August 2014 pages 1 7

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

Wisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

August 21, 2014Vol. 91, No. 7

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.

Commander Ken Rynes opened the 96th annual Department con-vention on July 18th at the Radis-son Paper Valley Hotel in Apple-ton. Kimberly Larson, 2010 Miss Wisconsin, performed our Nation-al Anthem and Appleton Mayor Tim Hannah brought greetings to the delegates. MG Donald Dunbar of the Wisconsin National Guard provided the keynote address.

On Friday afternoon, Conven-

On Saturday, July 19th, mem-bers of the Whitish-Funk Post No. 184 of Fennimore had the privilege to perform a tribute to post member Keith Kreul at the 96th Annual Department Con-vention in recognition of the thir-tieth anniversary of his term as National Commander in 1983-84. The post Honor Guard consisted of Pete Finnegan, Bob Griffi th, Herb Brun, Dean Ashmore, and Don Marish.

Commander Keith was unable to attend in person due to his health but was there in spirit and well represented by his fellow Post No. 184 Legionnaires. Post No. 184 members were assisted by the Scarlet Guard of Apple-ton’s Post No. 38 in presenting the stand of colors, both an Amer-ican Flag and the bright red and gold National Commander Flag,

tion Committees comprised of delegates representing each of the 12 Districts in the Department met to consider and debate important resolutions. A table appears in this edition of the Badger Legionnaire describing the resolutions con-sidered and the actions taken by the convention. Chief among the resolutions were proposals to bet-ter defi ne Legion representatives to be seated on the Department

which accompanied Keith while he was National Commander. Fennimore post members also displayed the hand-sewn banner and posters that were used in the campaign to get Keith elected to offi ce over thirty years ago.

Americanism and Hospital Com-mittee and a proposal to endorse Federal legislation that will pro-vide interment rights for Hmong veterans who fought on behalf of US forces during the Vietnam confl ict, provided that they have become US citizens.

Saturday, July 19th was the second day of sessions. The day began with an address by Ameri-can Legion National Commander Dan Dellinger of Virginia. Com-mander Dellinger was followed by Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John A. Scocos, a member of the Se-

Department Commander Ken Rynes presented the Post No. 184 contingent with two beauti-ful plaques, one from the Depart-ment and another from National Headquarters. Both plaques rec-

Air Force Veteran Bob Shappell Elected 2014-2015 Department Commander

Tribute to Past National Commander Keith Kreul

2014-15 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(Continued on Page 3)

On Friday afternoon, Conven- to be seated on the Department

2015 Membership Goal 59,600

August 14th Total: 24,515 41.0%

2015 Membership Goal 59,600

District 1244.65%

1st PLACE

District 143.53%

3rd PLACE

District 343.97%

2nd PLACE

District 942.35%

4th PLACE

District 239.36%

6th PLACE

District 640.98%

5th PLACE

District 1038.05%

7th PLACE

District 836.91%

9th PLACE

District 1137.26%

8th PLACE

District 736.25%

10th PLACE

District 435.15%

12th PLACE

District 536.20%

11th PLACE

verson – Cairns Post No. 501 in Madison. Later in the morning Legionnaires in attendance heard from Governor Scott Walker.

The morning session concluded with the election announcements. Robert L. Shappell of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedar-burg was elected by the delegates to the high offi ce of Department Commander. Commander Shap-pell’s wife Pauline is also an Air Force veteran and member of Post No. 288.

The closing session on Sunday featured the installation of the new state offi cers and was fol-

lowed by an Executive Commit-tee meeting. Many other speakers as well as state and national level awards were featured during the course of the three day conven-tion.

Of special note: “Rhino’s Run”, the motorcycle fundraiser con-ducted in the days immediately preceding the convention, ex-ceeded the goal of $50,000 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. The efforts of volunteers from Johnston-Blessman Post No. 38 of Appleton, who worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event, also merit recognition.

Pictured here is the 2014-15 Department Executive Committee and other Department Offi cers who met following the 96th Annual Convention in Appleton to formulate plans for the upcoming year.

Fennimore Post members pay homage to PNC Keith Kreul during convention.

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE August 21, 2014

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 Rihn

Tony TyczynskiCecil Groves, Historian

Loretta 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

David L. GoughAlternate NECman

Steve Krueger

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

Change of Address & Other Information:Subscribers: To report any upcoming changes of address, please ask your Post Adjutant to 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 COMMANDERI am honored

and humbled to have been elected your Department Commander for the next year. Af-ter retiring from the Air Force, I joined the Le-

gion for two reasons. First, my Dad was a 63-year Legion mem-ber. Second, I wanted to become more involved in my community, something that was diffi cult to do during my many military assign-ments. I recognize the unique op-portunity given me to contribute to my community, my state, and all veterans during the next year. I will do my best to live up to the faith and confi dence all of you have shown in me.

As we move forward into a year where our military is being re-duced in size, the world situation is tense, and the economy is still fragile, we must become even bet-ter at providing support and assis-

I love being your Department Service Offi cer. In my position I get the plea-sure of working closely with the veteran commu-nity. Once in a

while you run into a truly excep-tional individual. This article is about one such hero who recently answered the last bugle call. I am referring to a World War II Marine whom I will call Mr. Z for the pur-poses of this article. Mr. Z became a Prisoner of War early in the war while serving on Wake Island. He spent four years in captivity and of those, three and a half years were spent working a salt mine in China under Japanese supervision. I don’t have to tell you how extreme his

tance for Wisconsin veterans and their families. The Legion is more important and vital than ever be-fore in its history. We must ensure we have the passion and energy to keep our programs healthy and growing. We need the SPIRIT of Wisconsin. Let me explain.Strength in numbers. Our suc-

cess as a veterans service orga-nization depends largely on our strength in numbers. Membership gives us the ability to sustain active local posts, and to be a strong, ef-fective political voice at both state and national levels. Wisconsin has about 250,000 eligible veterans who are not Legion members. We need many more of them to join our ranks.Pride. We need to show how

proud we are of our posts and The American Legion. Talk about your post and what it does for the com-munity; talk about what the Legion does not only for veterans, but for children and young people through our Americanism and Children

hardship was as a prisoner of the Imperial Japanese Empire. Getting by on a small bowl of rice with a beetle to eat each day, he dropped to 65 pounds and had multiple ill-nesses which included malaria. When he was fi nally liberated near the end of the war, he received a letter from President Roosevelt thanking him for his service and extreme sacrifi ces. Mr. Z being his patriotic self, decided to stay in the USMC reserves. When Ko-rea started he was called onto ac-tive duty and sent to fi ght in Korea even though he was exempt from overseas duty. When his com-mand fi nally realized their error and called Mr. Z into the command post to tell him he wasn’t supposed to be there, he simply stated with an expletive that he already knew this to be true but he wanted to stay

and Youth programs. Be open and enthusiastic with your pride, and others will want to join us.Integrity. We represent the Le-

gion and must abide by its values and ideals. We must always be honest and honorable, both within our organization and in our deal-ings with our local communities. Respect. Respect everyone’s

service; respect everyone’s opin-ion. Do not let personal confl icts get in the way of doing the right thing for your post and for the Le-gion. Initiative. The Legion was built

on the individual initiative of our founding members. The Legion survives and thrives because of ini-tiative. Foster initiative in others, and let them show you how well they can perform in their own way. Teamwork. We must work to-

gether at all levels to complete our mission of supporting veterans and their families. Working together allows us to get things done more easily, and allows us to accomplish

and fi ght (Note: The true conver-sation was much more colorful, as you could imagine). Following his wonderful string of luck, this gung-ho perspective soon landed him at the Chosin Reservoir surrounded by the Chinese. Through conversa-tions with Mr. Z, I found out his unit considered him to be a wiley older Marine. They soon asked him and others like him to scout ahead for the passages with the least resis-tance back to friendly lines, which of course he did without hesitation. “Somebody had to do it” he said to me. After Korea, Mr. Z received his second presidential letter, this time from President Truman. I was happy to see both Presidents acknowledge such a great man. Mr. Z lived the remainder of his life in Milwaukee. He had no need for frills or comfort items, saying,

more than we could by doing it alone. Our military works in teams, and they are the best example of how to accomplish the mission.

General Robert E. Lee once said, “Duty then is the sublimest word in the English language. You should do your duty in all things. You can never do more. You should never wish to do less.” Legionnaires did their duty serving their country; they continue to serve with a sense of duty as Legionnaires. Legion-naires have always done more than was required of them.

Our founders knew from fi rst-hand experience that veterans would not always get a fair shake. From our founders’ vision springs a long-standing commitment to America’s veterans; a covenant consistent with the fi rst rule of bat-tle: “We shall not fail those with whom we serve.” Let’s create a true Spirit of Wisconsin within our posts and throughout the state to make sure that we will never fail those who serve their nation - past, present, and future.

“I get the basics because that’s all we need”. He enjoyed helping his neighbors. He recently adopted some stray kittens that showed up at his building’s back stoop. Pro-viding them food and water - acts of kindness to the end. Mr. Z truly was a class act, a good man and a Hero. I will miss him.

And now for this articles “Little Known Benefi t” – Noncompetitive government hire now can extend to the spouse of a service connected 100% disabled veteran. For more information go to Http://www.fed-shirevets.gov/hire/hrp/qaspouse/index.aspx

Once again, I want to thank all of you for your loyal support of the Department Service Offi ce and your commitment in “Still Serving America”.

Nearly three years ago, the Wisconsin De-partment of Veterans Af-fairs charted a new course for

the agency, fi nding improved ways to help veterans while keeping an eye towards the future of veterans in this state. We set new priorities to refl ect modern day realities and meet the needs of all generations of veterans.

Today, we remain steadfast in our focus on those priorities and have many valuable partners to help meet our objectives, including The American Legion, among many others, whom we were pleased to

recognize at the Wisconsin State Fair Sunday, August 10, with cer-tifi cates of recognition for all their hard work in partnering with us to assist Wisconsin veterans.

While the WDVA is responsible for assisting veterans on many dif-ferent issues, one of our top priori-ties is helping veterans fi nd mean-ingful employment. Over the past three years we have been privileged to partner with those organizations that can make a true connection between veterans and employers and help us meet the varying needs of many veterans.

The WDVA has partnered with various agencies and organizations to host 67 veteran career fairs state-wide over the past four years, serv-

ing nearly 14,000 veterans. Last year alone, over 4,000 veterans and spouses attended these career fairs. Of those who completed a follow up survey about their career fair ex-perience, 55 percent had received a job offer or follow-up interview.

One of our marquee events this year was VetCon: A Veterans Em-ployment and Services Conference. This event was held in May and of-fered veterans a one-stop shop for employment assistance, benefi ts and claims assistance, and other resource and service information. We had many great partners and sponsors for that event, including The American Legion.

This year we also grew our re-gional business symposiums for

employers who are recruiting and hiring new employees. We’ve worked hard to make sure employ-ers know why veterans make such strong employees. We’ve hosted employer workshops around the state in partnership with state busi-nesses to help non-veteran hiring offi cials understand veterans and give them ways to connect with vet-erans when they have job openings.

Over the past 3 years we’ve had over 200 new businesses partici-pating and agreeing to increase their effort in hiring veterans. We couldn’t have done it without our partners. Thank you to The Amer-ican Legion, Department of Wis-consin for all your efforts over the past year.

WDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

WDVA Recognizes Partnerships

James FialkowskiService Offi cer

DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER

Bob ShappellDepartment Commander

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREAugust 21, 2014

Camp American Legion Assists with Suicide Prevention

2014 Department Convention Sweepstakes Winners

All of us have heard about the staggering

rate of suicides among veterans and military service members. We have heard it way too many times now and it comes at us from the media almost daily. We hear from this expert and that psychiatrist or from this research study or from that report and it comes at us from all sides. It seems like no one can get a handle on it or even slow it down, let alone stop it. The alarm-ing rate of suicide among veterans and within the military is simply unacceptable. In some circles the word “epidemic” is even being used to describe the problem. Too many of our comrades are mak-ing that tragic decision to end their life. It is heart wrenching.

The suicide rate among veterans is twice that of civilians with 22 veterans/service members taking their own life every day. That is right – each and every day. That is one every 65 minutes, which adds up to 8,000 every year. In fact, 30% of all veterans have consid-ered suicide. Truly sad statistics that go on and on.

Rather than simply talking about it, during the week of May 19-25 Camp American Legion part-nered with the Wisconsin National Guard to conduct an “Applied Sui-cide Intervention Skills Training” (ASIST) Program here at camp. This is a great program and a per-fect fi t for Camp’s “Help to Heal” mission. This program belongs here. It is part of who we are and our reason for being.

The ASIST program is an in-teractive workshop that prepares individuals to provide suicide fi rst aid intervention. Small group discussions and skills practice are based on adult learning principles. ASIST teaches the Suicide Inter-vention Model. In the end partici-pants will be better able to:

• Identify people who have thoughts of suicide

• Understand how beliefs and at-titudes can effect suicide interven-tion

• Seek a shared understanding of the reasons for thoughts of suicide and the reason for living

• Review current risk level and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behavior for an agreed amount of time

Tribute(continued from page 1)

Suicide intervention skills workshop participants from the Wisconsin National Guard gathered at Camp for training earlier this summer.

Commander Bob Shappell of the Peter Wollner Post No. 288 in Cedarburg presents Sweepstakes winner Donald Beghin of Post No. 113 in Mt. Horeb with his check. Don served as an Army Infantryman during WWII after he

was rejected by the Air Corps due to fl at feet. No kidding.

• Follow up on safety commit-ments, accessing further help as needed

Even if you don’t quite under-stand all these learning outcomes that really doesn’t matter. What matters is that the Wisconsin Le-gion Family and Camp American Legion are taking steps to “Help to Heal” our military brothers and sisters who have thoughts of sui-cide. To stop them from making that fatal fi nal decision. We value their lives and care.

Beyond this Wisconsin National Guard program, Camp American Legion has developed collabora-tive working relationships with the Suicide Prevention Coordina-tors at all VA Hospitals in Wiscon-sin. We work hard to be connected to every organization that assists veterans and professionals who work with veterans and service members with suicidal ideation.

Wisconsin American Legion Family; Camp American Legion is your Camp and in its own small way will do whatever it can to stop this tragic loss of life and turn the tide. Let us continue our work.

Kevin Moshea,Camp Director

5TH ANNUAL FALL RIDE TO CAMP TO RAISE FUNDS TO BENEFIT CAMP AMERICAN LEGION

$10 DONATION PER MEAL, PLEASE

All funds raised should be brought to Camp on September 13th for a special presen-tation event. Rooms at Camp may be reserved for September 11th, 12th and 13th. A donation of $30.00 per bed per night is requested. Continental breakfast is included

with stay. Reservations requested for overnight stay can be made with Camp Director Kevin Moshea at (715) 277-2510

Saturday, September 13th12:00 noon

Pig Roast and Corn Boil

GRAND PRIZE $20,000 Donald Beghin – Mt. Horeb

2ND PRIZE • $2,000 CASH Ken Kosidowski – West Bend

3RD PRIZE • $1,000 CASH Ronald Hepner - Brookfi eld

4TH PRIZE • $500 CASH Ray Rabuch - Baraboo

5TH PRIZE • $500 CASH Willis Fernholz - Onalaska

6TH PRIZE • $100 CASH Lloyd Wagener - Horicon

7TH PRIZE • $100 CASHKen Alt - Madison

8TH PRIZE • $100 CASH Vicki Franke – Park Falls

9TH PRIZE • $100 CASH Neil Wittrock – Wisconsin Rapids10TH PRIZE • $100 CASH Tom Dobberstein – West Bend

11TH PRIZE • $100 CASH Ken Kozey - Waterford

12TH PRIZE • $100 CASH Ron Anderson – Balsam Lake13TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

Robert Howard - Blair14TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

Sharon Lamer - Tomahawk15TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

Karen Larsen – Daggett, MI16TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

David Burrow - Evansville17TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

Gordon Port - Waupun18TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

Ron Ludtke – Little Chute19TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

Harold Pesik - Hillsboro20TH PRIZE • $100 CASH

Gregg Phillips - Merrimac

ognized the thirtieth anniversary of Keith’s year at the top and all he has done for the Legion since then. Also presented was a life-time identifi cation card that al-lows Keith to attend any and all events sponsored by The Ameri-can Legion.

Plans are in place to re-create the tribute to Keith on Septem-ber 11th in Fennimore at Post No. 184’s regularly scheduled meeting complete with fl ags, banner, posters, and awards. Keith and his family will be the guests of honor.

Refreshments and program will begin at 6PM and last un-til 7:30PM, when the regular Legion business meeting will begin. Whitish-Funk American Legion Post No 184 is located at 860 Lincoln Avenue in Fenni-more, WI 53089. All are invited to attend.

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE August 21, 2014

An important part of our work supporting veterans includes supporting those veterans who have passed. SAL Squadron No. 65 in Rome continues to work in this area in a number of ways.

Squadron No. 65 Commander Kris Rie-menschneider took up the project to replace the sign at the New Rome Cemetery. He worked with the Rome Town Board, Cem-etery Committee, and others on the project. He was able to get Rome Town Board ap-proval for a newly designed sign that his son-in-law made free of charge.

In addition, Squadron members checked grave markers and flag holders, and placed flags in local cemeteries for Memorial Day. They are also installing flag poles at 16 area cemeteries with the Veterans and Friends Cemetery Flag Project.

Pictured here are Post No. 65 Command-er Jim Kitchen, Squadron Commander Kris Riemenschneider, and SAL member Tim Baxter as they installed the new sign.

The American Legion Fam-ily of Clyde Sheppard Post No. 271 in Poynette recently held a fundraiser for Camp American Legion along with the Lakeside Bar and Grill and other local merchants. The event was held on Armed Forces Day and pro-vided many activities. $1,000 was raised to support Camp.

Pictured left to right are Unit No. 271 Auxiliary President Terri Fiore, Post Commander Jeff Kostichka and SAL Squad-ron No. 271 Commander Troy Rortvedt.

Clarence Bean-Warren George Post No. 67 has been a long time sponsor of Boy Scout Troop No. 148 in Lake Mills. For 80 consecutive years the post has assisted in molding the charac-ter of young men in the com-munity. Troop No. 148 was first sponsored by Post No. 67 in No-vember of 1934. The Troop ap-propriately celebrated 75 years of consecutive sponsorship by the Legion in 2009 and they now celebrate 80 years of consecutive sponsorship.

The Troop recently held a spe-cial Court of Honor in recogni-tion of Post No. 67 member Dr. Roland Liebenow. Dr. Liebe-now served Troop No. 148 as the chartered representative for 36 consecutive years, from 1978 to 2014, until stepping down earlier this year.

Sons of The American Legion 2014-2015 Detachment Commander

2014 Samsung Scholarship Recipient

Vietnam Veteran’s Dedication

Hello Legion Fam-ily, my name is Gary Lubich and I am proud to serve you as your new Detach-ment Commander of the Sons of The American Legion. I and my fellow Sons look forward to working with you in the many ways you continue to serve. My Commander’s Project is to provide Camp American Legion with needed exercise equipment. Thanks to the leadership of imme-diate Past Detachment Command-er Dan Daily we’ve just finished a very successful year on many fronts, most notably with the Josh Dog program.

The value to our troops that this program has demonstrated is be-yond measure, and we expect this

Lukas Matthews has been selected as the 2014 Samsung American Legion Scholarship Nation-al Finalist by the Director of Badger Boys State. Each year, delegates that attend Badger Boys State are eligible to apply for the Sam-sung Scholarship if they are a direct descendant of a military war veteran. Aca-demic success, community in-volvement and other criteria are used in the selection process. As a National Finalist, Lukas will

program to continue as well. For 2014-15 we are setting our sights on once again achieving the Triple Nick-el award, which means we need to retain 85% or more of our members, charter five new Squadrons, and reach 105% of our

membership goal. We have done this before so I know we can do it again. Congratulations also to De-partment Commander Bob Shap-pell, Department President Teresa Isensee, and ALRA President Bob Lloyd. I look forward to working with you. If anyone has any ques-tions about the Sons of The Amer-ican Legion, please don’t hesitate to contact us at www.wisal.org or (608) 745-1090.

Lucas Matthews

Detachment CommanderGary Lubich

On Sunday, August 3, 2014, the 1st District Chapter of the Wisconsin American Legion Riders Association were honored to participate in the dedication of a tree for each of the 35 Kenosha residents who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam war. The Riders were led by District 1 Rider President Frank “Phantom” Konieska and are shown laying a rose at one of the 35 trees dedicated during the ceremony.

SAL Honoring Veterans Who Have Passed

Post No. 271 Holds Fundraiser to Support Camp

Lake Mills Post No. 67 Supports Boy Scouts

compete against ap-proximately 98 other students for one of nine $20,000 schol-arships. The remain-ing students will re-ceive a $1,100 schol-arship. Lukas resides in Stoughton and his college goals are to study Social Policy,

Biotechnology and Spanish. The entire

staff and Board of Directors of Badger Boys State wishes Lu-kas the best in his endeavors and good luck as he competes for this prestigious National Scholarship.

Pictured with the Boy Scouts in the front row of the photo are members of Post No. 67. From left to right are; Post Commander Dave Behling, new Chartered Rep-resentative Tracy Messerschmidt,

Dr. Roland Liebenow, Sergeant at Arms John Wineke, Tim Finn and Department Commander Bob Shappell who appeared as a spe-cial guest for the Court of Honor.

resolution no. subject - title Action 1.2014 Americanism Committee Approved 2.2014 Hospital Committee Approved 3.2014 Dues and Funds Approved 4.2014 Veterans Grave Markers Approved 5.2014 POW/MIA Stamp Approved 6.2014 Amend Immigration Act of 1990 Approved

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE 96TH ANNUAL DEPTARTMENT CONVENTION resolution no. subject - title Action 7.2014 Conscientious Objectors Tax Approved 8.2014 English Language for Naturalization Approved 9.2014 Thank Host Post Approved 10.2014 Thank Host Hotel Approved 11.2014 Thank Host City Approved 12.2014 Interment Rights for Hmong veterans Approved

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREAugust 21, 2014

Wisconsin American Legion Baseball Wraps Up the 2014 Campaign

Department Commander Bob Shappell shows his form and delivers a strike with his fi rst pitch.

2014 Wisconsin American Legion All Stars - North

2014 Wisconsin American Legion All Stars - South

2014 All-star Game MVP Caleb Willems of the Kewaunee LegionTeam with Commander Shappell and All-star Chairman Ken Larsen.

2014 All-star Game Chairman’s Award recipient Lowell Chevalier of Menominee with Commander Shappell and Chairman Larsen.

Commander Bob rubs elbows with Bernie Brewer.

“The Big Unit” Bill Michaels of the Bill Michaels Radio Network acted as on-fi eld announcer for the pre-game ceremonies.

Baseball Commissioner Roger Mathison,Commander Shappell and Bill Michaels.

The 89th season of Ameri-can Legion Baseball in Wis-consin came to an end with the annual All Star Weekend at Miller Park in Milwaukee. This season saw 207 teams participate in the fi ve classes.

In the 43rd Annual All Star Game played August 10th, the North team scored in the top of the 9th inning to defeat the South for the fi rst time since 2009 by a score of 4-3. Caleb Willems from Luxemburg was named the game’s Most Valuable Player and Lowell Chevalier of the Menominee Legion team received the Chairman’s Award.

Bill Michaels of the state-wide Bill Michaels Radio Network served as the fi eld announcer during the pre-game ceremony prior to the Milwaukee Brewers con-test against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Department Com-mander Bob Shappell of Ce-darburg split the dish with the ceremonial fi rst pitch be-fore the Brewers game. The All Star weekend also in-cluded the annual banquet on Saturday, August 9th at the Radisson Milwaukee – West hotel which was attended by nearly 300 players, parents and Legionnaires.

Five champions were crowned this past season. Plover won the Class AAA championship and the Mena-sha Twins prevailed in Class AA. Waupun repeated as Class A titlists. The Appleton DoubleDays won the 17-U title while Beloit claimed the 16-U championship.

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE August 21, 2014

The LastBugle

1 GermantownRobert Looksmith II 4/5/143 AntigoJames Suick II 6/10/14Herbt Malchow II 4/25/147 RhinelanderVito Virgilio II 5/22/1411 Green BayDonald Kiernan 6/28/14Robert Pigeon II 6/7/14Lloyd Busch K 5/14/1412 SpoonerNyle Hovey II 5/29/14Eugene Bedford II 12/2/13Robert Becker II 3/13/1413 Richland CenterBert Marshall II 6/17/1414 IolaEverett Aasen K 8/2/1420 WaterfordDennis Crombie K 7/7/1421 KenoshaTom Cergua K 6/13/1426 BarabooKeith Anderson II 7/4/14Leon Laubscher II 8/1/1429 KewauneeRobert Lischka K 6/30/1433 NeenahRonald Peterson V 6/21/14Robert Grunska II 6/14/14Bruce Curry II 7/8/1135 EvansvilleGeorge Nordeng II 7/25/1438 AppletonClair Sommer K 7/14/14Henry West II 7/22/14LawrenceJandrey K 7/30/14Donald Leidheiser V 7/22/14Richard Faltynski V 8/9/1439 MarinetteLeo Michalski II 6/18/1444 WabenoRichard Quinn II 6/13/14Richard Huisman V 7/24/1445 ElkhornBruce Houghton II 6/28/1446 MerrillRoger Hackbarth K 4/29/1448 BeloitKen Rehard K 7/19/1453 Eau ClaireElroy Strand II 1/22/14Edward Eckhoff II 8/1/1454 Marshfi eldHubert Reigel II 7/2/14Donald Haralson K 7/4/1458 HurleyJames Kaffi ne K 7/23/1460 KimberlyJohn VanDrunen II 6/3/14John Heier V 1/28/1463 ClintonvilleStanley Johnson II 6/27/14Gordon Noren II 7/23/1469 MayvilleMerlin Strook K 7/7/1470 OshkoshJack Carrick II 7/14/1472 Sturgeon BayGeorge LeClair K 6/10/14John Law K 5/26/1474 OcontoGerald Stewart V 5/10/14

Roger Trepanier V 8/3/1477 Chippewa FallsWilliam Feirn V 5/4/1480 New RichmondJohn Kleschewski V 7/1/1483 SheboyganAlfred Metscher K 7/11/1484 MonroeVictoriaWuthrich II 6/21/14William Smith II 6/19/14Robert Rieder II 8/9/1493 TomahawkRobert Olsen K 6/16/14Anthony Adamczyk II 12/23/13Leonard Kranker II 11/2/1395 DelavanRodney Griffi n V 6/29/14105 ShullsburgJerry Oneill V 6/27/14106 SeymourWilliam Halverson V 5/13/14Orvell Debruin II 7/27/14Clifford Doxtator K 8/2/14120 West AllisLloyd Solberg II 3/20/14125 ChiltonKenneth Weber K 7/1/14126 BrillionDonald Deffke II 7/12/14131 ColfaxOrville Larson II 6/5/14Juul Noer II 7/29/14136 NiagaraWarren Anderson II 5/28/14141 New GlarusMark Hagensick V 4/2/14146 Beaver DamWilliam Mallon II 7/21/14George Steil II 7/22/14152 MenashaGerald Birling K 6/2/14153 PittsvilleDavid Levoy V 5/9/14Keith Leach V 6/21/14161 KingArlen Drews II 8/4/14Wayne Knutson PG 6/29/14163 WautomaVernet Slife II 8/3/14167 Sauk CityLyman Waffenschmidt II 7/14/14171 Union GroveJames Jolicoeur V 7/16/14Robert Ludwig K 7/16/17175 LoyalRobert Dow K 7/6/14179 ChetekNorman Davis K 6/16/14John Hayes K 5/12/14Leonard Cizek K 7/4/14180 MilwaukeeNorbert Doligalski II 9/20/13182 Park FallsHarry Frokjer II 6/25/14Don Jordan II 6/21/14Jerome Johnson K 7/17/14Arnold Stueber II 7/21/14185 GrantsburgKenneth Haug II 11/29/12186 IndependenceJohn Konter V Raymond Smieja II 3/15/14188 East TroyFrank Kasun II 200 Black River FallsClifford Riordan 7/5/14Louis Perry II 7/25/14202 ChaseburgClaude Sebion II 7/3/14203 MilwaukeeRobert Clarey II 7/12/14Henry Klingelhoets II 6/30/14205 JanesvilleEdward Hallmark II 7/24/13209 OrfordvilleMyron Paulson II 5/10/14William Klusmeyer V 2/20/14Raymond Marden K 7/30/14

210 WaupunJames DeYoung II 7/5/14Charles DeBoer II 6/25/14Gerhart Wille K 5/24/14218 HaywardJames Chevrier K 6/3/14Melvin Harbort 7/4/14233 WaterlooVirgil Sharp II 4/10/14Gordon Cronin II 1/15/14Arnold Schuett K 4/1/14246 GenoaRichard Robertson K 7/31/14253 Spring GreenHubert Duren K 8/2/14Edwin Kraemer II 7/23/14258 Little ChuteErvin VanAsten II 7/18/14267 New AuburnCharles Curavo II 7/7/14268 BruceAudie Christianson II 7/29/14272 ButternutHenry Weinberger II 7/1/14Ronald Christian V 7/14/14274 Rib LakeElvis Wolf II 6/22/14283 SuringLeRoy Kebschull II 7/4/14288 CedarburgLester Boehm V 6/8/14Arthur Kleman II 8/4/14294 HartlandAllan Bohachek V 5/28/14Damon Leblond V 4/15/14Donald LeRoy II 5/29/14295 BloomerRalph Meinen V 6/10/14Lynn Demers V 12/22/13299 Hales CornersLewis Lewis II 7/27/14301 WoodvilleSteven DeLong V 7/14/14Duane Hillstead V 7/21/14304 PalmyraDonald Martens K 7/20/14Walter Leverenz K 7/20/14308 Gays MillsDarrell Gordinier II 5/16/14310 RacineKenneth Thiesen II 7/26/14316 SheldonTeddy Styczinski II 7/19/14Walter Sieverin K 7/3/14317 WautomaMilo Gunderson II 7/8/14318 Lake TomahawkGilbert Passow II 7/16/14324 OsseoCarl Bong II 6/25/14M D Vanlandingham V 7/18/14330 WilsonTroy Rathai G/L 7/2/14332 Black CreekWilliam Tesch G/L 7/20/14333 Sun PrairieLeon Jesberger K 7/25/14339 AlmondCarlyle Scanlan K 7/27/14341 BirnamwoodWilliam Krauss II 11/2/13George Grill II 6/14/13William Dickman K 12/3/12Leslie Larson II 9/14/13343 HancockDavid Halom V 7/6/14352 CassvilleClarence Fure K 7/17/14359 GilmanLeonard Gay II 5/23/14360 WaunakeeEdgar Anderson V 7/11/14Barry Young V 7/19/14371 SaxonRobert Kehlenbeck II 7/4/14375 MukwonagoWillis Matthiesen II 7/4/14

390 GreshamTom Rudesill V 1/15/14Alvin Christ II 7/21/14393 EdgarDonald Hoesly K 6/26/14395 KingstonClifton Kohn K 5/29/14399 OkaucheeMichael Gazdik II 7/26/14Patrick Smith II 6/11/14401 CambriaHerbert Brende K 7/6/14413 CrivitzEdward Desjardin II 8/5/14414 BowlerOtto Kolpack K 7/27/14415 MilwaukeeJack Schultz V 6/13/14427 MilwaukeeFrederick Klabunde K 2/1/14Charles Gronitz K 3/17/14James Bentley II 6/11/14Donald Reineck K 1/10/14Lionel Singer II 1/14/14428 AmbergJerome Wontor V 7/3/14Gerald Lorberblatt K 4/9/14431 Three LakesJohn Wynhoff K 6/12/14Edward Stanzil II 7/7/14Wallace Olson II 7/12/14436 WrightstownDonald Minten K 8/5/14B J Kempen II 440 ClintonRichard Farrell V 6/25/14John Chekouras II 7/5/14442 Wisconsin RapidsRonald Wisniewski V 2/15/14449 Brookfi eldRalph Fico II 6/27/14

Jerome Salentine K 7/8/14George Adlam II 4/1/14Donald Donovan K 4/20/14Kenneth Schuerer II 11/24/13William McCarthy II 5/12/14Theodore Johnson II 6/16/14Thomas McKeown II 8/1/14John Jakubowski II 8/2/14453 BelmontRobert Speth II 7/19/14455 MilwaukeeJ W Knight II 7/2/14457 Mequon-ThiensvilleRichard Britten K 8/3/13460 BellevilleDonald Pauli K 6/14/14464 Land O LakesCharles Labelle II 7/19/14480 Presque IsleDonald Bates V 7/27/14Daryl Huber II 7/12/14481 MadisonThomas Jafferis II 7/13/14485 RudolphLeon Peters II 8/6/14Robert Schmidt K 8/12/14499 GordonEdward Polgar K 1/14/14500 West AllisEdward Inkmann II 7/12/14501 MadisonSteven Paulson V 6/30/14Avery Denkert K 2/6/13Harold Berge II 7/20/14508 WiltonVerne Arndt K 6/28/14541 Northfi eldMichael Dwyer P 6/16/14Richard Wallinger V 6/8/14553 Madison George Bielefeld II 1/26/14

SAVE THE DATE!!!!January 16-18, 2015

MIDWINTER CONFERENCEHo-Chunk Hotel, Casino

& Convention CenterWisconsin Dells

Additional information in next issue of the Badger Legionnaire!

PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREAugust 21, 2014

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Advertising Material

Advertising Material

Department Commander Bob Shappell knows that there is strength in numbers and is fo-cused on growth for 2015. Every post’s fi rst goal should be last year’s total membership PLUS 1. Each post that achieves growth and becomes eligible for the Na-tional Post Excellence Award in 2015 will be recognized in the Badger Legionnaire.

Individual Membership AwardsTo grow at the local level, each

post needs to rely on their mem-bers being active recruiters. For the individual Legionnaire, mem-bership recruiting can lead to a big reward! Legion members can sim-ply sign up a new member, or re-new any former member who has not paid for 2 years (since 2012) and their name will be entered in a drawing. Those that qualify have a chance to win a First prize of $1,000 or a Second prize of $500 at the 2015 Midwinter Confer-ence at the Ho-Chunk Hotel, Ca-sino and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells. There is no limit to the number of times an indi-vidual can qualify – recruiters get one chance for every new member they recruit. Department will also award them the traditional “I Got 1” pin. Recruiters can show their pride by earning the new “I Got 1” pins. The new pins are larger and more visible than ever before. Anyone who recruits a new mem-ber qualifi es!

For Legionnaires who soar to great heights, they can earn new individual membership recruiting awards. Each award is named for the top Air Force pilot ace from the four major confl icts of the 20th Century. Match the number of newly recruited Legionnaires with the Aces total and earn the following;

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR 2014-2015 MEMBERSHIP

BE A MEMBERSHIP

ACE!

100% POST COMMANDERS

2014

Post No. 164 JeffersonRobby Robinson

Post No. 262 Luxemburg Leonard Yanda

Post No. 376 Fall Creek Norm Brunkow

Post No. 488 New Berlin Kenneth Albrecht

Commander Bob Shappell wants you to “Get One” and win $1,000 or $500

5 NEW MEMBERS – Captain Steve Ritchie Membership Award

Top pilot ace in Vietnam- 5 victories earns a pin featur-

ing the legendary F-4 Phantom16 NEW MEMBERS

Captain Joe McConnell Membership Award

Top ace in Korea - 16 victories earns a cap featur-

ing the classic F-86 Sabre 26 NEW MEMBERS

Captain Eddie Rickenbacker Membership Award

Top ace in WWI - 26 victories earns a Polo shirt featuring the “Hat in the Ring”

Spad biplane40 NEW MEMBERS

Major Dick BongMembership Award

Top ace in WWII40 victories earns a custom

fl eece jacket featuring the twin tailed P-38 Lightning

These special recognition awards are offered in addition to the Bad-ger Big 10 pin, which can be earned by signing up ten (10) new mem-bers to be a part of this exclusive group of Legionnaires. Badger Big 10 recruiters receive a pin and a patch to wear with pride.

The National American Legion is also encouraging recruitment with the Silver Brigade (25 new members) and Gold Brigade (50 new members) awards for Legion-naires who recruit 25 and 50 new members respectively.

Attention Post Commanders! Reach 100% of your 2015 mem-bership goal by Veterans Day on

16 VICTORIESCaptain Joe McConnell

Membership Ace

F-86 SABRE JET

5 VICTORIESCaptain Steve Ritchie

Membership Ace

F-4 PHANTOM JET

Captain Steve Ritchie Membership Ace

F-4 PHANTOM JETF-4 PHANTOM JET

Membership Ace

F-86 SABRE JETF-86 SABRE JET

40 VICTORIESMajor Richard Bong

Membership Ace

P-38 LIGHTNING

26 VICTORIESCaptain

Eddie Rickenbacker Membership Ace

BIPLANE

November 11th and qualify for a drawing. A customized jacket with the winner’s name and post along with a baseball cap featuring branch of service will be awarded.

NEW for County Command-ers! All County Commanders who achieve 100% of their 2015 goal or grow their membership over the 2014 total by December 31st will receive a custom County Commander Uniform Shirt em-broidered with your name! We can reach new heights in Membership for 2015. Contact Chris Schmidt at [email protected] or call head-quarters at (608) 745-1090 with any questions.

Post No. 121 River Falls Jim Miller