Milwaukee Brewers Catcher Gregg Zaun Signs on to Support

March 25, 2010/Vol. 87, No. 3
The mission of the american legion, department of wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.
Milwaukee Brewers Catcher Gregg Zaun
Signs on to Support Legion Baseball
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gregg
Zaun will serve as the Honorary Chairman for Wisconsin American Legion
Baseball in 2010. This is Zaun’s first
year with the Brewers. He has agreed to
provide financial support and lend his
name to the Legion, giving a big league
boost to the Wisconsin American Legion
All-Star Game.
Zaun, who is an alumnus of American
Legion Baseball, was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1989 Major League
Draft. He played with several teams over
the years. He was a member of the World
Series champion 1997 Florida Marlins.
He comes to the Brewers from the Tampa
Bay Rays.
Zaun will take a photo with each AllStar Team prior to the Wisconsin American Legion Baseball All-Star Game to
be played on August 8th at Miller Park.
In addition, he has generously donated
$5,000 to support the baseball program,
a portion of which will be awarded by
Zaun in the form of college scholarships
during the All-Star Game.
To further support the organization,
Gregg Zaun
Legionnaires Petition
in Washington, DC
Led by Department Commander Leo A. Endres, a delegation
of Wisconsin Legionnaires traveled to Washington, DC March
1st and petitioned each of our
members of Congress and both
US Senators. The group included
our National Executive Committeeman David Gough, ANEC
Al Richards, Past Department
Commanders Lloyd Wagener,
Bob Weyenberg, Ted DiMicchi
and Ted Duckworth. Also participating were Past Department
Vice Commanders Ron Kuta
and Don Schindler, 4th District
Commander Wayne Jensen, Past
Department Service Officer Tom
Ludka, Homeless Veterans Taskforce Chairman Clif Sorenson
and Department Adjutant David
A. Kurtz.
Commander Endres spoke personally with both Senator Kohl
and Senator Feingold and found
them receptive to The American
Legion agenda. They were particularly interested in the need to
expand the Post 9/11 GI Bill to
include those veterans who opt
for vocational training rather
than attending university or college. Many of the Congressional representatives also showed
a high degree of interest on this
issue.
Wisconsin Legionnaires demonstrated an excellent command
of veterans’ issues and were effective in relating The American
Legion legislative priorities. The
willingness of elected representative to meet with Wisconsin
Legionnaires and their largely
positive responses highlights
the need for the Department to
maintain our status as the largest
veteran’s service organization in
the state through our membership
recruiting and retention efforts.
Zaun is donating several personally-autographed items for use by the Wisconsin
American Legion for fundraising events.
All proceeds from these items will directly support the baseball program.
The Wisconsin American Legion AllStar Game has been played at the home
of the Milwaukee Brewers – County Stadium and now Miller Park - since 1972.
Wisconsin is the only state where Legion
All-Stars have the opportunity to play on
a Major League Baseball field.
“The Brewers have been great partners with Wisconsin American Legion
Baseball over the years and Gregg Zaun’s
involvement with the program is an exciting new opportunity. We welcome him
to the Brewers and to Legion Baseball,”
said Stan Torstenson, Commissioner of
Wisconsin American Legion Baseball.
“As a former American Legion Baseball
Player, we are sure that Gregg will be an
inspiration to the young men participating in the program,” he continued.
Department Headquarters will have
tickets available for the Brewers/Astros
game on Sunday, August 8th. Tickets can
be purchased for the Brewers game and
fans are welcome to stay and enjoy the
All-Star Game that will follow. Tickets
are available to anyone interested in attending the Brewers or All-Star Game;
you do not need to be affiliated with the
Legion Baseball program. Proceeds from
ticket sales benefit Wisconsin American
Legion Baseball. More information on
how you can get tickets will be available in the next issue of the Badger
Legionnaire.
Since 1926, American Legion Baseball
has been making a difference in the lives
of young men across Wisconsin. This
summer 250 American Legion Baseball
teams will compete across the state of
Wisconsin. The goal of the program is
to build players strength, coordination
and over-all physical fitness. American
Legion Baseball combats juvenile delinquency as well as aids in the development
of good sportsmanship and citizenship.
For more information on how you can
start a team, volunteer, or donate, please
contact programs coordinator Jill Janke
at (608) 745-1090 or jill@wilegion.org.
Testimonial Dinner
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
The Testimonial Dinner for Department Commander
Leo A. Endres took place on Saturday, March 20th at
Rex’s Inn Keeper in Waunakee. The event was very well
attended and the Commander received many nice gifts.
Here, he holds up the gift presented to him by his Department Vice Commanders Bob Batty, Marv Brozynski, Steve DuBois, and Don Southworth.
10,000
Membership
Goal 68,000
62,712 as of
3/18/10
PAGE 2
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Department Commander
“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 Wisconsin American Legion,
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 Number 01622218
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: info@wilegion.org
David A. Kurtz, Executive Editor
Jessika Erickson, Editor
2009-2010 Badger Legionnaire Committee
John Wolfe, Chairman
Don Stone, Vice Chairman
Don Lechner, DEC Liaison
Art Hopfensperger, Member
Bernard Olson, Member
Vernon Pitt, Member
James Theres, Member
Frank Mathison, Consultant
Loretta Shellman, Aux. Liaison
Kathy Wollmer, Aux Exec. Sec./Treas.
2009-2010 Department Officers
Commander
Leo Endres
Vice Commanders
Robert Batty
Marv Brozynski
Steve DuBois
Don Southworth
Adjutant
David A. Kurtz
Chaplain
Carl Oeldemann
Assistant Chaplain
Frank Wozniak
Judge Advocate
Fred Berns
Historian
Frank Mathison
Sergeant-at-Arms
Marty Czarnecki
Michael Zapka
Service Officer
James Fialkowski
NECman
David Gough
Alternate NECman
Al Richards
District Commanders
1st – Cal Johnson
2nd – Don Lechner
3rd – Denise Rohan
4th – Wayne Jensen
5th – Charles Roloff
6th – Roy Helms
7th – Mike Wagoner
8th – Jim Grimm
9th – Denis Lamers
10th – Steve Isensee
11th – Joe Story
12th – Kelly Barnes
Change of Address & Circulation Information
Subscribers: To report any upcoming changes
of address, please ask your Post Adjutant to fill
out 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.
“Wisconsin”
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Wisconsin
2930 American Legion Drive
P.O. Box 140
Portage, WI 53901
Kathy Wollmer, Editor
Gayle Janson, Department President
Kathy Wollmer, Executive Sec. Treas.
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 4 weeks before publication
date. Send all copy to info@wilegion.org
March 25, 2010
Think Spring
On February
12th, we attended the Lincoln
Pilgrimage in
Springfield, Illinois, a time to
Leo Endres
reflect on our past
Commander
and to use this
knowledge to succeed in the future.
In 1861, President Abraham
Lincoln said, “The Declaration
of Independence did more than
bestow liberty on America – it
gave hope to the world. That in
due time the weights should be
lifted from the shoulders of men
and that all should have an equal
chance.”
The US and The American Legion supports democratic values,
it keeps freedom alive! There are
many American Legion Family
unsung heroes who work tireless-
ly to support veterans, youth and
community programs. Thank you
for your dedication and service.
As I write this article, the Department is at 91.28% in membership. Keep up the great work!
Membership is the foundation of
The American Legion Family.
The Regional and State Oratorical finals were held on February 20th. What a great group
of contestants from around the
state, they are all winners! As
competitors, they learn about the
US Constitution and share what
they learned through their prepared presentations. I would like
to congratulate Kelsey Marsolek
of Independence for wining the
Department finals. She will represent Wisconsin as she moves
on to the National Oratorical in
Indianapolis in April. We wish her
the best of luck.
Troop and Family Support 2010
Post Challenge: The National Security Committee donated $50 each
as a starting balance of $300 and in
turn challenged every post in Wisconsin to raise $250 for the T&FS
Fund. The Challenge runs through
December 31st. All posts who take
up the challenge will be acknowledged in the Badger Legionnaire.
We just returned from the
Awareness Assembly in Washington D.C. It’s an annual opportunity for Legion, Auxiliary and
SAL delegates across the nation
to meet with their respective Senators and Congressmen to thank
them for advanced appropriations
and support for the Veterans Affairs proposed bills. We also urged
them to preserve other Veteran
Benefits the Legion is pursuing
on the National level.
We opened the State Legion
Bowling Tournament March 6th.
The Adjutant’s Team whooped
the Commander’s Team (Leo,
Bob, Steve, Frank) FAIR and
SQUARE! The Shawano Post’s
hospitality went above and beyond our expectations. I encourage you to patronize the Shawano
Post when you’re in Shawano.
National Vice Commander
Morris will visit Wisconsin and
plans to attend the Flag Day Parade in Appleton, on June 12th
and bring greetings to Badger
Boys State in Ripon. Badger Boys
State registrations should be in. It
looks like another great group of
young men will attend again this
year. My thanks to all supporters
for their sponsorship.
Think Spring!
WDVA Secretary
Welcoming Home Our Veterans of the Vietnam War
On March 29,
2010, our state
will observe for
the first time a
day to honor
those who served
Ken Black
during the VietSecretary
nam War.
Last summer, Governor Jim
Doyle signed into law 2009 Wisconsin Act 36, designating March
29th of each year to be recognized
as “Vietnam Veterans Day” in
Wisconsin. The day is set aside to
acknowledge the 1,239 Wisconsin
Armed Forces members who are
listed on the Vietnam Memorial
Wall in Washington, D.C., and to
express pride and gratitude to the
veterans of that war. There were
over 165,000 service members
from Wisconsin who served during the Vietnam War.
The war began on September
26, 1959 as the Cold War military conflict called the “Second
Indochina War.” It was a 16-year
conflict between communist North
Vietnam, which was supported by
communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, which was
supported by anti-communist nations, including the United States.
The United States’ involvement
was ten years, from troop deployments that began in 1965 until the
capture of Saigon by the North
Vietnamese army on April 30,
1975, which marked the end of the
Vietnam War about 35 years ago.
Also of note, planning is underway for a very special event to take
place from May 21-23 at Lambeau
Field in Green Bay. There will be
a huge celebration to honor and
thank Wisconsin’s Vietnam Veterans, and to formally offer them
a warm welcome home that many
never received. Named for the
Landing Zones that service members were often deployed to, the
event is called “LZ Lambeau.” The
Wisconsin Department of Veterans
Affairs is partnering with Wisconsin Public Television and the Wisconsin Historical Society to present
a weekend of activities including:
the presence of The Moving Wall;
an exhibit of artifacts and photographs from the Vietnam War,
courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum; and a special event
inside Lambeau Field on Saturday
night, May 22nd, featuring music,
speakers, and a preview of the
forthcoming Wisconsin Vietnam
War Stories documentary from
Wisconsin Public Television.
Vietnam veterans and the public are encouraged to attend this
once-in-a-lifetime tribute. You
can find out more about the LZ
Lambeau event at LZLambeau.
org or on the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs website
at www.WisVets.com.
Camp American Legion
Camp American Legion Opens May 24th
The 2010
Camp season
starts May 24th
and ends September 10th. We
are accepting apKevin Moshea
plications now
Director
through August
15th. For any veteran who may not
know of us, Camp American Le-
gion is a rest and rehabilitation facility for ill, injured, and disabled
Wisconsin military veterans. It is
a very special place located on Big
Carr Lake in the beautiful north
woods of Wisconsin. We have 19
cabins, main lodge with dinning
room, a physical therapy facility with
professional staff. We have pontoon
boats for fishing and lake cruises plus
other daily activities. Veterans who
qualify get a seven-day stay. You can
get more information on the Camp
and application forms by going to
The American Legion of Wisconsin
website - wilegion.org. Once there
click “Programs”, then “Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation” and finally
“Camp American Legion”. You can
also get application forms from any
AL Post, VA facility or County Service Officer. If you are an honorable
discharged Wisconsin veteran with
a physician-documented illness, injury or disability we want you here
at Camp. We look forward to serving
you. Kevin Moshea, Director, Camp
American Legion, Lake Tomahawk,
WI. 54539-9753, (715) 277-2510,
campal@newnorth.net.
Wisconsin Legion Launches ‘Official’ Facebook Page
We would like to invite all Legion Family
Members and supporters to visit the new “Official” Wisconsin American Legion Facebook
page. Everyone is encouraged to become a
“Fan” of the page as well. Department staff
member Jill Janke will act as Facebook Administrator. Some current fans include National Commander Clarence Hill, Department
Commander Leo Endres, Former Congressman and U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Mark
Green, several state Legislators, and numerous
Legion Posts across the country.
“The Department’s presence on Facebook
is a way for us to remain current with younger
members and potential members,” said Program
Coordinator Jill Janke. “Many younger people
communicate exclusively on-line today. By pro-
viding a resource of information and a communication method right at their fingertips, we can
only help make the Wisconsin American Legion
more visible and relevant to their lives.”
On the official site, Legionnaires will be
able to view upcoming events and schedules,
find pertinent links, and talk directly to one
another about ideas and programs. There will
be a discussion board where “fans” can share
stories and reconnect with comrades around
the world. This project falls perfectly into line
with what Commander Hill addressed at the
Mid-Winter Conference – making The American Legion relevant today and in the future.
Since going ‘live’ with the “Official” page,
many members have already transferred over
from the previous un-official page and many
new “fans” have joined us. “Anything we can
do to reach as many veterans, and communities at-large, as possible to share The American
Legion story is a positive,” said Department
Commander Leo Endres. “Facebook offers
another way to promote our organization and
help veterans in need, as well as share our
programs and resources with communities
around the state.”
The Wisconsin American Legion Facebook
page will be tested through the month of April.
Please share this new site with Post members,
family, and friends. Your input, comments,
and suggestions are welcome and solicited.
Please log-on and become a Facebook fan
of “Wisconsin American Legion” today and
share your ideas and stories.
March 25, 2010
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
Department Adjutant
Focus on the Future and Upcoming Events
Now that spring is
arriving and winter
recedes, the attention
of Department staff is
focused on the major
upcoming events on the
David Kurtz
horizon. Starting with
Adjutant
the spring meetings in
Indianapolis and Portage, the business of
the state and national organizations continues. Meanwhile the Districts across
the state will all gather for spring conferences. District Conferences are an excellent opportunity to meet Legionnaires
from nearby posts to exchange ideas and
learn more about how the programs of
The American Legion can best be delivered in your community. Spring Confer-
ence dates and locations appear at www.
wilegion.org on the calendar of events.
Staff is also well into the process of
planning the 92nd Annual Department
Convention to be held July 14th-18th
in Wausau. The representatives from the
Wausau American Legion Family have
worked hard to prepare for our visit, so
put it in your plans for this summer! It
will be here before we know it.
Planning is also underway for the National convention to be held in Milwaukee
August 27th -September 2nd. If you’ve
never attended a national convention, this
year presents an outstanding opportunity
to take part in many of the exciting events
and activities that will take place right in
our backyard. Milwaukee Legionnaires
are very excited to play host and are anxious to debut the fully restored American Legion emblem at the Kilbourn Park
Reservoir. Many will remember the huge
50 foot floral arrangement depicting our
emblem. The Milwaukee Water Works
is restoring the emblem using colored
glass and pieces of mirrors embedded in
concrete. It promises to be spectacular
and will stand as a permanent reminder
of The American Legion’s commitment
to serving our communities, state, and
nation.
On behalf of your staff at Headquarters, our Service Office and Camp
American Legion – thank you for the
opportunity to serve you and still serve
America.
PAGE 3
WI Wins
Big 12!
Thank You!
Because of your efforts the Wisconsin
American Legion has won the Big 12
challenge! Thank you to everyone who renewed their membership and everyone who
worked on membership at the Post, County
and District levels. The Department will
receive $2,500 from the national organization to purchase computer and technology
supplies for the office.
The National Commander generously
increased the award by $500 this year.
As of March 11, the Department stood at
91.97% of its membership goal for the year.
Keep Up the Good Work!
Let’s keep the momentum going! Our
next target is 95% by April 14th. Then
100% by May 12th, Armed Forces Day.
Let’s work together to be a 100% Department the same year we are hosting the
National Convention!
Thanks a million.
Commander Leo
Troop and
Family Support
‘Post Challenge’
Status Update
For today. And tomorrow.
As a group, we are accustomed to facing facts. We
accept the idea of developing a plan of action to help
prepare for the future. You wouldn’t expect less of
the organization we share.
Or, evaluate, consider and act on one of several
planned giving/deferred gift options ranging from a
simple will bequest to life insurance, retained life
estate and other possibilities.
That’s why our leadership created the Wisconsin
American Legion FOUNDATION, a 501(c)3 entity
that can receive tax deductible contributions.
Your donation will qualify you as a member of the
Foundation’s Four Pillar Society—recognition for
you, and inspiration to others by your example.
More important, your actions today will make for a
better tomorrow for our common good.
Our goal is to build a permanent, donor-directed
multi-million dollar fund. A portion of the interest it
earns on general contributions can be used to help
see us through the inevitable increases in operating
expenses that are an unfortunate fact of life if we are
to continue our vital services. At the same time, the
fund would grow further as the balance of retained
interest accumulates.
It is within our individual and collective power to
make a real difference in the future of our Legion.
Please consider making a current contribution or
pledge.
Please join us. Help to plant the flag in our future.
To find out more about needs, giving options and
opportunities, contact Jessika today for a brochure
and more information at 1-608-745-1090 or e-mail
jessika@wilegion.org
WISCONSIN
AMERICAN LEGION
FOUNDATION
At this year’s Mid-Winter Conference,
The National Security/Homeland Security
Committee challenged each Post throughout the state to put the Troop and Family
Support program on their agenda for 2010.
The Troop and Family Support Program is
an excellent resource for service members
and their families providing for a variety of
needs such as phone cards, care packages,
blue star banners, and emergency funds.
As of March 12, the following Posts
have “Met the Challenge” of raising at
least $250 for the Troop and Family Support Fund:
National Security Committee
Post 17 – Arcadia
Post 109 – Lancaster
Post 288 – Cedarburg
Post 333- Sun Prairie
6th District American Legion Riders
Post 242 – LaValle
Post 175 – Loyal
Post 503 – Dane
Post 72 – Sturgeon Bay
The “We Met The Challenge” total as of
the printing of this edition is $3,000. Thank
you! This is an excellent start to this yearlong campaign. Some Posts have submitted contributions, included in the total, but
have not quite met the $250 goal. Please
keep up the good work. We want to add
every Post to this list by December.
To be listed as a Post which has “Met the
Challenge,” please mail a check with “T&FS
Post Challenge” in the memo line to:
Wisconsin American Legion
T&FS Post Challenge
PO Box 388
Portage, WI 53901
PAGE 4
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
March 25, 2010
Fang Wong to attend Department Spring Meeting
On Saturday, May 8th Fang Wong will
attend the Department Executive Committee meeting at Department Headquarters
in Portage. Wong is a candidate for National Commander. He will address those
assembled and all interested are invited
to attend.
Wong was born in Canton, China and immigrated to the United States in November
1960 at the age of twelve. He attended New
York City public schools and has been a
naturalized citizen since January 1963. Mr.
Wong volunteered for the U. S. Army in
May 1969 and served 25 months in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in May
1989 as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW3).
In addition to his Vietnam service, he also
served tours of duty in Germany, Korea,
and several stateside military bases. His
military decorations, among others, included the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious
Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal
Oratorical
National Oratorical Contest Winners from Wisconsin
David B. Marth - 1964 • Gwen Connolly - 1985
Thank you to this Year’s Sponsors
The Michels Family Foundation
Rippin’ Good Cookies
Past Department Commander Jim Chapin
Continued from Front
prize at the state contest at Ripon
College on February 20th.
In a contest that annually offers
participants the chance to earn thousands of dollars in scholarships, participants are required to memorize
an original speech, 8-10 minutes in
length. The American Legion Oratorical Contest requires participants
to create an oration based on some
aspect of the Constitution. Each year,
the National organization also selects
four Amendments or Articles, and
after presenting their prepared oration, contestants are required to draw
one of the four topics, complete a
five minute preparation period, and
then speak extemporaneously on the
draw topic for an additional 3-5 minutes. Penalties are assessed for going
over or under time limits.
Marsolek’s oration, titled “Hate
in America,” describes the rights
granted by the 1st Amendment
and how the right to free speech can
sometimes get out of control. Marsolek has competed in her school’s
Oratorical Contest all four years of
high school, setting a school record
by winning first place each of those
years. Over her high school career,
Marsolek also has also earned four
victories at the County Oratorical
Contest level, but until this year,
never made it past the District
competition.
After winning the District Contest February 8th in Ellsworth, the
Trempealeau County representative
advanced to the Regional held at
Ripon College. She won the morning contest, earning her the right to
compete in the finals later that day
and qualifying her as the Wisconsin representative to the National
contest. The American Legion National Oratorical Contest, which
will be held in Indianapolis April
10-11, offers high school students
from around the country the opportunity to earn a share of more than
$125,000 in college scholarships,
not including scholarship money
earned at the preliminary levels.
So why does this young woman
present so well on the topic of Independence and the U.S. Constitution?
It might be because she has lived
in the community of Independence
her whole life. It might be because
she began speaking as a kindergartener in her local 4-H program and
has earned the right to participate
in State High School Forensics all
through high school. Maybe her interest in government and military
issues stems from the fact her dad
is a veteran of the U.S. Army and
the longtime Commander of SuraWiersgalla American Legion Post
186, or her mom, a technical college instructor has coached public
speaking teams on and off for more
than two decades. Or maybe it is
because she, herself is a longtime
member of Sura-Wiersgalla Auxiliary Unit 186 and served as the
Poppy Princess as a middle school
student and went on to earn her Girl
Scout Gold Award by completing
service projects for veterans.
In any event, Marsolek, the
daughter of Mark and Debra Marsolek, continues to make her parents
proud, both of her and the country
she talks about so well. And it is
clear this young lady knows something about Independence. The 17
year old, who is currently ranked
fourth in her high school class and
attends Chippewa Valley Technical
College part time, earned the title
of “Miss Independence” in June
of last year, and continues to make
talking about Independence a priority in her life.
(3rd Award), Republic of Vietnam Service
Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (6 Campaign Stars). Wong
completed 2 degrees while serving on active duty, a BS in Business Administration
from New York Institute of Technology
(1978) and an MA in Management from
Central Michigan University (1981).
Following his retirement, Mr. Wong
joined The American Legion, Lt. B. R.
Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post #1291 in
New York City and has been a member for
the past 19 years. He has held appointed and
elected offices at Post, County and District
levels, serving as Post Adjutant from 1996
to 2009, New York County Commander
1995-1997. He was awarded an Honorary
Life Membership by his Post in 2001. In
2002, Wong was elected Commander of
the Department of New York.
He also served as a Director of the New
York Empire Boys’ State Program and as a
member of the planning committee for the
creation of the New York State American
Legion College. Wong was elected a National Vice Commander for 2003-2004.
Wong was honored by the New Jersey
State Assembly with a proclamation for
his services and achievements with The
American Legion in 2003 and the U.S.
Citizenship & Naturalization Service,
Department of Homeland Security with
the “Outstanding American By Choice
Award” in 2006.
Since his retirement from the U.S. Army,
Wong has been employed as a Senior Operations Specialist by L-3 Communications, Command & Control Systems &
Software (C2S2) Division in support of
the Army Software Engineering Center
(SEC) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey for
over twenty years. He has been married to
the former Barbara Lam for over 33 years
and has one son, Eric.
March 25, 2010
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
WISCONSIN AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARTMENT SPRING MEETING Schedule
FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010
COMMITTEE
Badger Legionnaire Committee
Camp American Legion Committee
Membership Committee
Public Safety Committee
TIME
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
ROOM
Mail Room
101-102
100
Conference Room
COMMITTEE
Coordinating Committee
Policy Committee
Fundraising Committee
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee
Legislative Committee
TIME
1:00 PM-1:30 PM
1:30 PM-3:30 PM
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
ROOM
Conference Room
Conference Room
102
Mail Room
100
COMMITTEE
Convention & Activities Commission
Finance Committee
Public Relations Committee
National/Homeland Security Committee
TIME
3:30 PM-5:30 PM
3:30 PM-5:30 PM
3:30 PM-5:30 PM
3:30 PM-5:30 PM
ROOM
Museum
100-101
Mail Room
102
COMMITTEE
Convention Credentials Committee
Convention Permanent Organizations
Convention Rules Committee
TIME
5:00 PM-6:00 PM
5:00 PM-6:00 PM 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
ROOM
Conference Room
Museum-40/8 Room
102
SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010
COMMITTEE
Department Executive Committee
TIME
9:00 a.m.
ROOM
100-101-102
Department Award Deadlines
Award
Due to District
Due To Headquarters
Public Relations Awards
May 1
Police Officer of the Year
March 15
May 1
Firefighter of the Year
March 15
May 1
EMT of the Year
March 15
May 1
National Guard/Reservist of the Year
May 1
Legislator of the Year
April 1
May 1
Shooting Sports
May 5
Recruiter of the Year
May 15
Gold Brigade 5th/6th Consecutive Year
May 15
Silver Brigade
May 15
Gold Brigade May 15
Annual Children & Youth Report
June 1
National Americanism Award
June 1
Joseph R Meeks Gung Ho Americanism Award
June 1
Athletics & Sports for Spalding Victory Trophy
June 1
Post Honor Guard Squad/Individual
June 1
District/County Commander of the Year
June 1
Cooper Trophy - service to young men 8 to 18
June 1
McCoy Americanism Trophy
June 1
OW Rolfe Americanism Trophy
June 1
Pendill Trophy - civic achievement by large post
June 1
Harvey Higley Trophy - civic achievement (small)
June 1
Jessel Whyte Trophy - school programs
June 1
Henry C Oakey Trophy - Service work (small)
June 1
James F Burns Trophy - Service work (large)
June 1
Historian Awards
June 11
Martha Marlowe Post Chaplain Award
June 15
The Department encourages Posts, Counties, and Districts to actively participate in
these awards programs by nominating members and outstanding individuals in their
community for special recognition. For more information on these awards, please consult
the Administrative Manual. A copy of the Administrative Manual can be found on our
website at www.wilegion.org. If there are questions, contact Department Headquarters
at (608) 745-1090.
PAGE 5
David Gough
Candidate for National Executive Committeeman
I wish to anRun the past three
nounce my candiyears. I serve as
dacy for another
Liaison to the
two years as the
National ConvenNational Execution Commission
tive Committeeand am looking
man. It’s hard to
forward to the
believe two years
National Conhas passed since
vention coming
you elected me
to Milwaukee.
to represent WisSince my election
consin on the Nain 2008, I have
tional Executive
attended all reCommittee.
quired functions
Without going into detail, I plus many others representing
have served my Post, County, Wisconsin.
District and Department in
In my spare time, I serve on
many capacities and am espe- the City Council in Darlingcially proud of my service in ton and have for 15 years so
2003-2004 as your State Com- far. Married to Donna for 43
mander. I have enjoyed the past years, three grown children
two years as the NEC’man and (all Legion Family) and one
look forward to serving all of Grandson (SAL member).
you and Wisconsin for another
I look forward to seeing all
two years. I am a member of of you at Convention and hope
The American Legion Riders I can count on your continued
and have rode in the Legacy support. Stephen Krueger
Candidate for Alternative National Executive Committeeman
Stephen “Steve”
mission and SeKrueger would
curity Counsel.
like to announce
He has served
his candidacy for
on various levthe high office
els in the Forty
of Alternate Naet Eight and is
tional Executive
a charter memCommitteeman.
ber of the Past
He was DepartChef De Gare
ment Commander
Club. Steve has
o f Wi s c o n s i n
been appointed
2001-2002. Steve
by Ron Kind to
is a member of
review applicaO.L. Arnold –
tions for Military
D.K. Slayton Post 100, Sparta Academies.
and has an Honorary Post Life
Steve earned the right to
Time Membership. He is a forty join The American Legion by
year continuous member and serving in the Navy from June
served as a 100% Post Com- 1966 to October 1969, most of
mander in 1991-1992, both which was served in Vietnam.
years being an all time high. After a short stint in the Naval
Steve also was a 100% County Reserves, he joined the WisconCommander two years.
sin National Guard and retired
He has served on and chaired as a First Sergeant in 1990. He
many Department Committees worked at G. Heilman Brewing
- Americanism & Government until 1990, when he froze his
Testing Program, Membership retirement and went to work at
Committee, Public Safety Fort McCoy. In 2006, he started
Committee, Hospital Com- his own trucking company.
mittee, Fundraising CommitSteve works to improve The
tee, Convention and Activi- American Legion, Department
ties Commission, Wisconsin of Wisconsin, and to provide
American Legion Foundation, service to fellow veterans and
and Department Executive their communities. He truly beCommittee. He has attended lieves in The American Legion
every State Convention and Family and that service to felMidwinter Conference since low veterans, their wives, chil1988. He has attended eight dren, community, state and naNational Conventions, serv- tion are the most fulfilling acts
ing on the Americanism Com- a veteran can perform.
PAGE 6
6 Stevens Point
Harold Choate
II
Edward Kubicki
II
Raymond Walczak II
8 Waukesha
Donald R Vreeke II
9 Wisconsin Rapids
James Berlin
II
Charles Bornhauser II
James Esselman
K
Phillip Meyer
K
Jim D Serchen
II
10 Wausau
John F Spencer
II
17 Arcadia
Mark Frernholz
II
Raymond Seiler
II
21 Kenosha
Oscar Madsen
II
23 Glendale
Donald J Hering
II
33 Neenah
Ellsworth Debroux K
36 West Bend
Lino R Giuliani
K
Norbert J Griffin
II
Roger E Gust
II
James J Lochen III V
Ronald W Mueller K
38 Appleton
John A Bauhs
II
Kenneth Hoffman II
Charles J Lingelbach II
Dennis P Wyngaard V
40 Bangor
David Hammes
II
44 Wabeno
Harry L Lauritsen II
45 Milwaukee
George P King
K
50 Hudson
Howard L Bleier
K
51 West Salem
Leslie L Halverson II
53 Eau Claire
Tom Brown
K
Lawrence Ebert
II
Henry Jurgens
II
54 Marshfield
Del Allgood
II
Jack David
V
Jerry David
K
Lee Dishinger
K
James Hewitt
II
Ray Kaiser
II
Gene Keding
K
Paul Konrardy
V
Melvin Kramer
II
Walter Lass
II
Arnold Oehme
V
Al Page
II
Joe Varsho
II
55 Hortonville
Francis Jasken
II
Paul E Jones
II
70 Oshkosh
Philip Skaug
II
73 Neillsville
Ralph Benson
II
Raymond A Gagnon II
75 Fond du Lac
Frank M Hilbert
II
77 Chippewa Falls
William Kukuk
II
Barton Metzenbauer II
80 New Richmond
Jalmer S Johnson II
81 Mauston
Joseph J Pannarale K
Earl Simmons
II
84 Monroe
Fredrick J Amacher K
89 Minocqua
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
1/17/10
2/28/10
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2/24/10
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3/8/10
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Feb 2010
1/6/10
2/23/10
Jan 2010
3/10/10
3/8/10
2/27/10
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2/15/10
2/4/10
1/28/10
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May 09
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Mar 09
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2/17/10
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1/15/10
1/26/10
1/28/10
Roman J Leese
II
93 Tomahawk
Roy J Leet
K
95 Delavan
Jack Aldrich
II
106 Seymour
Loren Cismoski
K
118 Thorp
Walter Welgos
II
120 West Allis
Kenneth J Laudon II
124 New Holstein
Carl B Schmidt
II
Willard Schnur
II
Gordon N Seichter K
128 Stockbridge
Robert Burg Jr
K
136 Niagra
Robert G Fellion
II
Carl “Herbie” West II
138 Viroqua
William P Moffitt K
142 Blanchardville
Pete Gilbertson
II
143 St Croix Falls
Edward Holeton
K
Robert Muller
II
146 Beaver Dam
Herbert O Lehmann II
Sherwood R MuenchowII
Laverne D Rahn
K
150 Wausaukee
Joseph Belisle
V
155 Westby
Rolf G Dauve
V
166 Fort Atkinson
Gerald L Braman K
Ewald J Reichert
II
Charles B Snodie II
173 Whitewater
Jean A Arnold
II
175 Loyal
Clemens Esselman K
Gilbert Fields
K
179 Chetek
Wayne Matson
II
Harold J Tavare
V
180 Milwaukee
Harvey Bansemar II
Robert Pruski
Leo Zanotti
II
183 Genoa City
George Marzahl
II
James L Webb
V
186 Independence
Bernard Kulig
II
189 Watertown
Reuben J Henning II
Steven C Hill
V
Gerhard Zimdars
II
192 Franklin
Hilda Buchanan
II
197 Brodhead
TE Everson II
K
203 Milwaukee
Carl D Nowicki
K
Casimir G Szcygiel II
205 Janesville
Gary E Butterfield V
Alvin C Halvorson K
Anthony A Presti II
209 Orfordville
Curtis C Hayes
K
210 Waupun
Terrence Gunderson V
214 Darlington
Donald Murray
V
218 Hayward
Lawrence Woodcock II
219 Milwaukee
James Janczak
V
Kenneth C Schaefer II
224 Alma
2/24/10
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1/1/10
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12/28/09
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2/15/10
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2/1/10
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2/26/10
2/25/10
1/21/10
1/11/10
2/9/10
2/24/10
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2/24/10
2/27/10
2/12/10
1/30/10
1/1/10
2/10/10
2/14/10
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2/24/10
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2/14/10
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12/26/09
2/15/10
3/8/10
2/23/10
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1/27/10
2/3/10
2/17/10
Edwin D Godel
233 Waterloo
Edward W Klug
236 Algome
Robert D Hucek
Chester J Nessinger
237 Footville
Earl Kersten
245 Cross Plains
Lawrence V Breunig
Delores A Fix
258 Little Chute
Paul A Carnot
262 Luxemburg
Jerome W Retzlaff
263 New London
Jadell K Ferge
Alfred Weeden
270 Theresa
Merle Steger
274 Rib Lake
Mavin Lueck
288 Cedarburg
Patrick Kirschbaum
296 Brookfield
Otto G Schulenburg
315 Stoddard
David R Eder
317 Wautoma
William A Milbrandt
Lyle M Schultz
David E Tompkins
319 Casco
Richard Monfils
337 Pulaski
Norbert Smaney
338 Cedar Grove
Harvey Van Ess
K
12/30/09
V
2/20/10
II
II
11/12/09
11/28/08
II
Dec 08
II
II
2/17/10
2/14/10
K
2/16/10
V
2/21/10
V
K
2/23/10
2/10/10
K
2/6/10
II
2/27/10
II
2/14/10
II
9/15/08
K
6/6/10
K
II
K
2/20/10
2/21/10
3/9/10
II
2/17/10
K
3/6/10
II
2/14/10
March 25, 2010
340 Berlin
Dean Kaupe
G/L
343 Hancock
Allen S Barnes
K
Bryce P Sigourney II
344 Waterloo
George A Kiraly
II
347 Lomira
Douglas D Fellion V
Robert A Johnsen II
Kenneth Unferth
II
360 Waunakee
Richard D Schmidt II
362 Kennan
Henry A Gluza
K
363 Denmark
Lloyd Benecke
II
368 Hixton
Guy B Hagen
II
385 Verona
Ellis E Anderson
II
387 Plymouth
Ralph L Hickmann K
412 Belgium
Jerome O Kiumrow II
415 Milwaukee
Ralph J Gull
II
Raymond Sheehan II
436 Wrightstown
Howard Feldkamp II
Gordon Newhouse II
Sylvester Verhoven II
449 Brookfield
Donald A Amundson II
Carter Jim Doering V
Roy A Gregg
K
Herbert E Trost
II
454 Mt Calvary
1/26/09
2/8/10
2/7/10
2/22/10
2/6/10
2/23/10
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3/6/10
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1/21/10
2/12/10
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1/21/10
1/2/10
3/22/09
2/12/10
2/8/10
Vernon J Abler
II
Wayne Meisenburg V
Anthony P Passler II
456 Caroline
Jerry M White
V
458 Wauzeka
Jules Brown
II
Donald Grady
K
486 Jackson
Elroy “Ike” Borchert II
Philip Breitling
II
Allen E Hoerchner K
John Isemann
K
496 Sherwood
Robert Franz
K
499 Gordon
Allen J Chambers
Pat Conway
II
Earl Erickson
II
Leslie Howenstine II
Bruce MacMillian II
Ira C McKee
II
Robert Oakman
II
Gilbert H Torvinen II
500 West Allis
Harry J Kuehl
II
509 Rosholt
Felix Garski Jr
K
519 Stetsonville
Myron R Luick
II
547 Lublin
Patrick T Gaffney V
Gary D Potocnik
V
Robert Walsdorf
P
578 Green Bay
Louis King
K
3/3/10
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Jan 2010
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2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2/28/10
2009
Sept 09
2/21/10
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15720866
MSAD10LIT
March 25, 2010
THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE
2010 Bonspiel Held in Poynette
PAGE 7
Polar Plunge
On February 20th, Rock County Commander Terry
Shimmins and Rock County Auxiliary President Jennifer Shea took the polar plunge for Special Olympics.
Together they raised almost $200 for the charity from
the Rock County American Legion Family. The American Legion supports the Special Olympics in its Children and Youth programs.
Renew Your Membership
Online - it’s easy as 1,2,3
The 51st Annual Wisconsin American Legion Curling Bonspiel was held at the Poynette
and Arlington Curling Rinks on February 12-14. Legion Post 271 of Poynette was the sponsor. There were 16 teams from 7 American Legion posts involved. One of the attendees, a
WW2 vet and 60 year Legion member, has curled in the Legion Bonspiel since 1956. The
legion curlers greatly enjoyed this year’s event and are looking forward to next year. The
2011 Legion Bonspiel will be held in Portage and will be sponsored by Portage American Legion Post 47.
The event winner was the Wolfgram Rink in the front row with the runner-up the Shuster Rink in the back row, both of Post 271 in Poynette.
You can renew your membership online using
a credit card. To take advantage of this, you need to have
your membership identification number. You can find this
number on your membership card or above your name
on the address label of your Badger Legionnaire. Go to
our home page at www.wilegion.org and click the “Renew
Online Today” button in the bottom left corner.
If you have questions about online renewal, please contact
Chris Schmidt at (608) 745-1090 or chris@wilegion.org.
Is your post on the post locator?
www.wilegion.org/post_locator
Over 200 Posts are now taking advantage of the Post Locator on the Department Website. Is your Post included? If not,
contact Jessika at jessika@wilegion.org or (608) 745-1090 to
get started. There is no cost for this service and it is easy to do.
Being included in the Post Locator allows potential members and
the public to find you! It is also a great tool for advertising the
programs, events, and activities your Post participates in.
Do you have advertisers in your area that may benefit
from advertising in The Badger Legionnaire?
They can reach over 100,000
potential customers across the state!
A FULL SERVICE PRINTER
Newspapers
Letterheads
Raffle Tickets
Envelopes
Newsletters
Business Cards
Mailings
Brochures
Contact Fred Krahn for quick and personal service
301 June Street
P.O. Box 10
Berlin, WI 54923
bjnprinting@charterinternet.com
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Color
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The Badger Legionnaire is published every five weeks and is mailed to over 80,000
homes of Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion members.
Please e-mail your camera ready artwork to Jessika Erickson at jessika@wilegion.org.
Questions can also be directed to Jessika at (608) 745-1090.
The Wisconsin American Legion reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that is deemed inappropriate for the publication.