Page 7 Page 9 Page 12 In God We Trust Plates Mid-Winter Conference Cobb Elected National VFW Chaplin NEWS 2014 Vol. 32 no. 3 FROM THE HEART FOR VETERANS DOROTHY GENTHE 2013-2014 working together november 6, 2014 SUPPORTING OUR PROGRAMS As the end of the calendar year approaches, opportunities abound for everyone to support major fund-raising efforts conducted by both the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary in the Department of Wisconsin. The VFW 2015 Raffle Calendar sales begun in late June at the Program meeting in Oconomowoc are drawing to a close. Sales of the 30,000 limited printing calendars have been brisk, but NOW is the time to pull out all the stops and finish with strong results. The $20 calendar offers 365 prizes totaling $33,450. Winners selected in each weekly drawing are returned to the barrel for the chance to win multiple prizes throughout the year. And they make GREAT gifts! Your November and December events are EXCELLENT places to make these calendars available to the PUBLIC, most of whom are very interested in supporting Veterans’ causes. And don’t forget to get the calendar monies and stubs delivered to State VFW Headquarters before Christmas! Remember: by law, these items CANNOT be mailed. Get out there and buy one/sell one. Our Veterans Service Office in Mil- The VFW 2015 Raffle Calendar and the Great American Wisconsin Cookbook are great fund-raising efforts for the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary. waukee – and our Veterans across the state – are counting on You! Just as the VFW major fundraiser is winding down, the prime Ways and Means project of the Ladies Auxiliary is gearing up for a whirlwind of sales for holiday gift-giving. The Great American Wisconsin Cookbook – all 312 pages of it! - is being printed and bound as you read this. This beautiful spiralbound treasure of over 900 recipes is sure to be a great gift and keepsake for every cook and baker on your gift list. And at just $15 per book, it’s very affordable! See PROGRAMS, Page 4 WI Honor Guard Leads the Way Editor: Marla J. Morgan Phone: (715) 384-2500 E-mail: [email protected] VFW Department Headquarters Phone: (608) 221-5276 Fax: (608) 221-5277 Website: www.vfwofwi.com E-mail: [email protected] It has been a number of years since the VFW National Convention events have included a traditional, outdoor parade. Over the years, an indoor Patriotic Rally has been the main opportunity to parade Department Officers and Honor Guards. The 2014 venue of St. Louis, Missouri was a real game-changer. Not only was it a wonderful location for a parade in the heart of the city, the weatherman provided a picture-perfect summer evening. But here’s the best part: In an unprecedented move, VFW National chose a Department to lead the parade ... and you guessed it, the award-winning Wisconsin State Honor Guard was selected as that Parade leader. Members participating include Sgt. David Schmid, Major Michael Eggleston, Gerald Parchem, John Schultz, Thomas Tradewell, John Giese and 1St Lt. Steven Pepper. 2013-14 National Commander William Thien and National Auxiliary President Armithea Borel ride in the car behind them, with 2014-15 Commander-inChief John Stroud and National President Ann Panteleakos following in the next vehicle. Other National Officers for both organizations followed in other vehicles. Once again, our State Honor Guard has made us “Wisconsin Proud”. A job well done! Shown here in their usual fine form (front l-r) are: Sgt. David Schmid; Major Michael Eggleston; Gerald Parchem; John Schultz; Thomas Tradewell and John Giese, with 1St Lt. Steven Pepper calling cadence behind them. Photo contributed by District 9 Commander Leroy Jansky. no one does more for veterans Department of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN 30,000 LIMITED RAFFLE See inside back cover for rules and more information $20.00 Prizes: 2 x $2,500.00 4622 DUTCH MILL ROAD, MADISON, WI 53716-4108 8 x $1,000.00 - 6 x $500.00 WISCONSIN RAFFLE LIC. NO. R0004509A-10011 349 x $50.00 All proceeds will be used for VFW programs supporting Wisconsin Veterans Raffle sales end 12/23/2014 There are 365 prizes drawn on 52 dates thru the year. 2015 Memorial Calendar The 2015 Calendar Raffle is Here Name _______________________________________________________ Address ______________________________ City __________________ State ______ Zip ________ Phone ____________________ $33,450 in prize money - Buy one, sell one See your Post Quartermaster Page 2 NOVEMBER 2014 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Comrades: Here we are again, seems like I just put a colJohn umn together. That’s probably because I did! Well we’re into the fall sessions of our District Giese meetings and from what I’ve seen and heard from those State Officers attending, people are State Commander working hard at the business of the VFW. A 262-723-3073 lot goes into making a Post work towards our [email protected] common goals of serving our Veterans. Of the 283 Posts we have in the Department, we are down to our final Post getting everything correct and up to date. This is no easy task as it takes a lot of effort from everyone to do the job correctly. Those smaller Posts are in many cases going through some difficult times, and between all of us are coming along to a point they can succeed. No one likes to see a Post fail and close down. Some Posts are seeing the need and the benefit of combining with others to make a solid cohesive unit. I am in District One and we have had 4 Posts combine to make 2 (includes my own). Having good Officers including Trustees, ensures success. As members, it’s important to attend as many of your Post meetings as possible. Without attending, many times things get passed that you do not agree with and have to try changing. It’s always easier to change things when they’re being discussed instead of fighting them later. Whether you sometimes believe it or not, all of our State Officers and District Commanders are there to help you. When calling or e-mailing our Madison or Milwaukee offices, you WILL get answers and help. As your Commander, it is my job to help you succeed. Please realize that we all need to follow State and National By-Laws so there may be from time to time, certain things we cannot do. Working Together Hello to All, Here we are, well into the 2014 year. I have Mike been attending and inspecting several Districts Eggleston and am pleased to say our Commander’s theme “Working Together” is starting to take State Jr. Vice hold. It is good to see Posts helping other Commander Posts, and Districts helping their Posts that need the help. We still need to work on getting 414-651-0875 more Posts to attend the District meetings and [email protected] this is no surprise, but we need to get more members to attend our Post meetings. One thing we are doing in my Post is sending a letter or postcard to remind the members of our meeting date and time. Over all I am very pleased with what I am seeing at the District meetings. I commend the Post Officers and members that take the time to attend and participate in the District meetings. And let’s not forget all the fantastic work that is done every day by the almost 260 Posts throughout the state of Wisconsin. PLEASE, PLEASE remember to enter all these great things you do on the State website so you get recognition for your efforts - it’s quick and easy. The new and reinstate membership numbers are starting to come in from National and Wisconsin is off to a great start to the year. Let’s all keep our focus on finding new members as time has a way of slipping by. We have the Big Ten Conference coming up October 17th - 19th in Indianapolis, Indiana and it would be great to have Wisconsin on top for recruiting. Once again, remember the Line Officers and Chairpersons are all ready to help. Deadline dates for Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy are coming up soon so start checking with your schools about their entries. Thanks for all you do. What is diabetes? It is a word that we hear all the time. Most of us think about Gundel our Vietnam comrades who have had a higher risk of developing diabetes due to Metz Agent Orange. Diabetes affects how our State Surgeon bodies process sugar (glucose). Your brain and cells need glucose in order to properly 608-698-8825 function, but there are times that the body will no longer process the sugar properly [email protected] and thus can lead to diabetes. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1, which is also called childhood diabetes, and Type 2, which is usually developed as we grow older. As the baby boomers are aging, we have a higher risk of developing diabetes than our parents’ generation. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) web site, diabetes has increased by 1 percent of the population from 2010 to 2012, or from 8.3% of the population to 9.3%. That is an increase of almost 4 million people. Those of us who are over 65 years of age are susceptible to developing diabetes. According to ADA almost 26% of seniors have developed diabetes. Our race does play a role as to whether you have a better chance of developing diabetes 2 or not. ADA statistics stats that the rates of diagnosed diabetes by race/ethnic background are: 7.6% of non-Hispanic whites; 9.0% of Asian Americans; 12.8% of Hispanics; 13.2% of non-Hispanic blacks; 15.9% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives. See more at: http:// www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/. The web site breaks down the race/ethnic groups even further. If diabetes is left undetected or untreated it can lead to various other health issues. Some of these are high blood pressure, heart attacks, high cholesterol, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and more. According to the Mayo Clinic website, some of the symptoms of diabetes are: increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, irritability and more. Plus if your parent(s) or siblings have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing it also. What can you do to either identify that you may be pre-diabetic or already have diabetes? The first thing is to visit your doctor annually and have the doctor take a blood sample to see if you are diabetic. Here are some things you can do to help to try and prevent diabetes. If you are overweight, lose some weight. Watch your diet: too much food made with white flour turns into glucose; too much soda, candy, ice cream, cakes and pies or anything else that has a lot of sugar in it can cause you to develop type 2 diabetes. This does not mean that you have to stop eating or drinking everything, just do it in moderation. Plus we need to get some exercise. Yes, that is a “dirty word”, but it can help prevent diabetes 2. If you can take time to walk for 30 minutes a day, it can help lower your blood sugar. If you prefer to go swimming instead of walking, that is another good exercise. Even if you watch what you eat and exercise, there is still a possibility that you can develop diabetes. There are various drugs that your doctor can prescribe for you so that you can continue to lead your life as you want. state officers Our Fund-raising Ideas are Moving Forward Mike Borg Comrades & Sisters, I want to take State Sr. Vice this opportunity to thank you all for your Commander participation in past & present calendar, car, and other raffle sales and for your re920-739-5730 sponse to my previous articles asking for [email protected] additional VFW Department fund-raising ideas. Your Ways & Means Committee will be working diligently to come up with some unique ideas to raise the funds our Department needs to meet the goals set for us. Recently, I had the privilege of representing our State Commander and the Department at a very special event: the presentation of funds raised for the production of the new Wisconsin “In God We Trust” license plates. Please see the article and photos elsewhere in this paper. After reading that article, you will see that dreams and goals can be achieved when we work together to achieve them. Get excited, get involved, and together we can make this a year of success for our VFW! I can’t believe that 2014 will be ending soon. I want to thank all of the Post Commanders and Tom Heath Quartermasters for responding to the Headquarters in a timely manner when we have questions State or need information. This year’s roster is out Quartermaster and we know there are some errors. 95% of the information that goes into these all comes from 608-221-5276 the election reports. It should be a top priority to [email protected] submit next year’s election reports timely with all details accurate. We have all heard… be prepared, adapt and overcome, roll with the punches, you got to know when to hold them, live and love, count your blessings, when pigs fly and yes even “damn the bad luck”. PHRASES, SUGGESTIONS, ADVICE. Everyone can give them and some will even tell you they know better than the next guy. But the way to get the knowledge you need to succeed as a new Post Officer is to find a mentor. It could be a Past Commander, Past Quartermaster, someone who has been around the post for several years or even a Past Auxiliary President or Treasurer. These individuals are great sources of knowledge and they can give you great suggestions and advice. Be prepared and find a mentor. Reminder: When sending checks to the Department Headquarters, make your checks payable to the: VFW Department of Wisconsin. Don’t forget to then note on the memo line what the check is for. Be safe as the weather conditions begin to change and have some great holidays these next two months. Please support this year’s calendar raffle! At a recent District meeting, a comrade asked a simple question: “Why should a Post be incorBill porated?” The answer is similarly simple: To protect individual members from legal actions Knudson that may be brought against the Post. Judge Advocate Your Post may, in the course of carrying out various activities, find itself at potential 715-384-2500 risk of lawsuit at any time. The most obvious [email protected] sources of these kinds of problems are bar and restaurant operations open to the public. (Alcohol and accidents are twin brothers of different mothers, and most problematic to their enablers!) But even without an obviously high-risk activity such as a canteen, even seemingly innocent activities like a brat fry or picnic or even a marching unit can become a catalyst for calamity. The first line of defense, of course, is liability insurance. But insurance has its limits, spelled out literally in dollars and cents! Adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must. But a lawsuit may be filed for an amount well above and beyond the limits of your insurance coverage, and in the fine print of your insurance policy you’ll probably discover that the company has no incentive to fight a judgment beyond its maximum claim amount. The excess amount of some enormous judgment would be dumped on the individual members of your Post! That’s why Post Incorporation is critically important. By incorporating, you are literally creating an entity that takes the place of individual members as the “owner” of your Post’s assets. A corporation is a legal entity. The fee for creating a Wisconsin Non-Profit Corporation is only $35.00. For more information, please refer to Article VII, Section 708 of both our National By Laws and Manual of Procedure. You may also find an Articles of Incorporation form on the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI) website or download it from our Wisconsin VFW website’s (vfwofwi.com) Down-loadable Forms page. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney to make sure all your documents are compliant with both our 2015 Bylaws and WDFI regulations. n n n Bylaws, rules and behavior are three factors that can spell success or failure in the conduct of your VFW Post or District business. I know of a situation wherein a good set of Proposed Bylaws were scrapped because one blowhard member groused that “we don’t need any damned bylaws... never have, never will”, and the Commander just shrugged and dropped the whole idea. Later, the same grouch complained because something had been rescheduled from a traditional date because it “conflicted with” something else, and the member now groused that we should just “remember this stuff and quit changing it around!” Hello? That’s what the Bylaws had been proposed to do: Create a corporate memory on how and when stuff gets done. The Commander could have simply followed good parliamentary procedure and probably accomplished passage of the Bylaws, but didn’t. And the grouch? His behavior was self-centered and self-important posturing that had no place in a meeting. Proper procedure would have allowed all interested voices to be heard when properly recognized by the chair, but the chair allowed this character to dominate by intrusion without proper recognition Bylaws create a reliable set of goals and standards for the existence of your group. Parliamentary procedures are there to keep a meeting from being a mob scene. And individual behavior establishes a level of maturity that is respectful of other comrades and their viewpoints. That’s called “civility”, and while it is a quality in short supply in our nation lately, it should be our stock in trade as a Veteran’s organization. state officers As your National Council of Administration member from Wisconsin I feel it is my duty Allen to periodically report on pertinent activities of Kochenderfer your National organization. This month I’ll provide some basic information about National National District finances and how they affect the Department Council Member of Wisconsin and us as individual members. (608) 248-3230 I’ll provide only the minimum amount of potentially confusing numbers and some general [email protected] information. Our 2013-2014 budget came out 3.5 million in the black. This was largely due to a slight improvement in the interest received on your investments and sizable bequests. Yes, all of the life membership dues that have been paid over many years are securely invested. These investments are what makes the annual payouts to the Department and Posts possible. The 2014-2015 budget was passed at the Council meeting in August in Kansas City. At 93.2 million it represents a 3 million dollar increase over the 2013-2014 budget. It is most interesting where this money comes from. Twenty years ago our entire budget came from within the organization such as dues, insurance sales, investments and QM supply. This year, only 8 million of the 93.2 million will come from membership dues!!! The rest primarily comes from solicitations (mailings) to non-members and of course to some members and from corporate America as well as from many Veterans and their families that give large bequests to us. We are aware that solicitations are declining for all organizations and other revenue sources will need to be found. The $10.00 per annual member dues increase that went into effect 1 Jan 2014 is now flowing to the places specified in the resolution that was passed. One dollar is going directly back to the states; $7.00 are going to fund our National service office fund - Wisconsin is seeing an increase in the amount received - and the remaining $2.00 are going to our National Military Assistance programs. What do we do with the general budget money? First, we administer the National organization. Of course this includes a couple of hundred line items of details. Payroll is a major expense. We have an authorized work force of 207 employees, 188 of these positions are presently filled. We have recently experienced a reduction of 15 employees as we have gone to more online and automated dues processing. During recent years, VFW National has provided ever increasing financial assistance to all of our Departments in response to their requests. We have considerable ability to solicit revenue and hence share it with Departments. Wisconsin received $167,170.00 during the last full year of payments, 2013. This is a good percentage of the Department’s approximately $900,000.00 budget. The remaining money is funneled into all of our programs. These large amounts put added meaning into our tag line “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS”. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me as your National Councilman. I will always do what is best for our beloved VFW and America’s Veterans. • From the frequency of the falling leaves AND the falling temperatures, it looks like Marla J. they are serious about having fall and winter again. I hope you have been able to complete Morgan all of your projects in preparation for the Editor colder weather. Hang in there - we’re only a little over 4 months away from the start of (715) 384-2500 Spring! [email protected] • Thank you for the overwhelming response to my request for Honor Flight items and photos. I received many great items – so many that the feature article is now scheduled for the January 2015 paper, so that I have enough time and space to include all usable items. Be on the lookout for it in early January. • As this paper went to press, we received word that the new guidelines for the VFW National Publications Contest are on their way to all Departments. I’ve seen a “sneak peak” and I think you’ll find the new program both exciting and challenging. Watch for complete info and entry forms in the January 2015 News also. • Photo tips to ask yourself BEFORE you take and submit that next group photo: • Are there glaring lights or items in the background or foreground that will detract Wisconsin VFW News from your photo? Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars • Is the photo in focus? News is published six times per year by the • Can you see everyone’s face? If the anDepartment of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign swer is no, move people around so you can! Wars of the United States, P.O. Box 6128, • If award recipients are holding a plaque Monona, WI 53716-0128. or certificate with a shiny surface, is the item Periodical Postage Paid at Madison, WI angled down just a bit to avoid unnecessary and additional office: Stevens Point, WI. glare? Subscription rates $6.00 per year for non• Individual recipient pictures are nice, but members. $.60 per year membership dues is did you gather everyone for one group photo for the official publication Wisconsin Veterans too? of Foreign Wars News. • Are you sure about the spelling of the Postmaster: Send address changes to: names you are submitting? Everyone likes V.F.W. Circulation Department, 406 West to see their name listed correctly. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Just a few tips to help you get quality items of interest printed to share with others. I.S.S.N. #1061-4591 U.S.P.S. #007787 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars And finally, to all Veterans in this great state and nation, my heartfelt thanks to you committee: for your service, sacrifice and courage. God Joel Walker, PSC, Chairman bless you always. Jr Vice Cdr Mike Eggleston, Member Best wishes to all for peace in your home, Dave Zien, Member love in your heart and joy in your life as you Russ Iwen, Member celebrate the holidays and traditions of your Patrick Wollenzien, Member choosing. See you next year! Bill “Knoot” Knudson, VFW Ad Manager [email protected] editor VFW: Marla J. Morgan P.O. Box 223, Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: 715-384-2500 [email protected] AUX. LIAISON: Deb Esselman [email protected] WISCONSIN VFW NEWS PRODUCTION SCHEDULE Month • Issue Vol./No. Deadline to Editor ___________________________________ January • Vol. 32, No. 4 Dec. 15, 2014 ___________________________________ March • Vol. 32, No. 5 March 1, 2015 ___________________________________ April • Vol. 32, No. 6 April 10, 2015 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 3 NOVEMBER 2014 Still Serving Charlene Cobb Are you still serving? How does that look today? What are you doing? Many of us talked State Chaplain about taking it easy once we got out, that we 920-459-3053 wouldn’t have to serve or sacrifice anymore, that it would be someone else’s turn. Then [email protected] we actually got out and all of a sudden we webmail.com find ourselves in the thick of it again only this time we are fighting the enemies of avarice, complacency and ignorance. How do you make someone understand the value and importance of your service if they have never done it? We need advocates, those that are willing to stand up and say not today, not on my watch! I would like to tell you about one such group of advocates and their history in Wisconsin. Their story begins at the end of World War I as our returning “doughboys” were eligible for federal and state benefits but found utilizing those programs difficult. The state Veteran’s organizations provided help with volunteer Service Officers. Unfortunately the depression made it extremely difficult for volunteers to continue to provide that necessary assistance so those Veterans’ organizations lobbied their local officials to hire Service Officers to attend to the needs of their Veterans. Fond du Lac County led the way and in January 1932 the very first County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) in the United States was hired. Other counties followed suit and in December 1935 when they gathered in Fond du Lac there were 18 Service Officers and 12 others interested in learning about establishing positions in their counties. By the end of 1936, those CVSOs had formed the County Veterans Service Officer Association of Wisconsin that is still an essential voice for Veterans today. December 7, 1941 saw fiftynine of the counties in Wisconsin with a Service Officer. Following World War II, the needs of our Veterans made having that Veteran Service Officer vital and in 1945 our State Legislature made it mandatory for every county to have one. Since then the roles and responsibilities have grown into the Veterans Service Officer that you encounter in those offices today. Twenty years ago, but still applicable, Mark Van Ells wrote, “In Wisconsin, the County Veterans Service Officer is the state’s front-line soldier in its efforts to assist Veterans in utilizing their hard-won benefits and easing the transition from military to civilian life. CVSOs have attended to the needs of the Badger State’s Veterans and their families for 60 years. Wisconsin’s CVSOs, in essence, serve those who served.” County Veteran Service Officers are professional advocates and in Wisconsin mandated to be Veterans. They do understand and can relate when they help you navigate the daunting tiers of the federal and state governments for your benefits. CVSOs are as crucial now if not more so, than when they first began. Our Veterans need advocates and watchdogs to ensure that the government takes care of them and their families, and doesn’t forget about them when they go to balance a budget, cut spending or are no longer needed having served their purpose. I encourage you to engage your CVSO and learn how you can partner together to make not only your local communities and counties a haven for our Veterans and their families, but become a united force in the fight against avarice, complacency and ignorance wherever it is found. Together we can have a profound impact, not only on our Veterans and their families but on our state and country. The story has not ended – STILL SERVING… Editor’s note: VFW State Chaplain (and National Chaplain too!) Charlene Cobb has served as the County Veteran Service Officer in Sheboygan County since October of 2008. Upcoming Meetings n2015 Department Mid-Winter Conference Fri. - Sat., February 20-21, 2015 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave., Appleton, WI 54911 920-733-8000 • $89 + tax, single and double n2015 Department Convention Wed. - Sat., June 3-6, 2015 Plaza Hotel & Suites 201 N. 17th Ave., Wausau, WI 54401 715-845-4341 • $89 + tax, single and double n2015-16 Program Kickoff/C of A Fri. - Sat., July 10-11, 2015 Hotel Mead & Conference Center 451 E. Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 715-423-1500 • $84 + tax, single and double n2016 Department Mid-Winter Conference Fri. - Sat., February 12-13, 2016 Fox Hills Resort, Mishicot, WI $62 + tax n2016 Department Convention Wed. - Sat., June 8-11, 2016 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton, WI $95 + tax, single and double n2017 Department Mid-Winter Conference Fri. - Sat., February 10-11, 2017 Location and rates TBD n2017 Department Convention Wed. - Sat., June 14-17, 2017 Location and rates TBD Page 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Comrades, Tim I do realize that this is a volunteer organization, an organization that does affect Agoudemos many people’s lives. Many of you have State Membership taken great strides and made sacrifices Chairman for this organization, for that- being told thank you countless amount of times is 262-706-3020 not enough for what you do. I can only tpagoudemos@ pray that the efforts that you, the dedicated hotmail.com comrade, can keep this organization moving forward. Looking at our current membership numbers, I have to admit, I am disappointed at our current retention percentages for each Post. For our state, at the time of this writing, the average for all of our Posts is only about 50% retention with only a small handful having met the 100% retention. No matter what the excuse or “reason” why a Post’s retention isn’t 100% or another Post’s is, the simple fact is that, out of all your Post’s annual members, only about half of them are coming back. As leaders, we need to figure out why. As members, we need to challenge the officers to identify these issues. We can’t be leaving our comrades behind- we need to bring back all of our members. It’s not about the number, 100% only signifies that none of your annual members have been left behind. This is the time where your Post’s retention should be nearing 100%. Posts should have already been contacting your annual members, see how they are doing. Letting them know that their membership is about to lapse. The changes to the system this year do not short-change people for paying their dues early as they had in the past. Don’t wait for people to get their renewal notice in the mail- there is a good chance it will end up as junk mail. Take the few minutes, call that comrade- talk to them. Let them know that they matter. Posts that have done the hard work and followed up on retention should be at a point where they know everyone wants to come back to the Post, major issues have been addressed and turning their focus at recruiting new members. These Posts should be considering possibly holding at least one major event that recruiting can be incorporated into. It doesn’t mean that the event has to be solely recruiting, but it should be a part of the event. Post leadership should have an understanding as to what their Posts have to offer and able to explain not only what benefits a prospect might benefit from the organization as a whole, but also from their individual Post. One thing I do wish to add is that, this article, is not meant to scold or berate anyone’s efforts- but to challenge every comrade to the reality our organization. Membership is the lifeblood of every aspect of our organization, from voting to even existing- it is up to the membership. I only ask that you take a moment to consider what can be done within your own Posts. If we can keep just one more member who otherwise would have left our organization, we have succeeded. I do wish to make mention of one Post, 8123 De Soto, that at the time of this writing, is exceeding all expectations in recruitment and retention. Keep up the good work comrades!!!!! In closing, with the holiday season upon us, please allow me this early opportunity to wish each and every family within our town good health and prosperous yuletide greetings. Most importantly, from my house to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Commander Appoints Committee To Help Posts In Need of Assistance In a move to help Posts in need of assistance, State Commander John Giese has put together a group of highly skilled individuals from around the state. These individuals each carry expertise in an area where most of the Posts and Districts in the State seem to struggle. In discussing the need for the new Committee, Commander Giese said, “I am hoping you use them and find how to improve the things that can be difficult to find success with in the VFW.“ He also stated, “To get help with something, you need to first contact our Chief of Staff Phillip Allen or me. Once you have done so, we can assess your need and get the right info, help or what you need. We will work to help you to learn how to operate correctly so you can become self sufficient and not need us.” The goal is to eventually not have a need for this committee. If you are struggling with reports; entering or checking items in the system; elec- tions; audits or any of the multitude of other things you’re required to do, please call Chief of Staff Phil and get things started. Members of the Post Intervention and Assistance Committee include: • Chairman, Chief of Staff Phil Allen, [email protected] 262-960-5206. • Bruce Sorensen, State Inspector, [email protected] 920-434-1523. • Rodney Fifield, Emergency/Disaster Chairman, [email protected] 920-846-4717. • Telemachos” Tim” Agoudemos, Membership Chairman, tpagoudemos@ hotmail.com 262-706-3020. • Dale Kerkman, Quartermaster, Kansasville. In addition the following are assigned to assist as needed: • William “Bill” Knudson, Judge Advocate. • Thomas Tradewell, Past Commander in Chief, Past State Commander. Programs Continued from Page 1 Plans are in place to make the first books available to those Auxiliaries holding special holiday bazaars and events in November, but all will have an opportunity to secure the books they need in plenty of time for Christmas. Detailed ordering info is available from Auxiliary Ways and Means Chairman Karen Delis at karendelis@gmail. com or by phone at 715-650-1925. Look for more info in upcoming Auxiliary mailings also. Help us celebrate our 90th Anniversary year and continue our efforts for Veterans by making this very special project a rousing success! state officers You often hear that “No one does more for Veterans than the VFW”, and you have John Schultz heard that we need to push our calendar sales to support our VFW Service Office State Veterans in Milwaukee at the VA Regional Office. Service Office Mgr. Before I started working here, I thought this office in Milwaukee was here to serve our 414-902-5748 Milwaukee Veterans. Wrong. There are [email protected] 72 Counties in the state who feed claims and requests for Veteran Benefits into our office to assist Veterans with their compensations, pensions and other benefits. This is not just an office for Milwaukee walk-ins, but an office that services the entire state from every county. Listed below is a snapshot of what this office did for Veterans of the State of Wisconsin and how much money was approved to be put back in the hands of Wisconsin Veterans for the Month of September. Lump sum or retro is money that was awarded to our Vets, back dated to the date of the initial claim till now when the decision was made, or a lump sum, one-time payment, like a burial benefit. The annual amount is the amount of money these Vets will receive on an annual basis for those approved claims for the month of September only. Awards Approved Compensations 50 Pensions 110 Lump Sum or Retro amount $263,054 $36,737 Projected Amount $494,364 $ 98,064 Annual Amount $757,418 $134,801 Death Benefits 22 $12,323 $47,856 $60,179 Voc Rehab and Other Misc. 18 Total 192 $167,984 $480,098 $316,080 $956,364 $316,080 $1,436,462 Initial Claim interviews via telephone were 140 with 74 office interviews. Claim correspondence received by mail from Counties or the VA was 1,610 and we originated 874 pieces of correspondence back to Veterans or their families. We filed over 240 initial claims and assisted with over 48 appeals or case file reviews. We received 62 new clients and their Power of Attorney to represent them. Plus our outreach programs, District Trainings, Hospital Visits, and our VA meetings. Not bad for a three person office. Many thanks go to John Schultz, Susie Eulo and Sandra Leer. For the month of September your VFW Service Office helped put $1,436,462.00 of Federal Veterans Benefits in the hands of Wisconsin Veterans. That almost doubled August’s $782.232.00. Your VFW Service Office is very dependent on your Post’s calendar sales to support the Department’s budget and this office. No one does more for Veterans and their families than the VFW. Please, push the VFW Raffle Calendar sales so we can continue supporting our Wisconsin Veterans. n n n I have a couple of web site links I would like to share with all Veterans. If you know of a Veteran that would like an updated DD-214, DD-215 or copies of their military service records, or military medical records, or a one-time free re-issue of all their awards decorations, have them go to: • https://vetrecs.archives.gov and fill out the online SF-180. • If a Veteran is looking for easy online assistance for their Veterans benefits, go to: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov. • And the third useful link to access your Veterans Health Benefits and fill prescriptions is: https://www.myhealth.va.gov. Driscoll To Join Wisconsin VFW As VSO In Milwaukee Regional Office Dan Driscoll joins the Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars after twenty-seven years of Active Duty with the United States Navy. He will continue our rich tradition of serving Veterans, military families and communities as our Department Veterans Service Officer in Milwaukee’s VA Regional Office. Dan’s first day on duty is November 17th. A Navy Intelligence Officer serving in Afghanistan (2011) and Iraq (2008), Dan was also directly involved with military operations after 9/11 as a member of the U.S. Fifth Fleet stationed in Manama, Bahrain. Dan was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM as part of the US Central Command. Additionally, he participated in operations in the Balkans, Haiti, North Arabian and Mediterranean Seas, Korea, and Japan. Driscoll ended his career as a U.S. Navy Captain, overseeing Specialized Intelligence Operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for the Department of Defense. Dan continues to volunteer his time and efforts for fellow Veterans since his retirement from the Navy in August 2012, working with the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative, a non-profit organization providing housing and assistance to Veterans and their families in need. He also collects personal histories of Veterans as an Oral Historian with the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Residing in Bayside, Wisconsin with Mary Jo (also a Navy Veteran) and two teenage sons who are active in high school sports, he is an avid cyclist and hopes to learn woodworking in his spare time. Welcome Dan! Support Our Troops Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News taps Page 5 NOVEMBER 2014 TAPS TAPS TAPs taps taps TAPS taps Post 305 305 305 305 305 305 305 305 305 328 328 388 659 659 664 690 721 721 987 987 1038 1039 1039 1091 1091 1318 1382 1382 1391 1391 1391 1391 1391 1391 1393 1393 1530 1530 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1621 1691 1691 1707 1707 1865 1865 1865 1879 1879 1959 2037 2113 2113 2115 2126 2227 2227 2304 2304 2312 2312 2336 Name City Helge Abrahamson Eau Claire, WI William D. Bottoms Eau Claire, WI Edward P. Eckhoff Eau Claire, WI Juul H. Noer Colfax, WI Gaylen M. Teigen Eau Claire, WI Orville I. Teigen New Brighton, MN Rudolph C. Thews Altoona, WI Arthur R. Wagner Eau Claire, WI James B. Whipple Eau Claire, WI Bernard J. Beckwith Stoughton, WI Sigurd J. Olson Palmyra, WI Leonard Brzezinski Wausau, WI William X. Blashka Manitowoc, WI Charles A. Wilda Milwaukee, WI Richard Breed Franklin, WI Thomas E. Gilbertson Ashland, WI William T. Melby Waukesha, WI David A. Nowicki Waukesha, WI Frank L. Capps Lake Mills, WI Monroe C. Hein Baraboo, WI Ralph H. Rubenzer Rice Lake, WI Oliver K. Hedlund Menomonie, WI Forrest D. Jones Menomonie, WI Harvey G. Bong Superior, WI Howard E. Sandberg Superior, WI Bert C. Mueller Racine, WI Howard P. Antony Onalaska, WI Gerald E. Sullivan Tomah, WI Joseph G. Callewaert Sturtevant, WI Jeron K. Chapman Racine, WI Francis A. Geraets Waukesha, WI Enzo H. Lucarelli Racine, WI Nickolas J. Mastous Racine, WI Victor H. Mycon Racine, WI Merlin E. Geidel West Bend, WI Richard A. Weis West Bend, WI Allan O. Guberud La Crosse, WI Keith B. Straight La Crosse, WI George J. Arndt Beloit, WI Robert W. Church Tomah, WI William X. Kealey Janesville, WI Francis N. King Janesville, WI James M. Mesler Janesville, WI Francis E. Truesdill Janesville, WI Norman E. Zitzner Beaver Dam, WI Donald A. Benz New Berlin, WI Joseph M. Kohler Milwaukee, WI Robert E. Kaschinske Portage, WI James L. Simonson Portage, WI Gerald H. Davis Burlington, WI Daniel Greenwald Beach Park, IL Anthony S. Vranak Elkhorn, WI Eugene T. O’Neil Fort Atkinson, WI Ronald J. Ostrander Baraboo, WI Gerald F. Kappen Black River Falls, WI Bob M. Harrill Green Bay, WI Donald A. Hockers De Pere, WI Joseph E. Nies De Pere, WI Larry G. Walen River Falls, WI Norbert J. Grishaber Appleton, WI Tilmer I. Jacobson Colby, WI Gilbert Kattre Abbotsford, WI Richard C. Peters Milwaukee, WI Ralph D. Seidl Butler, WI Arlin E. Erickson Monroe, WI John T. Folk Monroe, WI Edward Brecka Baraboo, WI 2344 2373 2534 2534 2732 2778 2778 2823 2923 2923 2925 2977 3032 3032 3032 3088 3088 3153 3319 3319 3319 3392 3392 3392 3434 3434 3434 3589 3742 5270 5274 5274 5274 5274 5729 5780 5780 5830 5960 6003 6007 6279 6279 6279 6279 6279 6279 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6498 6705 6707 6707 6711 6769 7232 7232 7233 7233 7485 7485 7534 7588 7591 7591 Homer D. Ralph Longmont, CO Herbert J. Cobian Delavan, WI Victor F. Carpenter Marshfield, WI Leon A. Peters Rudolph, WI Dwaine C. Herter New London, WI Joseph J. Spitz Appleton, WI Peter R. Stark Columbus, GA James J. Mc Kusker Burlington, WI Clarence P. Gabor Milwaukee, WI Bert L. Gerhardt Milwaukee, WI Richard C. Rodensal Berlin, WI Alfred L. Buyatt Gilman, WI James Hudson Viroqua, WI Ben Logan Westby, WI Keith L. Mills Viroqua, WI John R. De Vault Sturgeon Bay, WI Maurice W. Millard Appleton, WI Donald A. Schafer Chilton, WI Arthur C. Gandt Kaukauna, WI David L. Kilgas Appleton, WI Willis F. Meisenhelder Kissimmee, FL Theodore S. Enz Appleton, WI Chester A. Hansen Kewaunee, WI John E. Voyles Casco, WI Robert N. Grover Reedsburg, WI Raymond N. Martin Reedsburg, WI Ralph F. Ruhland Plain, WI Francis Schakelman Jefferson, WI Joseph J. Hosmanek South Milwaukee, WI Arthur Kohlhaas Delafield, WI Lynn A. Carpenter Platteville, WI John D. Kastner Platteville, WI Floyd J. Mann Wauwatosa, WI Robert J. Meana Platteville, WI Daniel E. Carstensen Medford, WI Audie Christianson Jr Exeland, WI Thomas Prorok Chetek, WI Manford Kirchoff Bellevue, WA David R. Czappa Nekoosa, WI Howard E. Gaffney Westfield, WI Richard Przybylski Hancock, WI Gary A. Buzzell Hancock, WI Victor F. Cicvarek Nekoosa, WI James M. Kane Friendship, WI Glen E. Katzman Adams, WI Joseph S. Niewinski Adams, WI Jerald C. Simon Wisconsin Rapids, WI Robert F. Dailey Milwaukee, WI Ralph W. Haas Bullhead City, AZ Ernest F. Petsch Elkhorn, WI Raymond A. Ratajczyk Franklin, WI Roy W. Roggenbach Dousman, WI William Ubert Milwaukee, WI Jerome J. Steffel Green Bay, WI Norman L. Beer Chilton, WI Alvin C. Theiler Kiel, WI Gerald E. Paulson Mondovi, WI Robert A. Rowe Palmdale, CA Douglas W. Cassidy Mesa, AZ David Rubitski Chippewa Falls, WI Sherri G. Wasielewski Springfield, MO Clifford Weingarten Hayward, WI Roman H. Floryance Janesville, WI Ellis J. Wallenfang Milwaukee, WI Ron Selissen Green Bay, WI Delbert F. Meloy Campbellsport, WI Harley C. Burnson Madison, WI Alfred J. Helminski King, WI 7591 7591 7591 7692 7692 7753 7784 7896 7929 8021 8068 8068 8068 8216 8278 8337 8338 8338 8375 8375 8375 8483 8483 8483 8483 8483 8483 8483 8491 8491 8514 8584 8770 8834 8974 9057 9156 9156 9156 9156 9156 9156 9362 9392 9392 9403 9677 9677 9677 9948 10170 10170 10203 10263 10272 10272 10331 10394 10405 10519 10533 10604 10893 11038 15051 15051 15051 Ralph F. Luther Madison, WI Richard L. Mackesy Cottage Grove, WI Linus E. Odegaard Madison, WI Orvell A. De Bruin Seymour, WI Gilbert J. Vosters Kaukauna, WI George E. Plansky Two Rivers, WI Glenn E. Grimstead Jr Green Bay, WI Robert W. Morrisard Benton, WI Sidney Ellingsworth Amery, WI Norman L. Rose Westby, WI Daniel Kleman Hatley, WI Robert W. Lamken Wausau, WI Dallas R. Whitewing Wittenberg, WI Richard Voss Waunakee, WI Kenneth A. Olson La Crosse, WI Martin W. Kurschner Nashville, TN Wayne L. Matthys Barron, WI Seymour W. Wintrone Madison, WI James L. Freyermuth Burlington, WI Joseph A. Galich Lake Geneva, WI Roger Saucerman Sr Silver Lake, WI James A. Baerwolf De Forest, WI Robert L. Bergman Madison, WI Richard A. Heft Beaver Dam, WI Michael N. Meddings Madison, WI John T. Randall De Forest, WI Vincent R. Ryan Madison, WI Urban J. Werla Middleton, WI Alfred Bartoszewski Unity, WI Richard H. Bergquist Prentice, WI Fred C. Bertram Eau Claire, WI James M. Oium Cashton, WI Oral H. Schuelke New London, WI Arnold E. Dieball Hartford, WI Adrian F. Wagner Cleveland, WI Edward R. Gosse Withee, WI Eugene G. Buhler Oostburg, WI Frederick H. Henckel Sheboygan, WI Gene P. Krueger Sheboygan, WI Raymond W. Kuhn Sheboygan, WI Lloyd R. Petermann Sheboygan, WI Norbert C. Pfingsten Sheboygan, WI Donald L. Damman Sun Prairie, WI Eugene E. Hahn Reeseville, WI Leo T. Hartzheim Beaver Dam, WI John G. Godfrey Milton, WI Clyde L. Eisenmann Green Bay, WI Edward A. Kukla Green Bay, WI Bernard D. Van Pay Green Bay, WI Marshall D. Katch Racine, WI Arnold E. Lifke Theresa, WI Otto Manthey Jr Mayville, WI Daniel L. Lemke Wausau, WI Gerald Braaksma Pardeeville, WI Lester F. Gammeter Oregon, WI Harvey W. Powers Oregon, WI Hans L. Jacobs Chetek, WI Gunars Briedis East Troy, WI Randall A. Prieve Elk Mound, WI David S. Harmon Milwaukee, WI John R. Engels Cuba City, WI Howard E. Milbrath Madison, WI Charles Gibbs Larsen, WI Dennis C. Crombie Burlington, WI Gary Mayhew Madison, WI Robert Peterson Rio, WI Clement R. Wachuta Prairie du Chien, WI Former Editor of Wisconsin VFW News, Bill Bottoms, passes away The VFW is an organization made up of outstanding members who are committed and dedicated to a very special cause. On October 13, 2014, the organization lost one of its very special members when Bill Bottoms, Editor Emeritus of the Wisconsin VFW News, died at the Chippewa Manor Nursing Home. Bill is survived by his wife or 45 years, Marjorie; daughters, Deborah Bottoms Johnston and Melodie Bottoms Robson; son, W. Joseph Bottoms; as well as his niece, nephew, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Bill Bottoms, age 85, of Eau Claire, was a veteran having served with the USAF in the South Pacific. As a member of Bill Bottoms the VFW, he served as Iowa State Commander and edited the Iowa and Wisconsin state newspapers. He was currently a member of VFW Post 305 in Eau Claire and had been associated with VFW Post 8512 in Almena, WI. Bill’s passion for the VFW and journalism was a perfect fit. He earned several national awards as the editor of the Wisconsin VFW News in the national publication contest in which most states participate. Bill also authored the first published history of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. This monumental accomplishment was symbolic of Bill Bottoms’ commitment to and knowledge of the VFW. The opening quotation in his book sums up Bill’s feelings perfectly: “The VFW is not really an organization, it is a concept—an idea—an endless devotion—a center of patriotic concern and love of fellow man such as the world has never seen.” A close friend of Bill’s was Ty Gonyo, president and publisher of the Berlin Journal Newspapers, who knew and worked with Bill for over 22 years. Ty reflects on Bill’s character, “Very seldom do you go through life and meet somebody with as much courage and dignity as Bill, and the Berlin Journal Newspapers was fortunate enough to have Bill as a true friend. I never questioned Bill’s commitment to the VFW.” Ty fondly recalls, “Bill’s passion for the VFW and for journalism was second only to his passion for his wife and family.” “Bill was not afraid to make sure the true story came out and that a spade was called a spade. I recall a time when Bill did not receive one of the State Officer’s columns for the Wisconsin VFW News, and after several times contacting that person, Bill published the column with only three letters, �MIA.’ Needless to say, this Officer’s column was always submitted on time from this point on.” “Just as the VFW has been an important voice to all veterans, Bill was the voice for the Wisconsin VFW News.” Bill’s words and committment to the organization will certainly be missed. Memorials may be sent to the VFW Unmet Needs Fund at VFW Headquarters, PO Box 6128, Madison, WI 53716. Page 6 NOVEMBER 2014 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Vicki Newbauer Auxiliary Hospital Program Donations Made Department President 715-453-1926 vnewbauer1950 @gmail.com T H A N K S G I V I N G Time spent to take care of our nation’s heroes Hospital visits with Veterans Auxiliary members volunteering Now is the time to show our gratitude “Knock-Out” 100% plus in membership Scholarships Veterans and youth Give a Veteran a “Hug” I pledge to do all I can Very special times with VFW & VFW A Family Imagine what we can do working as a team Never forget … those who gave us our freedom Give thanks … for we belong to the greatest organization May you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving! Victoria Newbauer Auxiliary Membership Notes Thanks to our Auxiliary Treasurers for getting those dues in! Our Karen Department President, “Upper Cut Johnson Victoria”, as Membership Ambassador Tami Elliot calls her, received Membership/ a Porcelain box from National for our Jr. Vice President first challenge, which was having the 920-766-1491 highest percentage of annual dues in Membership Group 8. Way to go [email protected] Auxiliaries and Treasurers! Now we need to keep our momentum going and get out there collecting dues so we can be 100% Plus. Auxiliary Presidents: if you attain 100% Plus by December 31, 2014, you will get a special invitation to our Dutch Treat Dinner (dinner is paid by you) at our Mid-Winter Conference in Appleton. All qualifiers will get their name in a drawing for $15 and the winner gets reimbursed for their dinner! So let’s get calling, visiting, or sending out notices to those members to pay their dues. Tell those prospective new Sisters why you joined the Auxiliary - the more you tell your story to our community members, the more they will want to join us in our endeavors. VFW members: if you are reading this article we need your help! We need your wives, sisters, daughters, granddaughters, mothers and grandmothers to join the Auxiliary. If one member of your family would join an Auxiliary, our Department would double in size! Please, please, help us get to where we need to be – 100% PLUS! - so our Auxiliary can continue its great work for our Veterans. Remember: “Patriotism Begins at Home” as we bring our Veterans “Christmas Magic All Year Around”. Thank you for all you continue to do for our Veterans, their families and our communities. The first few months of the program year are filled with many wonderful activities and events, not the least of which are visits to our VA Medical Centers and Wisconsin Veterans Homes. Above, WI Veterans Home at King Commandant Jim Knights receives our Department Auxiliary donation from Dept. President Vicki Newbauer. Below, Dept. President Vicki presents a check to Robert Beller, Director of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. Cancer Research Gets a BIG Check Merry Christmas from the 2014-15 Line Officers: President Victoria Newbauer Sr. Vice President Judy Borg Jr. Vice President Karen Johnson Secretary Jackie Gregory Treasurer Lenore Otto Chaplain Helen Stearns Conductress Ann Wirth Guard Mary Brown Chief of Staff Diane Hogan One of the biggest honors for an Immediate Past Department Auxiliary President is the awarding of the �rebate’ of Cancer Aid and Research donations, returned to the state from our National organization. This year, the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation was the selected as the recipient of $8,765.73, donated from our 2013-14 funds raised for Cancer Research. Shown here (l-r) with the �Big Check’ are: PDP and 2013-14 Dept. Hospital Chairman Madge Murphy; 2013-14 Cancer Aid and Research Dept. Chairman Michele Patterson; Pete Schmeling, CFRE, Development Officer – Research at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation and 2013-14 Department President Dorothy Genthe. The presentation was made in the beautifully-appointed lobby of the Melvin R. Laird Center at the Marshfield Campus. Dorothy has the REAL donation in her hand at right. And yes, that is Barbara Bush with Melvin Laird looking over her shoulder in the photo at right! Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News auxiliary Page 7 NOVEMBER 2014 Draping of the Charter District Name City Aux# 1 Lillian Pfarr Marie Kerkman Deloris Lorenz Joyce Harrison* Delores Walker* Kenosha Kansasville Kansasville Silver Lake Silver Lake 1865 7924 7924 8375 8375 2 Helen McGurk Irene Burczyk* Delores Wegner* Lorraine Krenzien* Rosetta Grob* Donna Jean Parr Jefferson Watertown Watertown New Berlin Madison Marshall 3589 3709 3709 5716 7591 10510 3 Phyllis Gokey* Christine Kitelinger* Mary P. Koeller* Gladys Walker* Platteville Platteville Platteville Platteville 5274 5274 5274 5274 4 Dorothy Bradway Everner Rae Buck Milwaukee Milwaukee 1912 10433 6 M. Weinberger Rogene Faust Evelyn Ortlieb Alice Pethan Sheboygan Kiel Kiel Kiel 1230 6707 6707 6707 7 Mary Guerts Lilliane Ruckdashel Wavaglee Gordon Donna Buza Wausau Clintonville Oxford Plover 388 664 6003 10262 8 Phyllis Dent Carol Lambert Viola A. Selner Wilma Danforth Ann Goosen New London New London Kewaunee Oneida Cleveland 2732 2732 3392 7784 8974 9 Dorothy Dutton Trempealeau 1915 10 Helen Kozey Linda Lou Raether Donna Grittner Mary Buckie Martha Friend Susan Losby Beller* *Life Member Phillips Phillips Westboro Barnes Barnes Eagle River 5778 5778 7817 8329 8329 8637 The new Wisconsin �In God We Trust’ license plate, available starting in January 2015. Auxiliary 2336 Says Thanks Shown with a $9,000 donation to the Department of Transportation are from left, VFW State Sr. Vice Commander Mike Borg; WDVA Deputy Secretary Michael Trepanier; David Hinds; VFW PSC Bill Hustad and VFW PSC Renee Simpson. Wisconsin �In God We Trust’ License Plate Becomes a Reality The members of the Ladies Auxiliary to Parshall-Cummings VFW Post 2336 in Baraboo recently presented Marjorie Zimmerman with a patriotic red, white and blue floral arrangement in recognition of her 36 years of dedicated service as the Auxiliary Treasurer. Connie Mae Schultz has assumed the position of Treasurer effective July 1st. Thank you Marjorie for your dedicated service to our organization! Submitted by Auxiliary 2336 Treasurer Connie Mae Schultz. Thanks to the hard work of an Appleton man, Wisconsin drivers will get the opportunity to purchase an “In God We Trust” Wisconsin license plate, beginning in January 2015. As reported previously in the July 2014 Wisconsin VFW News, the longtime dream of David Hinds became a reality with the signing of Wisconsin Act 188 this past April. After traveling for years looking at “In God We Trust” license plates in other states, Hinds, a 61 year-old non-veteran from Appleton, made it his personal goal to get Wisconsin State Legislators to approve a license plate for the State of Wisconsin embellished with our national motto “In God We Trust”. Funds derived from the sale of the plates (after licensing fees are collected by the Division of Motor Vehicles), will go to the State Veterans Trust Fund to support Wisconsin Veterans Homes in King and Union Grove. Following the bill signing, the next task was to raise the $9,000 needed for the set-up costs of the new specialty plate. Special arrangements were made with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wisconsin so this fund-raising effort could be handled through our VFW Foundation overseen by Past State Commander Bill Hustad. (This “pass-through” process allows for donations to be tax-deductible.) Earlier this month, David Hinds gathered with local and state public officials and representatives of various Veterans’ organizations at the VFW Post 2778 Clubhouse in Appleton. The event was organized by VFW Past 8th District Commander Joe Cahill, now a member of Plover VFW Post 10262. Also in attendance representing the VFW were Sr. Vice Commander Mike Borg; Immediate PSC Renee Simpson and PSC Bill Hustad. Following statements from public officials in attendance, David Hinds had the privilege of presenting two checks. Michael J. Berg, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation received a check for $9,000 for the production start-up costs. Additional donations totaling $1,271 were presented to Michael Trepanier, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those funds will go directly to the State Veterans Trust Fund. When you initially request the new plate, fees due include a $15 issuance fee; an annual $15 personalized plate fee (if requesting a personalized plate); a $25 donation which will be transferred to the WDVA for the Veterans Trust Fund and the regular vehicle registration fee if current plate is expiring within 3 months. Subsequent renewal fees include the $25 donation and the vehicle registration fee as well as a personalized plate fee if applicable. Story info and photos contributed by State Sr. Vice Commander Mike Borg. Page 8 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News NOVEMBER 2014 Cootie Corner Listen Cooties: It is with great pleasure that I announce this year’s Supreme Aide-de-Camp appointments awarded at the Tomah cookout weekend last month. The appointments are: 1. Ken Patterson, PT- 15, Supreme Deputy of Staff 2. Pat Moran, PT-23, Supreme Larry Green, Commander Deputy Inspector Linda Moran, President 3. Dale Hundt, PT-41, Supreme Recruiter 4. Rod Fifield, PT-23, Supreme Aide-de-Camp 5. Bruce Sorensen, PT-23, Supreme Cootie Supporter 6. Mikey Johnson, PT-9, Supreme Seam Worker 7. Dave Schmidt, PT-8, Supreme Juicer 8. Wayne Woodman, PT-21, Supreme Comedian 9. Gene Smith, PT-6, Supreme Cheerleader 10. Bill Knudson, PT-38, Supreme Newshound I would like to congratulate and thank each one of them for their help in the past and future. Our year is progressing nicely with hospital visits and inspections. Planning is well underway for both Tomb Trek and Veterans Day observances. I will report on Tomb Trek in the next paper. Thank you for all you continue to do to “Keep �em smiling in beds of white”. Let’s Increase and Multiply Larry Green 2014-15 WI Grand Commander [email protected] (262) 496-8319 n n n THANK YOU to all the Sisters and Comrades for a job well done at the Tomah VA Cookout and Bingo Party. The Veterans who attended appeared to enjoy themselves and appreciated all that we did for them that day. Audits are due for July- September and should be mailed to Grand Treasurer Dolores Sorensen. The 80th Annual Trek to the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is Sunday November 9th, 2014 at 11am. I plan on attending so will report on this event next time. From Supreme President flo, “We have moved the MOCA into the 21st Century. E-mail, texting and phone calls have become part of our corresponding methods. Letters are wonderful, but are costly with the way postage keeps raising. So if you get an e-mail, text or phone call from one of your officers, PLEASE work with that person. We are all busy ladies and we try to do MOCA work along with our family life, our jobs, etc. Work with those who have been appointed or asked to assist. We are all supposed to be working for our veterans and any hurt feelings, grudges, etc. are to be left at the door and not brought into the intent of this organization.” That being said let us have a fantastic year. Most of the Auxiliaries have been inspected and all are doing a great job for our Veterans. As always, membership is a concern, but with a little extra push, I know we will be at 100% again this year. Until next time, I hope these bring a smile: • Before I share a man’s company, I make sure he owns it. • As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way. • Age is a number and mine is unlisted. • Every time I find Mr. Right, my husband scares him off. • Always treat others with dignity, honor and respect. Keep secrets secret and guard others’ privacy. And finally — BECAUSE OF VETERANS, YOU HAVE TOMORROWS. God Bless everyone and especially our hospitalized Veterans and their families. Linda Moran MOCA Grand President [email protected] (920) 337-9922 MOC, MOCA Spend Weekend in Tomah A hale and hearty group of twentytwo MOC and MOCA members teamed up for the annual cookout at the Tomah VA in mid-September. Gathered for a group photo behind “Harvey” front and center are (seated left to right): Jean Hoium; MOC Grand Commander Larry Green; MOCA Grand President Linda Moran; Michele Patterson and Kathy Johnson. Middle row (left to right): Marie Severson; Richard Hoium; Judy Borg; Dale Hundt; “Mystery Cootie in Black jacket”; Dave Jacobson; Heather Fifield; Karen Johnson; Audrey Dotzauer and Tracy Woodman. Back row: Rod Fifield; Don Lynch; Twiggy Johnson; Brian Rickman; Mike Borg; Dave Schmid (we think?) and Ken Patterson. COOTIE CORNER Military Order of the Cootie & Women’s Auxiliary Midwinter Conference and Testimonial for Grand Commander Larry Green and Grand President Linda Moran January 16-18, 2015 Holiday Inn – Manitowoc 4601 Calumet Avenue Manitowoc, WI 54220-9299 Phone: 920-682-6000 Room $82 + tax - single/double Dinner tickets are $23 per person if reserved by December 25, 2014, $25 after that date. Meetings on Saturday morning, Bingo at Nursing Home in afternoon Testimonial Dinner Saturday evening (Cocktails – 5:00 pm; Dinner at 6 with program to follow) Sunday meetings 9:00 am - Noon _________________________________ Please make dinner checks payable to Grand of Wisconsin and mail to Grand Adjutant Ken Patterson at W11624 Hwy. 64, Withee, WI 54498. Name _________________________________ Phone _________________ Total number attending ______ Note meal choices below with a # in each. Stuffed Pork Chops ___ Shrimp Scampi ___ Chicken Cordon Bleu ____ Calendar of Events December 7 December 14 December 15 Jan. 10, 2015 January 10 January 24 January 25 January 25 January 25 January 31 February 8 February 15 Feb. 20-21 March 1 April 10 June 3-6 6th District (VFW) 12-3:30 pm, VFW Post 1230, Sheboygan 4th District (VFW) 8 am-12 pm, VFW Post 2304, Milwaukee DEADLINE for January 2015 Wisconsin VFW News 1st District – 8:30 am-12:30 pm, VFW Post 5811, Lake Geneva 11th District – 10 am-3 pm, VFW Post 1530, LaCrosse 9th District – 9 am-2 pm, VFW Post 1038, Chippewa Falls 2nd District – 9 am-12 pm, VFW Post 7591, Madison – Day 3rd District – 9 am-12 pm, VFW Post 9336, Arena 7th District – 9 am-3 pm, VFW Post 1638, Merrill 8th District – 10 am-3 pm, hosted by VFW Post 7534 at Rock Garden Comfort Suites, 1951 Bond Street, Green Bay, WI 54303 6th District – 12-3:30 pm, VFW Post 1908, Oshkosh 4th District – 11 am-2 pm, Hart Park, Wauwatosa Dept. Mid-Winter Conference, Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton, WI (see Registration forms in this paper!) DEADLINE for March Wisconsin VFW News DEADLINE for April Wisconsin VFW News Dept. Convention, Plaza Hotel & Suites, Wausau VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS and LADIES AUXILIARY MID-WINTER CONFERENCE Page 9 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News mid-winter conference NOVEMBER 2014 Santa’s �Fan Club’ FEBRUARY FN-F1, 201I - GGGT, , WI 5HMEE VFW REGISTRATION LAVFW REGISTRATION #____________ at $10.00 Each #____________ at $10.00 Each Name____________________________ Name____________________________ Post #_________ Aux #_________ Title_____________________________ Title______________________________ Past Commander Dinner - 6:00pm Friday, February , 1 $OO0HDO 5HVHUYDWLRQV 'XH1R/DWHU 7KDQ 5RDVW3RUN/RLQVRXUFUHDPPDVKHG SRWDWRLVODQGYHJHWDEOH #____________ at $1.00 Each FebrXDU\1st Make ~ Checks Payable To: Awards Luncheon - 12:30pm 6aturday, FebUuary , 201 Awards Luncheon - 12:30pm Saturday, February , 201 VFW Dept of WI 6$1':,&+ 7XUNH\6ZLVV+DP&KHGGDU Z&KLSV:KROH)UXLW 6$1':,&+ 7XUNH\6ZLVV+DP&KHGGDU Z&KLSV:KROH)UXLW Earmark as “Mid-Winter” ~ ,I\RXKDYHVSHFLDOGLHWDU\ QHHGVSOHDVHOHWXVNQRZ ZKHQ\RXVXEPLWWKLV UHJLVWUDWLRQIRUP a +(/372&$55< 3/$7(')22' :,//%( $9$,/$%/( $77+(%$148(7 #____________ DW(DFK 0LG:LQWHU%DQTXHW6DWXUGD\ )HEUXDU\ SP&RFNWDLOVSP'LQQHU %8))(77RVVHG6DODG5RDVWHG&KLFNHQ %HHI7LSVZQRRGOHV0DVKHG3RWDWRHVZ JUDY\UROOVEXWWHUGHVVHUW #____________ at $25.00 Each #____________ DW(DFK 0LG:LQWHU%DQTXHW6DWXUGD\ )HEUXDU\ SP&RFNWDLOVSP'LQQHU %8))(77RVVHG6DODG5RDVWHG&KLFNHQ %HHI7LSVZQRRGOHV0DVKHG3RWDWRHVZ JUDY\UROOVEXWWHUGHVVHUW #____________ at $25.00 Each VFW TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $___________________ LAVFW TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $___________________ Contact Phone #__(_______)________-____________ Total Amount Due & Enclosed: $___________________ MAIL THIS REGISTRATION FORM AND YOUR CHECK TO: Santa (a.k.a. District 6 Commander James Smith) cools off after his surprise visit to the late June informal gathering honoring State Commander John Giese and Department President Vicki Newbauer. While the ventilation in the party tent made things quite comfortable for those in the usual summer picnic attire, it really wasn’t conducive to wearing a thick, furry winter suit! We think however, that pretty soon this year, Santa isn’t going to need the fan anymore. /,1'$025$1 68%85%$1'5 'H3HUH:, Any Questions? 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Gross-Yaksh Post 6498 Home Post of Past Commander-in-Chiefs Tommy “T” Tradewell & Walter G. Hogan Home of the National Chaplain’s H H Recognition Program H H Junker-Ball VFW Post 1865 and Ladies Auxiliary Supports the VFW News The Albert H. Groska Past “All-State” VFW Post 8320 Quad $Plus Tax 7/14 Public Bar Opens 9 a.m. 7 Days a Week 6618 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI Daily Specials • Full Catering 2 Halls for Rent Phone: 262-652-2751 VFW Post 7232 Located on Eau Claire’s West Side 2900 W. Folsom Street Bar Open to Public 7 Days a Week! pewaukee memorial post 9537 Hall Rental Available Phone: 715-832-3528 www.vfwpost7232.org 8/08 Full Menu Daily 3/14 Meetings on the 3rd Wed. of the Month Post is Open 4 til 8 p.m., Mon.-Fri. home of the state honor guard The greatest little post in the state 3/14 Page 10 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News NOVEMBER 2014 That’s a LOT of stone to spread. F-4s Phantom II display The F-4S Phantom II sits proudly at its new home at VFW Post 8483. Post 8483 Proudly Displays F-4S Phantom II When Bill “Doc” Stephens of Truax-Longmire VFW Post 8483 was looking for a Huey or a 105mm Howitzer to add to the Post’s grounds, he got an unexpected surprise from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. An F-4S Phantom II aircraft on display at the Indiana air National Guard’s 181st Intel Wing/Det 1 at Camp Atterbury was being returned and needed a new home. Post 8483 enthusiastically brought their “Million Dollar View” to the competition. On New Year’s Eve, Doc notified Post Commander Mike Wenger that they had won the award! By then it had been over six months of anxiously waiting for news, and everyone’s hope came back to life. But now, they had to find a way to get it there. The commercial bids ranged from $40,000-$50,000, which was way out of their league. Doc and Mike started talking with Army and Air National Guard units for assistance. The 115th Maint Group of the Wisconsin Air National Guard enthusiastically responded with a proposal for a Crash Damage/ Disabled Aircraft Recovery (CDDAR) exercise that would support their certification requirements while providing the key assistance the Post would need. The 181st Intel Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard was able to assist with most of the costs on their end, leaving the Post with a fighting chance to seek donors for the rest of the funds. But, it came with a hitch. The schedule was cast in stone for a September 20th arrival, meaning the Post would have less than a month to find donors and prepare the site! The funds from a recent Camper Raffle and Donation Jugs would cover their share of the transportation. The over-the-top successful The wings are loaded for the trip from Camp Atterbury near Bloomington, IN to Post 8483 in Madison. Ready and waiting to hit the road! efforts of a combined Post and Auxiliary team of Tom Jones, Bruce Squires, and Steve Corbin to seek donors for site preparation and a crane would position the Post to pull off a near miracle. Their mission was to go to our friends in the community and ask for the necessary labor, equipment, and materials. It would have to be now, and it would have to be free, and the response was nothing short of amazing! Steve & Patti Olp immediately donated the labor and equipment to excavate the site, dig the holes for the pads necessary to hold the aircraft, and install the cement provided by Lycon. Hatch Building Supplies donated the necessary materials, and Dick’s Superior Welding manufactured six tie downs. The pads were in place in less than a week giving the necessary time for the cement to cure. On Sunday, September 14th the Phantom’s seven day journey to Post 8483 began. The 115th Maint Group’s CDDAR team began the disassembly process. The wings and fuselage were separated and prepared for transport on two trucks. By Wednesday their work was done, and by Thursday, Les Chapman’s Warbird Specialists and the Phantom were on the specially permitted route to support the over-length, -height and -width requirements. By Friday, the Phantom was staged at a nearby truck stop in Madison. Meanwhile, a small team of highly motivated Post and Auxiliary members augmented by non-member volunteers, quickly installed the weed block and white stones donated by Midwest Decorative Stone. With only two days to spare before the arrival of the aircraft, a very successful site preparation and landscaping effort had been accomplished, thanks to many VERY generous donors and hardworking volunteers. Johnson Industries will be adding a plaque and stand made of stainless steel as well. On Saturday, September 20, 2014, the aircraft arrived to a waiting 70-ton crane donated by Ideal Crane of Madison. A fascinated crowd watched as the crane operators and 115th Maint Group crew members skillfully first lifted the wings and set them on stacks of pallets, then lifted the fuselage and lowered it onto the wings. In less than three hours, it was looking like a jet fighter already! By Sunday morning, the aircraft was fully reassembled, proudly assuming its new assignment to join the Post’s T-33 aircraft and proud Eagle in guarding the Post. Pointing over the hill to the Post and towards the sunset, it provides an inspiring moment each evening. It will remain on duty to project a lasting memory and tribute to all who so proudly served this great nation. Story and photos contributed by Post 8483 Commander Mike Wenger. Editor’s note: Post 8483 continues to bring in donations to maintain the F-4S. The next project on deck is working with the 115th Maint Group to plan the repainting of the aircraft in 2015. Stay tuned - and be sure to visit Post 8483 when you are in the Madison area to see this magnificent addition to their grounds for yourself! Man and machine work in tandem to guide the fuselage to its final perch. military casket cart The finished Military Casket Cart proudly display the 5 seals of our Armed Forces branches. Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 11 NOVEMBER 2014 The double doors at the rear of the cart deliver a simple but powerful message: NEVER FORGOTTEN. Military Casket Cart Honors Our Fallen The dream started in 1969, the year Richard Kalashian of Genesee returned from combat in Vietnam. Like most of his comrades of the time, he didn’t return to a hero’s welcome. There were no parades or parties for those who survived a very unpopular war. Fast-forward to 2014. Now serving as the Service Officer to Marshall-Johnson VFW Post 5158 in Hartland, Kalashian works tirelessly in a variety of venues as a dedicated advocate for Veterans and their families. And he has never forgotten his dream. Here it is in his words: “About a year ago I was waiting for a flight to arrive at Mitchell Field. While looking out the concourse window, I noticed a flag covered Military casket being unloaded from a plane onto a standard baggage cart to be transported to the waiting family who were grieving. As I watched the cart bobble along I thought, �what a shameful way to honor and show respect to a fallen solider and his grieving family - surely they deserve a proper patriotic entrance.’ As a Vietnam Veteran, I remembered very clearly how I was treated when I came home. I was hated A proud eagle soars over the American Flag on the side curtain of the Cart. - there were no celebrations of any sort. I started the project with Southwest Airlines back in March of 2014 - it took about five months to get the Military Casket project approved - a lot of paperwork and corporate communication.” The paperwork completed, the former standard baggage cart was finally transferred to Rich’s employer, S & S Research Inc., an auto body and repair shop in Mukwanago. S & S donated all of the labor needed for the project as well as the space to perform the work. Donations from a host of others have provided the necessary materials for the final “look” With curtains and hardware removed, the cart awaits the next processes. Standard Southwest Airlines Baggage Cart HR-160 begins its journey to transformation. An unnamed S & S Research technician sands the cart frame to receive final painting and decoration. of the Military Casket Cart. The top is painted red with a decal saying, “Freedom Isn’t Free”. Both sides of the cart have a movable curtain, each displaying a flying eagle with American Flag in the background. The front and back are red, white and blue with a military eagle insignia on the back, and the seals of the five Armed Forces branches on the front. The words NEVER FORGOTTEN appear on the frame on all four sides. Chrome wheels and a safety painted yellow handle complete the transformation. Simply. Stunning. While the cart has been re-identified with its Southwest Airlines number HR-160, it will be made available for use by any airline at General Mitchell International Airport. Initially, there were no plans for a second cart, but that may change. Kalashian has found out that O’Hare Airport in Chicago might be interested in their own Military Casket Cart. “It’s a dream! It just keeps growing. That’s important, that we all share in that dream,” says Kalashian. “This’ll make it a little easier for them [military families] to accept their loved one - knowing that they’re being transported in something that’s beautiful and respects their service.” Well said Comrade. And a job VERY well done! Story and photos contributed by Post 5158 Service Officer Richard Kalashian. Page 12 NOVEMBER 2014 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News cobb re-elected surgeon Woodworth Announces Council Candidacy PSC Dewitt �Woody’ Woodworth Wisconsin Past State Commander Dewitt “Woody” Woodworth has announced his intention to run for the position of National Council of Administration Representative for Wisconsin. The election for the 4-year term will take place at the 2015 State Convention in Wausau next June. Since his term as State Commander in 2012 – 2013, Woodworth has continued to serve in a number of capacities at all levels, including Immediate Past Commander on the State Council of Administration; Finance Committee Member; Veterans Service Committee Member; the Commanders Advisory Committee; the Ways and Means Committee; Post 1530 Adjutant and currently, Post 1530 Quartermaster. Woody also Date 5-Sep Ticket 07129 18288 02555 14738 16114 10239 10200 Name M. Hurley J. Johnson R. Leikness G. Fjelsted J. Voita H & B Werner R. Sparks City Oakdale, WI Ft. Atkinson, WI Stoughton, WI Strum, WI Amery, WI Waupaca, WI Bancroft, WI Prize $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 12-Sep 00614 09158 13146 06269 02532 08559 15567 M. Collins R. Bleohm B. Buck J. Warnock J. Casey B. Clemmons T. Hendrickson Racine, WI Brownsville, WI Pulaski, WI St. Francis, WI Stoughton, WI Sugar Grove, WI Eau Claire, WI $1,000 $1,000 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 19-Sep 02643 15594 19887 01887 10897 13901 13838 C. Poquette H. Henning J. Gilbertson T. Dahlnan S. Voigt G. Murawski D. Schmeip Fall River, WI Whitehall, WI Deerfield, WI Muskego, WI Merrill, WI Green Bay, WI St. Nazianz, WI $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 For Sale: 2009 Triton 17 Pro Bass Boat, swing-tongue trailer, 50 HP Mercury and factory cover. All services $12,000. Contact: Mary Ann Christopherson,630 Fleming Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54701. Or call: 715835-9238. 01/15 26-Sep 00935 11824 13002 03683 19399 14791 18001 S. Castanzo M. Hasenhorl T. Lewis A. Brand C. Suhr A. Kochenderfer M. Powell Union Grove, WI Nekoosa, WI Seymour, WI Hartland, WI Janesville, WI Cochrane, WI Baraboo, WI $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 Classified Listings 3-Oct 03330 06152 03705 08648 19293 11119 03523 R. DeCristofaro B. O’Neil B. Nuckolls A. Heus & VJZ M. Nichols B. Shanks D. Knuth Sussex, WI Milwaukee, WI Pewaukee, WI New Holstein, WI Milton, WI Stratford, WI Pewaukee, WI $1,000 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 10-Oct 00892 13843 17029 04125 18554 12953 15507 J. Storck T & L. Hau G. Thompson J. Stark D. Sinniger D. Fogeltons C. Koser Kansasville, WI Kiel, WI Holcombe, WI Marshall, WI Stoddard, WI Kellnersville, WI Menomonie, WI $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 17-Oct 18760 11629 04379 15598 07844 11163 11051 A. Woodworth M. Kramer K. Hahn D & A. Shoemaker Post 7485 B. Haase A. Kaiser Tomah, WI Green Lake, WI Milwaukee, WI Osseo, WI West Allis, WI Waupaca, WI Stratford, WI $500 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 24-Oct 00295 07433 14736 13302 09063 06206 04306 G. Johnson M. Zolandz C. Girtman J. Brazeau S. Roberts S. Merkel A. Klawitter Brodhead, WI Greenfield, WI Strum, WI Oconto, WI Eldorado, WI South Milwaukee, WI West Allis, WI $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 31-Oct 07199 04175 10389 09673 12533 11763 09256 D. Brown G. Messmer B. Christianson F. Karrels M. Moser A. Voell J. Ketter Milwaukee, WI New Berlin, WI Wis. Rapids, WI Port Washington, WI Freedom, WI Oconomowoc, WI Fond du Lac, WI $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 $50 Wanted to Buy: Pre 1970 Packer Memorabilia (Programs, Yearbooks, Bobbleheads, etc.) and Pre 1970 Sports Cards. Box 61, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Phone: 920-743-6322. 01/14 For Sale 1973 - 2-1/2 6x6 Jeep. Cargo winch, canvas, steps, manuals, new batteries. w/small car. Parade ready. Flags, Posters. $12,000 for both. Call Ralph at VFW 3143 Rhinelander. 715-369-1451. 01/14 For Sale: 1984 Ford F-700 Dump. 377 Gas Engine,SA,5 x 2, 7-yard. Last licensed 2009, ran good. $3,000 OBO. Call Ralph E. Larson in Rhinelander @ 715-369-1451. 01/14 Classified Listings Information: You get up to 25 words for $25.00 in 3 issues (over 45,000 circulation each) of our newspaper, plus a 3 month listing on our website http://www.vfwofwi.com. We are accepting listings for: • For Sale – Autos, trucks, boats, motorcycles, furniture, etc. • Rentals – Homes, apartments, equipment, storage, commercial, etc. • Service – Repair, cleaning, roofing, heating/cooling, painting, etc. • Notices – Meetings, Professional, Auctions. Travel, etc. • Want to Buy – Merchandise, homes, equipment, etc. • Want to Rent – Apartments, equipment, etc. • Employment – Help wanted, work wanted by job type. Sorry, no personals. Please include a phone number, ad copy, typed or printed and a check for $25.00 per ad and send to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of WI Newspaper / classifieds P.O. Box 6128 Monona, WI 53716-6128 Cobb Nets Second Term Raffle Calendar Winners Wanted to Buy war relics wanted: VFW member will buy your relics for cash – any country, any period. Craig Luther, P.O. Box 63, Oak Creek, WI 53154-0063. (414) 571-6589. 07/11 continues to serve in a capacity especially near and dear, that of VFW Hospital/VAVS Representative at the Tomah VA Medical Center. When asked why he is running for the National Council, Woody said, “I am running to continue my service to Veterans and the Department of Wisconsin, taking my service to the next level.” He also indicated he “would like to focus on ways in which our money can do more for Veterans, especially at the National level.” Woodworth welcomes feedback and comments from his comrades of the Department. He can be reached at 608-317-5627. His mailing address is 635 S. K Street, Lot 96, Sparta, WI 54658. Email reaches him at: dhwwoody@ gmail.com. Congratulations to Wisconsin State Chaplain Charlene Cobb who was elected to serve a second term as National Chaplain. Cobb was installed at the 115th National Convention in St. Louis, MO in July. She has served as State Chaplain since 2003. Transportation Service Announced for Tomah VA The Tomah VA has implemented “The Veterans Transportation Service Program” for all of the 16 counties located in their service area. This program consolidates several transportation services and streamlines the “behind the scenes” operations of getting Veterans to their appointments and access to VA health care. Additionally, it serves inpatients transported to other facilities. Tomah VA Region consists of the following counties: Price, Taylor, Clark, Marathon, Lincoln, Portage, Wood, Waushara, Adams, Juneau, Monroe, Jackson, Trempealeau, Vernon and La Crosse in Wisconsin as well as Houston County, MN. The program does not replace any existing program, but adds the benefit of picking up rural Veterans right at their doorstep, instead of them having to travel to a pickup location. This transportation is to the Medical Center and to the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in LaCrosse (VA River Valley); Owen (Clark County); Wausau (Marathon County) and Wisconsin Rapids (Wood County). FOR VETERANS IN THE 16 COUNTY AREA: IF YOU NEED A RIDE TO GET TO YOUR APPOINTMENT, CALL 888-969-8048. This phone number gives Veterans direct access to the VA program dispatchers to help them find transportation solutions. As part of the new program, the Tomah VA and the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (S.M.R.T.) commuter bus system also announced in September, a partnership serving Veterans in southwest Wisconsin’s Crawford, Vernon and La Crosse Counties. Those Veterans can ride S.M.R.T. buses for $3 each way to appointments at the River Valley Outpatient Clinics. Information can be found at www.ridesmrt.com or by calling 877-444-6543. For additional information about the new Tomah program, please visit http://www.tomah. va.gov/TOMAH/features/. Need To Get The Word Out? If you have a business, if you are running for a political office, or whatever the need may be, you can place an ad in our Wisconsin VFW News Bill Knutson • (715) 384-2500 [email protected] Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News around the state Celebrating a Super-Salesman Bower-Gunnill-Dalton VFW Post 2267 of Richland Center has plenty of reasons to celebrate their “Super-Salesman” - Post Jr. Vice Commander Kevin Novy (center). Actually, 259 reasons to be exact! This persistent Veteran sold 120 Raffle Calendars for 2014, and then jumped right in last spring to sell 139 Vehicle Raffle tickets. He even went door-todoor! Congratulating Kevin are Past Post 2267 Commander and Immediate Past 3rd District Commander Dan Foley (at left) and Post 2267 Commander Tim Perry (at right). Thank you Kevin for your service – then and now! Submitted by Past Post 2267 Commander Marge Freeman. Clintonville Fundraiser Page 13 NOVEMBER 2014 Veterans Day 2014 Every November we take pause to John A. Scocos remember those who have served their country as a member of the Armed Forces. Secretary, This year, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs will be honoring our miliWisconsin tary Veterans at the Wisconsin State CapiDepartment of tol November 7 at 11 am. with a special Veteran Affairs ceremony: “Never Forgotten – Honoring Wisconsin’s Veterans.” Since the birth of our nation, American soldiers have continuously and determinedly shown how far they will go when their country has called upon them. For more than 200 years, the ordinary citizens around us have gone on to do extraordinary things while serving our nation in the military. From the very beginning, there were those who fought for our independence, and in the following years fought to maintain it. As a fledgling nation we survived in large part due to the willingness of those first American Veterans to fight against an overwhelming foe that was Britain. Those brave patriots persevered and won our freedom that allowed the United States of America to exist. We have been tested time and time again, at home and abroad. During the Civil War, many of our Wisconsin ancestors fought to preserve that Union built by previous generations. World War I saw many of our best go off to war in Europe in a conflict that touched nearly everyone across the globe. The peace following the Great War only set the stage for another massive, worldwide war – World War II. The world after World War II has been full of challenging, large scale military conflicts: Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Our Veterans who are alive today have served in one of these wars – all gave a part of themselves in service to their country when their country called upon them. Of those who answered the call, many did not return. Others made extreme sacrifices as prisoners of war. Many others are still missing. It is Veterans who won our freedom, fought to maintain it, and worked to spread it to other people and nations around the world. Please join us at the Capitol November 7 to honor these great heroes - our Veterans – and hear their stories. I would also like to remind Veterans and their family members of the online survey to provide feedback to the agency concerning their state and federal Veteran benefits. The survey, which only takes a few minutes to complete, can be found at www.WisVets. com/survey. The questions asked are to help the WDVA direct programs, benefits and services. All responses will be kept strictly confidential. The survey is only available online. Veterans and their family members have until Veterans Day, November 11, 2014 to complete the survey. John A. Scocos is the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. He is an Iraq War veteran. Dates to Remember Smiling for the camera are two hungry members of the Clintonville community, supporting the recent fundraiser Brat Fry conducted by Arthur Gensler VFW Post 664 and its Ladies Auxiliary. Preparing their food order in the stand are Audrey Adams (at left) and Nancy Fields. With matching funds provided by Thrivent Financial, the event helped fund donations to a variety of programs benefiting Veterans and their families. Submitted by Auxiliary 664 President Ella L. Kratzke. Post 9719 Supports Food Banks November 10 November 11 November 21 November 27 December 5 December 7 December 8 December 10 December 11 December 15 December 15 December 20 December 31 December 31 January 1 U.S. Marine Corps established in 1775. Veterans Day/Signing of WWI Armistice in 1918 Grenada Campaign ended in 1983. Thanksgiving Day Somalia Campaign began in 1992. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Daylight War declared on Japan in 1941. Human Rights Day Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S. in 1941. Iraq War ended in 2011. Bill of Rights Day Panama Campaign began in 1989. Official end of WWII in 1946. Kosovo Campaign ended in 2013. New Year’s Day You’re NEVER Too Old to Join! Pulaski VFW Post 9719 spread some Christmas cheer late last year to three area Food Pantries with donations to help make the holidays a little nicer for those in need. Here, Post 9719 Jr. Vice Commander Roger Karcz, Jr. (at left) and Post QM George Kasch present a check for $500 to two unidentified volunteers at the Kingdom Come Food Pantry in Oconto Falls. Similar checks were presented to the Shawano Food Pantry and the Pulaski Community Food Pantry. Submitted by Post 9719 Quartermaster George Kasch. You’re never too old to join the VFW. Ninety-six year old Adam Viellieux of Somerset, WI. recently joined VFW Post 10818 of New Richmond, WI. As a gift, his daughter Wanda Viellieux, Patriotic Instructor of the VFW Auxiliary, created a shadowbox for him. With help from the Post, Wanda found and identified the medals and ribbons Adam earned while serving in the Army in Manila and the Philippines. Along with a picture of Adam in uniform, Wanda created the shadowbox. Earlier this summer, Post 10818 Commander Vern Loehr and Post Sr. Vice Commander Leroy Meyer along with Wanda and her two brothers (also Veterans), presented Adam with his shadowbox after which they enjoyed war stories and refreshments. Congratulations to all! Submitted by Auxiliary 10818 Secretary Wendy Burnett. Page 14 NOVEMBER 2014 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Burger king fundraiser Indy BK Franchise Operators Have Given Over $2M to VFW Since 2004, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has awarded grants of nearly $5-million to military families to help cover basic needs in times of crisis. Over the past seven years, the independent Franchise Operators of Burger King Restaurants across the country have generated nearly half that amount through a direct campaign to solicit donations from their customers. [See VFW National poster elsewhere in this paper.] It’s an effort that began right here in Wisconsin with franchisee Mike De Rosa who kicked off the concept with his local Burger King operations in Eau Claire and western Wisconsin. Mike has been the sparkplug behind the amazing growth in participation as he encourages other operators, like himself, to join the effort. This year there are roughly 800 Burger King restaurants across the country taking up this great cause. This is a great time for you, your comrades and your Post to get behind this effort in a big way. To begin with, use your social media to spread the word Burger King Stores Participating in the Program Store# 8477 3727 4813 6157 8003 4303 6547 12193 7415 8548 9840 10761 13965 8691 13936 9970 2338 7558 9919 11933 9778 443 3598 10385 5693 10813 12491 Address City 2250 Neva Road Antigo 2511 West College Avenue Appleton 919 W. Wisconsin Avenue Appleton 2020 East Northland Appleton West 3154 Vanroy Road Appleton 2430 South Oneida Street Ashwaubenon 909 Highway 54 East Black River Falls 100 Express Way Bonduel 228 West River Street Chippewa Falls 2752 120th Street Chippewa Falls 101 Dix Street Columbus 1600 Elm Street Cumberland 105 Evco Circle De Forest 2582 Monroe Road De Pere 1007 Main Avenue De Pere 2511 Main Street East Troy 926 South Hastings Way Eau Claire 6124 North Crossing Eau Claire 2626 Golf Road Eau Claire 2833 North Clairmont Avenue Eau Claire 1285 Madison Avenue Fort Atkinson 1005 South Military Avenue Green Bay 2219 Main Street Green Bay W6318 Highway 10 Greenville 711 Memorial Drive Howard 1120 WI Dells Pkwy S Lake Delton 2221 Freedom Road Little Chute 11732 3073 12075 2659 9851 5366 6017 9843 17452 9122 2648 11720 12429 10877 9969 6799 8901 9127 9877 5144 8082 9839 9844 9841 10783 7872 11223 2327 665 East Avenue Lomira 6909 Odana Road Madison 719 W. Badger Road Madison 3235 Calumet Avenue Manitowoc 2760 Roosevelt Road Marinette 1520 Appleton Road Menasha 544 Main Street Menomonie 740 East St. Mary Street Milton 8733 Highway 51N Minocqua 548 8th Avenue Monroe 977 Green Bay Road Neenah 984 North Shawano Street New London 343 East Highland Drive Oconto Falls 810 North Main Street Oregon 2000 East Main Street Reedsburg 1130 South Main Rice Lake 1242 East Green Bay Street Shawano 906 South Black River Street Sparta 1535 Sunset Beach Road Suamico 724 Belknap Street Superior 111 Julie Street Tomah 1141 15th Avenue Union Grove 106 State Road #67 Walworth 2723 Beck Drive Waterford 510 West Main Street Waunakee 1096 Fulton Street Waupaca 111 North Pioneer Park Road Westfield 611 North Frontage Road WI Dells and get your friends to drop by their local Burger King and make a donation of as little as a dollar while they have their meal at Burger King. Secondly, your Post members can arrange with your local Burger King to come in wearing their VFW gear and spend some time showing customers that there are Veterans among them who appreciate their support of this great program. PLEASE: You’re there to promote the Unmet Needs campaign, but not any other fund-raising, so no raffle sales, Buddy Poppies or other efforts detracting from the Unmet Needs Campaign. If your Post would like to be a visible presence as your local Burger King participates in the program, please call Mike De Rosa or our State Headquarters for the right contact information to coordinate your activities. Below is a list of participating Wisconsin Burger King locations and their Store Numbers. To get individual store contact information, call: Mike De Rosa at 715-379-0471 or Wisconsin VFW State Headquarters at 608-221-5276. Editor’s Note Editor’s Note Following the publication of our September NEWS, I received a number of responses to the front page story recognizing Burger King franchisee Mike DeRosa’s contributions to the VFW Unmet Needs program. The most oft repeated theme was along the lines that “the VFW shouldn’t be associated with a corporation that is leaving the United States”. This of course is a by-product of the merger of Miami, FL-based Burger King with the Oakville, Ontario (Canada)-based Tim Hortons chain of cafe and bake shops. Here are the FACTS resulting from that merger: •Burger King and Tim Hortons continue to operate as independent brands. •Burger King Headquarters remains in Miami, FL as it has for the past 60 years. •Tim Hortons remains headquartered in Oakville, Ontario. •The new parent company created by the merger will be based in Canada, as it is the largest market of the combined company. •Burger King will continue to pay U.S. taxes on the profits earned in this country, and it will continue to be taxed on profits earned in other countries by those countries. And that being said, most importantly: •Burger King franchisees will continue to pay their respective U.S. taxes, - federal, state and local. •AND, many of them will continue to go “above and beyond” as local employers, showing their appreciation to their communities and its Veterans through their generous support of the VFW Unmet Needs Program – helping our Military families cover their basic needs in times of crisis. And that’s REALLY the most important bottom line isn’t it? n n n In a related topic, one comment about the VFW’s “corporate con- nections” stated that “we shouldn’t be �in bed with’ these big companies and let them take over our conventions and organization.” Here’s a news flash: without the generous support of entities like AnheuserBusch, Sport Clips, Humana, Life Lock, Burger King and countless others who have supported our National Convention over the years, we probably couldn’t afford to hold the Convention let alone any of us afford the registration fees that would be necessary to attend. celebrating freedom Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 15 NOVEMBER 2014 Celebrating America’s Freedom 2014: Fort McHenry O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Those stirring words, penned by lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key 200 years ago during the War of 1812, are familiar to even the youngest of patriots as the opening lines of our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Key was moved to write the four emotional stanzas of his original lyrics “Defence of Fort M’Henry” after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor in the Chesapeake Bay, by the British Royal Navy. Contrary to popular belief, the words did not originate as a poem, but were written to fit a popular tune at the time, the Anacreontic Song. While somewhat challenging to sing, that tune stands today as our national anthem. It was certainly no coincidence Our �Star-Spangled Banner’ flies proudly in the breeze over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Star-Spangled Banner O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming! And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there: O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the mornings’ first beam, In full glory reflected now shines on the stream: �Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Department Presidents and Flag Bearers line up for the Aisle of Flags prior to the program. Josie Bowers poses in front of some of the cannons at Fort McHenry. O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation Then conquer we must when our cause it is just And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! that Ladies Auxiliary VFW National President Ann Panteleakos selected Fort McHenry as the site of the 2014 Celebrating America’s Freedom event. After years of celebrating the birthday of the Statue of Liberty on October 28th, the new series of late October events will now feature other great places in our country that figure prominently in our heritage of freedom. The Department of Wisconsin Ladies Auxiliary was represented at the event by Past Dept. President and current Dept. Historian Linda Moran and her granddaughter Josie Bowers. In Linda’s words: “Beautiful day and ceremony. National Sr. Vice Francisca Guilford was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. Fort Mc Henry Park Ranger [Jeff Brucculeri] gave us a very informative presentation about the Fort. National Cmdr. [Stroud] was present and spoke along with President Ann. A check for $2,000 was presented to help maintain the Memorial. What we saw was impressive-well kept grounds and several beautiful statues. Also a beautiful rendition on how the Star Spangled Banner came about with cannons booming in the background ---it gave you chills, felt like you were there.” According to the Ladies Auxiliary National website, over 500 people attended to help celebrate this very special event and place in our country’s history. The site for the 2015 Event has not yet been announced, but we’re sure it will continue to build on the success of this newest tradition of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. Thank you to PDP and Dept. Historian Linda Moran for submitting the photos and story info. Page 16 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News NOVEMBER 2014 car raffle winners Car Raffle Winners Claim Prize The timing could not have been better. Their old car was just about worn out. And then they bought a VFW Limited Vehicle Raffle ticket from VFW Post 2260 in Oconomowoc: PROBLEM SOLVED! Congratulations to Angela and Mike Popp of Muskego, winners of the $30,000 Grand Prize toward a U.S. made vehicle of their choice. After reviewing their many possibilities, the Popps selected a beautiful red 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, shown at left below, from Bergstrom Chevrolet of Milwaukee. Celebrating the moment in the right photo above are (from left); Post 2260 member and ticket seller Chris Lewein; VFW State Commander John Giese; winners Mike Popp and Angela Popp; Immediate Past State Commander Renee Simpson; and Raffle Chairman Frank Wilke. Not shown is Matt Skutley, General Manager of Bergstrom Chevrolet of Milwaukee. Other Vehicle Raffle winners include: Leonard Wendler of Neenah (2nd prize - $2,500); Dan Reinerio of Ashland (3rd prize - $1,000); Daniel Teschner of Hancock (4th prize - $500); and Phil Kraemer (5th prize $500). Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to all who sold and purchased tickets. And many thanks to the Bergstrom Automotive Group for your continued support of the VFW Department of Wisconsin. Story info contributed by Frank Wilke; photos by Susie Sydor. Turkey on the Loose We’ll give you a lot more to talk about than just the weather @ WISCONSIN HOME KING KI NG A gem like no other, the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King is a long term care facility serving Veterans and their eligible dependents. We offer quality medical and nursing care that enhances each individual’s quality of life. Our highly trained, dedicated staff strive to meet the unique needs of Veterans by providing compassionate care built on the foundation of integrity, honor and respect. Space is available. Please feel free to call us for more information or to arrange a tour. We offer tours 7 days a week. We look forward to talking with you to further assist you with any questions you may have. 715.258.5586 | 888.458.5586 www.WVHKing.com N2665 County Road QQ | King, WI 54946 Word has it there was a turkey on the loose in the Milwaukee VA building on Halloween. Apparently it roamed the halls and offices, garnering candy hand-outs wherever possible. VSO Office Manager John Schultz managed to capture this photo of the bird . . . who strikes an uncanny resemblance to Claims Examiner Susie Eulo, don’t you think? Support Our Troops isle of valor banquet Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News Page 17 NOVEMBER 2014 Post 2126 Holds 4th Annual Isle of Valor Banquet Veterans of Foreign Wars Nicolet Post 2126 in Menasha held their Fourth Annual Isle of Valor Banquet on September 9 at the Stone Toad Bar in Menasha. The Banquet is held each year to honor the winners of the Post’s Student Essay contest, The Isle of Valor Citizen of The Year, and to honor those who died during the events of September 11, 2001. The event is always held on the Tuesday closest to September 11, now known as “Patriot Day”. Following the social time and dinner, Post 2126 Commander David Mix acted as Master of Ceremonies, introducing the Essay Contest Winners and other honorees. The subject of the Essay Contest is Patriotism and the contestants must be children or grandchildren of Post members. The winners each receive $500 and an Isle of Valor certificate after reading their essay to the gathering. Students compete in two age brackets. Sophia Kubiak, 13, won the age 11-15 bracket. She is an eighth grade student at Shattuck Middle School in Neenah and attends St. Margaret Mary Catholic 2014 Isle of Valor Honorees pause for a group photo (left to right): Guy J. Smith, Citizen of the Year: Sophia Kubiak, Essay Contest Winner (1115 bracket); VFW Life Membership recipient Donald Carpenter; Denise Sitzberger, mother of Essay Contest Winner Megan Sitzberger (16 - 19 bracket); and Post 2126 Commander David Mix. Church. Sophia enjoys playing soccer for the Neenah Nitro; the outdoors; traveling, and spending time with her friends and two younger sisters Estelle and Bea. She is the daughter of Brian and Liz Kubiak, and the granddaughter of Tim and Mary Hewitt. Grampa Tim is a Post 2126 member. Winner of the age 16-19 bracket Megan Sitzberger could not attend the dinner due to her Nursing studies at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Her mother Denise Sitzberger represented Megan and presented her winning essay. Megan attended Greenville Elementary and Middle Schools and is a 2014 graduate of St. Francis Xavier High School where she played Volleyball and Varsity Softball all four years. She was Rookie of the Year her freshman year and was All-Conference Honorable Mention her junior year. She played clarinet in the band and was a member of the Color Guard. She was in Girl Scouts from the first grade to her sophomore year, earning the Scouting Silver Award. Graduating with a 3.68 GPA, Megan was also a 3-year member of the National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society. Year Book, Student Government and Peer Helpers were some of her other activities. Megan is the granddaughter of Post member Cliff Fischer. Guy J. Smith received the Post’s 2014 Isle of Valor Citizen of the Year Award. Commander Mix stated “this citizen of the year, Guy J. Smith, is deeply committed to supporting military and police because they place service to others above their own safety and often their own lives”. A native of Appleton and graduate of Appleton East High School and the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Smith is a registered professional engineer and is currently President and CEO of Suburban Electrical Engineers and Contractors, Inc. which operates internationally out of Appleton. Guy is married to Karen R. Smith. Suburban Electric service trucks are seen quite often at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, a place dear to all Wisconsin Veterans. In other awards, Post Member Donald Carpenter received a VFW Life Membership for his work on getting the Isle of Valor listed on the records of the Wisconsin State Historical Society. The evening closed with a salute to the Colors and Taps to honor those lost on 9-11. Photo and story contributed by Post 2126 member Richard Meyer. Page 18 NOVEMBER 2014 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News around the state Denmark Vets Host Students Greendale Post members pictured are (back row, l-r): Mike Kieck, Bob Karwowski, Zach Mayo and Ken Kieck. In the front row (l-r) are Post 10519 members Harold Kuehnnel and Don Furdek, along with Past National Commander Tommy “T” Tradewell, Post 10519 Commander John Ustruck and PSC Phil Jasinski. Tommy showed that beautiful �56 T-Bird and Phil his terrific �55 Chevy. Many thanks to Gus Hosseni for his generous support – you are a true friend to Veterans! And to the other volunteers present but not pictured: Bill Poulter, Steve Sahs, Bob Birmingham, Auxiliary members Nancy Ustruck, Kristen Mielke (and son Mitchell), Jill Woznicki (with Isaac & Eve), Karen Janizec and Joann Winkleski, along with Russ Owens, Commander of Hales Corners-Franklin VFW Post 10394. Post 10519 Teams with Gus’ Cantina Greendale VFW Post 10519 joined forces with Gus’ Mexican Cantina in Franklin to hold an end of the year car show fund raiser for Veterans. The September weather was picture-perfect and over 110 collector and show cars were registered for the event. Gus absorbed all the expenses involved with putting on the show and as a result, the $1,000 collected at the show was all donated to the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Post 10519 volunteers helped with the event and the Ladies Auxiliary was also on hand to assist, accepting Buddy Poppy donations and selling 2015 VFW Raffle Calendars. Story info and photos submitted by Greendale VFW Post 10519 Commander John Ustruck. Proceeds from the car show were presented to the Spinal Cord Injury Department and Women Veterans Health programs at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Dr. Kenneth Lee, Chief of the Spinal Cord Injury Department accepted the two $500.00 checks on behalf of Zablocki VAMC. Gathered for the presentation are (back row, l-r): Post 10519 Officer of the Day Harold Kuehnel; Post Trustee and Historian Don Furdek; Dr. Lee; Post Commander John Ustruck and Post Jr. Vice Cdr. Zach Mayo. Rounding out the group at the far right rear and in the front row are comrades who are Spinal Cord Patients at Zablocki Denmark VFW Post 6705 along with American Legion Post #363, entertained students from the Denmark Early Childhood Center during a field trip to the VFW Clubhouse this past summer. Thirty-seven students, 4 teachers and 9 Veterans from three different wars participated. The students presented the Veterans with red, white and blue cookies and a thank you poster. Veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War were on hand to answer questions from students and share pictures, souvenirs, medals and information. Veterans participating included: Willard Bielinski (Army - Korean War); Curtis Schoen (Marine Corps - Vietnam); Francis Rabas, (Army -Vietnam); Dave Knoll (Army - stationed in Germany); James Carriveau (Army – Vietnam); Marvin Kostka (Army - Korea); Bob Bielinski (Army – WWII); Alan Malewiski (Army - Vietnam) and Milton Schley (Army – Vietnam). Well done Comrades! Submitted by Auxiliary 6705 President Chis Schoen, photos and info courtesy of the Denmark News. Kobbervig Recognized by Post, District Dodgeville Memorial VFW Post 7345 recently recognized Comrade Donald E. Kobbervig’s 30 years of service as Post Quartermaster and also his many years of service as District 3 QM. In all that time, he attended every District meeting except September 28, 2014, when he had to attend to another matter. He was presented with an engraved plaque honoring his service. Don is a WW II Veteran and a most loyal Comrade. Pictured (from left) are: District 3 Chief of Staff and Past Dist. Commander Joe Ricco; Post 7345 Cdr. Terry Wilkinson holding Don’s plaque prior to presentation; Comrade Kobbervig and PSC Gary Erickson. Submitted by District 3 Commander Gary Young. Post 1904 Remembers Nieto, USS Cole Bombing Bohlman-Grimes VFW Post 1904 of Fond du Lac recently marked the 14th anniversary of the October 12, 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen, which killed 17 shipmates and wounded 39. Among those killed was Engineman Second Class (Surface Warfare) Marc Ian Nieto, 24, of Fond du Lac. Nieto was just two weeks away from finishing his Navy stint when he was killed. His mother, and stepfather Sharon Priepke and Norman Priepke (front row), attended the wreath-laying ceremony conducted by the Post 1904 Honor Guard. The Honor Guard included (back row, l-r): John Lipinski, Steve Pepper, Lenny Ziegler, Joel Walker and George Kaprelian. Submitted by Post 1904 member George Kaprelian. legislative priority goals Page 19 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News NOVEMBER 2014 VFW 2015 Legislative Priority Goals This following are the VFW 2015 Legislative Prority Goals. Budget • Ensure proper funding so VA can provide timely health care and benefits delivery. • Pass full Advanced Appropriations for all of VA to ensure budget battles have no impact on the delivery benefits to veterans. • End of budget sequestration and ensure Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Requester Publications Only) 1. Publication Title Wisconsin VFW News 2. Publication Number 4. Issue Frequency Every other month 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6 1 0 6 1 _ 3. Filing Date 4 5 9 1 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4 ®) Physical Address - 4622 Dutch Mill Road, Madison, WI 53716 Mailing Address - PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716 September 30, 2014 6. Annual Subscription Price (if any) 60¢ Member $2.00 Non-Member Contact Person Thomas Heath Telephone (Include area code) (608) 221-5276 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) Physical Address - 4622 Dutch Mill Road, Madison, WI 53716 Mailing Address - PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) Thomas Heath Physical Address - 4622 Dutch Mill Road, Madison, WI 53716 Mailing Address - PO Box 6128, Monona, WI 53716 Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Marla Morgan 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Marla Morgan 505 S. Apple Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Complete Mailing Address Full Name POBox6128 StateofWisconsin Monona,WI53716 VeteransofForeignWars 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box. x None Full Name Complete Mailing Address 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: x Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.) PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 [Page 1 of 4 (See instructions page 4)] PSN: 7530-09-000-8855 13. Publication Title Wisconsin VFW News PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below May 2014 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Veterans Newspaper - every other month Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date 34,00033,500 a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet (1) requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, 31,81631,112 employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.) b. Legitimate Paid and/or In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. Requested (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet Distribution (2) requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, (By mail employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.) and outside Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter the mail) (3) Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS® (4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®) c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)) (1) d. Nonrequested (2) Distribution (By mail and outside the mail) (3) (4) 31,81631,112 Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources) In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g., First-Class Mail, nonrequestor copies mailed in excess of 10% limit mailed at Standard Mail ® or Package Services rates) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (Include pickup stands, trade shows, showrooms, and other sources) defense funding supports Quality of Life programs for service members and families, training and readiness, troop end strength and equipment needs. VA Health Care • Ensure that VA capacity meets the demand for care by properly funding infrastructure maintaining adequate staffing levels. • All non-VA care must be high quality, and delivered in a well-coordinated, timely manner. • Fully update antiquated VA scheduling software and fully implement an appointment making policy that focuses veterans’ needs and is not susceptible to data manipulation. • Provide sufficient funding for updates to VA’s VistA health care treatment record system. • Continue to expand the sue of telehealth services, especially in rural areas. • Authorize VA to receive reimbursement for care provided to Medicare eligible veterans. • Address the national crisis of suicide among service members and veterans by ensuring proper funding for DOD and VA suicide prevention programs and mental health treatment. • Extend VA caregiver benefits to those who care for severely injured veterans of all eras. • Increase research into women’s health care needs and the disease and treatments of toxic exposure. • Ensure VA has appropriate resources to adequately care for and reintegrate our homeless veterans’ population. VA Compensation & Benefits • Provide oversight and the resources necessary to hire, train, and sustain a workforce and IT system sufficient to provide accurate and timely decision ratings to those claiming benefits or appealing decisions from VA. • Approve a presumption of service connection for the conditions associated with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). • Provide the survivors of veterans who were in receipt of or entitled to receive VA compensation at the time of death for a serviceconnected disability rated totally disabling are eligible for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC). • Appropriate the resources required to meet the burial needs of all veterans who have served their country so honorably and faithfully. • Pass a Fully Developed Appeals legislation that will allow veterans who wish to appeal but do not. Transition Assistance • Provide oversight for development and implementation of a comprehensive interoperable electronic medical and service record that is easily accessible for veterans, DoD and VA. • Ensure the Transition Assistance Program is relevant to meet the needs of service members and all veterans at all phases of the transition process. Education & Empowerment • Ensure that military-trained professionals receive the proper licenses, credentials or academic credit to allow them to transition into similar civilian careers after military service. • Protect the integrity of earned educational benefits like the Post -9/11 GI Bill and military tuition assistance. • Work to improve federal programs designed to help veterans find and retain quality post-military careers. • Hold the federal government accountable for its obligation to hire veterans and do business with veteran entrepreneurs. Defense/Homeland Security • Fully support U.S. troops and their mission to prosecute the war on terrorism, as well as to protect our nation’s citizens and interests around the world. • Halt the development and/or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, while continuing to develop and deploy a ballistic missile defense system to protect the U.S. and our allies. • Secure America’s borders from all threats, foreign and domestic, and identify and deport illegal aliens who commit crimes. Military Quality of Life • Ensure DoD maintains a quality and comprehensive benefits and retirement package, so the service branches can continue to recruit and retain the highest quality service members. • Protect Quality of Life programs for active duty and Reserve Component service members and their families. • Support full concurrent receipt of military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without offset, and regardless of the rating percentage. • Back efforts to lower the Reserve Component retirement pay age to 55. • Eliminate the SBP/DIC offset. POW/MIA • Achieve the fullest possible accounting of U.S. military personnel missing from all wars. • Ensure the U.S. government keeps the POW/MIA issue elevated as a national priority. • Monitor the reorganization of the POW/ MIA accounting mission. For more information regarding the 2015 goals, please contact: Bruce A. Sorensen VFW National Legislative Committee Member 2113 Rainbow Drive Suamico, WI 54313-7804 (920) 434-1523 (home) (920) 360-3523 (cell) [email protected] 695708 e. Total Nonrequested Distribution [Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)] 695708 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e) 32,51131,820 g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3)) 14891680 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100) Address change Please note I have changed my address to: (Please print.) 34,00033,500 97.9%97.8% * If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3. Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Requester Publications Only) 16. Electronic Copy Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Previous 12 Months No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date Name _____________________________________________ Street _____________________________________________ a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) City _______________________________________________ c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c ¯ 100) PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4) Zip Code ___________________ Post No.________________ I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner October 2014 Date I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). Mail Address Change to: VFW Circulation Department 406 West 34th Street Kansas City, MO 64111 Page 20 Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars News NOVEMBER 2014 This is the starting point for the Post 11038/Home Depot project. Home depot project The back yard is ready for the next steps. Post 11038 and Home Depot Get It Done It began with an idea at the Post level, continued with a grant application and subsequent award and finished strong with a beautifully refurbished home for single Dad and Navy Veteran Greg Jacobi and his two children. The source of the funds is the Home Depot Foundation, which has placed special emphasis on U.S. military Veterans facing growing financial and physical hardships at home as they return to civilian life. In 2011, the Foundation made a three year, $30 million pledge to Veteran’s housing initiatives, completing that plan over a year ahead of schedule. In September 2012, another $50 million was committed to Veterans’ nonprofits for another three year plan. The Celebration of Service Initiative coordinates projects to take place between September 11th and November 11th. Aspinall-Bair-Stober VFW Post 11038 of Rochester Quartermaster Telemachos “Tim” Agoudemos spearheaded the idea, completing the grant application to the Home Depot Foundation. The intended recipient of the grant, Greg Jacobi, served in the U.S. Navy from 19831993. As a result of his service in the Gulf Peninsula, he suffered a debilitating injury on an aircraft carrier when caught in the jetwash of an F-14, launching 15 feet up and throwing him 70 yards. Suffering both spinal and head injuries, Greg is currently dealing with epilepsy, constant pain meds and spinal pain that limits his mobility. He is also 60% deaf and suffers from PTSD. He is a single father of 2 children, ages 9 and 11. And their home in New Berlin was in serious need of numerous repairs. At the end of July, the Post was notified that $14,000 had been approved for the project, in The project included beautiful new landscaping. Workers dismantle the old deck. Team Depot makes its mark. conjunction with Team Depot from the Home Depot Store in Mukwonago. Plans were put into place to complete the work in mid to late September. The work list was extensive, including replacement of 11 windows; 4 entrance doors, including a patio door; the water filtration system; repair and replacement of a deck as well as accompanying landscaping around the home. Initially, a 2-day work plan was slated, but the Team ultimately completed the appointed tasks and then some in 3 days. Other added items included demolition of an old hot tub and gazebo; flattening of unused raised garden beds; complete landscaping cleanup and replanting; and demolition of the old deck among other items. Team Depot workers were assisted by member of Post 11038 as well as Post 5716. The Jacobis even received a beautiful new barbecue grill and a fire pit courtesy of the store, nice additions to their beautiful enlarged and leveled rear deck and patio area. The home’s inside trim is replaced with new, stained properly fitting trim and the energy efficient windows and doors will pay off in lower energy bills for years to come. A great Team effort – over 600 labor hours of sweat and toil – but one bringing results that will truly improve the independence and quality of life for a real American Hero and his family. Thanks to the Home Depot Foundation; Mukwanago Home Depot employees and Store Manager Jeff The new deck takes shape. Boss; Jeld-Wen for their generous support on the purchase of the doors; John and Bob and The Water Doctors for their also very generous support and pricing with the water treatment system; Amber Atlee and the Twisted Bistro in West Allis for providing lunch on Friday; BoiseCascade for their assistance with the pricing of the lumber materials for the project and Advanced Disposal for the donation and servicing of the dumpster. And thank you Greg Jacobi for your service to our country. Enjoy your beautiful home! Thanks to Post 11038 QM Tim Agoudemos, Jeff Boss and the Home Depot Foundation for story information, emails and photos. And congratulations on a job VERY well done!
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