January 2015 pages 1 7

Badger

&“Wisconsin”&“Wisconsin” Official Publications of TheWisconsin American Legion Family

“For God & Country”

www.wilegion.org

January 22, 2015Vol. 92, No. 1aire

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

Good news! More young men will have the opportunity to at-tend Badger Boys State in 2015. An increase in the available rooms at Ripon College will allow sponsors to select more youth to attend this program. The sponsorship fee of $250 per student covers all costs for the student to attend except trans-portation to and from BBS.

Reservations are on a fi rst come fi rst served basis. As long as there are slots available, BBS will accept reservations. Call Sandy Ryce at Department head-quarters to check availability at (608) 745-1090.

Sponsors and post offi cers can visit Boys State during the week to see the program in opera-tion. Details for visits should be cleared with the director as to the time and date of a visit. A day long visit would be rewarding for any sponsor.

ELIGIBILITYYoung men who have completed

their junior year in high school are eligible. Home schooled students are eligible, but must compete for

slots with the students in their area school district. Participants should be from the upper third of their class, but this may be waived due to student population in smaller schools. Each school should have a selection process to choose a deserving student. The local American Legion Posts who sponsor students may be involved in the selection process depending on local tradition. Other sponsors paying for students will follow the general guidelines set forth in Badger Boys State policies.

REGISTRATIONOnly after sponsorship fees are

paid will registration cards be mailed to sponsors. The sponsors are then responsible to assist the student and the school in regis-tering. Sponsors and schools are encouraged to name alternates for every student sponsored. In many of the past years a number of alter-nates have been chosen to attend BBS when the primary candidates can’t attend. In the event a school cannot fi ll the number of sponsor-ships it has, Badger Boys State requests sponsors contact Sandy

Badger Boys State Gearing Up for 2015Ryce at (608) 745-1090 for sug-gestions.

ORIENTATIONSponsors are encouraged to view

the Badger Boys State web site to become familiar with the program requirements. Citizen candidates are encouraged to attend a live ori-entation. The schedule for orien-tations is posted on the website at www.badgerboysstate.com.

All questions can be referred to Sandy Ryce at (608) 745-1090 or [email protected].

The Department is proud to an-nounce the 2015 High School Ora-torical Scholarship Competition. The American Legion Oratorical Scholar-ship program is a wonderful opportu-nity for young people to learn about the Constitution of the United States of America. This year is the 78th year of the Department’s program. Twelve students representing each District will compete for the State title at Ripon College on February 14, 2015. It takes many volunteers to have a success-ful event – from moderators, to time keepers, judges, escorts, tabulators and sergeant at arms - if you’ve been a part of the competition in the past, we hope that you will join us again – if you are new to the program but would still like to volunteer, please do so as it will be well-worth your time.

Please fi ll out the volunteer applica-tion that appears in this addition of the Badger Legionnaire and mail it to Department Headquarters. Fillable vol-unteer forms are also available on the Wisconsin Legion website (http://www.wilegion.org/page.content/programs/oratorical-scholarship-program).

You will be notifi ed at a later date what your assignment will be. Thank you for your support.

Volunteers Needed for the 78th Annual Oratorical Competition on February 14th

The American Legion • Department of Wisconsin

78TH ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL REGIONAL/STATE CONTEST

February 14, 2015 • Ripon College

I would like to volunteer for the following during the De-partment Oratorical Contest:

My First Choice:_______________________________

My Second Choice:_____________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Post #:_________________ District #:______________

Address: ______________________________________

City:__________________________________________

email address: __________________________________

Zip Code: _____________________________________

Home Phone #: _________________________________

Cell Phone #: ___________________________________

Comments: ____________________________________

______________________________________________

Please submit no later than January 30, 2015Mail completed form to to: WI American Legion,

Attn. Dawn, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901

Commander Backs the Pack!

Commander Bob Shappell attended the Green Bay Packers game on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the New England Patriots that day by a score of 26 to 21. Prior to the game, Commander Shappell joined the Sullivan-Wallen Post No. 11 Color Guard on the fi eld for the pre-game ceremonies. Pictured here left to right are; FRONT ROW: Norb Zelewske, Jerry Willems - with our Nation’s fl ag, Jack Gillis, and Dennis Counard. MIDDLE ROW: Tom Salentine, Commander Shappell, Tom Christensen. BACK ROW: C.J. Kelhner and Color Guard Captain Mike Kellner.

2015 Membership Goal 59,600

January 14th Total: 52,361 88.00%

al 59

District 1290.34%

1st PLACE

District 1086.99%

3rd PLACE

District 687.62%

2nd PLACE

District 986.71%

4th PLACE

District 386.24%

6th PLACE

District 286.32%

5th PLACE

District 885.45%

7th PLACE

District 783.76%

9th PLACE

District 183.98%

8th PLACE

District 1183.75%

10th PLACE

District 575.43%

12th PLACE

District 482.66%

11th PLACE

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANUARY 22, 2015

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

[email protected]

“Badger Legionnaire”& “Wisconsin”

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

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

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

P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WI and additional mailing offi ces.

USPS ID Number 010-135ISSN: 2154-2627

Post Master: Send address changes to Badger Legionnaire and Wisconsin,P.O. Box 388, Portage, WI 53901

“Badger Legionnaire”The American Legion,

Department of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

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

E-mail: [email protected]

David A. Kurtz, Executive Editor

2014-2015 Communications CommitteeKendel D. Feilen, Chairman

Jeremy Nordie, Vice ChairmanEnsley Brown, DEC Liaison

Bernard OlsonPhil IngwellHarold RihnRory Burns

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

2014-15 Department Offi cers

CommanderRobert Shappell

Vice Commanders Dale OatmanRich RulandJohn ThurkDave Brisk

AdjutantDavid A. Kurtz

Sergeant-at ArmsCharles Roessler

Dave Wischer

Service Offi cerJames Fialkowski

NECmanSteve Krueger

Alternate NECmanKen Rynes

District Commanders 1st – Tom Strey 2nd – Dan Seehafer 3rd – Mary Lloyd 4th – Claire Goodfellow 5th – Ensley Brown 6th – Jeff Puddy 7th – Mark Lesko 8th – Jerome Krofta 9th – 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 53901

Bonnie Dorniak, EditorTeresa Isensee, Department President

Bonnie Dorniak, Exec. Secretary/Treasurer

To change your address: Notify Unit SecretaryUnit Secretary: Notify Department

Headquarters on a Member Data Form

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

DEPARTMENT COMMANDERDEPARTMENT COMMANDEROn April 29,

1945, Desmond Doss’s company captured a piece of land on Oki-nawa overlook-ing a 400-foot cliff. Days later, the enemy at-

tacked, and almost immediately 75 men fell wounded. The remaining troops retreated down to the base of the cliff. Left at the top of the cliff were the wounded, the Japa-nese, and Desmond Doss. For the next fi ve hours, while his wounded comrades fought back their attack-ers, Doss began to lower man after man to safety down the face of the cliff using little more than a tree stump and a rope. A few weeks later, Doss was wounded when a grenade blew up next to his leg. He bandaged his own wounds. As he was being carried off the fi eld they passed another critically wounded soldier. Doss rolled off the litter and told the medics to take the oth-

It’s very quiet this time of year up at Camp American Le-gion. With the holidays behind us and a few more weeks of

winter left, I have time to refl ect on the many successes of 2014 and look forward to an exciting 2015 season. But while I’m making plans, I’m also thinking about all the great people that make Camp really work on behalf of Wisconsin veterans and their families.

The operation of Camp depends upon the hard work and dedication of a very special group of people. Our most important and valued as-sets are our volunteers and build-ing sponsors. Without them Camp would not be able to operate at the level it now does. When the Camp season is in full swing and things are really humming these people

er man. He and another wounded soldier started to hobble off while supporting each other. Doss had his arm across the other man’s neck when he felt a bullet slam into his arm. It shattered Doss upper arm, which in turn, saved the other man’s life. On October 12, 1945, Doss received the Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman.

On February 9, 1969, Tom Ben-nett’s company was ambushed in the Chu Pa Mountains of South Vietnam. Three men went down. Everyone else dived for cover - except Tom Bennett. Despite the enemy rounds striking around him, Bennett tended to the three wounded men. Then he carried each man to safety. Throughout the day, he patched wounds and moved other wounded comrades to safety. At least twice more he ventured into the open to pull a casualty to safety. By nightfall the fi ring had died down. Bennett was up all night treating his many patients. As dawn broke, enemy snipers shot

make it all happen. There are some extremely dedi-

cated volunteers who give of them-selves here at Camp American Le-gion. Their desire to help others is an integral part of them. It is who they are. It’s dangerous to give names because someone is usually inadvertently left out but special thanks go to Gary, Kinthy, Bob, Dave, Matt (PUFL the Clown), Nimrod (Captain Nimo) and Jim - the bus driver. Along with Jerome, Jay, Brian, Mike, Grenville and all the others, they are serving veterans every day during the season. Each day these folks are piloting boats, driving campers to activities, cut-ting grass, cleaning the dining hall and performing kitchen chores. Great folks like Jennifer, Larry and Mary, Jay, Carol, Dale and Sherry come every weekend to help prep for the new week ahead. Jerry paints, Dick tinkers and others are doing this and that. Some come

several more soldiers, and Bennett instantly moved to their aid. Near day’s end another soldier was hit by sniper fi re. Bennett jumped up, intent only on saving the wounded man. Rifl e shots rang out. Bennett fell, his body riddled with bullets. On April 7, 1970, what would have been Bennett’s 23rd birthday, his parents received the Medal of Hon-or from President Richard Nixon.

Both men served their country with honor. Both men were also conscientious objectors. When they entered the Army, both men were shunned and ridiculed by their fellow soldiers. They quickly, however, earned their comrades’ respect as they consistently showed that they did not have to fi re weap-ons or take lives to serve their country. Both men, despite their religious convictions, felt a com-mitment to serve their country. In a letter to his parents when he en-listed in the Army, Bennett wrote, “If I am called to Nam, I will go. Out of obligation to a country I

in the spring and fall to help open and close the Camp. They all give of their time and have fun as they do. Doing volunteer work at Camp positively impacts these people in their own individual ways. Some are Legion members and veterans, others not. What makes them come is their love for this place and our healing, caring mission. It all hap-pens every day throughout the sea-son because of these very special, giving volunteers.

Then there are the Camp Legion Sponsors who are our cornerstone. Building sponsorship is a commit-ment of time, talent and fi nancial resources. Sponsors take on the responsibly for maintenance and upkeep. On every cabin a Post or County sponsorship sign proudly hangs. Some have been sponsors for more years than anyone can remember and many new sponsors have recently come on board. All of our twenty-two cabins have a

love I will go and possibly die for a cause I vehemently disagree with. It is my obligation to give service to my country. I believe in America.”

It is not the fi ring of weapons or participation in armed combat that defi nes the American service man and service woman. It is what’s in-side their hearts and their souls. It is their desire to serve and unself-ishly fulfi ll their obligations to a na-tion that gives them more freedoms and opportunities than any other nation in the world. I suspect that most of those who have protested and opposed our military would have diffi culty understanding the motives of Desmond Doss and Tom Bennett. We, the Legion Family, must continue to support everyone who serves and continue to educate those around us of why our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines put themselves in peril to serve their nation. Let us steadfastly honor all those who serve in the military to-day, no matter where they serve or what jobs they perform.

sponsor. Every part of the Legion Family is represented. Even the fi sh cleaning shack has a sponsor. Currently there are other build-ings in need of sponsors. The Main Lodge, Women’s Quarters, Library, Bathhouse, Craft Shop, Smoke Shack and the Rainbow Flowage Pavilions are all looking for sponsors.

If you are interested in becom-ing a volunteer or sponsoring a building at Camp, give me a call. Volunteering makes any person stand a little taller and sponsoring a building can help develop a stron-ger sense of purpose and reason for a Legion Family group. Being a volunteer or sponsor is a commit-ment and sometimes requires sac-rifi ce but it is incredibly rewarding. Volunteers and Sponsors “ARE” Camp American Legion. They are the fabric that holds it together and make Camp American Legion what is it.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans accom-plished much in 2014 for Wis-consin veterans and we look for-ward to doing the same in 2015. We

will continue to honor our state’s veterans by building upon our suc-cesses and remaining the best state in the nation for programs, benefi ts and services.

The WDVA has chartered a re-newed focused on taking care of our veterans and their families who have given so much for our state and nation. We set new priorities to refl ect modern day realities and the needs of all generations of veterans.

We set our priorities in the 2013-2015 Budget and have been steadi-ly acting on them in the past two years. We improved the long-term solvency of the Veterans Trust Fund by adding an additional $5.3 million, extended the Veterans and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Credit. We also increased funding to our state veteran service orga-nizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families. These are only a few examples of the many steps we’ve taken to em-power, improve and strengthen the resources available to our veterans.

Another of our top priorities is helping veterans fi nd employment. We created a $500,000 annual grant program for employers who hire veterans. WDVA has part-

nered with various agencies and organizations to host dozens of veteran career fairs statewide over the past four years, serving nearly 14,000 veterans. Last year alone, over 4,000 veterans and spouses attended these career fairs.

We also want to ensure our vet-erans have a high quality of life in Wisconsin. WDVA operates three veterans homes serving nearly 1,000 veterans and their spouses across the state. Over the past three years, we have improved the fi nan-cial condition of these homes, in turn improving the quality of life for veterans living there. We turned a $12.9 million defi cit related to op-erations of our homes into a high positive income level.

In order to expand access to in-

formation about WDVA programs, we created the Veterans Benefi ts Resource Center (VBRC), which includes phone services, online chat, walk in and email communi-cations. This ensures every veteran who contacts us during business hours is able to immediately speak to center support staff. This is part of our continuing effort to reach our veterans – providing outreach to them and increasing their access to the things they need the most.

We care about our veterans and are proud to serve them – just as they have faithfully served us. We will build upon the successes of the past year as we enter 2015 and con-tinue Wisconsin’s great tradition of meeting the needs of our veterans as they return home from service.

WDVA SECRETARYWDVA SECRETARY

John A. ScocosWDVA Secretary

Kevin MosheaCamp Director

CAMP DIRECTORCAMP DIRECTOR

Bob ShappellDepartment Commander

PAGE 3THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJANUARY 22, 2015

Revitalization in Manitowoc Sets the Pace for 2015 Membership

FREE SKI JUMPING FOR VETERANS!

BADGER BOYS (Continued from Front Cover)

Department Commander Bob Shappell and Membership Chair-man Dan O’Brien recently led revitalization efforts for Mani-towoc Post No. 88 of the 6th District. Other major member-ship revitalization efforts since the Department Fall meetings have been held in the 3rd and 7th Districts. Other efforts are slated for February in the Appleton, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha areas.

A typical Revitalization Drive begins with a meeting of vol-unteers where Legion Family members are provided with an overview of the activity and con-tact information for local area veterans who can be recruited or transferred into the local post. Extensive lists of Holding Post and Expired members are pro-

welcomed to the Board included; Dr. Dave Schuler, Dr. Nathan Gruenwald, Bill Kewan, Eric Torstenson and Rich Mannisto. Some of them have since moved on to be replced by Erik Brown, Atty. Steve Sorensen and Bill Cosh.

The program staff became in-creasingly empowered to shape the program. This acceptance by Legionnaires and Legion leader-ship came about because of the long-time dedication of coun-selors and real-life professionals like Bishop Tom Skrenes, Dr. Mark Matosian, Dr. Gary Saun-ders, Bill Field, U.S. Atty. James Santelle, and Pat Braatz among

vided by the National organiza-tion. The effort is preceded by Press Releases directed to local media outlets and Public Service Announcements.

Volunteers combed the Manito-woc area for two days and were able to round up 50 new mem-bers for Post No. 88 through re-newal, recruiting and transfers.

The Revitalization was capped by an Open House at the post with sandwiches and refresh-ments. Department Service Of-fi cer James Fialkowski and rep-resentatives of the Manitowoc County VSO were in attendance to answer questions from local veterans regarding VA claims and benefi ts.

Following the Open House, Commander Shappell called a special meeting to order and

others. Those individuals have been dedicated to the program for many years and make The American Legion proud.

These positive changes have come about because of the trust-ing relationship between the Board of Directors and those staff members who were major contributors to the program. It has taken a high degree of trust and confi dence within the Legion ranks and the assurance that the program would remain intact, for this partnership to work and im-prove the program.

Today the BBS Board of Di-rectors continues to serve the program. Our staff counselors

spoke on the past, present and future of Post No. 88. Com-mander Shappell focused on the Four Pillars of The American Legion, how burnout can affect an organization and the need for periodic change. 6th District Commander Jeff Puddy of Fond du Lac Post No. 75 then installed a new slate of Post Offi cers and pledged the future support of the District to ensure success. The new Offi cers of Post No. 88 are Robert Cavanaugh, Commander; Brian Blashka, Vice Command-er; Lance Furst, Adjutant; Dave Soukup, Finance Offi cer; Fritz Blashka, Sergeant at Arms.

For more information on Post Revitalization contact Chris Schmidt by email at [email protected] or call (608) 745-1090.

and support personnel maintain the high level of excellence this program has achieved and work towards continued improvement.

It is our responsibility to nur-ture the program and the partner-ship that has been built over the past decade and a half, a part-nership of Legionnaires, non-Legion staff and Ripon College employees. Badger Boys State is an American Legion program and always will be an American Legion program. I am proud to have witnessed this transforma-tion and proud to have been a part of it.

Russ Hanseter, Chairman of the Board

Department Commander Bob Shappell continues to present the “Spirit of Wisconsin” pin to deserv-ing Legion Family members. This special, lim-ited edition is awarded to Legion-naires, SAL, A u x i l i a r y Members, and Riders to rec-ognize special achievements in all aspects of the Legion and our many programs. Anyone can recommend someone for the award, but Post, County, and District Commanders should make

Catch the Spirit of Wisconsin!every effort to identify deserv-ing individuals for this rec-ognition. Simply submit the

deserving individuals name to Commander Bob.

This special edi-tion pin is only presented to recognize the efforts of Le-gion Family members. It is not random-

ly handed out and Commander

Shappell will make every effort possible to

personally present the pin. To nominate someone for the award contact Commander Shappell via Department head-quarters at (608) 745-1090.

No, we’re not kidding. Once again the Snowfl ake Ski Tour-nament will allow veterans to attend the competition free of charge. The 92nd Annual tournament will be held Friday evening, January 30th and the following day starting at noon at the Snowfl ake Ski Club near Westby, 25 miles southeast of LaCrosse. Over twenty jump-

ers from across the US, and up to a dozen jumpers from several foreign countries will jump on a “118 meter hill,” used in Olym-pic competition.

The Snowfl ake Club has been recognized by The American Le-gion, Department of Wisconsin for their generous support of the Wisconsin National Guard.

On Friday, January 30th, at 7PM a spectacular night com-petition will be held. Jumping at night with lighting provides an exciting and unique atmo-sphere! Saturday’s competition will begin at noon. Results of both competitions will be used to determine winners.

In addition to the normal jump-ing for points, crowd pleasing “Standing Long Jumps” will take place on Friday and Satur-day after the end of regular com-petition. Jumpers who are brave enough try to have the longest jump of the day without falling. This is normally where new hill

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records are set! Friday night will also feature

a large fi reworks display fol-lowed by live music and danc-ing. There will be opportunities for children to sled on smaller hills and dig in a large snow pile for over $100 in quarters. Food and refreshments will be available both days. Horse and Sleigh rides will also be avail-able.

The Ski Club, with the assis-tance of Logistics Health Incor-porated (a LaCrosse based com-pany), is admitting all veterans and their spouses at no charge upon display of a DD Form 214 or membership card in The American Legion.

There is plenty of free parking, and if you arrive early enough you may be able to fi nd a spot to watch the jumping from your car.

Check out the club’s web site for pictures, a map, admission fees and an exciting YouTube video: www.snowfl akeskiclub.com

The McCann - Richards Post No. 105 of Shullsburg recently presented a check in support of the Shullsburg School Christmas Fund and the Lafayette County Child Advocacy Fund. The funds will be used to assist with basic needs such as shelter, food, utilities, and clothing. Pictured are Shullsburg School Principal Joseph Diedrich and Post No. 105 Commander Dan Christopher.

Post No. 105 Assists Local Kids

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANUARY 22, 2015

The 2015 Camp American Le-gion season starts on May 25 and is looking to be the most exciting season ever. Here is the line-up of the special weeks scheduled this year. Please spread the word!

Vietnam Veterans Week, June 8-14 at “FB (Fire Base) Camp American Legion” – Calling all Vietnam Vets who served “in-Country”. You are invited to attend this “50th Anniversary” week-long gathering. It will be a special week of camaraderie, storytelling, bat-tle-buddy sharing, remembrance, celebration and FUN. We encour-age all Vietnam Vets to come for the whole week but if you cannot, we still want you to come as a “day visitor” to your Fire Base Camp American Legion.

Operation Home Front - Work-ing Together to Eliminate Veter-an Homelessness, June 1-7 –This week at Camp American Legion is designed to assist Homeless Veter-

ans and those who are at-risk.Women Veterans Week, June

15-19 – This will be our 5th year of hosting Women Veterans Week. We are reaching out to women vets and encouraging them to attend a Camp experience that will posi-tively impact their lives.

Post 9/11 Veterans Week, July 20-26 – With more post 9/11 vet-erans coming home from Active duty we are working to help ad-dress the physical and psychologi-cal wounds some have received. We are working to reach out to them and their families.

Caregiver Respite Retreat, August 10-14 – This retreat is for caregivers of signifi cantly wound-ed “Post 9/11 veterans”. The Camp experience can lift the heavy load off their shoulders even if just for those few days.

Camp Serenity, Families of the Fallen, August 14-16 – This special, sacred weekend is for any

family who has lost a family mem-ber who has served in the military at any time. It includes any branch of service. It is regardless of type of casualty; meaning it does not have to be a combat death and it includes retirees as well. This weekend Camp is run by the Wis-consin National Guard’s Survivor Outreach Services.

Vision & Hearing Loss Veter-ans Week, August 17-23 – 2015 will be the fourth year for this program and it keep getting more FUN every year. This week is for “any age” veteran with vision or hearing loss.

Diabetes Camp, September 11-13 It is a very powerful weekend of education and learning to teach veterans how to manage their diabetes and live a better life. Re-search states that 25% of VA pa-tients have diabetes. Nearly one in four veterans receiving care from the VA has diabetes.

Vietnam Veterans Week Highlights Camps’ 90th Season

Calling all ALEI Graduates!

Wisconsin American Legion College

Basic Training March 28, 2015 – 8:00AM - 5:30PM

Part of the Wisconsin American Legion’s 5 Year Membership Plan is for the National American Legion College graduates put together a Wisconsin American Legion College program. Well, we have done it!

Registration can be done online by clicking on WI Legion College Basic Course on our Department website: www.wilegion.org. A fee of $20 can be paid online during registration, mailed to Department Headquarters at The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901-0388 or paid at the door. Registrations are due by March 16. Late Registration will be $25.

√ Do you want to know more about The American Legion? √ Do you want to be a better American Legion recruiter? √ Do you want to move up in The American Legion? √ Do you want to go to National American Legion College some day? √ Have you taken The American Legion Extension Institute Course?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, do we have the perfect

learning experience for you!

• AMERICANISM, CHILDREN & YOUTH (1 Hr) • PUBLIC RELATIONS (1 Hr) • LEADERSHIP (2 Hrs)

Ridge Hotel - 2900 New Pinery Road - Portage WI 53901

• LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES (1 Hr) • POST OFFICERS (1 Hr) • MANUAL OF CEREMONIES (1 Hr)

Be one of the first in Wisconsin to be a Basic Course Graduate!

“Need to Know” • You don’t need to take the entire course in one sitting. A registrar will keep track of your progress. • Having taken the ALEI Course is a requirement. • Recommended for All Family Members. Same fee of $20 for all participants. Multiple ways to pay. • There will also be Intermediate and Advanced Courses offered for graduates of the previous level.

Eighth District Commander Je-rome (Jerry) Krofta announces his candidacy for the high office of De-partment Vice Commander. Jerry is a Paid up for Life member of Post No. 9 in Wisconsin Rapids. He served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971 as a Finance Clerk. He also served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in the finance area from 1980 until his retirement in 2006. He took great pleasure in assisting soldiers on fi-nancial matters while looking out for the interests of the taxpayers.

Throughout his 22 years of Ameri-can Legion membership, he has served as Post Commander, Adjutant and Finance Officer, as well as Com-mander and Adjutant at the County level. He was twice a 100% Post Commander. He also enjoyed be-ing the Post chairman for the 2008 Midwinter Conference and serving on committees for The American Le-gion State Bowling Tournament and American Legion State Golf Outing.

Jerry is also a member of the 40 et 8, Secretary-Treasurer of the Al-lied Veterans Council of South Wood County and Secretary-Treasurer of his neighborhood association.

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

Candidate for Department Vice Commander

Jerome Krofta

PAGE 5THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJANUARY 22, 2015

MEMBERSHIP MEMO

What does it mean to give back? We’ve all heard about it and we would like to give you an out-standing example. Post No. 245 in Cross Plains recognized Legion-naire Bernard “Buddy” Schroeder. Buddy, as he is known, has given for over 70 years. He served his country in the military proudly. Buddy has been a member of the Cross Plains Post for over 70 years. During those 70 years he has been an outstanding exam-ple of giving back to the community and his country.

Buddy started sev-eral programs. Fifty eight years ago he started “Toys for Tots” in Cross Plains. For years he was the organizer for loaning equip-ment like wheel chairs, walkers, crutches to those in need. He also started a food basket program for the less fortunate. This program has grown to nearly 100 deliveries per year. He has donated hundreds of hours of work, cash and in-kind donations to Wisconsin Badger Camp for challenged youth and to Camp American Legion.

In 1992 Buddy started “Sanford and Son.” That effort raised mon-ey for the charities on behalf of The

Legionnaire Recognized for 70 Years of Service

American Legion in Cross Plains. It amounted to soliciting dona-tions for scrap metal, aluminum cans, etc. He then processed the donations to sell to a scrap dealer at his own home. Over the years he has raised over $100,000. He

also made a large per-sonal donation to the latest addition at the post which included a handicapped elevator. Buddy also served 4 years as Commander of Post No. 245, Dane County Commander and as Chaplain for of the 3rd District.

Now as Paul Har-vey used to say;

“Here is the rest of the story – Buddy Schroeder is 90 years-old and has been battling cancer for over 2 years. He still keeps giv-ing and overseeing many of the programs he started. Buddy al-ways has one of the most positive attitudes folks in Cross Plains have ever known. Buddy has a saying: “If you think you have it bad, just look around.” After a short stay in rehab, he is back home at 2721 Baer St., Cross Plains, WI 53528. We are sure he’d appreciate a card or a note letting him know how much his life of service is appreciated.

Membership is always a topic that is much discussed at all levels of the organization – af-ter all, as a membership orga-nization, without members, we wouldn’t exist. Members of The American Legion share a com-mon bond of having served our country. This organization is where veterans of all eras, from World War II through the Iraq and Afghan wars, stand side by side, “Still Serving America”.

There are so many facets of membership that one could discuss such as our member-ship count or how important it is for each and every one of us to bring in new members. But I think it’s best to speak from my own experience and how I feel about The American Legion.

I had been out of the service for eight years when I fi rst met members from the local Ameri-can Legion Post. I had taken my Dad to see the static display of the WWII B-17 bomber at our local airport. While walking around, a few members came up, thanked my father for his service and were about to leave when I spoke up. I told them that I was a retired Air Force veteran. After they explained

a little about the organization, they gave me an application and invited me to their next meeting. A month later I went to the County Fair and ran into the same group from the local post. They once again invited me to their next meeting. Well, I fi gured I better check the next meeting out before I ran into them again. So I attended the next meeting not knowing any-one and walked out a member of The American Legion.

After attending a number of post meetings, I attended my fi rst Department Convention and heard Camp Director Kevin Moshea share his passion about Camp American Legion. An-other memorable speaker was a young veteran who was ac-companied by his service dog. At the following Midwinter, I heard a camp attendee speak about what it was like to attend camp. Along the way, I got to meet many interesting Legion-naires. I always felt welcomed and a part of something great. Learning more about the Legion made me more excited about this organization. I decided to join our Post Honor Guard and after my fi rst funeral, I under-

stood why so many serve on the honor guard. It’s something that can only be felt and not ex-plained.

FEELING WELCOMEDDid you know that the critical

point in membership is when a Legionnaire reaches the 4 or 5-year point? If a veteran reaches that point of continu-ous membership, they tend to remain members for the long run. So how do we get them to that point? By taking pride in our Post and getting out into our communities to invite vet-erans to your next meeting. Make members feel welcomed and appreciated at every meet-ing and outing. Encourage them to get involved, educate them on the Legion. We learn by observing and participating. Remember, we are all apart of the Legion Family whether we are Legion members or Auxil-iary members or the SAL. Take it upon yourself to welcome a new member, take them un-der your wing and teach them. Attitudes are infectious-make sure yours is a positive one.

Darla Porter, Post No. 10 - Wausau

Federal health statistics show that 13% of Americans 20 and older have diabetes. Another 37% have pre-diabetes, a con-dition marked by higher-than-normal blood sugars. That’s up from 27% a decade ago. Studies also show pre-diabetes not only set the stage for diabetes but also increases the risk of cancer by 15%. The Veterans Health Ad-ministration states that “25% of VA patients have diabetes. Near-ly one in four veterans receiving care from VA has diabetes”.

In response to this growing con-cern, Camp American Legion con-ducted our third “Diabetes Camp” during the 2014 season. This pro-gram has become very successful and doubled in veteran attendance.

Camp Helps Veterans Manage Th eir DiabetesThe Diabetes Camp is a focused educational program to teach vet-erans how to manage their diabetes and live a healthier life.

This Camp program was initi-ated by Ms. Diane Kesler, Regis-tered Nurse & Certifi ed Diabetes Educator at the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Ap-pleton. Diane and other profes-sionals are committed to help-ing our veterans with diabetes. Campers go through the weekend documenting the food they eat at meals in their personal note books; having discussion groups in the dining hall or around the camp fi re and getting helpful print information on diabetes.

The Diabetes Camp is very much a part of our “Help to Heal”

mission and we look to continue it and grow it. It is one of the most important programs we do at Camp. To get a participant’s personal perspective on how the Diabetes Camp positively im-pacted his life see the letter by Steven. Steven states “All this help changed my outlook on life if not even saved my life”.

Diabetes Camp is yet another successful result of all of our work in making Camp Ameri-can Legion a very meaningful and relevant place for our veter-ans. The 2015 Diabetes Camp is scheduled for September 11-13, 2015. We look forward to it.

Kevin MosheaCamp Director

Madison VA Receives HonorsMADISON, Wis. — William

S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison yesterday was recently named a 2013 Top Per-former on key quality measures by a leading accreditor of health care organizations. The hospital was recognized as part of The Joint Commission’s 2014 annual report “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety,” for attaining and sustaining excellence in ac-countability measure performance for heart attack, heart failure, pneu-monia, and surgical care.

The Madison VA Hospital was among 1,224 hospitals in the na-tion and one of only 33 Wisconsin hospitals to earn the Top Performer distinction for sustained excellence during 2013.

The Top Performer program rec-ognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based in-terventions that increase the chanc-es of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneu-monia, surgical care and stroke, as well as for inpatient psychiatric ser-vices and immunizations.

This is the second year the Madi-son VA Hospital has been recog-nized as a Top Performer. The hos-pital was also recognized in 2012 for its performance.

“We know what matters most to patients is the quality and safety of

the care they receive. That is why we have made it a top priority to improve positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care pro-cesses,” said Judy McKee, direc-tor of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. “Our hospital is proud to be named a Top Performer as it recognizes the knowledge, team-work and dedication of our entire hospital staff,” McKee said.

This is the second major national recognition the Madison VA Hos-pital has received recently. The hospital was recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for excellence in nursing.

“These honors refl ect great credit on all the caring professionals who are dedicated to providing the very best care to the Veterans we serve every day,” McKee said.

William S. Middleton VA Hos-pital is a 129-bed facility provid-ing health care for about 40,000 Veterans who live in 15 counties in south central Wisconsin and in northwestern Illinois. The hospi-tal also operates an annex primary care clinic in Madison and com-munity-based outpatient clinics in Baraboo, Beaver Dam and Janes-ville.

For more information about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov or www.facebook.com/MadisonVAHospital.

OF MEM BERSHIPO

P

70 YEARS

AMERICAN LEGI0N

Bernard (Buddy) Schroeder

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE SEPTEMBER 25, 2014PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANUARY 22, 2015

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From Your American LegionDepartment

PAGE 7THE BADGER LEGIONNAIREJANUARY 22, 2015

Please see the February Issue for all of the Midwinter Highlights

along with a listing of 2015 Midwinter Sweepstakes Winners!

The Campaign for Wiscon-sin’s Candidate for National Commander is excited about all of the support Denise has received from posts across the state.

The whole American Legion Family of Post/Unit/Squad-ron No. 52 is having a dinner and dance fund-raising event on February 14, 2015 at their post in La Crosse. The evening starts with a roast beef dinner from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and the Seven River Jazz Band will kick off the dance at 8:00 PM until 11:00. Denise will be there and hopes that all Legion Family mem-bers will come out for a fun evening.

Cross Plains American Le-gion Family is planning a fun-draising dinner from 4:00 to 9:00 PM on April 11, 2015 at their post. If you’ve never been to their post for a meal you are really missing out on some great food. Stop out and talk with Denise and see the new renovations at the post.

The following week Stough-ton American Legion Family is planning a dinner also at their beautiful clubhouse at 803 North Page Street in Stoughton. The post has worked hard to transform their new clubhouse into a show piece for the com-

Campaign for Wisconsin’s Candidate for

National Commandermunity. Mark your calendar for April 18th and support their event for Denise’s campaign. More details will follow in the next edition of the Badger Le-gionnaire.

Past Department Commander Ted DeMicchi is working hard

on the Golf Outing sched-uled for June 25, 2015 in R e e d s b u r g at the Reeds-burg Country Club. More in fo rmat ion will be com-ing soon but we ask that you “save the date” on your calendar so that you don’t

miss this fun summer event. Ted has promised us some exciting prizes for each hole with a ma-jor prize for a hole-in-one. De-nise has told us that she is not a golfer but that she will ride with the drink cart for the day and make sure no one gets dehydrat-ed! We hope to see you there.

We continue to sell raffl e tickets for our American Le-gion Centennial pistol. If you would like information on how you can get tickets to buy or to sell or other ways you can help Denise raise the funds she needs to run a successful campaign for National Com-mander you can contact her at (608)225-7253, [email protected] or by mail at: Denise Rohan for National Command-er, PO Box 930100, Verona, WI 53593-0100.

Post No. 65 • RomeJim Kitchen

Post No. 520 • Vesper Ron Swensen

Post No. 30 • EdgertonAllen Decker

Post No. 506 • Iron River Art Booth

Post No. 468 • Milladore Tom Hollar

Post No. 234 • Omro David Steinert

Post No. 153 • PittsvilleMarvin Kummer

Post No. 138 • Virooqua Pedar Swanson

2014 2

015

2014 2015

TH

E SPIRIT OF WISCONSIN100%

POST COMMANDERS

Post No. 479 • Milwaukee William Strong

Post No. 461 • PembineRodger French and Ed White

Legion Riders Play Santa at Union Grove Veterans HomeMembers of the 1st District Chapter of the Legion Rid-ers of Wisconsin spent some quality time at the Wiscon-sin Veterans Home in Union Grove this past holiday sea-son where they presented gift certifi cates to the residents of Boland Hall. Pictured here are the Riders serving root beer fl oats at the Christmas Party held on December 13th.