Badger
“For God & Country”
&“Wisconsin”
aire
Official Publications of The
Wisconsin American Legion Family
August 21, 2014
Vol. 91, No. 7
www.wilegion.org
The mission of The American Legion, Department Of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
Air Force Veteran Bob Shappell Elected 2014-2015 Department Commander
Commander Ken Rynes opened tion Committees comprised of
the 96th annual Department con- delegates representing each of the
vention on July 18th at the Radis- 12 Districts in the Department met
son Paper Valley Hotel in Apple- to consider and debate important
ton. Kimberly Larson, 2010 Miss resolutions. A table appears in this
Wisconsin, performed our Nation- edition of the Badger Legionnaire
al Anthem and Appleton Mayor describing the resolutions conTim Hannah brought greetings to sidered and the actions taken by
the delegates. MG Donald Dunbar the convention. Chief among the
of the Wisconsin National Guard resolutions were proposals to betprovided the keynote address.
ter define Legion representatives
On Friday afternoon, Conven- to be seated on the Department
2015 Membership Goal
44.65%
District 12
1st PLACE
43.97%
District 3
2nd PLACE
42.35%
District 9
4th PLACE
40.98%
District 6
5th PLACE
38.05%
District 10
7th PLACE
37.26%
District 11
8th PLACE
36.25%
District 7
10th PLACE
36.20%
District 5
11th PLACE
59,600
43.53%
District 1
3rd PLACE
39.36%
District 2
6th PLACE
36.91%
District 8
9th PLACE
35.15%
District 4
12th PLACE
August 14th Total: 24,515
41.0%
Americanism and Hospital Committee and a proposal to endorse
Federal legislation that will provide interment rights for Hmong
veterans who fought on behalf
of US forces during the Vietnam
conflict, provided that they have
become US citizens.
Saturday, July 19th was the
second day of sessions. The day
began with an address by American Legion National Commander
Dan Dellinger of Virginia. Commander Dellinger was followed
by Wisconsin Department of
Veterans Affairs Secretary John
A. Scocos, a member of the Se-
verson – Cairns Post No. 501 in
Madison. Later in the morning
Legionnaires in attendance heard
from Governor Scott Walker.
The morning session concluded
with the election announcements.
Robert L. Shappell of the Peter
Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedarburg was elected by the delegates
to the high office of Department
Commander. Commander Shappell’s wife Pauline is also an Air
Force veteran and member of
Post No. 288.
The closing session on Sunday
featured the installation of the
new state officers and was fol-
lowed by an Executive Committee meeting. Many other speakers
as well as state and national level
awards were featured during the
course of the three day convention.
Of special note: “Rhino’s Run”,
the motorcycle fundraiser conducted in the days immediately
preceding the convention, exceeded the goal of $50,000 for
the Legacy Scholarship Fund.
The efforts of volunteers from
Johnston-Blessman Post No. 38 of
Appleton, who worked tirelessly
to ensure a smooth and enjoyable
event, also merit recognition.
Tribute to Past National Commander Keith Kreul
On Saturday, July 19th, mem- which accompanied Keith while
Department Commander Ken
bers of the Whitish-Funk Post he was National Commander. Rynes presented the Post No.
No. 184 of Fennimore had the Fennimore post members also 184 contingent with two beautiprivilege to perform a tribute to displayed the hand-sewn banner ful plaques, one from the Departpost member Keith Kreul at the and posters that were used in the ment and another from National
96th Annual Department Con- campaign to get Keith elected to Headquarters. Both plaques recvention in recognition of the thir- office over thirty years ago.
(Continued on Page 3)
tieth anniversary of his term as
National Commander in 1983-84.
The post Honor Guard consisted
of Pete Finnegan, Bob Griffith,
Herb Brun, Dean Ashmore, and
Don Marish.
Commander Keith was unable
to attend in person due to his
health but was there in spirit and
well represented by his fellow
Post No. 184 Legionnaires. Post
No. 184 members were assisted
by the Scarlet Guard of Appleton’s Post No. 38 in presenting
the stand of colors, both an American Flag and the bright red and
gold National Commander Flag, Fennimore Post members pay homage to PNC Keith Kreul during convention.
2014-15 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Pictured here is the 2014-15 Department Executive Committee and other Department Officers who met following the 96th Annual Convention in Appleton to formulate plans for the upcoming year.
PAGE 2
“Badger Legionnaire”
& “Wisconsin”
The Badger Legionnaire & Wisconsin are
the official publications of the Wisconsin
American Legion Family and are published
ten times annually, once every five weeks,
by The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin
2930 American Legion Drive
P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WI
and additional mailing offices.
USPS ID Number 010-135
ISSN: 2154-2627
Post Master: Send address changes to
Badger Legionnaire and Wisconsin,
P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901
“Badger Legionnaire”
The American Legion,
Department of Wisconsin
2930 American Legion Drive
P.O. Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901
Phone: (608) 745-1090
E-mail: [email protected]
David A. Kurtz, Executive Editor
2014-2015 Communications Committee
Kendel D. Feilen, Chairman
Jeremy Nordie, Vice Chairman
Ensley Brown, DEC Liaison
Bernard Olson
Phil Ingwell
Harold Rihn
Tony Tyczynski
Cecil Groves, Historian
Loretta Shellman, Auxiliary Liaison
Bonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison
2014-15 Department Officers
Commander
Robert Shappell
Vice Commanders
Dale Oatman
Rich Ruland
John Thurk
Dave Brisk
Adjutant
David A. Kurtz
Sergeant-at Arms
Charles Roessler
Dave Wischer
Service Officer
James Fialkowski
NECman
David L. Gough
Alternate NECman
Steve Krueger
District Commanders
1st – Tom Strey
2nd – Dan Seehafer
3rd – Mary Lloyd
4th – Claire Goodfellow
5th – Ensley Brown
6th – Jeff Puddy
7th – Mark Lesko
8th – Jerome Krofta
9th – Bob Lemke
10th – Ed Cooper
11th – Frank Kostka
12th – Jim Chapin
Change of Address & Other Information:
Subscribers: To report any upcoming changes
of address, please ask your Post Adjutant to fill
out a Membership Data Form and forward it to
Wisconsin American Legion Headquarters. The
change of address form that will be completed
by the Post Adjutant should not be confused
with the change of address card filled out at the
Post Office. Department financial statements
are available to Legionnaires in good standing
upon written request through their District
Commanders.
“Wisconsin”
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Wisconsin
2930 American Legion Drive
P.O. Box 140 • Portage, WI 53901
Bonnie Dorniak, Editor
Teresa Isensee, Department President
Bonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/Treasurer
To change your address: Notify Unit Secretary
Unit Secretary: Notify Department
Headquarters on a Member Data Form
The “Wisconsin” deadline for copy is
4 weeks before publication date.
Publication Schedule
All articles due to the Editor four weeks
before publication date. Send all copy to
[email protected]
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
August 21, 2014
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
I am honored
and humbled to
have been elected
your Department
Commander for
the next year. After retiring from
Bob Shappell
Department Commander the Air Force, I
joined the Legion for two reasons. First, my
Dad was a 63-year Legion member. Second, I wanted to become
more involved in my community,
something that was difficult to do
during my many military assignments. I recognize the unique opportunity given me to contribute
to my community, my state, and
all veterans during the next year.
I will do my best to live up to the
faith and confidence all of you
have shown in me.
As we move forward into a year
where our military is being reduced in size, the world situation
is tense, and the economy is still
fragile, we must become even better at providing support and assis-
tance for Wisconsin veterans and
their families. The Legion is more
important and vital than ever before in its history. We must ensure
we have the passion and energy
to keep our programs healthy and
growing. We need the SPIRIT of
Wisconsin. Let me explain.
Strength in numbers. Our success as a veterans service organization depends largely on our
strength in numbers. Membership
gives us the ability to sustain active
local posts, and to be a strong, effective political voice at both state
and national levels. Wisconsin has
about 250,000 eligible veterans
who are not Legion members. We
need many more of them to join
our ranks.
Pride. We need to show how
proud we are of our posts and The
American Legion. Talk about your
post and what it does for the community; talk about what the Legion
does not only for veterans, but for
children and young people through
our Americanism and Children
and Youth programs. Be open and
enthusiastic with your pride, and
others will want to join us.
I ntegrity. We represent the Legion and must abide by its values
and ideals. We must always be
honest and honorable, both within
our organization and in our dealings with our local communities.
Respect. Respect everyone’s
service; respect everyone’s opinion. Do not let personal conflicts
get in the way of doing the right
thing for your post and for the Legion.
I nitiative. The Legion was built
on the individual initiative of our
founding members. The Legion
survives and thrives because of initiative. Foster initiative in others,
and let them show you how well
they can perform in their own way.
Teamwork. We must work together at all levels to complete our
mission of supporting veterans and
their families. Working together
allows us to get things done more
easily, and allows us to accomplish
more than we could by doing it
alone. Our military works in teams,
and they are the best example of
how to accomplish the mission.
General Robert E. Lee once said,
“Duty then is the sublimest word in
the English language. You should
do your duty in all things. You can
never do more. You should never
wish to do less.” Legionnaires did
their duty serving their country;
they continue to serve with a sense
of duty as Legionnaires. Legionnaires have always done more
than was required of them.
Our founders knew from firsthand experience that veterans
would not always get a fair shake.
From our founders’ vision springs
a long-standing commitment to
America’s veterans; a covenant
consistent with the first rule of battle: “We shall not fail those with
whom we serve.” Let’s create a
true Spirit of Wisconsin within our
posts and throughout the state to
make sure that we will never fail
those who serve their nation - past,
present, and future.
DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER
I love being
your Department
Service Officer.
In my position
I get the pleasure of working
closely with the
James Fialkowski
veteran
commuService Officer
nity. Once in a
while you run into a truly exceptional individual. This article is
about one such hero who recently
answered the last bugle call. I am
referring to a World War II Marine
whom I will call Mr. Z for the purposes of this article. Mr. Z became
a Prisoner of War early in the war
while serving on Wake Island. He
spent four years in captivity and of
those, three and a half years were
spent working a salt mine in China
under Japanese supervision. I don’t
have to tell you how extreme his
hardship was as a prisoner of the
Imperial Japanese Empire. Getting
by on a small bowl of rice with a
beetle to eat each day, he dropped
to 65 pounds and had multiple illnesses which included malaria.
When he was finally liberated near
the end of the war, he received a
letter from President Roosevelt
thanking him for his service and
extreme sacrifices. Mr. Z being
his patriotic self, decided to stay
in the USMC reserves. When Korea started he was called onto active duty and sent to fight in Korea
even though he was exempt from
overseas duty. When his command finally realized their error
and called Mr. Z into the command
post to tell him he wasn’t supposed
to be there, he simply stated with
an expletive that he already knew
this to be true but he wanted to stay
and fight (Note: The true conversation was much more colorful, as
you could imagine). Following his
wonderful string of luck, this gungho perspective soon landed him at
the Chosin Reservoir surrounded
by the Chinese. Through conversations with Mr. Z, I found out his unit
considered him to be a wiley older
Marine. They soon asked him and
others like him to scout ahead for
the passages with the least resistance back to friendly lines, which
of course he did without hesitation.
“Somebody had to do it” he said to
me. After Korea, Mr. Z received
his second presidential letter, this
time from President Truman. I
was happy to see both Presidents
acknowledge such a great man.
Mr. Z lived the remainder of his
life in Milwaukee. He had no need
for frills or comfort items, saying,
“I get the basics because that’s all
we need”. He enjoyed helping his
neighbors. He recently adopted
some stray kittens that showed up
at his building’s back stoop. Providing them food and water - acts
of kindness to the end. Mr. Z truly
was a class act, a good man and a
Hero. I will miss him.
And now for this articles “Little
Known Benefit” – Noncompetitive
government hire now can extend to
the spouse of a service connected
100% disabled veteran. For more
information go to Http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/qaspouse/
index.aspx
Once again, I want to thank all
of you for your loyal support of
the Department Service Office and
your commitment in “Still Serving
America”.
WDVA SECRETARY
WDVA Recognizes Partnerships
Nearly three
years ago, the
Wisconsin Department
of
Veterans
AfJohn A. Scocos
fairs charted a
WDVA Secretary
new course for
the agency, finding improved ways
to help veterans while keeping an
eye towards the future of veterans
in this state. We set new priorities
to reflect modern day realities and
meet the needs of all generations of
veterans.
Today, we remain steadfast in our
focus on those priorities and have
many valuable partners to help
meet our objectives, including The
American Legion, among many
others, whom we were pleased to
recognize at the Wisconsin State
Fair Sunday, August 10, with certificates of recognition for all their
hard work in partnering with us to
assist Wisconsin veterans.
While the WDVA is responsible
for assisting veterans on many different issues, one of our top priorities is helping veterans find meaningful employment. Over the past
three years we have been privileged
to partner with those organizations
that can make a true connection
between veterans and employers
and help us meet the varying needs
of many veterans.
The WDVA has partnered with
various agencies and organizations
to host 67 veteran career fairs statewide over the past four years, serv-
ing nearly 14,000 veterans. Last
year alone, over 4,000 veterans and
spouses attended these career fairs.
Of those who completed a follow
up survey about their career fair experience, 55 percent had received a
job offer or follow-up interview.
One of our marquee events this
year was VetCon: A Veterans Employment and Services Conference.
This event was held in May and offered veterans a one-stop shop for
employment assistance, benefits
and claims assistance, and other
resource and service information.
We had many great partners and
sponsors for that event, including
The American Legion.
This year we also grew our regional business symposiums for
employers who are recruiting and
hiring new employees. We’ve
worked hard to make sure employers know why veterans make such
strong employees. We’ve hosted
employer workshops around the
state in partnership with state businesses to help non-veteran hiring
officials understand veterans and
give them ways to connect with veterans when they have job openings.
Over the past 3 years we’ve had
over 200 new businesses participating and agreeing to increase
their effort in hiring veterans. We
couldn’t have done it without our
partners. Thank you to The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin for all your efforts over the
past year.
August 21, 2014
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
PAGE 3
Camp American Legion Assists with Suicide Prevention
All of us
have heard
about the
staggering
rate of suicides among veterans
and military service members. We
have heard it way too many times
now and it comes at us from the
media almost daily. We hear from
this expert and that psychiatrist or
from this research study or from
that report and it comes at us from
all sides. It seems like no one can
get a handle on it or even slow it
down, let alone stop it. The alarming rate of suicide among veterans
and within the military is simply
unacceptable. In some circles the
word “epidemic” is even being
used to describe the problem. Too
many of our comrades are making that tragic decision to end their
life. It is heart wrenching.
The suicide rate among veterans
is twice that of civilians with 22
veterans/service members taking
their own life every day. That is
right – each and every day. That is
one every 65 minutes, which adds
up to 8,000 every year. In fact,
30% of all veterans have considered suicide. Truly sad statistics
that go on and on.
Rather than simply talking about
it, during the week of May 19-25
Camp American Legion partnered with the Wisconsin National
Guard to conduct an “Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training”
(ASIST) Program here at camp.
This is a great program and a perfect fit for Camp’s “Help to Heal”
mission. This program belongs
here. It is part of who we are and
our reason for being.
The ASIST program is an interactive workshop that prepares
individuals to provide suicide
first aid intervention. Small group
discussions and skills practice are
based on adult learning principles.
ASIST teaches the Suicide Intervention Model. In the end participants will be better able to:
• Identify people who have
thoughts of suicide
• Understand how beliefs and attitudes can effect suicide intervention
• Seek a shared understanding of
the reasons for thoughts of suicide
and the reason for living
• Review current risk level and
develop a plan to increase safety
from suicidal behavior for an
agreed amount of time
• Follow up on safety commitments, accessing further help as
needed
Even if you don’t quite understand all these learning outcomes
that really doesn’t matter. What
matters is that the Wisconsin Legion Family and Camp American
Legion are taking steps to “Help
to Heal” our military brothers and
sisters who have thoughts of suicide. To stop them from making
that fatal final decision. We value
their lives and care.
Beyond this Wisconsin National
Guard program, Camp American
Legion has developed collaborative working relationships with
the Suicide Prevention Coordinators at all VA Hospitals in Wisconsin. We work hard to be connected
to every organization that assists
veterans and professionals who
work with veterans and service
members with suicidal ideation.
Wisconsin American Legion
Family; Camp American Legion
is your Camp and in its own small
way will do whatever it can to
stop this tragic loss of life and turn
the tide. Let us continue our work.
Kevin Moshea,
Camp Director
Suicide intervention skills workshop participants from the Wisconsin
National Guard gathered at Camp for training earlier this summer.
5TH ANNUAL FALL RIDE TO CAMP
TO RAISE FUNDS TO BENEFIT CAMP AMERICAN LEGION
Saturday, September 13th
12:00 noon
Pig Roast and Corn Boil
$10 DONATION PER MEAL, PLEASE
All funds raised should be brought to Camp on September 13th for a special presentation event. Rooms at Camp may be reserved for September 11th, 12th and 13th. A
donation of $30.00 per bed per night is requested. Continental breakfast is included
with stay. Reservations requested for overnight stay can be made with Camp Director
Kevin Moshea at (715) 277-2510
Tribute
(continued from page 1)
ognized the thirtieth anniversary
of Keith’s year at the top and all
he has done for the Legion since
then. Also presented was a lifetime identification card that allows Keith to attend any and all
events sponsored by The American Legion.
Plans are in place to re-create
the tribute to Keith on September 11th in Fennimore at Post
No. 184’s regularly scheduled
meeting complete with flags,
banner, posters, and awards.
Keith and his family will be the
guests of honor.
Refreshments and program
will begin at 6PM and last until 7:30PM, when the regular
Legion business meeting will
begin. Whitish-Funk American
Legion Post No 184 is located
at 860 Lincoln Avenue in Fennimore, WI 53089. All are invited
to attend.
2014 Department Convention Sweepstakes Winners
GRAND PRIZE $20,000
Donald Beghin – Mt. Horeb
Commander Bob Shappell of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedarburg
presents Sweepstakes winner Donald Beghin of Post No. 113 in Mt. Horeb
with his check. Don served as an Army Infantryman during WWII after he
was rejected by the Air Corps due to flat feet. No kidding.
11TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Ken Kozey - Waterford
2ND PRIZE • $2,000 CASH
Ken Kosidowski – West Bend
12TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Ron Anderson – Balsam Lake
3RD PRIZE • $1,000 CASH
Ronald Hepner - Brookfield
13TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Robert Howard - Blair
4TH PRIZE • $500 CASH
Ray Rabuch - Baraboo
14TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Sharon Lamer - Tomahawk
5TH PRIZE • $500 CASH
Willis Fernholz - Onalaska
15TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Karen Larsen – Daggett, MI
6TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Lloyd Wagener - Horicon
16TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
David Burrow - Evansville
7TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Ken Alt - Madison
17TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Gordon Port - Waupun
8TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Vicki Franke – Park Falls
18TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Ron Ludtke – Little Chute
9TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Neil Wittrock – Wisconsin Rapids
19TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Harold Pesik - Hillsboro
10TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Tom Dobberstein – West Bend
20TH PRIZE • $100 CASH
Gregg Phillips - Merrimac
PAGE 4
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Sons of The American Legion
2014-2015 Detachment Commander
Hello Legion Famprogram to continue
ily, my name is Gary
as well. For 2014Lubich and I am
15 we are setting
proud to serve you
our sights on once
as your new Detachagain
achieving
ment Commander
the Triple Nickof the Sons of The
el award, which
American Legion. I
means we need to
and my fellow Sons
retain 85% or more
look forward to
of our members,
working with you in
charter five new
the many ways you Detachment Commander Squadrons,
and
Gary Lubich
continue to serve.
reach 105% of our
My Commander’s Project is to membership goal. We have done
provide Camp American Legion this before so I know we can do it
with needed exercise equipment. again. Congratulations also to DeThanks to the leadership of imme- partment Commander Bob Shapdiate Past Detachment Command- pell, Department President Teresa
er Dan Daily we’ve just finished Isensee, and ALRA President Bob
a very successful year on many Lloyd. I look forward to working
fronts, most notably with the Josh with you. If anyone has any quesDog program.
tions about the Sons of The AmerThe value to our troops that this ican Legion, please don’t hesitate
program has demonstrated is be- to contact us at www.wisal.org or
yond measure, and we expect this (608) 745-1090.
Vietnam Veteran’s Dedication
On Sunday, August 3, 2014, the 1st District Chapter of the Wisconsin
American Legion Riders Association were honored to participate in
the dedication of a tree for each of the 35 Kenosha residents who
sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam war. The Riders were led by
District 1 Rider President Frank “Phantom” Konieska and are shown
laying a rose at one of the 35 trees dedicated during the ceremony.
2014 Samsung Scholarship Recipient
Lukas Matthews
compete against aphas been selected as
proximately 98 other
the 2014 Samsung
students for one of
American Legion
nine $20,000 scholScholarship Nationarships. The remainal Finalist by the
ing students will reDirector of Badger
ceive a $1,100 scholBoys State. Each
arship. Lukas resides
year, delegates that
in Stoughton and his
attend Badger Boys
college goals are to
State are eligible to
study Social Policy,
apply for the SamBiotechnology and
Lucas Matthews
sung Scholarship
Spanish. The entire
if they are a direct descendant
staff and Board of Directors of
of a military war veteran. AcaBadger Boys State wishes Ludemic success, community inkas the best in his endeavors
volvement and other criteria are
and good luck as he competes
used in the selection process. As
for this prestigious National
a National Finalist, Lukas will
Scholarship.
August 21, 2014
SAL Honoring Veterans Who Have Passed
An important part of our work supporting
veterans includes supporting those veterans
who have passed. SAL Squadron No. 65
in Rome continues to work in this area in a
number of ways.
Squadron No. 65 Commander Kris Riemenschneider took up the project to replace
the sign at the New Rome Cemetery. He
worked with the Rome Town Board, Cemetery Committee, and others on the project.
He was able to get Rome Town Board approval for a newly designed sign that his
son-in-law made free of charge.
In addition, Squadron members checked
grave markers and flag holders, and placed
flags in local cemeteries for Memorial Day.
They are also installing flag poles at 16 area
cemeteries with the Veterans and Friends
Cemetery Flag Project.
Pictured here are Post No. 65 Commander Jim Kitchen, Squadron Commander Kris
Riemenschneider, and SAL member Tim
Baxter as they installed the new sign.
Post No. 271 Holds Fundraiser to Support Camp
The American Legion Family of Clyde Sheppard Post No.
271 in Poynette recently held a
fundraiser for Camp American
Legion along with the Lakeside
Bar and Grill and other local
merchants. The event was held
on Armed Forces Day and provided many activities. $1,000
was raised to support Camp.
Pictured left to right are Unit
No. 271 Auxiliary President
Terri Fiore, Post Commander
Jeff Kostichka and SAL Squadron No. 271 Commander Troy
Rortvedt.
Lake Mills Post No. 67 Supports Boy Scouts
Clarence Bean-Warren George
Post No. 67 has been a long time
sponsor of Boy Scout Troop
No. 148 in Lake Mills. For 80
consecutive years the post has
assisted in molding the character of young men in the community. Troop No. 148 was first
sponsored by Post No. 67 in November of 1934. The Troop appropriately celebrated 75 years
of consecutive sponsorship by
the Legion in 2009 and they now
celebrate 80 years of consecutive
sponsorship.
The Troop recently held a special Court of Honor in recognition of Post No. 67 member Dr.
Roland Liebenow. Dr. Liebenow served Troop No. 148 as the
chartered representative for 36
consecutive years, from 1978 to
2014, until stepping down earlier
this year.
Pictured with the Boy Scouts
in the front row of the photo are
members of Post No. 67. From
left to right are; Post Commander
Dave Behling, new Chartered Representative Tracy Messerschmidt,
Dr. Roland Liebenow, Sergeant
at Arms John Wineke, Tim Finn
and Department Commander Bob
Shappell who appeared as a special guest for the Court of Honor.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE 96TH ANNUAL DEPTARTMENT CONVENTION
resolution No. subject - Title
1.2014
2.2014
3.2014
4.2014
5.2014
6.2014
Americanism Committee
Hospital Committee
Dues and Funds
Veterans Grave Markers
POW/MIA Stamp
Amend Immigration Act of 1990
Action
resolution No. subject - Title
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
7.2014
8.2014
9.2014
10.2014
11.2014
12.2014
Action
Conscientious Objectors Tax
Approved
English Language for Naturalization Approved
Thank Host Post
Approved
Thank Host Hotel
Approved
Thank Host City
Approved
Interment Rights for Hmong veteransApproved
August 21, 2014
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
PAGE 5
Wisconsin American Legion Baseball Wraps Up the 2014 Campaign
The 89th season of American Legion Baseball in Wisconsin came to an end with
the annual All Star Weekend
at Miller Park in Milwaukee.
This season saw 207 teams
participate in the five classes.
In the 43rd Annual All Star
Game played August 10th,
the North team scored in
the top of the 9th inning to
defeat the South for the first
time since 2009 by a score
of 4-3. Caleb Willems from
Luxemburg was named the
game’s Most Valuable Player
and Lowell Chevalier of the
Menominee Legion team
received the Chairman’s
Award.
Bill Michaels of the statewide Bill Michaels Radio
Network served as the field
announcer during the pregame ceremony prior to the
Milwaukee Brewers contest against the Los Angeles
Dodgers. Department Commander Bob Shappell of Cedarburg split the dish with
the ceremonial first pitch before the Brewers game. The
All Star weekend also included the annual banquet on
Saturday, August 9th at the
Radisson Milwaukee – West
hotel which was attended by
nearly 300 players, parents
and Legionnaires.
Five
champions
were
crowned this past season.
Plover won the Class AAA
championship and the Menasha Twins prevailed in Class
AA. Waupun repeated as
Class A titlists. The Appleton
DoubleDays won the 17-U
title while Beloit claimed the
16-U championship.
Department Commander Bob Shappell shows his form and delivers a strike with his first pitch.
Commander Bob rubs elbows
with Bernie Brewer.
2014 Wisconsin American Legion All Stars - North
“The Big Unit” Bill Michaels of the Bill
Michaels Radio Network acted as on-field
announcer for the pre-game ceremonies.
2014 Wisconsin American Legion All Stars - South
2014 All-star Game MVP Caleb Willems of the Kewaunee Legion
Team with Commander Shappell and All-star Chairman Ken Larsen.
Baseball Commissioner Roger Mathison,
Commander Shappell and Bill Michaels.
2014 All-star Game Chairman’s Award recipient Lowell Chevalier of
Menominee with Commander Shappell and Chairman Larsen.
PAGE 6
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
The Last
Bugle
1 Germantown
Robert Looksmith II
3 Antigo
James Suick
II
Herbt Malchow II
7 Rhinelander
Vito Virgilio
II
11 Green Bay
Donald Kiernan
Robert Pigeon II
Lloyd Busch
K
12 Spooner
Nyle Hovey
II
Eugene Bedford II
Robert Becker II
13 Richland Center
Bert Marshall
II
14 Iola
Everett Aasen
K
20 Waterford
Dennis Crombie K
21 Kenosha
Tom Cergua
K
26 Baraboo
Keith Anderson II
Leon Laubscher II
29 Kewaunee
Robert Lischka K
33 Neenah
Ronald Peterson V
Robert Grunska II
Bruce Curry
II
35 Evansville
George Nordeng II
38 Appleton
Clair Sommer
K
Henry West
II
LawrenceJandrey K
Donald Leidheiser V
Richard Faltynski V
39 Marinette
Leo Michalski II
44 Wabeno
Richard Quinn II
Richard Huisman V
45 Elkhorn
Bruce Houghton II
46 Merrill
Roger Hackbarth K
48 Beloit
Ken Rehard
K
53 Eau Claire
Elroy Strand
II
Edward Eckhoff II
54 Marshfield
Hubert Reigel
II
Donald Haralson K
58 Hurley
James Kaffine
K
60 Kimberly
John VanDrunen II
John Heier
V
63 Clintonville
Stanley Johnson II
Gordon Noren
II
69 Mayville
Merlin Strook
K
70 Oshkosh
Jack Carrick
II
72 Sturgeon Bay
George LeClair K
John Law
K
74 Oconto
Gerald Stewart V
4/5/14
6/10/14
4/25/14
5/22/14
6/28/14
6/7/14
5/14/14
5/29/14
12/2/13
3/13/14
6/17/14
8/2/14
7/7/14
6/13/14
7/4/14
8/1/14
6/30/14
6/21/14
6/14/14
7/8/11
7/25/14
7/14/14
7/22/14
7/30/14
7/22/14
8/9/14
6/18/14
6/13/14
7/24/14
6/28/14
4/29/14
7/19/14
1/22/14
8/1/14
7/2/14
7/4/14
7/23/14
6/3/14
1/28/14
6/27/14
7/23/14
7/7/14
7/14/14
6/10/14
5/26/14
5/10/14
Roger Trepanier V
77 Chippewa Falls
William Feirn
V
80 New Richmond
John Kleschewski V
83 Sheboygan
Alfred Metscher K
84 Monroe
VictoriaWuthrich II
William Smith II
Robert Rieder
II
93 Tomahawk
Robert Olsen
K
Anthony Adamczyk II
Leonard Kranker II
95 Delavan
Rodney Griffin V
105 Shullsburg
Jerry Oneill
V
106 Seymour
William Halverson V
Orvell Debruin II
Clifford Doxtator K
120 West Allis
Lloyd Solberg
II
125 Chilton
Kenneth Weber K
126 Brillion
Donald Deffke II
131 Colfax
Orville Larson
II
Juul Noer
II
136 Niagara
Warren Anderson II
141 New Glarus
Mark Hagensick V
146 Beaver Dam
William Mallon II
George Steil
II
152 Menasha
Gerald Birling
K
153 Pittsville
David Levoy
V
Keith Leach
V
161 King
Arlen Drews
II
Wayne Knutson PG
163 Wautoma
Vernet Slife
II
167 Sauk City
Lyman Waffenschmidt II
171 Union Grove
James Jolicoeur V
Robert Ludwig K
175 Loyal
Robert Dow
K
179 Chetek
Norman Davis
K
John Hayes
K
Leonard Cizek K
180 Milwaukee
Norbert Doligalski II
182 Park Falls
Harry Frokjer
II
Don Jordan
II
Jerome Johnson K
Arnold Stueber II
185 Grantsburg
Kenneth Haug
II
186 Independence
John Konter
V
Raymond Smieja II
188 East Troy
Frank Kasun
II
200 Black River Falls
Clifford Riordan
Louis Perry
II
202 Chaseburg
Claude Sebion II
203 Milwaukee
Robert Clarey
II
Henry Klingelhoets II
205 Janesville
Edward Hallmark II
209 Orfordville
Myron Paulson II
William Klusmeyer V
Raymond Marden K
8/3/14
5/4/14
7/1/14
7/11/14
6/21/14
6/19/14
8/9/14
6/16/14
12/23/13
11/2/13
6/29/14
6/27/14
5/13/14
7/27/14
8/2/14
3/20/14
7/1/14
7/12/14
6/5/14
7/29/14
5/28/14
4/2/14
7/21/14
7/22/14
6/2/14
5/9/14
6/21/14
8/4/14
6/29/14
8/3/14
7/14/14
7/16/14
7/16/17
7/6/14
6/16/14
5/12/14
7/4/14
9/20/13
6/25/14
6/21/14
7/17/14
7/21/14
11/29/12
3/15/14
7/5/14
7/25/14
7/3/14
7/12/14
6/30/14
7/24/13
5/10/14
2/20/14
7/30/14
210 Waupun
James DeYoung II
Charles DeBoer II
Gerhart Wille
K
218 Hayward
James Chevrier K
Melvin Harbort
233 Waterloo
Virgil Sharp
II
Gordon Cronin II
Arnold Schuett K
246 Genoa
Richard Robertson K
253 Spring Green
Hubert Duren
K
Edwin Kraemer II
258 Little Chute
Ervin VanAsten II
267 New Auburn
Charles Curavo II
268 Bruce
Audie Christianson II
272 Butternut
Henry WeinbergerII
Ronald Christian V
274 Rib Lake
Elvis Wolf
II
283 Suring
LeRoy Kebschull II
288 Cedarburg
Lester Boehm
V
Arthur Kleman II
294 Hartland
Allan Bohachek V
Damon Leblond V
Donald LeRoy II
295 Bloomer
Ralph Meinen
V
Lynn Demers
V
299 Hales Corners
Lewis Lewis
II
301 Woodville
Steven DeLong V
Duane Hillstead V
304 Palmyra
Donald Martens K
Walter Leverenz K
308 Gays Mills
Darrell Gordinier II
310 Racine
Kenneth Thiesen II
316 Sheldon
Teddy Styczinski II
Walter Sieverin K
317 Wautoma
Milo Gunderson II
318 Lake Tomahawk
Gilbert Passow II
324 Osseo
Carl Bong
II
M D Vanlandingham V
330 Wilson
Troy Rathai
G/L
332 Black Creek
William Tesch G/L
333 Sun Prairie
Leon Jesberger K
339 Almond
Carlyle Scanlan K
341 Birnamwood
William Krauss II
George Grill
II
William Dickman K
Leslie Larson
II
343 Hancock
David Halom
V
352 Cassville
Clarence Fure
K
359 Gilman
Leonard Gay
II
360 Waunakee
Edgar Anderson V
Barry Young
V
371 Saxon
Robert Kehlenbeck II
375 Mukwonago
Willis Matthiesen II
7/5/14
6/25/14
5/24/14
6/3/14
7/4/14
4/10/14
1/15/14
4/1/14
7/31/14
8/2/14
7/23/14
7/18/14
7/7/14
7/29/14
7/1/14
7/14/14
6/22/14
7/4/14
6/8/14
8/4/14
5/28/14
4/15/14
5/29/14
6/10/14
12/22/13
7/27/14
August 21, 2014
390 Gresham
Tom Rudesill
V
Alvin Christ
II
393 Edgar
Donald Hoesly K
395 Kingston
Clifton Kohn
K
399 Okauchee
Michael Gazdik II
Patrick Smith
II
401 Cambria
Herbert Brende K
413 Crivitz
Edward Desjardin II
414 Bowler
Otto Kolpack
K
415 Milwaukee
Jack Schultz
V
427 Milwaukee
Frederick Klabunde K
Charles Gronitz K
James Bentley
II
Donald Reineck K
Lionel Singer
II
428 Amberg
Jerome Wontor V
Gerald LorberblattK
431 Three Lakes
John Wynhoff
K
Edward Stanzil II
Wallace Olson II
436 Wrightstown
Donald Minten K
B J Kempen
II
440 Clinton
Richard Farrell V
John Chekouras II
442 Wisconsin Rapids
Ronald Wisniewski V
449 Brookfield
Ralph Fico
II
1/15/14
7/21/14
6/26/14
5/29/14
7/26/14
6/11/14
7/6/14
8/5/14
7/27/14
6/13/14
2/1/14
3/17/14
6/11/14
1/10/14
1/14/14
7/3/14
4/9/14
6/12/14
7/7/14
7/12/14
8/5/14
6/25/14
7/5/14
2/15/14
6/27/14
Jerome Salentine K
George Adlam II
Donald Donovan K
Kenneth Schuerer II
William McCarthy II
Theodore Johnson II
Thomas McKeown II
John Jakubowski II
453 Belmont
Robert Speth
II
455 Milwaukee
J W Knight
II
457 Mequon-Thiensville
Richard Britten K
460 Belleville
Donald Pauli
K
464 Land O Lakes
Charles Labelle II
480 Presque Isle
Donald Bates
V
Daryl Huber
II
481 Madison
Thomas Jafferis II
485 Rudolph
Leon Peters
II
Robert Schmidt K
499 Gordon
Edward Polgar K
500 West Allis
Edward Inkmann II
501 Madison
Steven Paulson V
Avery Denkert K
Harold Berge
II
508 Wilton
Verne Arndt
K
541 Northfield
Michael Dwyer P
Richard Wallinger V
553 Madison
George Bielefeld II
7/8/14
4/1/14
4/20/14
11/24/13
5/12/14
6/16/14
8/1/14
8/2/14
7/19/14
7/2/14
8/3/13
6/14/14
7/19/14
7/27/14
7/12/14
7/13/14
8/6/14
8/12/14
1/14/14
7/12/14
6/30/14
2/6/13
7/20/14
6/28/14
6/16/14
6/8/14
1/26/14
7/14/14
7/21/14
7/20/14
7/20/14
5/16/14
7/26/14
7/19/14
7/3/14
7/8/14
7/16/14
6/25/14
7/18/14
7/2/14
7/20/14
7/25/14
7/27/14
11/2/13
6/14/13
12/3/12
9/14/13
7/6/14
7/17/14
5/23/14
7/11/14
7/19/14
7/4/14
7/4/14
SAVE THE DATE!!!!
January 16-18, 2015
MIDWINTER CONFERENCE
Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino
& Convention Center
Wisconsin Dells
Additional information in next issue of
the Badger Legionnaire!
August 21, 2014
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
PAGE 7
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR 2014-2015 MEMBERSHIP
Commander Bob Shappell wants you to “Get One” and win $1,000 or $500
Department Commander Bob
Shappell knows that there is
strength in numbers and is focused on growth for 2015. Every
post’s first goal should be last
year’s total membership PLUS
1. Each post that achieves growth
and becomes eligible for the National Post Excellence Award in
2015 will be recognized in the
Badger Legionnaire.
Individual Membership Awards
To grow at the local level, each
post needs to rely on their members being active recruiters. For
the individual Legionnaire, membership recruiting can lead to a big
reward! Legion members can simply sign up a new member, or renew any former member who has
not paid for 2 years (since 2012)
and their name will be entered in a
drawing. Those that qualify have
a chance to win a First prize of
$1,000 or a Second prize of $500
at the 2015 Midwinter Conference at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Convention Center in the
Wisconsin Dells. There is no limit
to the number of times an individual can qualify – recruiters get
one chance for every new member
they recruit. Department will also
award them the traditional “I Got
1” pin. Recruiters can show their
pride by earning the new “I Got
1” pins. The new pins are larger
and more visible than ever before.
Anyone who recruits a new member qualifies!
For Legionnaires who soar to
great heights, they can earn new
individual membership recruiting
awards. Each award is named for
the top Air Force pilot ace from
the four major conflicts of the
20th Century. Match the number
of newly recruited Legionnaires
with the Aces total and earn the
following;
5 NEW MEMBERS –
Captain Steve Ritchie
Membership Award
Top pilot ace in Vietnam5 victories earns a pin featuring the legendary F-4 Phantom
16 NEW MEMBERS
Captain Joe McConnell
Membership Award
Top ace in Korea 16 victories earns a cap featuring the classic F-86 Sabre
26 NEW MEMBERS
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
Membership Award
Top ace in WWI 26 victories earns a Polo shirt
featuring the “Hat in the Ring”
Spad biplane
40 NEW MEMBERS
Major Dick Bong
Membership Award
Top ace in WWII
40 victories earns a custom
fleece jacket featuring the twin
tailed P-38 Lightning
BE A
MEMBERSHIP
ACE!
5 VICTORIES
16 VICTORIES
Captain Steve Ritchie
Membership Ace
Captain Joe McConnell
Membership Ace
F-4 PHANTOM JET
F-86 SABRE JET
26 VICTORIES
40 VICTORIES
Captain
Eddie Rickenbacker
Membership Ace
Major Richard Bong
Membership Ace
BIPLANE
P-38 LIGHTNING
These special recognition awards
are offered in addition to the Badger Big 10 pin, which can be earned
by signing up ten (10) new members to be a part of this exclusive
group of Legionnaires. Badger Big
10 recruiters receive a pin and a
patch to wear with pride.
The National American Legion
is also encouraging recruitment
with the Silver Brigade (25 new
members) and Gold Brigade (50
new members) awards for Legionnaires who recruit 25 and 50 new
members respectively.
Attention Post Commanders!
Reach 100% of your 2015 membership goal by Veterans Day on
November 11th and qualify for
a drawing. A customized jacket
with the winner’s name and post
along with a baseball cap featuring
branch of service will be awarded.
NEW for County Commanders! All County Commanders
who achieve 100% of their 2015
goal or grow their membership
over the 2014 total by December
31st will receive a custom County
Commander Uniform Shirt embroidered with your name! We can
reach new heights in Membership
for 2015. Contact Chris Schmidt at
[email protected] or call headquarters at (608) 745-1090 with
any questions.
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