconsin who died during the war. Still others have died after the war, and some have experienced diffi cul-

ties adjusting after coming home.In a book compiled by students

from D.C. Everest High School in Schofi eld, Wisconsin called “Viet-nam Experience,” Wisconsin vet-erans of the war talk about some common experiences shared: long stretches of boredom interspersed with moments of sheer terror; not knowing who to trust; booby traps; insects; no real close friendships and people losing contact after return-ing home; the tragedy of killing, and seeing fellow soldiers killed; injuries suffered; doing a job to survive; and living in a climate of extreme heat (up to 130 degrees).

Infantryman Frank Biesel of the 5th Cavalry, served in Vietnam from 1968-69. His unit “encountered more booby traps than any other unit in the history of the United States. In about six weeks we en-countered about 250 booby traps.” Biesel said of the war, “When you go into the service, they train you for conventional warfare. Vietnam was unconventional warfare. It was

guerilla warfare; it was a war of at-trition.”

Tim Mero was a Marine tank of-fi cer who arrived in Vietnam in Oc-tober 1967 and departed in October 1968. One story stays with him -- being sent by a task force com-mander to take his men into a valley known as Death Valley, destroy a tank and blow it in place. He didn’t want to do that so he waited until dark. “We got everything ready, and then we had to hook up our tank to this one that was crippled, and then we dragged it. Pulled it all the way to the base camp. We were all by ourselves; we didn’t get back until about 11:00 at night. Headlights couldn’t do anything, so it was ab-solutely dark. We made it back and were not engaged by the enemy. No one knew. I don’t think the enemy understood how few of us there were, but I really felt kind of left out there, empty. There were two tank crews. There were eight of us total and we were just kind of all on our own but we got back. I remember

that night very, very well.”Jerome Ravey served in Marine

aviation from 1967-68, servicing safety equipment of jet aircraft. He was stationed in Chu Lai. “Two weeks before I was supposed to come home,” Ravey said, “the Viet Cong attacked our base. It was a little on the scary side.”

Many of our leaders of today are decorated Vietnam veterans. Just as the generations of servicemem-bers before them returned home to continue to serve their communi-ties, so have Vietnam veterans. They serve in many capacities in many agencies and organizations, both public and private, through-out America.

Today, with the assistance of these veterans and countless other veteran and community leaders, we now draw on the lessons learned in the post-Vietnam years so that we effectively and meaningfully wel-come home our returning veterans, helping them to reintegrate into our communities.

WDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

Kevin MosheaCamp Director

CAMP DIRECTOR

Bob ShappellDepartment Commander

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREAPRIL 2, 2015

Briggsville Post Honors Members

Post No. 272 Delivers to Soldiers

The Carl E. Grabman Post No. 329 of Briggsville recently honored three members who have achieved significant membership milestones. Pictured here from left to right are: 65 year member Leo Cottini, 70 year member Robert (Bud) Corning, and 50 year member Thomas Tangney who is also the oldest member of Post No. 329 at 98 years old. All three are Navy veterans of WWII.

The Thaddeus K. Zyk Post No. 272 of Butternut recently collected donated items and prepared comfort packages for Wisconsin military personnel stationed overseas. The entire community of Butternut supported the project by donating items and providing funds for shipping. 41 packages were sent to the 950th Engineering Company of the Wisconsin National Guard in Afghanistan and one was sent to a Butternut soldier stationed in Cuba. Pictured here are Commander Jerry Wegner, Connie Wegner, Auxiliary President Nancy Schultz, and Shari Brennan.

Ron Christensen, a member of the Suring American Legion, introduces Col. Dan Johnston at a Military Night ceremony honoring Vietnam veteran Russell Bahrke. Bahrke was a Suring graduate who lost his life in Vietnam in 1970. At left is the Suring basketball team. Photo by Tom Beschta.

Sixty students living throughout the state of Wisconsin ranging in age from 8 years to 18 partici-pated in The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin 2015 Jr. Shooting Sports competition. This year’s scholarship winners have been announced.

In team competition, the Viola Sportsman’s Club of Viola placed first with its top four shooters bringing in a cumulative score of 1001- 7. Other teams participat-ing in the competition included the Langlade County 4H Ameri-can Legion Shooting Team of Antigo, two teams from the Wal-worth County 4H Shooting Sports Club of Elkhorn, American Le-gion Shooters of Fond du Lac, the Briggsville Post No. 329 team and Post 308/220 American Legion Ju-nior Shooting Sports Club of Gays Mills.

Taking top honors in the begin-ners division (ages 8 – 11) was first place winner Alayna Culver of

By Tom BeschtaOconto County Times Herald Correspondent

A cold, January night in Suring is a far cry from the scorching jungles of South Vietnam, where on Aug. 13, 1970, Russell Leroy Bahrke Jr. was killed in action while serving his country in the United States Army.

In a crowded, silent gymnasium Friday the two discordant settings came together at the Suring Basket-ball Military Night.

Retired Col. Dan Johnston, Bahrke’s platoon leader, delivered a message 45 years in the making. His message would mark this year’s event as one of closure, remem-brance and gratitude.

“I can stand before you today and testify without a doubt that Russell Bahrke’s service was exemplary. He was a good, solid soldier that I would have had stand by me at any time, in any place, under any cir-cumstance. And he did you proud,” Johnston said.

The Suring Basketball Military Night was organized five years ago by Ron Christensen and Gary Re-gal with support from the Suring American Legion and Vets 4 Vets of Oconto County. The event recog-nizes local veterans and helps raise money for programs, so far raising more than $10,000.

This year’s event held special sig-nificance, however, as the Suring American Legion felt the time had finally come to honor Bahrke and the sacrifice he made for his country.

“When Russell came back, there was no recognition of his sacrifice, and this community never had that opportunity,” Christensen said. “To me, this is that opportunity for our entire community to recognize the only person from this school that was killed in Vietnam.”

the Viola Sportsman’s Club with a score of 178-0. Tying for sec-ond were Nathan Schmalfeldt and Emma Robers of the Walworth County 4H Shooting Sports Club, with scores of 135-1 and 135-0 re-spectively.

Sylvia Peterson of the Viola Sportsman’s Club took first place in the Junior Division (ages 12 – 14) with 256-3. Sarah Anderson of the Langlade County 4H Ameri-can Legion Shooting Team took second place with 238-6 and Fin Weber of the Walworth County 4H Shooting Sports Club placed third with a 229-3.

The Senior Division third place winner, and recipient of the De-partment’s $250 Jr. Shooting Sports Scholarship, is Davus Ellef-son of the Viola Sportsman’s Club with a score of 235-7. The second place scholarship winner, and re-cipient of the Department’s $750 scholarship is Catie Clark, also of the Viola Sportsman’s Club, who

Christensen, who served in the Ma-rines for 20 years, began coordinat-ing the Military Night with Bahrke in mind, reaching out to members of his platoon to find someone who would be willing to speak about the events of that day.

His efforts led him to San Antonio, Texas, and Johnston, who welcomed the opportunity to finally meet the family and friends of the only soldier he lost under his command.

“A leader is supposed to commu-nicate with the family after the death of a soldier,” Johnston said. “I sent a letter home, and I never received a response. I always wondered why, but it was not something I wanted to investigate in case there were some hard feelings. So this is the first time (contacting the family), and it has been very meaningful for me.”

“There was a lot of anxiety on my part not knowing what to expect,” Christensen said. “I mean, we’re talking 44 years after the fact. It seemed to me it was fate that put me in contact with people that served with Russell.”

Johnston, who retired from the Army in 1994 after 25 years of ser-vice, flew to Green Bay with his wife, toured Lambeau Field and met with members of the Suring Ameri-can Legion.

Johnston was then introduced to Bahrke’s brother, Kim, and Bahrke’s two surviving cousins for an oppor-tunity to talk about the fallen sol-dier’s service.

“It is the first time I have spoken to anyone about what happened when my brother passed,” Kim Bahrke said. “It was good talking to the col-onel. He let me know exactly what happened and how proud he was of his unit that day, and he should have been. They served admirably.”

“Speaking to (the family) was very

2015 Wisconsin Junior Shooting Sports Scholarships Awarded

A Hero’s Honor: Military Night Recognizes Fallen Soldier

shot a 246-3. The first place win-ner and recipient of a $1000 schol-arship is Sawyer Peterson of the Viola Sportsman’s Club who shot the high score of 263-4.

The number one team and top three shooters in each Jr. Shooting Sports Division will also receive a trophy and a certificate of partici-pation from the Department. All other participants in this year’s pro-gram will receive a certificate of participation and a medallion. For more information on The Ameri-can Legion Jr. Shooting Sports Program contact Dawn Brauner at (608) 745-1090 or email her at dawn@wilegion.org.

cathartic in that it was clearly a need-ed healing process,” Johnston said. “One of the cousins hugged me very emotionally after the talk and said he had been waiting for this conversa-tion for 45 years.”

Johnston was then shown Bahrke’s resting place and old neighborhood before speaking to the Suring student body Friday.

Coach Jim Keeffe said the partici-pation of the Suring basketball team and students in Military Night helps them recognize the significance of the freedoms they exercise every day.

“One of the things we try to teach these kids is to respect the nation and the service of our men and women, because participating in a sport like this is not necessarily a right,” Keeffe said. “Somebody has to make a sac-rifice so we can do this. We just want to make sure they have that in mind when they leave here.”

Military Night opened with a spa-ghetti dinner, T-shirt sale and raffle that packed the school’s cafeteria with veterans and community mem-bers before the crowd filed into the gymnasium for the junior varsity boys’ 50-19 victory over Niagara.

Before the start of the varsity game, an emotional ceremony was held, during which Johnston spoke about Bahrke’s service, and Kim Bahrke was introduced.

“I firmly believe that the obligation of every one of you sitting here today is to live a life that is worthy of Rus-sell Bahrke,” Johnston said during his speech.

Afterword, the Suring community choir sang patriotic selections, John-ston, Christensen and Kim Bahrke placed flowers before a photo of Russell Bahrke and the Color Guard presented the colors. Both basket-ball teams lined up for a photo with Christensen and Kim Bahrke.

The varsity Eagles then soared to a 40-34 victory over Niagara.

Johnston said that the congeni-ality that greeted him in Wiscon-sin affirms that no matter where one might go in this country, the courtesy Americans extend to one another as citizens is precious, something heroes such as Bahrke made possible.

“I think that the community is well served by recognizing the service of

one of its members,” Johnston said. “Russell had a very big heart. He had tremendous personal courage.”

Kim Bahrke was simply at a loss for words after the ceremony.

“I can’t be more proud that they thought that much of my brother and they did so much for him,” Kim Bahrke said. “I am just so glad, so proud of the Legion, so proud of the colonel coming up. I don’t know what to say.”

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE APRIL 2, 2015

PLEASE SUPPORTTHE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

FUND SWEEPSTAKESThe American Legion Riders

Association of Wisconsin is hold-ing their 8th annual sweepstakes to benefi t the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. The Legacy Scholarship Fund pro-vides college scholarships for children who have had a parent killed in the war on terror since September 11, 2001. The Legion Riders have taken the lead in fun-draising for this scholarship fund.

As of January 2015 thousands of families with children have lost a parent since September 2001. This has resulted in thousands of children 18 years and younger who, as an unfortunate conse-quence, are in a single-parent family.

Conservative estimates are that costs will increase 5% per year. That means that in 16 years the most affordable college education will be over $132,800!

The mission of this scholarship

is to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families!

Last year Wisconsin raised over $70,000 which was included in the more than $1,000,000 to-tal collected. This year we will be working in conjunction with Commander Bob Shappell’s Spir-it Run, the 2015 Wisconsin State Legacy Run, and have set our goal at $59,600, $1.00 for each member of The American Legion.

This April, 12 sweepstakes entry forms will be sent to all Legion Posts, Auxiliary Units, and SAL Detachments across the state. A donation of $5 each, 6 entry forms for $20 or all 12 entry forms for $25 is encouraged. A reply en-velope will be provided for your convenience. We encourage every Post, Unit and Squadron to return your entry forms and donation to help support the Legacy Scholar-ship Fund.

The awards are 1st–$1,000,

2nd–$500, 3rd–$250, 4th–$100, 5th through 7th–$50 each. The drawing will be held on Sunday, August 9 at 12:00 noon at Ameri-can Legion Post No. 59 in Stough-ton, 803 N. Page St.

If you would like to help Com-mander Bob and the American Legion Riders help the children of America’s fallen warriors by distributing additional en-try forms to your friends, fam-ily, co-workers, or fellow Legion Family members please contact Bob Lloyd at 608-873-5926 or lloyd2364@sbcglobal.net.

In 2015, our goal is to raise over $450,000 nationwide. We are ask-ing the Wisconsin American Le-gion family to rally together and support this most worthy cause.

Please make your check payable to ALRA of WI and mail to: P.O. Box 16, Stoughton, WI 53589.

Visit www.alrawis.org for offi cial rules.

Betty Snyder of Auxiliary Unit No. 424 in Mercer and Mark Henry of Thrivent Financial recently presented Camp Director Kevin Moshea with a check for $5,000. The funds were raised at the annual “Run For a Vet” event held in the Manitowish Waters/Mercer area. This is the third year Camp American Legion has received a generous donation as a result of the activity.

• 50th Anniversary Ceremony with WDVA Secretary John Scocos• Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel of Post No. 434 in Oak Creek• Vietnam Veterans of America - Wisconsin State Council• Wisconsin National Guard & Service Member Support Division • Guest speakers• County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) • Fishing, Food, Companionship, Story-telling, And more!

Vietnam Veteran week campers and day visitors are welcome! (715) 277-2510 or campal@newnorth.net

SHOW

The 60th Annual American Le-gion King Day Pilgrimage will be held on Sunday, June 21st at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin. American Legion, Legion Riders, Auxil-iary and Sons of The American Legion members from across the state, as well as their guests, will visit the Home and participate in a picnic with members of the Vet-erans Home. The 40 et 8 will also participate and the general public is also invited and encouraged to attend.

Musical entertainment will be provided from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. A delicious charcoal broiled chicken dinner will be served by American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 161 with service to begin at 10:30 AM and continuing until

60th Annual American Legion King Pilgrimage

Funds for Camp Raised at Annual “Run for a Vet”

sold out. Cost per meal is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 per child 12 and under. Meal tickets can be purchased on the day of the event. Immediately following lunch will be the traditional King Day parade consisting of Legion Riders, District and Department offi cers, 40 et 8 Voiture Locomo-tives, the Marathon High School Drum and Bugle Corps, Color Guards, Honor Guards, and Drill Teams. Following the parade will be a formal program featur-ing National Commander Mike Helm of Nebraska, Department Commander Robert L. Shappell and National Executive Commit-teeman Steve Krueger.

“We hope you can join us and help make this a wonderful day for the members of the Wiscon-

sin Veterans Home,” said Com-mittee Chairman and 8th District Commander Jerome Krofta. “I’m hoping American Legion mem-bers will make a special effort to represent their posts at the 60th Annual King Day and I encourage all Legion Family and community members to join us for this spec-tacular day.” he added.

A table will be set up in the park where volunteers can receive as-signments to assist members of the Veterans Home to join the out-side festivities. “This is an excel-lent way to make a new friend and meet new people.” said Krofta. If you have any questions about the annual American Legion Pil-grimage on Sunday, June 21st, please call Chairman Krofta at (715) 424-6260

All Who ServedAll Who ServedAll Who ServedAll Who Served

National Commander Mike Helm of Nebraska scheduled to attend

VIETNAM VETERANS WEEKAT FIRE BASE (FB)

CAMP AMERICAN LEGIONJUNE 8TH – JUNE 14, 2015

Saturday, June 13th

Thursday, June 11th at 1 PM

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREAPRIL 2, 2015

As the weather begins to change for the better - it’s time to think about getting outside, and for some, onto the golf course. Plans continue to move forward for the June 27th National Com-mander Campaign Benefi t Golf Outing being held at the Reeds-burg Country Club with a shot-gun start at 9:00AM. Packets of information will be provided to District Commanders at the Department Spring meetings in May for distribution to the Posts. Please put this on your calendars and be talking about it at meet-ings and making plans to take part. This will be a great event and we really need your partici-pation.

There are several ways you can be involved.

Start putting together your teams. The cost for golfi ng (in-cludes 18 holes, cart, lunch and door prizes) is $65.00. Whether you have a foursome or want us to pair you up with other golfers we can accommodate up to 144 golfers. Non-golfers can join us for lunch for $10.00 a person (it is only 13 miles from the Coun-try Club to Tanger Outlet Malls in Wisconsin Dells).

Red Cloud Post No. 250 of Adams held a special award presentation at their March 3rd meeting to honor member Tom Robertson for helping to save the life an infant. While visiting the Milton home of 3-day old Jack McKim in De-cember, Tom responded when the baby stopped breathing. Tom, who previously served as both a fi refi ghter and an Emergency Medical Techni-cian, quickly administered and maintained CPR until res-cue workers arrived.

Team Wisconsin Golf Outing in Reedsburg Legionnaire Honored for Lifesaving Eff orts

Your Post / Unit / Squadron / Riders/ Organization (pretty much anyone) can Sponsor a Hole for $50.00. A specially de-signed “Team Wisconsin” sign with your name will appear on the sponsored hole.

Each District has been asked to put together a basket con-taining items refl ective of their geographical pride. For exam-ple: Door County cherries, She-boygan Bratwurst or Steven’s Point Cranberries. Past Depart-ment Commander Wayne Jen-sen has asked that these baskets be brought to the Department Spring meetings in Portage May 8th and 9th. Door prizes and bas-kets or raffl e items are welcome from anyone willing to donate.

We are also looking for people willing to volunteer to help dur-ing the event.

Registration, hole sponsorship, volunteers and prizes are being coordinated by Past Department Commander Ted DeMicchi, the Event Chairman. Ted will be happy to provide further in-formation or answer questions about the event. You can contact him at: (262) 945-1496 or by email at deminkp68@wi.rr.com.

Post No. 250 Commander Jack Grignano was joined by Department Vice Com-mander John Thurk and 7th District Commander Mark Lesko in presenting Tom with The American Legion Gold Heroism Medal for sav-ing the child’s life. The Le-gion gold heroism medal is awarded for acts of outstand-ing heroism. Tom humbly received the gold medal, and Jack McKim and his family will always be grateful for Tom’s heroic action.

Registration forms and checks can be mailed to Ted DeMicchi PO Box 123 Somers, WI 53171 and should be received before June 12th.

Wisconsin’s Candidate For National Commander Denise Rohan continues to be avail-able to attend fundraising events in your area. You can fi nd scheduled campaign events and details listed on the wile-gion.org website under “Post Events” listed as “Wisconsin’s National Commander Cam-paign”. Please contact cam-paign manager Mike Rohan at mdnrohan@gmail.com or call him at (608) 837-9763 for availability.

2015AMERICAN LEGION STATE GOLF OUTING

SEPTEMBER 12, 2015Crystal Springs

Golf Course Seymour, WI

2015 AMERICAN LEGION STATE GOLF OUTING

ENTRY FORM

$70 PER GOLFERIncludes: Green Fees, Cart, Lunch at Noon and Banquet (DINNER ONLY $16)

Scramble is open toLegion, Auxiliary, or SAL Members.

N8055 French RoadSeymour, WI 54165

Legion Post No.______ City_________________________

Name Card # Phone1. ________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________4. ________________________________________________

Team Captain Name and Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________________Email Address: ______________________________________

Total Enclosed:________________Extra Dinners: ________________ @ $16 each = __________

Please make checks payable to: American Legion Post No. 106Send payment and form to: American Legion Post No. 106 Golf

PO Box 224 • Seymour, WI 54165

Entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2015Entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2015.

CAMP (Continued from page 1)

Testimonial Dinner

for Department CommanderBOB SHAPPELLWhen: Saturday June 6, 2015

Socialize 5:00PM Dinner 6:00PM Program 7:00PM

Where: Country Inn and Suites, 350 East Seven Hills Road, Port Washington WI

Exit 100 o� I-43 between Belgium and Saukville

Details: $40 per personRoom block available at special rate for

“Bob Shappell testimonial”– call (262) 284-2100

Mail check to:Bob Shappell

4520 Pioneer RoadCedarburg WI 53012

under Legion control from 1944 to 1964 is shown in green. In 1964 American Legion leader-ship relinquished certain lands at the request of the State Con-servation Department with the understanding that this land would again be available when the Department needed it.

ACTION - As Camp continues to grow in popularity with Wis-consin military service person-nel, veterans and their families,

The American Legion looks for new ways to fulfi ll our mission of service to Wisconsin military service members, veterans and their families. By restoring the area of land available at Camp American Legion we can pro-vide new opportunities for re-habilitation and recreation. All interested parties and support-ers of Camp American Legion will be encouraged to contact Laurie Ross - Wisconsin De-

partment of Natural Resources a t (608) 267-7420 o r Laurie.Ross@wisconsin.gov. The Public Comment period is tentatively scheduled to run from Thursday, April 9th through Thursday, May 7th. Note; This time frame and dates are subject to change. Monitor the Department website – www.wilegion.org or Facebook page for the latest develop-ments.

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE SEPTEMBER 25, 2014PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE APRIL 2, 2015

The LastBugle

4 AthensSylvester Heier II 03/16/158 WaukeshaEllis Hughes V 02/15/15Clement Szalkowski II 02/20/1510 WausauJohn Tetzlaff II 02/03/15Michael Linder V 07/03/13Donald Trowbridge K 02/12/15Mark Magnuson II 02/19/15Roy Neunast K 02/18/15George Hrdina II 01/13/1511 Green BayRichard Rebman K 01/04/1413 Richland CenterRalph Klingaman V 02/20/1524 Lake GenevaJohn Maas II 03/15/13Richard Peck K 09/06/14Manford Kirchoff K 08/20/14Ervin Malecki II 12/24/13Rex Bushong II 03/20/12Maurice Jensen V 02/24/14Richard Chase V 03/11/15Delou Blodgett K 01/17/1426 BarabooTom Michele V 02/27/1529 KewauneeRobert O’Brien V 12/31/14Kenneth Siegmund II 05/04/14Jerome Zelten K 11/11/14Russell Rank II 10/02/14James Tischler V 12/25/1438 AppletonFred Schuette K 02/20/15Richard Griesser K 02/18/15George Floodstrand II 02/27/15Ronald Bunkert V 02/26/15Jerome Gomm II 03/09/15Don Jury II 03/14/15Lowell Skeens V 03/16/1541 KaukaunaEthel Riemer II 02/13/1544 WabenoDavid Redinger II 02/08/15Richard Gagnon V 02/16/15James Stormer K 03/07/1547 PortageWilliam Lauterbach K 02/28/15Glen Jacob II 02/24/15Lawrence Sande K 02/23/15Loid Atkinson K 03/07/15Kenneth Golliher K 03/13/1553 Eau ClaireRobert Basacker K 02/11/15Earl Mosel II 03/15/1554 Marshfi eldJames Brown K 03/11/1567 Lake MillsRobert Crump II 12/09/14John Neupert K 02/17/15David LeMaster V 03/06/15Ted Drozdowski II 03/04/1569 MayvilleLavern Rehlinger K 01/14/15Randall Heintz V 02/05/15Robert Gleisner II 02/27/15Nick Kohler II 09/15/1470 OshkoshRonald Davis V 03/06/15Robert Ray K 02/26/15Leroy Williams II 03/14/15Thomas Zak K 02/25/15

73 NeillsvilleIrene Masters K 01/20/15Robert Struensee V 02/07/15John Ringstad II 01/20/15Lloyd Zimmerman K 02/18/15Myrle Thompson K 02/26/15Robert Luchterhand II 03/12/1581 MaustonEdward Ellwood II 12/03/1483 SheboyganDonald Hoeft II 01/28/1584 MonroeCharles Drnek K 02/13/1589 MinocquaGuy Digilio II 02/16/15106 SeymourMelvin Lafond II 02/05/15110 New LisbonFloyd Dassow V 02/19/15114 Eagle RiverRobert Means K 03/10/15115 ElroyBernard Bender II 01/12/15Emil Picha K 02/17/15118 ThorpL P Christophersen K 02/11/15121 River FallsLyle Zastrow II 02/16/15Walter Wienke K 03/03/15Derrick Schmitt P 03/12/15136 NiagaraJames Gussert K 08/27/14Frank Peterson II 03/13/15Warren Anderson II 05/28/14Carl Dixon II 01/04/15138 ViroquaCecil Owen II 03/02/15Charles Dahl II 03/06/15141 New GlarusDavid Jackson K 03/08/15143 St Croix FallsEugene Nothaft K 03/03/15146 Beaver DamRobert Ponik II 02/15/15Richard Larson II 03/15/15149 Sheboygan FallsKen Heckmann II 02/19/15156 Fond du LacHarland Olsen II 02/17/15161 KingTerry Rice II 03/03/15171 Union GroveEugene Willoughby K 03/06/15175 LoyalEdward Schecklman K 02/08/15Arthur Boucher II 03/06/15180 Bay ViewLawrence Baravetti II 03/15/15182 Park FallsGlenn Sales II 02/26/15183 Genoa CityHoward Borst II 01/09/15185 GrantsburgDale Kratchmer II 12/20/15Edward Melquist II 01/17/15186 IndependenceEugene Sosalla K 02/13/15200 Black River FallsGuyal Loomis II 03/07/15201 TomahMaynard Hofer PG 02/19/15204 EllsworthLeslie Long K 01/24/15Leroy Nickel K 02/25/15205 JanesvilleCharles Everhart II 03/15/15209 OrfordvilleJames Amettis K 09/11/14Charles Bach V 02/06/15215 PardeevilleRichard Vande Leest II 01/18/15216 LodiPeter Van Ness V 02/23/15224 AlmaClarence Schollmeier K 03/01/15David Rieck V 03/09/15233 WaterlooKenneth Wenger V 03/07/15

236 AlgomaMelvin Haack II 03/03/15243 PlymouthJoseph Turicik K 03/06/15253 Spring GreenTed Lins II 02/11/15258 Little ChutePaul Jansen II 02/15/15Lawrence Driessen II 03/09/15261 GreenbushRaymond Langkabel V 02/25/15263 New LondonHarold Meshke K 03/13/15266 ColbyWalter Engel II 02/05/15268 BruceWallace Frisinger II 03/10/15272 ButternutDavid Huettl V 03/07/15283 SuringMartin Hischke K 02/27/15284 HolmenEarl Cook K 03/11/15288 CedarburgJames Schutkin II 03/01/15John Widstrand K 09/08/14Anthony Bell II 03/16/15294 HartlandVernon Burseth II 07/24/14296 Brookfi eldLyle Stern II 08/21/14Jesse Yocum V 08/30/12Walter Whitehead II 12/27/14301 WoodvilleLarry Vanriper V 03/02/15304 PalmyraClayton Janney II 01/20/15Woodrow Kramer II 02/10/15306 Green LakeHerman Schultz II 02/20/15310 RacineKenneth Wrixton II 03/05/15315 StoddardJohn Kellogg K 10/16/14318 Lake TomahawkFred Kauzrich II 02/18/15320 HumbirdKenneth Nelson V 11/02/14325 GoodmanDonald Edelbeck II 02/17/15329 BriggsvilleArnold McClyman K 02/28/15Gary Schultz V 03/10/15George Pfaff K 02/09/15Theodore Nauman II 02/03/15331 ShorewoodHugh Braun K 02/28/15337 PulaskiAntone Blinstrub K 02/25/15Teofi l Tyczkowski II 03/06/15342 LenaRobert Heinz II 03/02/15343 HancockGeorge Wilson K 02/11/15350 ReedsburgConrad Steinweg II 03/09/15355 GraftonAlfred Schanen II 363 DenmarkRaymond Thor K 02/13/15366 PrincetonEdward Szweda K 02/19/15368 HixtonPhyllis Beaman II 03/15/15Vernice Preston K 03/16/15375 MukwonagoDennis Ostrowski V 02/24/15Donald Skrepenski II 03/02/15382 Menomonee FallsDonald Gross II 02/22/15387 FranklinEugene Raquet II 03/01/15391 FremontWilliam Kramer II 02/28/15406 MilwaukeeDennis Stockfi sch V 02/19/15412 BelgiumNorman Fox II 02/23/15

416 GreendaleHenry Steffen II 03/06/15428 AmbergJames Perry K 02/21/15436 WrightstownClifford Fisher K 12/15/14Gerald Golden K 02/03/15Francis Kerkoff II 02/17/15449 Brookfi eldEugene Babler II 01/12/15Robert Kujawski II 01/28/15452 SpiritLeonard Niskanen II 03/06/15480 Presque IsleDonald Woodford V 02/11/15481 MadisonMarvin Hohlstein V 01/27/15James Noll V 01/18/15Michael Ales II 01/15/15482 BagleyElmer Moon II 01/27/15Willard Marshall K 02/07/15Leo Havlik K 01/28/15485 RudolphJames Hanneman V 03/09/15488 New BerlinAlbert Kasfeldt V 05/27/14491 CazenoviaJohn Honer II 03/14/15

492 RothschildElroy Pelot II 02/27/15Dale Bielen V 04/21/14500 West AllisEdward Berg K 02/15/15John Literski II 501 MadisonWilliam Vreeland K 02/26/15Robert Syse K 02/28/15509 RosholtDonald Filtz K 03/17/15518 Green BayLeroy Ott II 02/07/15Reginald Kramer II 02/07/15519 StetsonvilleJerry Brandner V 02/18/15Alphonse Weix II 02/26/15Tom Mayer II 02/04/15521 Fox LakeLester Tiede II 03/18/15523 AbramsEmil Stier II 02/02/15534 McFarlandGeorge Niebuhr K 02/28/15Harold Fager II 03/03/15539 Green BayLouise Hertwig K 02/27/15540 HaugenThomas Penzkover V 01/29/15

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PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

Post No. 432 • HammondFred Jourdeans

Post No. 141 • New Glarus Steve Hodgson

Post No. 434 • Oak CreekLyle Riffel

Post No. 219 - MilwaukeeDennis Mohr

Post No. 21 • KenoshaThomas Visintainer

Post No. 63 • ClintonvilleJames Young

Post No. 145 • Random Lloyd Merkel

Post No. 435 • Superior Delbert Kangas

Post No. 272 • ButternutJerry Wegner

Post No. 148 • BloomingtonMike Weber

Post No. 447 • ViolaThomas Simonson

Post No. 348 • DeForestBill Ridgely

Post No. 157 • HoriconBrett Culver

Post No. 495 • SussexDavid P. Latimer Sr.

Post No. 350 • Reedsburg Walter Farber

Post No. 354 • EttrickSteve Vehrenkamp

Post No. 143 • St. Croix FallsWayne Hancock

Post No. 134 • BoscobelKen Leifheit

Post No. 71 • PewaukeeRollie Crandall

2014 2

0152014 2015

TH

E SPIRIT OF WISCONSIN100%

POST COMMANDERS

POST COMMANDERS10

0% POST COMMANDER

S

THESPIRIT

OF WISCONSIN

APRIL 2, 2015

100% POST COMMANDERSPost No. 218 • HaywardCommander: Don SlatteryAdjutant: Tony KernerMembership Chair: Dan Dahlstrom

• Participate in parades• Provide color guard services• Provide support to other veterans and veteran organizations• Fundraising for the Legacy Scholarship Fund (a fund for children of military persons killed in the current war)

– Qualifying wartime veterans of any era –– Any type motorcycle of 500cc or greater –– Member of The American Legion Family (Legion, Auxiliary or Sons)

Contact: State President Robert Lloyd(608) 873-5926 or lloyd2364@sbcglobal.net