2016 january pages 1 7

The 2016 Midwinter Conference will feature Color Guard train-ing conducted by a team of Drill Instructors from the Wisconsin Army National Guard Recruit-ing & Retention Battalion. Post members are encouraged to attend and receive hands-on training. All equipment will be available on site so there is no need to bring any-thing. The training will take place on Saturday, January 16th as part of the annual Midwinter Confer-ence which will be held at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Conven-tion Center in the Wisconsin Dells January 14th- 17th.

On Saturday evening, January 16th, the 1st American Legion Family Joint Testimonial Dinner will honor Department Command-er Dale Oatman, Auxiliary Depart-

ment President Laura Calteux, SAL Detachment Commander Mike Kollmansberger and Wiscon-sin American Legion Riders As-sociation President Ray McSher-ry. Tickets are $32 and a limited number are still available on a fi rst come fi rst serve basis.

The Americanism Programs Resource Center will help you learn how to promote traditional American values in your commu-nity through the programs of The American Legion. National Ameri-can Legion staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide de-tails on how you and your post can become involved.

The Midwinter Conference will also feature a demonstration Shoot-ing Sports range where attendees can use the rifl es on a competition

range. Department Shooting Sports Chairman Steve Shanks will be on hand to answer questions and pro-vide details on how your post can become involved in American Le-gion Junior Shooting Sports.

In addition the Midwinter Con-ference will also feature several exciting training sessions for Le-gionnaires at all levels of the orga-nization. Graduates of the National American Legion College will be conducting courses of the Wis-consin American Legion College. Leadership training and Member-ship training are being offered. Other briefi ngs will include Direct Marketing Programs for Member-ship Retention and Acquisition, Care and Maintenance of the M1-Garand rifl e along with Funeral Honors training, membership re-cruiting and retention tips, sessions on Post Operations, getting Ameri-canism and Children & Youth pro-grams active in your community and the American Legion Exten-sion Institute Course. There will also be a Historians Workshop and a Chaplains Workshop. The sched-ule appears in this edition of the Badger Legionnaire.

Legion members who sign up a new member, or renew any for-mer member who has not paid for 2 years (since 2013) can still qualify to win a prize of $1,000 at the Conference. Simply sign up a new member, or renew any former member and enter your name. The drawing will take place on Satur-day, January 16th. There is no limit to the number of times an indi-vidual can qualify – recruiters get one chance for every new member they recruit. Register and reserve your hotel room online at www.wile-gion.org.

Symbols of America isAn Activity Book for Kids featuring artwork from the Milwaukee Art Museum. Inside kids will learn about Americanism found in different forms of art. Coloring pages and activities are included in the book along with photographs of original artwork from various artists.

Presented by The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

2016 Midwinter conference approachesStill a Chance to Win Big in the Get One Bounty Drawing

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

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

January 7, 2016Vol. 93, No. 1

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.

2016 MIDWINTER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

12th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

11th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

10th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

9th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

8th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

7th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

6th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

5th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

4th PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

3rd PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

2nd PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

1st PLACE

P.R.I.D.E.2015-2016

P.R.I.D.E.

District 5

83.83%

District 4

84.81%

District 7

85.72%

District 1

86.01%

District 2

86.10%

District 10

86.98%

District 8

86.99%

District 3

87.12%

District 12

87.41%

District 11

88.24%

District 6

88.50%

District 9

89.00%

2016 Membership Goal: 59,000 • December 30th Total: 52,150 – 88.39%

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 20167:00 AM-6:00 PM Registration Lower Dells Hall8:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits Lower Dells Hall 8:00-10:00 AM Americanism Committee Lower Dells-E8:00-10:00 AM Fundraising Committee Lower Dells-FG8:00-10:00 AM Membership Committee Lower Dells-A8:00-10:00 AM Centennial Committee Lower Dells-I10:00 AM-12:00 PM Camp American Legion Committee Lower Dells-B10:00 AM-12:00 PM Convention & Activities Commission Lower Dells-H10:00 AM-12:00 PM Legislative Committee Upper Dells-C10:00 AM-12:00 PM Communications Committee Lower Dells-CD10:00 AM-12:00 PM Religious Emphasis Committee Lower Dells-Salon A10:00 AM-12:00 PM Hospital Committee Upper Dells-E12:00 PM Past Sergeant At Arms Meeting Stand Rock Buffet11:30 AM Past Dept. Vice Commander Lunch Upper Dells-D1:00-3:00 PM VA&R Committee Lower Dells-CD1:00-3:00 PM Finance Committee Lower Dells-A1:00-3:00 PM National & Homeland Security Com. Lower Dells-FG1:00-3:00 PM Policy Committee Lower Dells-E1:00-3:00 PM Children & Youth Committee Lower Dells-I3:00 PM WI Legion College Alumni Assoc. Upper Dells-E3:00 PM Wisconsin Historian’s Association Upper Dells-Board Rm3:30 PM Golf Association Lower Dells-Board Rm4:00 PM GNUTS Social Meeting Wo Zha Wa Bar5:30 PM Past Commanders Club Meeting Lower Dells-E2:00 PM-4:00 PM SAL Meeting Upper Dells-A

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 20167:00 AM-3:00 PM Registration Lower Dells Hall8:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits Lower Dells Hall10:00 AM-3:00 PM Blood Drive Lower Dells-E7:00 AM-10:00 AM Americanism Resource Area Upper Dells Atrium 7:00 AM-10:00 AM Shooting Sports Shooting Range Upper Dells A 9:00 AM Post Operations Lower Dells-CD9:00 AM Americanism & C&Y in Your Community Lower Dells-A9:00 AM ALEI- $5.00 Fee Lower Dells-GF9:00 AM Funeral Honors/M-1 Garand Lower Dells-I9:00 AM Historian’s Workshop Lower Dells-Salon A9:00 AM Leadership- WALC Basic Course Lower Dells-B 10:00 AM 2nd District Oratorical Contest Upper Dells-C 11:15 AM Direct Marketing Programs for Membership Lower Dells-CD11:15 AM Economic- Education-SM Business and more Lower Dells-A11:15 AM Funeral Honors/M1 Training Lower Dells-I11:15 AM Chaplain’s Workshop Lower Dells-B11:15 AM Color Guard Training Lower Dells-H 1:00 PM Dual Members Club Luncheon Sunrise Cliffs Café1:00 PM National Appointments Luncheon Upper Dells-D1:00 PM Chaplain’s Luncheon Sunrise Cliffs Cafe1:00 PM WALPA Meeting Upper Dells-Board Rm2:00 PM Baseball Directors Meeting Lower Dells-GF2:00 PM Post Operations Lower Dells-CD2:00 PM Americanism & C&Y in Your Community Lower Dells-A2:00 PM Color Guard Training Lower Dells-H1:00 PM SAL Training Upper Dells-E3:00 PM SAL DEC Upper Dells-E 4:00 PM Direct Marketing Programs for Membership Lower Dells-CD4:00 PM Economic- Education-Small Business & more Lower Dells-A4:00 PM Membership – WALC Intermediate Course Lower Dells-B 6:00 PM Catholic Church Service Lower Dells-I6:00 PM Protestant Church Service Lower Dells-E 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Legion Family Cocktail Hour Upper Dells Atrium7:00 PM Legion Family Testimonial Dinner Upper Dells-A SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 20168:00 AM Four Chaplains Service Lower Dells-A9:00 AM Department Executive Committee Lower Dells-B

Symbols of America isAn Activity Book for Kids featuring artwork from the Milwaukee Art Museum. Inside kids will learn about Americanism found in different forms of art. Coloring pages and activities are included in the book along with photographs of original artwork from various artists.

Presented by The Wisconsin American Legion Foundation and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

SYMBOLS OFAMERICA

Presented by �e American Legion, Department of Wisconsin

An ActivityBook For Kids

Featuring Artwork from the

NOW AVAILABLE!

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANuARy 7, 2016

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

2015-2016 Communications CommitteeKendel D. Feilen, ChairmanPhil Ingwell, Vice Chairman

Jim young, DEC LiaisonBernard Olson

Harold RihnRory BurnsDan Osero

Gerald Brown, HistorianLoretta Shellman, Auxiliary LiaisonBonnie Dorniak, Auxiliary Liaison

2015-16 Department Offi cers

CommanderDale H. Oatman

Vice Commanders Dan Seehafer

Jeff PuddyEd Cooper

Jerome KroftaAdjutant

David A. KurtzSergeant-at ArmsJeremy NordieDave WischerService Offi cer

James FialkowskiNECman

Steve KruegerAlternate NECman

Ken Rynes

District Commanders 1st – Tom Strey 2nd – Jim Lee 3rd – Mary Lloyd 4th – Mark Sandow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Todd Braun 7th – Mark Lesko 8th – Jim young 9th – Laurel Clewell 10th – John Miller 11th – Frank Kostka 12th – Chris Sower

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

Laura Calteux, 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 COMMANDERThe holidays

are behind us, winter is here and we barely had enough snow up north for a white Christmas. Many are not complain-ing though be-

cause the mild winter, so far, means the fuel bills are down. I hope ev-eryone enjoyed their holidays.

I want to express my thanks for the many Legion Family members who supported Reverend George Buchanan’s family and myself fol-lowing his sudden death. He will be truly missed by his family and the Legion Family to include the Legion Riders, Auxiliary, SAL and the many Wisconsin American Legion and Legion Family Group Facebook followers. George and I were close friends for many years. I will never forget the number of Legion Family members who were at the Bradley Funeral Home on

My father was a Poland born im-migrant farmer, a welder and a US Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He was sagacious. He rarely repeat-

ed himself, so we learned to listen attentively. My father once told me, “A good horse gets rode hard, it will break itself if you are not mindful of its care”. I have been using this factual statement ever since. It just fi ts, especially in the Department Service Offi ce as of late.

There has been one constant fo-cus in my almost nine years in the Department Service Offi ce, and that has been caring. Caring is the main ingredient for a good veteran service representative. Sure you need to be able to retain knowledge and be able to understand the com-plexities involved, but no amount of

Thursday night and Hope Presby-terian Church on Friday. I know Reverend George is in God’s hands.

Wisconsin has thus far enjoyed a successful 2015–16 membership year at both the National and De-partment level and I thank every-one for your efforts. Approximately 4,924 are still needed to match the end of last year’s numbers and 6,061 to hit our targeted number of 59,000 by the end of June. We need to keep pushing for the remaining renewals and recruit new members. It is not too late to request a revital-ization at the Post, County or Dis-trict levels so consider that option in order to reach out to the many veterans in your respective areas, as well as getting Legionnaires out of the Headquarters Holding Post. I hope I have a County Commander join me for the annual Pilgrimage to the Tomb of President Abraham Lincoln in Springfi eld, IL on Feb-ruary 11th and 12th. The County Commander’s Challenge to achieve

capability matters if you don’t care enough to go the extra mile. We have an excellent crew that cares in the Department Service Offi ce, and we enjoy the good reputation this has earned. The old joke goes, no good deed goes unpunished and in reality, we may have created a monster.

The fundamental truth is that our good reputation has increased our workload. A good benchmark of this workload increase is the num-ber of new claimants we receive over a given period. In 2013 and 2014 we took about nine months to attain 1,000 new claimants. Over the last year, we have aver-aged 1000 new claimants every 16 Weeks. Another useful bench-mark is the number of total clients tracked by our offi ce. When I start-ed in the offi ce in January of 2007 we had approximately 6,700 claim-ants; we hit 19,000 on December 21st, 2015. These clients have put

100% membership ends January 13th and that goal is achievable with Post involvement.

Midwinter is upon us with a vari-ety of training opportunities taking place on Saturday, January 16th at Ho-Chunk Hotel, Casino and Con-vention Center in Baraboo. See this issue of the Badger Legionnaire for a complete listing of the training of-fered. Take advantage of this great opportunity to enhance your Legion Family knowledge. After the train-ing, stay for the combined Family Testimonial dinner honoring our Legion Family offi cers. Also, don’t forget about the hospitality rooms the evening of Friday, January 15th.

Oratorical Scholarship contests are underway and I am looking for-ward to the Regional and Depart-ment competitions at Ripon College on Saturday, February 13th. Depart-ment Oratorical Chairman, Robert Stone, is still looking for volunteers to help out. If interested, a form was provided in the December issue of

their trust in The American Legion and our Service Offi ce.

Your offi ce has enjoyed attaining life altering Veteran Administration and Department of Justice (DOJ) Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) benefi ts. In the last 12 full months, our active clients have received $172.7 million. I have had the pleasure of assisting one veteran with his RECA claim for $75,000 this year. As I have stated before, we only track clients that we are as-sisting, and we purge clients as they no longer require our active servic-es. Therefore, this is only a fraction of the claimants for whom your ser-vice offi ce has representation. The actual total number of American Legion represented benefi ts recipi-ents tracked by the Wisconsin VA Regional Offi ce is actually over 50,000. Their total monthly award is over $52.2 million (Over $600 million annually).

As you can see your Service Of-

the Badger Legionnaire, so fi ll it out and turn it into Headquarters or call Dawn Brauner at (608) 745-1090.

A reminder that the Posts who support Badger Boys State; Reser-vations for the 75th session this June are now being accepted. Sponsors should send the Reservation fee of $250 per attendee to Department Headquarters right away. And with Spring right around the corner, Le-gion baseball teams should begin the back-ground checks for Coaches and volunteers. The deadline for team registration is May 15th.

Only a third of the Districts have provided their Spring Conference dates to Headquarters. These dates are needed for scheduling a pos-sible visit by the Department Com-mander and by those campaigning for higher offi ce. Please visit the Events Calendar on the Department website www.wilegion.org to pre-vent having too many conferences on the same date. I will see you at Midwinter.

fi ce is indeed the good horse and one of my duties is to be mindful of its care, so the offi ce doesn’t break. I take this important role very se-riously. As most have heard me state, I love being the Department Service Offi cer. In my position, I get the pleasure of working closely with veterans and their families. I have spoken about the joy I have had in meeting interesting veterans, learning about their extreme hard-ships, like living through being a Prisoner of War (POW) and their triumphs, such as learning to walk again with prosthesis. Being your Department Service Offi cer has been delightful and adventurous to date. I am personally very proud of what we have achieved and excited about the possibilities of our future. I am proud that your Service Offi ce is considered the “Good Horse” and that you have entrusted to me the care of this offi ce and the veter-ans we serve. Thank you.

As the holiday season comes to an end, I would like to I wish you and your loved ones the very best as we end this year and prepare for the next! I hope

2015 has been full of happiness and support.

As we look forward to 2016, we must also look back on the year we have just completed and assess the work we do and how we can do it even better. As the head of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs I am very proud of how we take care of veterans and their fam-ilies. We continue to lead the nation in providing the best programs, benefi ts and services to those who served in the military. But I know

we can always build on this suc-cess.

For the fi scal year of 2015, our Vet-erans Benefi t Resource Center han-dled nearly 25,000 calls and fi elded more than 10,000 online chats – an-swering veterans’ inquiries about an entire range of benefi ts.

Some of these inquiries lead to long overdue, but greatly deserved accolades for some of our veterans. Just this year our department linked up two World War II veterans with French Legions of Merit, the high-est distinction awarded by the French government, they earned as soldiers in Europe seven decades ago. We helped a family looking for records of their soldier who served in the Philippines and died under Japanese captivity. We were able to assist yet another family of a soldier killed in England fi nally fi nd out the soldier’s fi nal resting

place and details of his service.These are the personal connec-

tions we can help you make. Ad-ditionally, we have made tens of thousands of eligibility determi-nations for veterans or their fam-ily members for the Wisconsin GI Bill, the property tax credit, the veteran identifi er on Wisconsin driver licenses, and the professional license fee waivers. We have made strides to help veterans in the areas of housing and mental health care.

We understand all of these items and many others are important to you, to your family, and to us as we want to ensure that your service to our country does not go unappreci-ated. All of you have served our nation with honor and distinction and it is a privilege to serve you now when you most need it.

As we look forward to 2016, we are setting higher standards for

ourselves. We want to do all we can to reach even more veterans in this state. We want to help more of you get connected with the benefi ts you have earned. We want to share our expertise and our dedication with you and your family.

New Year resolutions are notori-ously forgotten and abandoned af-ter a few weeks, so we won’t call these resolutions, but these goals are ways we can challenge our-selves to do better for Wisconsin’s veterans every single day.

Again, I thank you for your ser-vice and sacrifi ce and giving us at the WDVA the opportunity to serve you. I hope you enjoyed a peaceful holiday season fi lled with friendship and camaraderie with your family, friends and oth-er loved ones.

Now on to an even better 2016! Happy New Year!

WDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

James FialkowskiService Offi cer

DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICE

Dale OatmanDepartment Commander

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJANuARy 7, 2016

Hancock Hosts wwii Memorial dedication ceremony

All Legionnaires, Legion Auxiliary Members, Sons of The American Legion, Legion Riders and their guests are invited to attend the 53rd Annual Sixth District Americanism Banquet.This year’s event will be held on Saturday, February

13, 2016 at La Sure’s Hall in Oshkosh. Social begins at 5:00PM with the opening ceremonies starting at 6:00PM with dinner to follow.Banquet seating is by advance reservation only.

The cost is $21.00 per person and reservation requests must be received by February 5, 2016. Please use the reservation form. Include a contact name, telephone number and Post, Unit or Squad-ron number. Your tickets will be available for pick-up at the door. La Sure’s is located south of Hwy 44 at 3125 South

Washburn St., Oshkosh (next to the Outlet Mall). Rooms have been reserved as a block under The

American Legion at Hawthorn Inn & Suites at a re-duced rate of $89.00 plus tax. Hawthorn Inn & Suites is conveniently connected to La Sure’s. They can be reached at (920) 303-1133. Rooms will be held until January 13, 2016, so book your reservation now.For further information contact 6th District Ameri-

canism Chairman David Steinert at (920) 685-6691.

Originally printed in the November 18, 2015 issue of the Waushara Ar-gus. Story and photo reprinted with permission.

On Nov. 14, a crowd of over 70 people fi lled the square next to the Hancock Public Library to honor World War II Veterans during a dedi-cation ceremony of the new Hancock World War II Veterans Memorial.

“The dedication of the World War II memorial had taken over a year of planning,” said Cathy Kaminski, Hancock/Coloma American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 343 President. “Lucille Vezina brought up the sub-ject of reproducing the placards that named the World War II vets that had once been displayed in Hancock.”

Vezina continued on her quest to see this project completed by con-tacting various organizations for donations and getting approval from the Hancock Public Library to place the memorial on the outside of their building.

Then Vezina looked for a skilled craftsman to assemble the bunch of squares that contained the names, into a memorial that would honor the veterans for years to come.

“When Lucille [Vezina] asked me if I would help with the project, I decided to help because working on the project would be a memorial to my father,” said Eric Schulke. “My dad, Albert Schulke, was a POW during World War II. It was a bit of a challenge, we wanted to replicate the original display but many of the squares with the names were not the same size, so the framing and plexi-glass covering were a bit of a challenge but in the end it turned out perfect.”

After months of preparation, World War II veterans Bob Whit-man, Bob Barnes, Harold Sullivan, and Eber Leavitt were honored with speeches, applause and fi nally

thanks from the crowd.Chaplain Mike Footit began and

ended the program with heartfelt prayers. The keynote speaker, Amer-ican Legion Department of Wiscon-sin Commander Dale Oatman was present and discussed the impor-tance of honoring veterans.

Rogers/Oestrich American Legion Post No. 343 Post Commander Bill Johnson and Auxiliary President Cathy Kaminski each took a mo-ment to speak about the veterans and the sacrifi ces they have made over the years.

After the ceremony, World War II veterans Bob Barnes and Bob Whit-man reminisced about their high school days in Hancock, and the meaning of what Commander Bill Johnston said during his speech be-came clear.

“This wall makes it clear how great a sacrifi ce this area made during World War II. The village and town of Hancock and Deerfi eld sent 145 young men and women to fi ght in World War II. These young men and woman fought for all the ideals we hold dear. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifi ce in the name of free-dom,” said Commander Johnson.

“As you look at the gold stars be-

side many of the names you begin to realize how much of a sacrifi ce it truly was. These were young men and woman at the beginning of their young lives who were willing to give all for their country,” he contin-ued. “This memorial honors World War II veterans but it also honors all those who have given their time and effort to serve in the armed forces to keep America free. These veterans are the guardians of our freedom.”

Kaminski ended the program with the following remarks, “The men on this memorial are from the Town of Hancock, Village of Hancock, and Deerfi eld. We have here today four of these veterans, Bob Whit-man, Bob Barnes, Harold Sullivan, and Eber Leavitt, and as a commu-nity we would like to say, thank you gentlemen.”

“Our memorial is symbolic of this defi ning event of the 20th Century. This memorial is dedicated to the spirit, sacrifi ce and commitment of the American people and our special men and woman of the Hancock area,” she added. “We thank our Veterans for their service. Because of you brave, courageous men we all possess the most precious gift: freedom.”

WWII Veterans Bob Whitman, Bob Barnes, Harold Sullivan, and Eber Leavitt pose with Department Commander Dale Oatman after the dedication.

53rd Annual

Sixth District Americanism Banquet

Reservation FormMake check payable to: The American Legion 6th DistrictMail to: David Steinert • 733 E. Main St • Omro, WI 54963

Contact Name: ____________________________________Post #: ____________ District #: _____________________Address: ________________________________________Phone #: ________________________________________Total tickets ordered: ________ @ $21.00 each = ________

Please list names of all parties attending1. _____________________________________________2. _____________________________________________3. _____________________________________________4. _____________________________________________5. _____________________________________________6. _____________________________________________7. _____________________________________________8. _____________________________________________9. _____________________________________________10. ____________________________________________11. ____________________________________________12. ____________________________________________

Reservation Deadline: February 5, 2016

Hello to the mem-bers of The Ameri-can Legion Fam-ily from the Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.) D e t a c h m e n t Commander, Mike Kollmansberger.

I hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years.

Our year started out strong and continuing through the end of 2015 our Detachment was number one in the central region for renewals. Thanks to the Squadrons for mak-ing that possible. Winter has fi nally arrived so let’s turn up the heat to get new members added into our detachment. Make sure to invite your friends and family to join.

Welcome Squadron No. 90!Will you please join me in wel-

coming Kelly-Johnson Squadron No. 90 in Ashland, Wisconsin? They elected their fi rst slate of offi -cers on October 29th. It was a plea-sure working with them. Looking

forward to working with you more often in the future.

New Year GoalsOne of our goals this year is to

have a squadron in every county. We need to grow if we want to succeed. Therefore if you know of a post that would like more information about starting their own squadron please feel free to contact Adjutant David Faust at [email protected].

Another goal we have is to help promote the Legion Family. When we work together than we are not just detachment strong; we are American Legion Family strong. Many hands make light work so help promote any of the activities going on in your area.

As always promoting the Child Welfare Foundation is a ma-jor goal. National Commander Kevin Collier has set a bar for us to raise a minimum of $1.50 per member. The Child Welfare Foundation was set up to teach the public about the special needs of children across the nation and

to help them overcome their ob-stacles in life. Think of all the children we could help if we raise that extra little bit of money.

Did you know about the dues increase?

If you aren’t getting our eNews-letters, (www.wisal.org/news) you may not know that delegates to the Detachment Convention in July passed a $2.00 dues increase, ef-fective January 1, 2016. What does that mean to you?

• Dues sent in to Detachment (postmarked) ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2016, send in $9.00 per member.

Stay ROCKEDOur S.A.L. National Command-

er Kevin Collier asks us to stay ROCKED for our veterans: Re-membering Our Commitment and Keeping it Every Day.

As Sons of The American Legion members we are proud to be a part of The American Legion Family, and appreciate the legacy gifted to us by our forefather’s service.

DETACHMENT COMMANDER

Mike KollmansbergerS.A.L. Detachment

Commander

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANuARy 7, 2016

District 1 Legion Riders join Santa, who is also a District 1 Rider, and some of his elves to spread Christmas joy. Santa and his elves served a lot of Root Beer Floats at the Veterans Home in Union Grove on December 12, 2015.

1ST DISTRICT LEGION RIDERS JOIN SANTA

It’s no secret that while it gives basic protection against health care costs, Medicare won’t cov-er all your medical expenses. To help cover some of the items that Medicare does not cover, many members, just like you, have chosen the group Medi-care Supplement Insurance Plan endorsed by The American Le-gion, Department of Wisconsin.

Other great reasons for choos-ing the Legionnaire Insurance Trust plans:

• Legionnaire Insurance Trust regularly monitors the program.

• The excellent value the plans provide for the price—the com-petitive group Medicare Supple-ment Insurance Plans are not available to the general public.

• The convenience and excep-tional service whenever you need it—whether you’re prepar-ing to enroll or have questions about your benefi ts—get an-

Medicare Supplementswers to your questions over the phone.

Where can you get more infor-mation on selecting a Medicare Supplement plan? You will re-ceive prompt, personal and re-sponsive service from courteous customer service representatives ready to answer your questions.Call 1-800-247-1771 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST) Or visit our website http://www.thelit.com/medicare-supplement.

Underwritten by: Transam-erica Premier Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, IA and Transamerica Financial Life In-surance Company, Harrison, NY (for New York Residents only) Limitations and exclusions ap-ply. Please see your certifi cate for details.

Not connected with or en-dorsed by the US Government or Federal Medicare Program.

GFC-150ALGFC-130AL

GFC-130ALGFC-150AL

25" x 12" x 3"

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For God and Country. This is a phrase that is very familiar to Legionnaires. It begins our pre-amble and states

what we stand for as an organiza-tion.

The Chaplaincy of The Ameri-can Legion has been the back-bone of our organization for the nearly 100 years we have been in existence. We became familiar with our Chaplains while on ac-tive duty. Whether we served in a hostile area or not, the services of our military Chaplains were instrumental to our spiritual well-being. This need continues into our post-service lives. Who may be an American Legion Chaplain?

• A member who desires to serve may be either elected or appointed depending on the Bylaws of the organization. The National Chap-lain is appointed following the an-nual National Convention

• It is not necessary to be li-censed or clergy trained

• A Chaplain must have strong faith in God and a personal rela-tionship

• Heart to reach out to others

• Be an engaged listener – open heart and mind

• Willingness to serve “For God and Country.”

There is additional training for Chaplains by The American Le-gion and support by the leadership of our Department through the Religious Emphasis Committee.

“In God We Trust” became the offi cial motto of the United States of America on July 30, 1956. In October 2015, the National Exec-utive Committee met in Indianap-olis and passed a resolution hon-oring the anniversary of the motto “In God We Trust”. The American Legion supports local, state and federal legislation to recognize and honor the anniversary of the motto. We recognize July 30th as National Motto Day and give special attention to the history and heritage of “In God We Trust”.

The American Legion Family pledge is to serve “For God and Country” and has continually em-phasized the spiritual foundations of our Freedom. We believe that a spiritual awakening of the people of the United States is needed in order to preserve our Freedom. To that end, The American Legion has launched and is continuing

a nation-wide effort to bring all Americans closer to the Creator who has so bountifully blessed this country. This “Back to God” emphasis urges three things:

1. Regular Church or Synagogue attendance.

2. Daily family prayer and Scrip-ture reading.

3. The religious education of children.

It is an honor to serve our De-partment as Chaplain. The many members who have chosen to just chat with me and those who have sought out my counsel are highlights of this position. I am looking for ways to make sure all Legion Family members realize we have Chaplains to assist you in your spiritual needs at all lev-els within the Department, Aux-iliary and Sons of The American Legion. I urge you to attend the Chaplain’s Workshop scheduled for 11:15 AM on Saturday, Janu-ary 16, 2016 at the Midwinter Conference. You’ll be glad you did.

Your spiritual well-being is tan-tamount to the Chaplain program. If you wish to speak with Depart-ment Chaplain Clif Sorenson call (715) 830-9492.

DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN

Clif SorensonDepartment Chaplain

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJANuARy 7, 2016

Candidate for Department Vice Com-mander, Ensley Brown is a Paid Up for Life Member of John F. Kennedy Post No. 479 in Milwaukee. Ensley served 20 years in the US Army from Febru-ary 1963 to March 1983. In December 1969, he graduated from the US Army Recruiting School and was assigned to the Milwaukee Recruiting Main Sta-tion. He worked as a Field Recruiter and Station Commander.

He began his voluntary service to the community as a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 1718 and continued his commit-ment for 20 plus years. He also held the position of District Commissioner and District Chairman. He received numer-ous awards for his service and the Pres-tigious Silver Beaver Award.

After retirement he became the Di-rector of Metropolitan Veteran Services for two years and served on the State Council for Veteran Programs. Ensley also served on various Boards such as Northcott Neighborhood House, Mil-waukee United for Better Housing, and Harambee Neighborhood Center. He held the position of President and Chairman of the Great Lakes Bever-age Association, where he implemented the Great Lakes Beverage Charitable Scholarship Fund. Ensley was cred-

First District Commander Tom (Tomar) Strey is a candidate for De-partment Vice Commander. Tom served in the US Navy from 1968-1970 as a 3rd class Engineer aboard the USS Gearing - DD710.

He is a 42 year member of Edwin L. Jones Post No. 91 in Oconomo-woc. Tom has been active at all lev-els. He was a 4-time 100% Com-mander with Post No. 91 and served 2 years as County Commander with 1 year being 100%. He also spent 6 years as 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Com-mander at the District level. Tom is currently serving in his 2nd year as 1st District Commander.

Tom is a member of the 40 et 8. He is on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Legion Bowling As-sociation, a Board Member of the VVA No. 635 and a member of a the Knights of Columbus. Tom has served 4 years on the Department Convention & Activities Commis-

Department Vice Com-mander Dan Seeha-fer of Post No. 157 in Horicon visited with Acting Director James McLain at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee during the annual hospital in-spection tour on Mon-day, December 7th.

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Ensley Brown

Tom Strey

ited for “The Monday Night Round” which served as an economic booster and stimulus for the Scholarship Fund to assist students preparing for College.

Ensley is supported by his wife Louise of 52 years and their four children. She is a member of Unit No. 406 of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Ensley holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from Columbia College.

Ensley’s experience in The Ameri-can Legion includes serving as Post Commander of Post No. 479 for 3 years, achieving 100% plus for each year. He also served as First Vice Commander of the 5th District, Dis-trict Commander from 2012 through the present day, achieving 100% in membership in 2013 (Dirty Dozen Award). Ensley has served as the De-partment Executive Committee Liai-son to both the Fundraising and the Communication Committees.

Ensley has been endorsed by Post No. 479, the Milwaukee County Council of American Legion Posts and the 5th District. He is asking for your support and vote for the high of-fice of Department Vice Commander.

sion, one as Vice Chairman and one as DEC Liaison. He spent 1 year on the National & Homeland Security Committee and is cur-rently serving as liaison for the Americanism Committee. Tom has attended 7 National Conven-tions, served on several conven-tion committees, was 2013 De-partment Convention Corporation President and he started the 1st ever Legion Rider Legacy Fun Ride at the 2013 Department Con-vention.

Tom and his wife Kathy have been married for 40 years. They have 5 children, each are members of The American Legion Family. Tom currently is employed by the Oconomowoc School District where he works with children with special needs. He is endorsed by Post No. 91, the Waukesha Coun-ty Council of American Legion posts and the 1st District.

Commander Dale Oatman and Auxil-iary President Laura Calteux, along with mambers of the Le-gion Family, took the annual tour of the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center on Friday, November 20th.

Zablocki Va Medical center

Commander Dale Oatman of Post No. 524 attended the commissioning of the USS Milwaukee on Saturday, November 21st. He is pictured here with two members of the ship’s company following the ceremony.

USS MilwaUkee dedication

iron MoUntian Va Medical center

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PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE SEPTEMBER 25, 2014PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANuARy 7, 2016

The LastBugleBugle

4 AthensFrank Weiler K 12/08/158 WaukeshaSidney Mathes II 12/15/159 Wisconsin RapidsEdward Burhite II 11/23/1510 WausauWilliam Artus II 12/13/1511 Green BayRichard Jobelius K 12/10/1513 Richland CenterDon Troxel K 12/18/15Hans Kleinschmidt K 10/20/1518 MilwaukeeWarren Czechorski II 09/08/15Charles Hillenbrand II 12/12/1521 KenoshaDavid Vanderwarn K 11/12/15Rodger Wells V 08/25/1523 MilwaukeeF T Ament 03/10/14Jerome Berns II 05/29/15Gerald Gleason K 11/03/15Robert Gruver II 04/25/15Michael Herkowski V 07/15/15Walter Hirtz II 03/16/15George Hughes V 09/20/15Robert Jonas V 04/25/15Milton Klump II 04/16/15William Oswald II 02/23/15James Satorius II 05/18/15Robert Schultz V 02/11/15Peter Spera II 06/19/15Casey Szulc K 05/12/15John Tabaska K 04/01/15Robert Tamms K 07/27/15Earl Wegener II 11/10/14Robert Bergeon II 12/14/1528 ValdersRalph Rydzewski II 11/29/1532 MenomonieRobert Wilson K 12/19/1533 NeenahWallace Stenson K 07/26/1436 West BendMerlin Wilkens II 12/07/15Eugene Presta K 11/15/1538 AppletonJames Pappas II 11/26/15John Schultz II 12/01/15Clarence Dahlen II 11/18/15Raymond Wick II 12/25/15Michael Schabow V 09/21/1544 WabenoJean Bartlein II 11/24/1546 MarathonDonald Franke K 12/18/1547 PortageJames Martin 11/22/1553 Eau ClaireMarita Smith II 11/22/15Fred Kawell K 10/25/15Howard Hoelzel K 06/13/15Delos Walker II 12/12/15Richard Jorgenson V 12/11/15Thomas Kneer II 12/18/1555 HortonvilleDonlad Riggles II 11/12/1559 StoughtonNicholas Bierman K 11/18/1565 RomeWilliam Joyce V 11/15/1566 Silver CliffHarold Micke K 11/30/15

James Wright V 11/20/15James Splitgerber V 12/05/1573 NeillsvilleAnn Svetlik II 12/08/1574 OcontoR C Campbell II 11/27/15Ronald Aubry K 10/08/1577 Chippewa FallsAugust Loew K 11/20/15Robert Kreiling V 11/26/15Raymond Welder II 10/29/15Robert Williams II 12/18/1580 New RichmondChristine Schmit V 11/29/1582 Port WashingtonRobert Rathburn II 10/15/1584 MonroeFred Beer II 11/26/15Donald Vanwagenen II 04/01/15Wallace Lindsay II 09/14/1587 Rice LakeDarrel Spencer V 12/16/15Francis Scott II 12/02/1588 ManitowocBillie Williamson II 12/04/15William Green K 12/14/1589 MinocquaCurtis Schaefer II 12/04/15Lucian Fudacz K 12/01/1591 OconomowocHarold Duket II 12/02/15Thurston Whitney II 12/19/15John Rabby II 12/01/1593 TomahawkLloyd Rinde II 09/16/15James Bronsted K 12/20/1595 DelavanJames Mowery II 11/30/1597 DodgevilleEdwin James K 11/17/15106 SeymourGlendon Ohm V 11/29/15109 LancasterEugene O’Neil II 12/05/15Daniel Jacobson G/L 11/23/15111 SomersetByron Magnus V 11/10/15114 Eagle RiverRichard Bloom K 12/02/15121 River FallsLloyd Johnson K 11/01/15George Graven K 11/12/15124 New HolsteinCharles Polster K 10/29/15William Kestell V 12/06/15Jerome Wink K 12/08/15125 ChiltonClifford Lacrosse II 11/30/15143 St Croix FallsWarner Kachel K 11/05/15146 Beaver DamHarold Nagler II 11/30/15Henry Erdmann K 11/10/15Kenneth Laue II 12/05/15Lester Tiedt V 12/15/15149 Sheboygan FallsFrederick Zernia II 04/19/14153 PittsvilleRaymond Phillippi K 12/16/15154 MondoviWarren Hulke II 11/24/15171 Union GroveNorman Wilks V 05/27/15Jerome Dehahn V 12/12/15179 ChetekArlie Borgen II 11/15/15Wilfred Hoefs K 07/01/15James Newman II 10/18/15James Southworth II 11/23/15Edward Stoik K 08/13/15182 Park FallsJames Yunk II 11/21/15183 Genoa CityRichard Lewandowski K 11/26/15189 WatertownDavid Smith V 11/15/15192 FranklinRichard Peplinski V 08/15/15201 TomahJohn Berry V 12/04/15

204 EllsworthLaverne Fellman II 11/13/15205 JanesvilleRobert Brown K 11/23/15Joseph Forrestal II 12/04/15206 WonewocNorbert Talg II 11/19/15209 OrfordvilleRobert Hesgard K 12/09/15Gerhardt Hanson II 12/11/15210 WaupunMerle McRobert II 12/15/15215 PardeevilleBrian Karow V 11/29/15220 Soldiers GroveBernard McCormick II 12/06/15224 AlmaPalmer Peterson II 11/21/15238 GreenwoodWilmer Peterson K 12/01/15Walter Backus II 12/04/15239 TigertonLeroy Dankmeyer II 11/18/15243 PlymouthCraig Johnson K 11/25/15246 GenoaGreg Ghelfi II 10/24/15250 AdamsJohn Brockway II 11/24/15253 Spring GreenTommy Myers II 12/05/15258 Little ChuteOtis Rice II 12/17/15Theodore Huiting II 12/18/15260 Deerfi eldWilliam Peters II 12/10/15262 LuxemburgLeonard Seidl II 12/13/15280 ColemanAnton Rabas V 11/30/15288 CedarburgRobert Paschke II 11/22/15Donald Volkmann K 12/14/15295 BloomerWalter Schroeder II 10/13/15Fred Wildenberg V 12/03/15301 WoodvilleHoward Ott V 11/17/15Gerald Knippenberg II 11/22/15302 Oconto FallsJames Johnson K 05/23/15305 Johnson CreekAaron Endl K 12/11/15306 Green LakeSteve Gerretson V 12/02/15309 KendallRoger Pitel II 12/15/15310 RacineWalter Lulinski K 03/03/15317 WautomaWallace Rohr II 11/21/15Donald Anderson II 12/13/15319 CascoMichael Cygan V 12/02/15358 UnityJohn Dick K 11/08/15360 WaunakeeMichael Nelson V 11/19/15Marvin Severson II 12/19/15366 PrincetonJames Siddall K 10/16/15377 ElchoRalph Abrahamson II 10/28/15382 Menomonee FallsJames Giersch II 11/08/15Royal Steinhilb II 11/19/15Oren Ralph K 11/23/15Daniel Sullivan K 12/03/15391 FremontDuane Hannemann K 11/16/15401 CambriaCharles Willard V 11/19/15406 MilwaukeeGregory Klos II 12/07/15409 PoplarCalvin Haworth II 11/01/15413 CrivitzClaire Bolander K 11/20/15416 GreendaleRobert Mueller V 11/02/15

William Tutaj II 09/02/15Alvin Dombrowski II 09/25/14Carroll Sawdy K 12/18/15Michael Haschker V 11/30/15Lloyd Human II 12/18/15431 Three LakesGeorge Freshwaters K 12/12/15442 Wisconsin RapidsRobert Neuenfeldt K 11/13/15444 MilwaukeeJoan Stys K 11/15/15454 Mt CalvaryPaul Wagner V 12/11/15457 Mequon-ThiensvilleRalph Bluhm K 07/31/15Charles Prodoehl II 11/30/15460 BellevilleKevin Schneider V 11/01/15Lester Palmer II 11/18/15462 AdellJude Fitzgerald V 11/17/15476 LoomisWilliam Lempke K 11/23/15480 Presque IsleHoward Bolduc K 12/03/15481 MadisonMatthew Paprock G/L 11/03/15485 RudolphBradley Westfall K 12/05/15

492 RothschildElwin Harris II 11/30/15William McCrory K 12/09/15494 CaledoniaLawrence Schroeder II 12/12/15497 KeshenaJoAnn Haar K 12/10/15501 MadisonJames Johnson V 11/16/15Darrald Nelson K 10/28/15509 RosholtLeonard Yenter K 12/18/15517 DorchesterDell Peissig V 11/25/15523 AbramsFrank Grzonka K 12/14/15524 White LakeGeorge Buchanan V 12/12/15Gary Osman V 11/10/15541 Northfi eldArnold Larson K 12/03/15543 PloverBernie Engebretson K 11/15/15544 Twin LakesRobert Rieder II 07/06/15John Goodwin V 11/20/152930 PortageDayton Sowle II 12/13/15

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PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE

We pray everyone had a fun and meaningful holiday season. As we start the New Year, campaign trav-eling is certainly picking up for our candidate for National Commander Denise Rohan. Travel for January starts with attending the National Membership and Post Activities Committee meeting in Indianapo-lis, then on to the Departments of Louisiana, Colorado, Mississippi, and Washington.

During the meetings in India-napolis, Candidate Rohan will start to formulate the 2017-18 national membership plan in a manner which will complement the pro-posal being presented by Lead-ing Candidate Charles Schmidt of Oregon. It is hard to believe that Wisconsin’s candidate will stand for election in less than 20 months.

Thanks to the generosity of the Wisconsin American Legion Fam-ily, the campaign has use of a van to travel to nearby states and it also allows campaign manager Mike Rohan to assist and travel with Denise. We have been blessed with lower gas prices over the last several months. (it costs about $40.00 for each tank of gas), but

who knows how long those low prices at the pump will last. We also do our best to avoid toll roads whenever possible, but do have an ‘I-Pass” to cut down on that cost. We are keeping to the tradition our parents taught us; traveling with a cooler full of sandwiches, vegeta-bles, snacks and bottles water to cut down on expenses along the way.

When it comes to airplane travel it gets a little more expensive. Most checked bags cost $25.00 each way on the plane. Denise does carry an empty water bottle with her (to fi ll after getting through the security checkpoints) as well as protein bars and snacks to cut down on expens-es at the airports and on the plane.

We are thankful that (so far) once the candidate arrives at the campaign destination, the inviting Department picks up the cost of meals and lodging. However, when the candidate is invited to national meetings as a courtesy (like the up-coming M&PA meeting in India-napolis) the campaign must pay for her room and food.

Candidate Denise is proud to rep-resent the Department of Wisconsin on this exciting journey. She is be-

ing as frugal with her expenses as possible – but there are still many mandatory expense she needs do-nations to cover: like airline tickets which are between $300.00 and $600.00, $25.00 to check luggage, $40.00 a tank of gas, and many other items that add up quickly.

Many of you have already made a donation to Denise’s campaign to help her offset the costs and we thank you for your support. She has reached the 50% mark in her fundraising goal and needs your help to make that 100% goal. You can make an online donation to her campaign at www.deniserohan.org and click on the Donation tab (Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express) or you can send a check made payable Denise Ro-han for National Commander and mail it to PO Box 930100, Verona, WI 53593. Personal donations of $100.00 or more will receive a lim-ited edition challenge coin as a gift from Candidate Rohan.

In addition to your donations, the campaign also asks that you keep your candidate in your Prayers for safe travel, no weather delays and successful meetings.

Post No. 243 - Plymouth Eugene Blindauer

Post No. 124 - Darlington Denny Murphy

Post No. 372, Forestville - Commander Arnie Johnsrud,

membership chair Allen Buechner

Post No. 495 - Sussex David Latimer

JANuARy 7, 2016

TEAM WISCONSIN

100% POST COMMANDERS

Herbert Stapelkamp, member of Post No. 338 in Cedar Grove was re-cently presented with a 70 Year Continuous Membership Certifi cate by Post Commander Herbert Inselman. Herbert, who is 89 years old, joined the American Legion in 1945 after returning home from service in the US Marine Corps during World War II. Pictured are: Herbert Insel-man and Herbert Stapelkamp.

Post No. 220 in Soldiers Grove awarded Continuous Membership Certif-icates for 60 and 70 year members during the recent 3rd District Confer-ence. Pictured left to right are: John S Young - 60 years, Roger Thomire - 60 years, Robert Peterson - 60 years, Herb Helgerson - 70 years and Harold Dell - 70 years.

Kenneth and Geraldine Steffen of Fredonia Post No. 410 in Fredonia were recently presented their 70 and 65 Year Continuous Membership Certifi cates by Commander Frank Mueller. An Awards Recognition was held in their honor at the Firehouse Restaurant in Saukville.

James Grieb of the Elmbrook Post No. 449 was recently recognized with his 70 Continuous Year Membership Certifi cate. Pictured with him from left to right; Post Commander Ron Anderson; Service Offi cer Dick Strehlow; James Grieb; Honor Guard members Pete Schiller and Bill Ochowicz.

OF MEM BERSHIP

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AMERICAN LEGI0N

Free Ski JUMPinG For leGionnaireS!Are you looking for a really

unique, fun winter event in one of Wisconsin’s most scenic lo-cations? How about something fi lled with thrills for participants - but that is safe for spectators? Something that you could see at the Winter Olympics - if you could get a ticket? And it’s some-thing that’s FREE FOR VETER-ANS and their families!

That event will happen on Feb-ruary 5th and 6th at the Snow-fl ake Ski Club near Westby, WI - 25 miles southeast of LaCrosse. That is when over 25 male ski

jumpers from Norway, Finland, Poland and across the US will gather to compete in the 93rd Annual Snowfl ake Ski Jumping Tournament. All jumps will be on a “118 meter hill” - meaning the hill meets the same engineer-ing specifi cations that are used in Olympic competition.

Competition will begin at 7 PM Friday evening - jumping at night with lighting will add an excit-ing and unique venue! Saturday’s competition will begin at Noon. Results of both competitions will be used to determine winners.

Once again, the Ski Club with the assistance of Logistics Health Incorporated (a LaCrosse based company that processes medi-cal claims for many active duty military personnel and veterans) is admitting all veterans and their spouses at no charge upon display of a DD Form 214 or your Ameri-can Legion membership card.

This is a great winter festival for the entire family - check out the following web site for pictures, a map, admission fees and an exciting YouTube video: www.snowfl akeskiclub.com.

Members of the Ladewig-Zinkgraf Post No. 243 in Plym-outh recently delivered toys to the Plymouth Salvation Army. The Salvation Army supports the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The Legion held their Christmas party and members contributed close to 70 toys. Pictured in front from left to right are Wayne LeClair and DuWayne Wieck. Back row from left to right are Kon-rad Kaczkowski and Ed Schroeder.

Plymouth Post Donates to Toys for Tots