june 2015 pages 1 7

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

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

June 11, 2015Vol. 92, No. 5

Badger&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin”

aireThe mission of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.

The tentative schedule for the 97th Annual Department Con-vention, July 17-19, at the Radis-son Paper Valley Hotel in Apple-ton has been released. John-ston – Blessman Post No. 38 of Appleton is proud to once again sponsor the Department conven-tion. Headquarters staff will be on hand beginning Wednesday, July 15th. Meetings that day will include the Wisconsin American Legion Foundation Board of Di-rectors. Standing Committees will begin meetings at 7AM on Thursday, July 16th. The early

Department Commander Bob Shappell and Ladewig-Zink-graf Post No. 243 Commander Gene Blindauer cut the cake at the 95th Anniversary Celebra-

starting times are necessary in or-der for business to be completed in advance of the Department Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 4 PM that day.

Convention sessions will begin on Friday, July 17th with Dis-trict Caucuses at 7:30 AM and Opening Ceremonies at 9:00 AM. Confi rmed speakers in-clude WDVA Secretary John A. Scocos and MG Donald Dunbar, commander of the Wisconsin Na-tional Guard. Convention Com-mittee Meetings will take place at 2:00 PM and consider a number

tion. Commander Bob spoke of The American Legion’s his-tory and why each Legion post’s legacy is so important to their respective community.

Department Convention Schedule Released Ladewig-Zinkgraf Post No. 243of Plymouth Celebrates 95 Years

of Resolutions related to Legion business and veterans issues at the state and national levels.

Saturday will be a busy day at convention with the election of Department offi cers beginning at 8:30 AM. The convention will reconvene at 9:00 AM and many prominent speakers are expected. Department award winners will also be recognized for their ac-complishments. The Past Com-manders Club of Wisconsin will hold a party at Post No. 38 that evening. Please see the Conven-tion Registration form for details.

The 97th Annual Department Convention will wind up on Sun-day. The Memorial Service will begin at 8:00 AM in the conven-tion hall. Following the instal-lation of the newly-elected offi -cers and the closing ceremonies, the Grand Prize winner of the Convention Sweepstakes will be drawn. The grand prize is the winner’s choice of either $20,000 or a new vehicle from the Bouch-er Automotive Group. All in all it is anticipated to be a busy and exciting weekend in Appleton.

2015 Membership Goal 59,600

June 4th Total: 57,682 • 96.69%

2015 Membership Goal 59,600

District 12100.35%

1st PLACE

District 196.45%

3rd PLACE

District 997.49%

2nd PLACE

District 295.39%

4th PLACE

District 1095.09%

6th PLACE

District 395.33%

5th PLACE

District 894.42%

7th PLACE

District 793.32%

9th PLACE

District 693.81%

8th PLACE

District 1192.22%

10th PLACE

District 589.03%

12th PLACE

District 490.58%

11th PLACE

Excitement builds as event takes shape.

2015 DEPARTMENTCONVENTION HOUSINGHOLIDAY INN150 Nicolet Rd., Appleton, WI 54914(920) 735-9955 $99.00Group name Legion State Convention BEST WESTERN FOX VALLEY INN3033 W. College AvenueAppleton, WI 54914 (920) 731-4141 $99.00 - $119.9910% Military DiscountSUPER 83624 W. College AvenueAppleton, WI 54914 (920) 731-0880$79.00 10% discount if you mention The American Legion DAYS INN210 Westhill Blvd.Appleton, WI 54914(920) 733-5551 $45.00LA QUINTA INNS & SUITES3800 W. College AvenueAppleton, WI 54914(920) 734-7777Starting at $94.50 COUNTRY INN & SUITES355 Fox River Dr.Appleton, WI 54913(920) 830-3240 $90.00

FRIDAY, July 17thLegion Of� ce 7:00 AM-5:00 PM Mahler RoomRegistration 7:00 AM-5:00 PM Convention LobbyExhibits 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Convention LobbyBlood Drive 10:00 AM-3:00 PM Salon DDistrict Caucus 7:30 AM As assignedConvention Session 9:00 AM Salon ABDual Members Club 12:00 PM RedwoodBackwards Club 1:00 PM EbonyWALPA Meeting 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Hickory

CONVENTION COMMITTEE MEETINGSAmericanism 2:00 PM-4:00 PM RosewoodChildren & Youth 2:00 PM-4:00 PM ParchmentFinance 2:00 PM-4:00 PM PippinConstitutional Amendments 2:00 PM-4:00 PM CortlandMembership 2:00 PM-4:00 PM McIntoshLegislative 2:00 PM-4:00 PM BondNational/Homeland Security 2:00 PM-4:00 PM CrownResolutions 2:00 PM-4:00 PM LindenVA&R 2:00 PM-4:00 PM LawrenceCredentials 3:00 PM Board RoomWALCAA Graduate Reception 3:30 PM BriarwoodWHA Meeting 4:00 PM HickoryGNUTS Social Meeting 4:30 PM Redwood

SATURDAY, July 18thLegion Of� ce 7:00 AM-5:00 PM Mahler RoomRegistration 7:00 AM-10:00 AM Convention LobbyExhibits 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Convention LobbyLegion Election 8:30 AM-10:30 AM Salon CLegion Gen. Session 9:00 AM Salon ABLegion Run-Off Election 2:00 PM-3:30 PM Salon CCatholic Church Service 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Salon DProtestant Church Service 5:00 PM-6:00 PM LawrencePast Commanders Club Party 7:00 PM-11:00 PM Post No. 38

SUNDAY, July 19thLegion Of� ce 7:00 AMMemorial Service 8:00 AMConvention Session/Installation 9:30 AMSweepstakes Drawing 12:00 Noon

2015 DEPARTMENT CONVENTION SCHEDULE

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JUNE 11, 2015

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

[email protected]

“Badger Legionnaire”& “Wisconsin”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Badger Legionnaire”The American Legion,

Department of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

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

E-mail: [email protected] A. Kurtz, Executive Editor

2014-2015 Communications CommitteeKendel D. Feilen, Chairman

Jeremy Nordie, Vice ChairmanEnsley Brown, DEC Liaison

Bernard OlsonPhil IngwellHarold RihnRory Burns

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

2014-15 Department Offi cers

CommanderRobert ShappellVice Commanders

Dale OatmanRich RulandJohn ThurkDave Brisk

AdjutantDavid A. Kurtz

Sergeant-at ArmsCharles Roessler

Dave WischerService Offi cer

James FialkowskiNECman

Steve KruegerAlternate NECman

Ken Rynes

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

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

“Wisconsin”American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

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

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

Unit Secretary: Notify DepartmentHeadquarters on a Member Data Form

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

DEPARTMENT COMMANDERAt every Le-

gion function we remember our POWs and MIAs through a simple but meaningful ceremony. Some have suggested that the POW/

MIA fl ag and symbol are no longer meaningful and just bring negative memories to mind for those who see them. They just don’t under-stand. Let me share part of a story from the Air Force Academy As-sociation of Graduates magazine that reminded me of why we must still remember.

On June 8, 1967, two F-4C Phan-tom planes departed Da Nang Airbase on a reconnaissance mis-sion over North Vietnam. One plane was manned by Capt. Vic-tor Apodaca, Jr. and Capt. Jon Busch. Apodaca’s plane was hit by heavy ground fi re. The search was suspended due to darkness, bad

The summer sun is just start-ing to burn down on us and De-partment staff is in the thick of preparation for the 97th An-nual Department

Convention in Appleton. We are busy processing registrations and the necessary reports for the event. In addition to convention planning, we are laying the groundwork for the 2016 Membership year. The 2016 cards will be distributed on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21st at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King during the annual American Legion Day. National Commander Mike Helm of Nebraska will be our special guest.

This is also the time of year when new offi cers are being installed at

weather and heavy anti-aircraft fi re. No contact was made, and no evidence of the aircraft was found. The Air Force told the families they could not determine whether or not the men survived. Neither man was among the prisoners re-leased in 1973 from Vietnam, and the Hanoi government denied any knowledge of them.

In 2001 Victor Apodaca III re-moved a small piece of metal from a bag given to him by an Air Force mortuary affairs offi cer. Stamped with the name of his father, the dog tag was a tangible link to a man he barely remembered. Apodaca was 5 years old when his father van-ished. He often wondered about his father’s fate. Did he suffer in a POW camp? Did the crash kill him instantly? “If you don’t see a body,” he said, “how do you know?” Now he knew. DNA tests proved a set of bones recovered from Vietnam were those of his father.

For Victor, the fi ndings helped

Post, County and District levels. To ensure good communication and the continued smooth operation of Legion programs at all levels, please make sure that that updated offi cer reports are submitted as soon as possible. Having accurate contact information is vital to es-tablishing and maintaining good communications. Once received at Headquarters, we can reformat the information and make it available for distribution statewide.

We are also starting to gear up for the 97th Annual National Con-vention. This year the convention is being held in Baltimore, Mary-land from Tuesday, September 1st through Thursday, September 3rd. The big news in advance of the convention is the possibility of a National dues increase. Delegates to the convention will consider a Resolution which calls for a $5

remove a burden he carried nearly his entire life. The long journey was fi lled with instances of re-newed hope, as well as dashed expectations. Each time the fam-ily thought there was progress be-ing made, it was taken away from them. In 1988 the Vietnamese government turned over a set of remains that the family thought could have been his. The bones were later found to be non-human. Three more bone fragments were repatriated in 1989, but the tech-nology wasn’t available to test them. In 1999 DNA testing fi nally proved a match.

On September 16, 2001, the wait ended. It took 34 years, but Maj. Victor Apodaca Jr., a 1961 gradu-ate of the Air Force Academy, was fi nally laid to rest in the Air Force Academy Cemetery. Dave Niegocki, a Colorado Springs fi re-fi ghter, never met Apodaca, but he had worn a POW-MIA bracelet

increase in dues, the fi rst increase since 2008. If passed, the increase would not take effect until January 1, 2016, so everyone is encouraged to renew their membership now, before any increase might take ef-fect. If you have internet access and a credit card, why not renew your membership for 2016 on-line? It’s easy and fast and will help your post become more effi cient. Sim-ply go to the Department website – www.wilegion.org – and click on the “renew on-line” icon. Use your membership ID number, which is contained on the address label of this newspaper, and your credit card. It will only take a minute and you’ll be all set for the 2016 mem-bership year and avoid the possible increase.

On Sunday, August 9th the Le-gion Baseball All-star Game will be played at Miller Park in Mil-

engraved with Apodaca’s name for 25 years. “Until he got home, I never took it off,” said Niegocki. After the service ended, the young-est Victor Apodaca, 11, stood next to the cherrywood casket and lined up seven POW-MIA bracelets in a row that had been given to him that day. “We’re going to bury the bracelets with dad,” said Robert Apodaca. “I always had one on, and it is in the casket with my fa-ther. I feel naked without it.”

That’s why we do it; that’s why we remember. The families of those still missing have an empty space in their lives because of un-answered questions about the fates of their loved ones who served this country so well. Keep the fl ags fl ying and keep performing those ceremonies of respect and remem-brance. Cherish what these brave individuals have done for their country. Remember them, and re-member their families.

waukee. The game will start fol-lowing the Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals game which starts at 1:00 PM. American Le-gion All-stars from across the state will compete. Great seats are available through Headquarters. For tickets, call Dawn Brauner at (608) 745-1090 or e-mail her at [email protected].

The exciting developments at Camp American Legion will come to a head later this month when the Natural Resources Board decides on the proposed expansion of the camp. More details on the meeting and the decision making process appear in this edition of the Badger Legionnaire. Your input can make a difference. Take the time to write the DNR and encourage the Board to support Wisconsin veterans.

June 6 marks the 71st anni-versary of Op-eration Overlord, better known as the “D-Day” in-vasion. It was the largest amphibi-ous assault in his-tory, taking place

on the shores of Normandy, France in 1944 – the turning point in the Allied victory in World War II.

The National World War II Me-morial in Washington, D.C. bears a vast and solemn fi eld of 4,000 gold stars, each one marking more than a hundred lives lost in the Second

World War. Approximately 332,200 Wisconsin men and women served in World War II and 8,390 lost their lives.

We have the benefi t of remem-bering and refl ecting on the ser-vice and sacrifi ce of our nation’s heroes through their stories. The Oral History Program of the Wis-consin Veterans Museum has pre-served the stories of many Wis-consin veterans, some who were part of D-Day.

A paratrooper in the 101st Air-borne, Orville Collins of Denmark, Wisconsin landed near Foucarville, France on June 6 and immediately found himself under German fi re.

In his interview, Collins described his thoughts and feelings as he took part in this momentous event:

“You can hear mortars, machine guns, sporadic, all over. But still you feel alone. And I never was. I suppose it is fear. You got to admit there is fear there. I never had such a dry throat in my life.”

Milwaukee native Martin Gutekunst, a member of the Navy’s 2nd Beach Battalion, talked about landing and his reaction upon hit-ting Utah Beach:

“And I never gave it much thought as to what was going on. Besides, I was sort of numb by the whole thing. Because it was something we

didn’t have any training in this sort of thing, with all these guns going off, the Navy guns and the other Navy fi ring, and the Germans had the bombs and they also had their 88 millimeter. And those were something that really gave you a scare, because they had an odd whistle to them.”

Today, we have the privilege of refl ecting on the words and deeds of those who distinguished them-selves on that historic day 71 years ago – who did not seek glory any more than they sought the horrors of the war. We remember their ex-ceptional bravery and incredible sacrifi ce.

WDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

David KurtzDepartment Adjutant

DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT

Bob ShappellDepartment Commander

2015 Convention Sweepstakes!

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Additional Entry Forms available atwww.wilegion.org or call (608) 745-1090

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJUNE 11, 2015

The 2015 “Spirit Run”, Com-mander Bob Shappells’ motor-cycle fundraising effort scheduled June 18-21, is ready to cross the state in support of the Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The Spirit Run will begin in Mequon, circle the state, and conclude on Sunday, June 21st at the 2015 American Legion Day Celebration at the Wisconsin Vet-erans Home in King, Wisconsin. Cities along the event route in-clude: Mequon, Germantown, West Bend, Beaver Dam, Colum-bus, Lodi, Prairie du Sac, Spring Green, Muscoda, Boscobel, Prai-rie Du Chien, Genoa, Coon Val-ley, West Salem, Onalaska, Alma, Pepin, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, Cadott, Merrill, Antigo, Wittenberg, Clintonville, New London and Waupaca.

The money raised by the event will be used to fund scholarships for children of military person-nel who died while on active duty. Commander Shappell has set an initial fundraising goal of $59,000. Posts, units and squad-

rons are encouraged to partici-pate by raising funds locally and presenting the proceeds to Com-mander Shappell and the Riders at stops along the way. Individuals interested in supporting with their tax-deductible donations or taking part in the 2015 Spirit Run can register on-line at www.wilegion.org. All registered will receive a patch, pin and commemorative booklet, whether or not they par-ticipate on the “Run”.

Thursday June 18th –Opening ceremonies at Mequon Post No. 457 at 7:00 PM

Friday June 19th – 8:00 AM – Depart from West Bend Home Depot 700 W. Paradise Dr. 10:00 AM – Sauk City Kwik Trip for fuel. Sauk Prairie Harley-Da-vidson to collect donations.12:30 PM - Wauzeka – lunch at Century Hall and collect donations4:40 PM - Coon Valley Post No. 116 - dinner and collect donations

SPIRIT RUN READY TO ROLL

Saturday June 20th – 8:00 AM – Depart from Onalaska Woodman’s Grocery 9515 Hwy 169:30 AM – Bay City for fuel11:45 AM - Menomonie Veteran’s Ctr. - lunch and collect donations14:15 PM - Cadott Cenex for fuel and collect donations.17:15 PM -Merrill Community Ctr. – dinner and collect donations

Sunday June 21st – 7:30 AM – Depart from Merrill – Wal-Mart – 505 S Pine St.9:30 AM - Shiocton River Rail Bar & Grill for donations11:00 AM - Arrive at the King Vet-eran’s Home for donations, meal and parade.

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T RUN

The Department 100th Anni-versary Committee, appointed by Commander Shappell, met in Portage during the recent Spring meetings. There are 225 Posts in Wisconsin that will be celebrat-ing their 100th Anniversary in 2018-19 and each is encouraged to do something in their commu-nity to celebrate this awesome event. If you don’t know if your Post is going to be 100 years old, check with Headquarters. Some thoughts to explore and cele-brate are; Who founded the Post and when? Who were the char-ter members? Who was the Post named after? Who are notable members of the Post or notable alumni from youth programs?

What makes your Post special or unique? A good Post history will take time, so start now. Appoint a Post Centennial Committee. Use the Legion’s Legacy Vision booklet as a guide. Use the Le-gion’s Centennial Celebration Workbook and web page to or-ganize and publish your history.

Plan a Community Celebration. Talk with senior members, Use outside resources; local media, libraries and historic societies. Appeal to the community for in-formation. Use on-line resources, archived newspapers, obituaries, library collection......as well as your minutes and History books.

Sharing your Post’s story will not only tell what Legionnaires have done to enrich your own community, but it will help illus-trate the rich history of our orga-nization across the country.

Visit www.centennial.legion.org and register your Post now.

David Gough 100th Anniversary Committee

Chairman

Volunteers from Oconto Post No. 74 held a fundraiser on May 16th. All proceeds benefi tted the Oconto Police Department’s “Every 15 Minutes” program which demonstrates the effects of drinking and driving. Oconto High School Juniors and Se-

niors participated in the two-day program.

Pictured, left to right: Paul DenRuter, 2nd Vice Commander Jim Younger, Jim Jenkins, Jim Schroeder, Jim Aerts, Adjutant John Windross, Ken Exferd and Sergeant At Arms Bill Edwards.

Oconto Post Supports Local Police

� e Department 100th Anniversary Committee Meets

Chapter 1 of the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin were honored to provide a funeral escort for Air Force veteran Peter Tillema, Sr. in Racine on May 14th.

Legion Riders Provide Funeral Escort

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JUNE 11, 2015

Second District Commander and Past National Chaplain Daniel Seehafer is a candidate for Department Vice Com-mander. Dan is a Paid-up for Life member of Post No. 157 in Horicon and served as a commissioned Offi cer in the US Navy.

His service to God and Country in-cludes terms as Post Adjutant, Post Com-mander, County Commander, District Commander, Department Chaplain, and National Chaplain. He was recognized as the “Legionnaire of the Year” in 2009 by the Dodge County Council and the 2nd District.

Reverend Seehafer serves on the Na-tional organization’s “System Worth Sav-ing” Task Force and the National Ceme-tery Committee. He has served on the De-partment Membership, Religious Empha-sis, Strategic Planning and Americanism Committees and chaired the County Youth Government program. He graduated from both The American Legion Extension In-stitute and the National American Legion College.

Reverend Seehafer holds degrees as a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and a Master of Divinity. Dan is supported by his church family and endorsed by Post No. 157, the Dodge County Council, and the Second District.

Candidate for Department Vice Commander


Ed Cooper Daniel Seehafer

10th District Commander Ed Cooper is a candidate for Department Vice Com-mander. Ed served in the US Army from 1971 to 1978 with the rank of Sergeant. He served in Alaska, Virginia, Massachu-setts and in Germany.

Ed is a ten-year member of Butler-Har-mon Post No. 80 in New Richmond. He has served as Post Commander for two years and created a membership team, which has attained All-Time Highs in membership each of the last four years. He also helped to form SAL Squadron No. 80. He has served at the County level and as 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice-Commander and Membership Chairman prior to be-coming District Commander.

He has served as Department Member-ship Committee Vice-Chairman for two years. He has been Department Executive Committee liaison to the VA&R Com-mittee and the National & Homeland Se-curity Committee. He has recently been appointed to the National Security Coun-cil and is a local Board Member for the Selective Service System.

He and his wife Janet have been mar-ried for 44 years They have two sons, Eric & Scott who are both Squadron No. 80 members, and a daughter Amy. They have 6 grandchildren, and have operated a silo repair business since 1979.

Eighth District Commander Jerome (Jerry) Krofta announces his candidacy for the high offi ce of Department Vice Com-mander. Jerry is a Paid up for Life mem-ber of Post No. 9 in Wisconsin Rapids. He served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971 as a Finance Clerk. He also served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in the fi -nance area from 1980 until his retirement in 2006. He took great pleasure in assisting soldiers on fi nancial matters while looking out for the interests of the taxpayers.

Throughout his 22 years of American Legion membership, he has served as Post Commander, Adjutant and Finance Of-fi cer, as well as Commander and Adjutant at the County level. He was twice a 100% Post Commander. He also enjoyed being the Post chairman for the 2008 Midwinter Conference and serving on committees for The American Legion State Bowling Tour-nament and American Legion State Golf Outing.

Jerry is also a member of the 40 et 8, Secretary-Treasurer of the Allied Veter-ans Council of South Wood County and Secretary-Treasurer of his neighborhood association.

Commander Jerry is endorsed by Post No. 9, the Wood County Council and the 8th District.


Jerome Krofta

6th District Commander Jeff Puddy is a candidate for Department Vice Com-mander. Jeff served in the US Navy from July 1983 through May 1989 as an Electronics Technician. He served four years aboard the USS Barb, a fast attack submarine stationed in San Diego.

Jeff joined The American Legion in 1995 and became a member of the Trier-Puddy Post No. 75 in Fond du Lac. In 2009 he was elected as Commander of the Post for two years, he then served as Post Finance Offi cer for one year. He also served as District Vice Commander for two years and as District Command-er for the last two years. He served as DEC liaison to the Americanism and Membership Committees.

Jeff and his wife Beth have been mar-ried for 27 years. Beth is the 6th District President for the American Legion Aux-ilary. They have two children, Sarah, who is a member of Unit No. 75, and Jason, a member of Post No. 75 who is currently serving on active duty in the US Navy. They also have one grand-daughter, Addisyn, who is a junior member of Unit No. 75. Jeff has been an employee of Mercury Marine for the last 22 years.


Jeff Puddy

Sean Patchin is a candidate for Sons of The American Legion Detachment Com-mander.

He is a PUFL member of Verona Post No. 385, and charter member of S.A.L. Squadron No. 385.

His experience in the Legion and S.A.L. includes service as: Post Commander; Dane County Chaplain; Squadron Com-mander and Adjutant; Third District S.A.L Commander and Adjutant; Detachment Chaplain and Detachment Vice Command-er. He is a graduate of The American Le-gion Extension Institute Course.

Art Biesek announces his candidacy for the offi ce of Assistant Department Chaplain. He served 26 years in the Wis-consin Army National Guard, retiring as a 1st Sergeant. He has served at the Post, County and District levels. Art was the Reedsville Post No. 350 Commander when they achieved 100% membership. He has served as the Sauk County Com-mander, 7th District Sergeant At Arms and the 7th District Chaplain.

Art is a true advocate for veterans and a graduate of The American Legion Ex-tension Institute.

Candidate for Sons of The American Legion

Detachment Commander

Candidate for Assistant Department

Chaplain

Sean PatchinArt Biesek

First Name_______________________ Last Name ____________________________________

Member ID Number _____________________________________________________________

District_______ AL Post # ________ Auxiliary Unit # ______ SAL Squadron # _______

Street Address _________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________Zip _______________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone (_________ ) _________________Cell Phone (__________ ) _________________

ITEM QTY. AMOUNT TOTAL

Registration Fee ___________ $25.00 __________

Reg. Fee after July 13, 2015 ___________ $30.00 __________

Total Enclosed __________ Make check payable to The American Legion, Dept. of Wisconsin or enter credit card information below.

Cash Check Credit Card

Card Type__________________Card # ________________________________________________

Expiration Date ______________ Security Code _____________

Return to: The American Legion, Dept. of WI • Attn: Chris Schmidt • P.O. Box 388 • Portage, WI 53901

The American Legion Department of Wisconsin97th Annual Department Convention Registration Form

This is your registration form only, NOT your delegate form. Delegate forms are mailed to the post 30 days prior to Convention per the Constitution and Bylaws.


Department Vice Commander Dale Oat-man is a candidate for Department Com-mander. Dale is a life and 46 year member of Post No. 524 in White Lake receiving endorsements from his Post, County and District. He served 20 years in the Air Force with a tour of duty in Vietnam. He has a bachelor’s degree in business.

Dale is a graduate of The American Le-gion Extension Institute and Department Legion College-basic. He served as DEC liaison on the Policy and Communica-tions Committees and currently serves on the Membership Committee. He serves on the National American Legion Health Administration Committee. He attended Boys State and is currently a staff mem-ber. Dale was named 2006 Legionnaire of the Year for service to his Post and com-munity.

Dale retired as the Langlade County CVSO. His fellow CVSO’s elected him to the Association Executive Committee; CVSO Advisory Committee to the WI Department of Veterans Affairs; and Sec-retary/Treasurer of the WI Commissioners Association.

Dale’s community involvement in-cludes past officer of the Knights of Co-lumbus and past 15-year Boy Scout Lead-er. Dale is supported by his Auxiliary wife Rita of 43 years.

Dale has proven to be a true advocate for veterans with his wealth of knowledge of veteran’s benefits at the state and feder-al levels as well as his dedication to serv-ing many Veterans Service Organizations.

Candidate for Department Commander


Chuck RoloffDale Oatman

Past Department Vice Commander Steven DuBois is a candidate for De-partment Commander. Steve is an 18 year Paid Up for Life member of The American Legion and is eligible for The American Legion through his service as a Pilot in the US Air Force from 1973-1995. Steve has flown B-52 bombers, C-123 and C-130 cargo aircraft, as well as T-39’s.

Steve served as the Commander of Post No. 278 in Balsam Lake, 12th Dis-trict Vice Commander for four years, and District Commander. Steve has been Department Vice Commander and served on the Camp American Legion and Fundraising Committees, as well as DEC liaison to the Hospital Committee.

He has served as a Director and Presi-dent of the Past Commanders Club. He is a member of the 40 et 8 Voiture No. 236, the Sons of The American Legion and was a member of the National American Legion Americanism Commission.

Steve recently retired as a Captain from United Airlines after 21 years of service. He has a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

Steve believes that saying “Thank You” and telling our members we ap-preciate their hard work is the best way to help motivate each other.

As Department Commander, he promises to deliver on that and asks for your support.


Steven R. DuBios

Chuck Roloff, a 46 year member of Cud-worth Post No. 23 in Milwaukee is a candi-date for Department Commander. He is a past Commander and has held many other offices in the post over the years.

Chuck is a past Department Vice Com-mander and was 5th District Commander for nearly four years. Chuck received the “Dirty Dozen” membership award for 2011-2012 and was a 100% District Com-mander.

Chuck serves as President of the Wiscon-sin American Legion Foundation which has received hundreds of thousands of dollars for Wisconsin Legion projects. He has vis-ited many District Conferences to explain how the Foundation might be helpful for local projects. He has also served on the Department Membership Committee and was Chairman of both the Fundraising and Finance Committees.

In addition, Chuck served as chairman of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Af-fairs Council on Veterans Programs.

Chuck believes that the key to a strong organization begins at the local Post, where the public meets Legionnaires as their friends and neighbors. There can be no De-partment or District organization without an extremely strong post presence. The Coun-ty, District and Department officers are sup-port personnel for the local Post.

Chuck has been President and majority shareholder of his company, Lake Geneva Financial Services, since 1987. He is mar-ried to Donna and they have three grown children.

David Wischer is a Candidate for re-election as a Department Sergeant at Arms. David served in the Army during the Vietnam Era and is an Honorary Life Member of the H.A. Todd Jr. Post No. 537 in Milwaukee. He has served twice as Post Commander and achieved 100% in membership in each term. David current-ly is serving as his Post Parliamentarian. He has served as 4th District Sergeant at Arms for 5 years and supported the 2010 National Convention held in Milwaukee, serving as the Parade Chairman.

David is a graduate of The Ameri-can Legion Extension Institute and has

Department Sergeant at Arms Candidate Jeremy Nordie is a member of Post No. 354 Ettrick in the Tenth District. Jeremy’s eli-gibility in The American Legion is a result of his service in the United States Marine Corps during the Persian Gulf conflicts.

Jeremy has been married to his wife Lau-ra for 23 years. Laura is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, as is his grown daughter Kathleen. He also has a grown son, Michael. He and his family are active mem-bers of their church.

Jeremy is an active member at his Post and has been the Trempealeau County Adju-tant for four years. He has also served as the

Candidate for Sergeant at Arms

Candidate for Sergeant at Arms

David Wischer Jeremy Nordie

served 7 years on the Department Mem-bership Committee. He is serving his second year as Department Sergeant at Arms.

David was a citizen at Badger Boys State as a High School student and is cur-rently involved with orientation and regis-tration at Badger Boys State. He and his wife Trish have two sons, two grandsons and one granddaughter, with all being Members of The American Legion Family.

David has the endorsement of his Post the Milwaukee County Council, and the Fourth District.

10th District Sergeant at Arms. He is a char-ter member of the Tenth District American Legion Riders and a member of the Forty et Eight. Jeremy is a regular face at Depart-ment Conventions and Midwinter Confer-ences and has assisted Department staff while serving as an Assistant Department Sergeant at Arms. He is a member of the Department Communications Committee.

He is endorsed by his Post, Trempealeau County and the Tenth District. This “young” Legionnaire, Jeremy Nordie, seeks your support in electing him to the high office of Department Sergeant at Arms.

THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE SEPTEMBER 25, 2014PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JUNE 11, 2015

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1 GermantownRoger Morris K 05/26/1411 Green BayRichard Bruehl K 05/02/15Donald Niehus G/L 05/04/15Donald Woller K 05/10/15Donald Walker II 02/20/1514 IolaLeland Johnson II 04/27/15Dale Nelson II 05/04/1515 JuneauDelmar Winter II 05/03/1520 WaterfordMerton Buchholtz II 05/05/1536 West BendHoward Kirchner K 03/18/15Herman Laabs II 05/03/15Roger Pallowick II 05/07/1538 AppletonRichard Puffer K 04/28/15James Hintz II 05/15/1539 MarinetteSteven Gilman V 04/21/1542 PlattevilleRalph Day K 04/28/1544 WabenoJames Bath K 04/25/1547 PortageSam Hunter 05/15/1553 Eau ClaireLorraine McFarlane II 04/17/15Allyn Abraham II 05/09/1562 ColumbusLance Peavler PG 05/19/15Rexford Williams K 05/02/15Reuben Tiedt K 05/09/15Ray Gibson II 01/26/1570 OshkoshClair Allen II 05/08/15Norman Meidl II 05/06/1573 NeillsvilleRoyce Larsen II 04/21/1575 Fond du LacRobert Kaiser II 04/27/15Germain Thomas II 04/05/15Forrest Wolf K 05/10/1577 Chippewa FallsGeorge Gannon K 02/20/1580 New RichmondJames McKibben K 05/24/1585 MuscodaJoseph Rut V 05/11/1587 Rice LakeDonald Nelson K 04/29/15Raymond Rau II 04/29/15Jeff Anderson V 04/11/15Raymond Svea II 04/21/1589 MinocquaRobert Lee V 05/16/1893 TomahawkEugene Gryskiewicz K 05/02/15Orville Majerus V 05/09/1596 WebsterRobert Gleason V 10/22/14Richard Mosher II 11/23/14William Plath II 04/26/15George Sears K 03/12/1597 DodgevilleJohn Jewell K 04/30/1598 CumberlandHenry Hazelberg II 05/01/15106 SeymourAllan Loney V 05/18/15

112 StanleyPaul Bichanich II 04/10/14114 Eagle RiverJohn Wade II 115 ElroyRodney Knuth G/L 03/27/15123 OwenEmil Rohland II 04/21/15125 ChiltonHerbert Bruckner II 04/04/15127 HilbertLyle Kamps K 04/30/15146 Beaver DamLeroy Klug II 04/20/15Gilbert Wild K 04/13/15Craig Baszynski V 01/22/15Winfi eld Hackbarth K 05/01/15151 MadisonGordon Kilday II 04/14/15Edward Zevnik K 05/20/15Fredric Williams P 05/20/15153 PittsvilleHarold Korger II 04/23/15155 WestbyHarlan Fremstad II 04/22/14158 Maiden RockLloyd Rahrmann II 04/14/15161 KingKen Myszka V 05/02/15Charles Larkee K 05/20/15173 WhitewaterMarie Craig II 05/02/15Everard Craig II 01/08/15180 MilwaukeeLeroy Sobieszcyk K 05/15/15Harry Sadowski II 05/09/15182 Park FallsMartin Stelter K 04/21/15Perry Greenwood II 03/26/15188 East TroyJoseph Key K 05/21/15193 Batavia/BeechwoodDavid Strack K 05/11/15199 ReedsvilleRichard Beimborn V 04/24/15200 Black River FallsRobert Bucholz K 04/28/15Gerald Paar 04/30/15Paul Mickelson V 05/22/15205 JanesvilleRichard Messner K 04/28/15Robert Carlsen II 03/24/15Norman Albert II 05/31/15206 WonewocWeldon Polk K 05/26/15210 WaupunRonald Loebe II 04/25/15218 HaywardFrank Duffy K 12/11/14Thomas Kershaw V 03/30/15Edwin Persson II 03/30/15Donald Schlaefer II 04/14/15219 MilwaukeeAnthony Caravella II 05/04/15223 HillsboroFrancis Blaha V 04/07/15Raymond Dyer II 04/22/15243 PlymouthJerome Quella II 05/07/15Richard Gerber II 05/05/15245 Cross PlainsJohn Foye K 01/25/15250 AdamsJames O’Loughlin V 05/04/15Laverne Dierschow II 12/27/14251 ArgyleDonald Monson V 05/08/15258 Little ChuteLeland Tessen II 04/20/15Harold Vandenberg II 04/23/15Richard VanHandel K 05/23/15262 LuxemburgJoseph Wessely II 05/14/15263 New LondonGlenn Fuerst K 05/08/15Donald Buelow V 05/14/15278 Balsam LakeWendle Johnson K 09/04/14William Hoehne V 02/15/15

280 ColemanMarvin Gusick K 05/07/15284 HolmenDouglas Kurtz V 04/23/15286 OostburgJacob Verhelst II 04/28/15Don Depagter V 05/23/15288 CedarburgRoy Eickstedt II 04/27/15Harry Frank II 04/29/15Roger Micheln II 05/17/15295 BloomerArdell Hanson K 02/24/15301 WoodvilleRonald Bonte K 05/07/15305 Johnson CreekRobert Baneck K 05/23/15306 Green LakeJerome Keenan K 01/02/15310 RacineJohn Mandli II 05/05/15Sam Garabedian II 05/11/15Wesley Pottinger II 05/14/15Jerry Wiegel II 05/14/15Woodrow Svoboda II 05/19/15324 OsseoCharles Bratsven K 04/22/15Jerald Johnson V 05/03/15325 GoodmanVincent Pickard K 04/18/15Donald Edelbeck II 02/17/15337 PulaskiJames Schroeder K 05/03/15340 BerlinHarry Wolff II 05/01/15343 HancockEdward Bertotto K 04/14/15Clarence Ninneman II 04/08/15Wiley Thompson K 04/08/15351 MontelloAlbert Wronski V 04/17/15Leon Maass V 05/17/15355 GraftonJames Gehr II 05/04/15Ralph Barth K 04/04/15Leroy Paulin II 04/25/15363 DenmarkLawrence Kafka K 04/23/15366 PrincetonGeorge Jantz K 05/09/15Orval Osheim II 05/25/15390 GreshamWilford Little II 01/30/15Johnny Doxtator K 02/10/15George Ovans II 04/19/15Keith Raasch V 12/18/14391 FremontLevern Michels II 05/22/15402 Washington IslandRichard Sheehy II 03/06/15Glen Brolander II 03/15/14415 MilwaukeeThomas Kasper II 05/01/15416 GreendaleRobert Gunn II 02/28/15Donald Rytman K 03/22/15Richard Cook II 04/17/15Alvin Dombrowski II 09/25/14Duane Gehling K 05/10/15David Sobczak V 05/10/15437 MazomanieLouie Handel II 05/10/15447 Viola Keith Smith II 04/22/15Donald Cade K 03/28/15Maynard Fink II 03/15/14Tammy Evans P 08/29/14Donald Deckert II 12/18/14Earl Gilman II 05/25/15451 Boulder JunctionRoy Titel II 04/15/15Gary Geurts K 04/27/15454 Mt CalvaryAndrew Kraus K 04/22/15Orville Freund K 04/29/15457 Mequon-ThiensvilleLeland Ward II 04/10/15Aaron Jadofsky K 10/19/14Joseph Kennedy K 06/27/14

Ferdinand Rigoni K 04/12/14Christopher Reinhardt II 05/23/15461 PembineWilliam Erno II 01/09/15470 SaukvilleRobert Krebsbach K 01/25/15Gerald Post K 01/01/15Robert Flynn V 05/06/15Charles Heeren V 02/23/15David Strehlow K 03/07/15Richard Schantz V 09/06/14Robert Schuknecht II 04/20/15482 BagleyRobert Lees K 04/20/15483 AllentonRalph Gehl V 05/18/15484 GlenbeulahDavid Baumann V 04/18/15

485 RudolphEdward Slattery II 05/03/15501 MadisonWilliam Kropp K 04/11/15Robert Sands II 04/01/14517 DorchesterLyle Bunkelman II 04/26/15518 Green BayMarvin Lunde V 05/02/15Rupert Steinfeldt II 05/15/15521 Fox LakeWillis Berndt II 05/16/15James Slawny K 05/22/15Roy Reabe II 05/24/15538 CarltonEdwin Reinke K 05/12/15546 RacineThomas White K 05/21/15

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A WORD ABOUT LEGIONNAIRE INSURANCE TRUST

The Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) was formed in 1966 with two primary goals: to provide Legion families with low-cost insurance protection, and to provide a source of revenue to participating Legion Departments.

The Trust has been so successful in its over forty-five years that today over 500,000 Legionnaires in 49 participating Departments are enrolled in this unique program.

Also, in the same period of time, almost $1 billion dollars in claim benefits have been paid to Legionnaires and their families through the LIT; and over $71 million in allocations have been paid to participating Legion Departments.

The first Trust insurance plan to be offered was the Hospital Income Protection plan, a program designed to pay fixed dollar amounts for periods of hospital confinement. Over the years, other insurance coverage offered included: Cancer, Accidental Death, Travel Accident, Critical Illness, Disability Income, Emergency Assistance, Long Term Care, Medicare Supplement, Discount Cards, Dental, Whole Life, Auto, Homeowners, Identity Theft, and Home Health Care.

Since its creation, AGIA has worked closely with the Trust to develop insurance programs especially designed for Department members and their families. We are proud to serve you through the Trust and invite your inquiries and suggestions on any aspect of our activities.

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Log on to www.thelit.com for more informationor contact Headquarters at (608) 745-1090.


The Last


It has been over ten years since I started my 4-year stretch as Wisconsin’s Department Histo-rian. As the Historian, my func-tion was to take pictures and record the state commander’s visits. In this role, I attended the Department Executive Commit-tee but had no voice or vote. I spent a lot of time watching and listening to the leaders of our Department.

I also had opportunities to travel around the state to all 12 District conferences, most more than once. Again, I watched, listened and learning how the Districts are similar, but on the other hand, each District has their own traditions that make them unique.

As I watched these leaders from around the state, I learned that there are many different styles of leadership. One is not necessarily better than the other. As long as you have the mem-bers respect and trust - tasks can and will be accomplished.

Over the years I have seen De-partment, District, County and Post Commanders and Presi-

TEAM WISCONSIN’S CAMPAIGNdents demonstrate their passion and love for The American Le-gion Family. I have been blessed to hear stories about mentoring, training and building legacies that they won’t let die on their watch. And so, they mentor another Le-gionnaire, Auxiliary, Squadron or Rider member to eventually take their place.

Every single place I went, in every corner of the state, I felt welcome. I wasn’t a VIP, just a Legionnaire in a strange place. The Legion Family always made me feel at home.

We all come into each other’s lives for certain reasons. I learned something from everyone I met, at all levels.

Mostly I saw that you all have something special in your heart that makes you pay your dues and brings you to monthly meet-ings. But more importantly, you are in your local areas taking care of our veterans, their families and your community. You want to make sure the legacy of our fam-ily never dies.

There was a time when thinking about being a post commander

was out of my comfort zone, but I did it because my post needed me. Then someone suggested I be a District Commander, and I stepped up. You will do the same someday, if you haven’t already.

And now here I am, on an amaz-ing journey to be your future Na-tional Commander.

Starting this September we will begin to take this campaign na-tionwide. But it’s not my cam-paign, It is Team Wisconsin’s campaign. It is your hard work and dedication that brought at-tention to Wisconsin. It is your mentoring, friendship and love for this organization that helped make me who I am.

It has been over 30 years since Wisconsin had a National Com-mander. It is past time for us to have another one.

I am honored that you endorsed me as Wisconsin’s Candidate. Please know, I am not doing this for myself, I’m doing this for you, the good of Wisconsin and The American Legion. I need your prayers and support now more than ever.

Denise Rohan, PDC/PDH

Post No. 255 • LuckRobert Clifton

Post No. 51 - West SalemVern Tranberg

Post No. 403 • Webb LakeKeith Scherf

Post No. 207 - ElmwoodThomas Werner

Post No. 188 • East TroyTom Senft

Post No. 39 • Marinette Micheal McGowan

Post No. 364 • Winneconne Paul Baker

Post No. 326 • BoydJerry Gully

Post No. 38 • AppletonJeffrey Zwiers

Post No. 388 • Cedar GroveWayne Ebbers

Post No. 341 - BirnamwoodRichard Marien

Post No. 366 • OnalaskaClarence Stellner

Post No. 503 • DaneRon Clemens

Post No. 418 • SuperiorRobert McDermott

Post No. 41 • KaukaunaTroy Hansen

Post No. 73 - NeillsvilleMike Smith

Post No. 104 • Cuba CityDon Gronemus

2014 2

015

2014 2015

TH

E SPIRIT OF WISCONSIN100%

POST COMMANDERS

POST COMMANDERS

100%

POST COMMANDERS

THESPIRIT

OF WISCONSIN

100% POST COMMANDERS

Post No. 372 ForrestvilleCommander:

Arnie Johnsrud Adjutant:

Allen Buechner

LEFT: Ward Rote of Post No. 237 Footville recently received recognition for 70 continuous years of membership in The American Legion.

RIGHT: Ellery J. Vollrath of Zach Holmes Post No. 403 in Webb Lake was recently recognized for 70 continuous years of membership in The American Legion. Ellery has been a member since his discharge from the U.S.Army Air Corps at the end of WWII. The award was presented by Post No. 403 Commander Keith Scherf, who is also his son-in-law.

Bronsted-Searl Post No. 93 of Tomahawk presented WWII veterans Robert Koth and Howard Hetzel with certifi cates commemorating their 70 years as members of The American Legion. Pictured left to right are Robert Koth, Howard Hetzel and Post Commander Joe Story.

Rod J. Campbell of the Richard I. Bong Post No. 435 in Superior was awarded a Certifi cate of Continuous Membership to honoring his 70 Years as a loyal Legionnaire. A longtime and dedicated member, Mr. Campbell’s consistent loyalty further merits the honor of being cited as an outstanding contributor to the ideals, principles, and programs of The American Legion. The certifi cate was presented by Del Kangas, Post Commander.

LEFT: Ward Rote of Post No. 237 Footville

OF MEM BERSHIP

O

P

70 YEARSAMERICAN LEGI0N

june 2015 pages 1 7

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