January 14, 2010/Vol. 87, No. 1

The mission of The american legion, deparTmenT of wisconsin is To provide service To veTerans, Their families and Their communiTies.

80,000

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

MembershipGoal 68,000

58,689 as of1/7/10

High school students across Wisconsin have been invited by the Wisconsin American Legion to compete in the Annual Ameri-can Legion High School Ora-torical Scholarship Program. The invitation to enter the competition was extended by Department Ora-torical Chairman Robert Stone.

Local contests are currently be-ing conducted at the Post, County, and District Levels. This is a national contest and the Regional and Department competition will be held Saturday, February 20th at Ripon College.

The subject in the prepared ora-tion portion of the contest must be about a specific section of the

Constitution of the United States, emphasizing the duties and obli-gations of a citizen to the United States government. The prepared oration must be the original effort of each contestant and must be 8-10 minutes in length.

Awards are given to participants at the local level. College schol-arships of $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000 will be awarded to the first through third place winners in the national finals. Each state winner who competes in the first round of the national contest will receive a $1,500 scholar-ship. Participants in the second round who do not advance to the national final round will receive

an additional $1,500 scholarship. The top three youth orators who have won all previous elimination rounds of the contest will vie for top honors in the national contest on April 9-11th at the IUPUI Conference Center and Hotel in Indianapolis.

The American Legion will pay the expenses of state winners at the national contest. High school students in public, parochial, or home school settings are in-vited to enter the competition and should contact their local Ameri-can Legion Post for details.

This year’s competition is being sponsored, in part, by the Michels Family Foundation.

Norm Bednarek, Adjutant of Post 47 in Portage and a member of the Board of Directors for The Wisconsin American Legion Museum and Learning Center, shows art work on loan to the Museum to the Department’s newest employees, Chad Zuleger and Angela Chappell. This piece of art, “The Return of Private Davis from the Argonne,” painted by John Steuart Curry is on loan to the Museum from Cudworth Post 23 in Milwaukee. The Post also loaned two other pieces of artwork which are on display as well, including a portrait of General Doug-las MacArthur, who was a life member of Post 23.

extends to you a most cordial invitation to attend his

Testimonial DinnerSaturday, March 20, 2010

Rex’s Innkeeper 301 North Century Avenue

Waunakee, WI

Cash Bar 5:00 p.m.Dinner 6:30 p.m.

____ Attending ____ Regrets

Name(s): ______________________________________

Name(s): ______________________________________

Name(s): ______________________________________

Name(s): ______________________________________

$20.00 per person

Make checks payable to Leo A. Endres

Commander Leo A. Endres1147 Fleetwood Ave.

Madison, WI 53716-1417

Please reply before March 5, 2010

HOTELSCountry Inn & Suites • 608-849-6900

904 E. Main St., Waunakee

Crowne Plaza • 608-244-47034402 E. Washington Ave, Madison

Madison Marriot - West • 608-831-20001313 John D. Hammond Dr, Middleton

Super 8 • 608-837-88891033 Emerald Terrence, Sun Prairie

Oratorical Scholarship ProgramWisconsinDepartment Commander

Leo A. Endres

LAST CHANCE! 2010 Mid-Winter SweepstakesGrand Prize $10,000 • Second Prize $2,000

Third Prize $1,000 • Fourth-Eighth Prize $500PLEASE rETurN your TiCkETS No LATEr THAN

JANuAry 25, 2010 To bE ELiGibLE.Winners will be drawn on January 31st at the Mid-Winter Conference in Wisconsin Dells.

If you have questions or would like to request additional tickets,contact Jessika at (608) 745-1090 or jessika@wilegion.org.

You do not need to be present to win.

Artwork on Display at Museum

PAGE 2 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANuARy 14, 2010

“Badger Legionnaire”& “Wisconsin”

Official publications ofThe Wisconsin American Legion Family

Periodicals Postage Paid at Portage, WIand additional mailing offices

ISSN Number 01622218

Change of Address & Circulation InformationSubscribers: To report any upcoming changes of address, please ask your Post Adjutant to fill out Membership Data Form and forward it to Wisconsin American Legion Headquarters. The change of address form that will be completed by the Post Adjutant should not be confused with the change of address card filled out at the Post Office.

“Badger Legionnaire”The American Legion,

Department of Wisconsin2930 American Legion Drive

P.O. Box 388Portage, WI 53901

Phone: (608) 745-1090E-mail: info@wilegion.org

David A. Kurtz, Executive EditorJessika Erickson, Editor

2009-2010 Badger Legionnaire Committee

John Wolfe, ChairmanDon Stone, Vice ChairmanDon Lechner, DEC Liaison

Art Hopfensperger, MemberBernard Olson, Member

Vernon Pitt, MemberJames Theres, Member

Frank Mathison, ConsultantLoretta Shellman, Aux. Liaison

Kathy Wollmer, Aux Exec. Sec./Treas.

2009-2010 Department OfficersCommander Leo EndresVice Commanders Robert Batty Marv Brozynski Steve DuBois Don SouthworthAdjutant David A. KurtzChaplain Carl OeldemannAssistant Chaplain Frank WozniakJudge Advocate Fred BernsHistorian Frank MathisonSergeant-at-Arms Marty Czarnecki Michael ZapkaService Officer James FialkowskiNECman David GoughAlternate NECman Al Richards

District Commanders1st – Cal Johnson2nd – Don Lechner3rd – Denise Rohan4th – Wayne Jensen5th – Charles Roloff6th – Roy Helms7th – Mike Wagoner8th – Jim Grimm9th – Denis Lamers10th – Steve Isensee11th – Joe Story12th – Kelly Barnes

“Wisconsin”American Legion AuxiliaryDepartment of Wisconsin

2930 American Legion DriveP.O. Box 140

Portage, WI 53901

Kathy Wollmer, EditorKathy Wollmer, Executive Sec.-Treas.Gayle Janson, Department President

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

Headquarters on a Member Data Form.

The “Wisconsin” deadline for copy is4 weeks before publication date.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Badger Legionnaire

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

Publication ScheduleAll articles due to the Editor 4 weeks before publication date. Send all copy to info@wilegion.org

Sailing Forward

Leo EndresCommander

Department CommanDer

The Post is not a lone ship on a vast ocean, but part of a mighty fleet, The Amer i -can Legion. “8th District

Dispatch” Where did the year go? As we

begin a new year, there are joys and challenges to share and work on together. We are half way through this Legion year, how are we doing on our goals?

Communication: As new mem-bers join your post, greet, share your experiences, and mentor them. In turn, ask them to share their ideas and experiences. Each generation

of veterans brings a different per-spective we can meld together to accomplish our goals

Encourage new members/leaders to join you at Mid-Winter, Janu-ary 29-31 in Wisconsin Dells. It is a premiere educational event. Workshops provide an opportunity to learn, mentor, and share ideas to effectively manage our Posts and find solutions for challenges.

Veteran/Troop Support: The Wisconsin 32nd Infantry Brigade will be home very soon. Let’s show them a grand welcome home. The American Legion Family is often asked to support veterans, troops, and their families. Volunteer your time and remember to set aside funds to help provide this support.

TAL Programs Support Youth/Communities: Badger Boys State registrations should be in. BBS provides waves of benefits for the young men who participate. Oratorical competitions are held in January/early February at your Post, County and District. Re-gional/State Oratorical will be held February 20th at Ripon College. Joyce and I attended my Post’s competition. Tom Parker, Post 360 Commander said to our contestant “You are already a winner by being here today. Public speaking is one of the most important skills you need to be successful throughout your life.”

Membership, the Foundation of TAL: The Department is doing

well on membership. In fact we have been in the top five nation-ally all year! However, we are not 100%! The hard renewals are still waiting for your personal contact. National Commander Clarence Hill is attending Mid-Winter. It would be great to present him with a 100% department! GET ON DECK WITH MEMBERSHIP!

Four Chaplains Sunday is traditionally held the first Sunday in February. I encourage you to attend/participate in one of the programs held around the state. You will be inspired!

Our mighty fleet is sailing forward! Thank you for being a member and for your ongoing support for God and Country.

On the night of February 2, 1943, the captain of the US troop trans-port Dorchester, speaking over the public address system, informed

the men that the Dorchester had left the protection of its convoy and was headed for Greenland. He warned them that they would pass through an area sometime patrolled by Nazi submarines. He advised them to sleep fully clothed and wearing a life preserver. Many of the 900 men on

board disregarded his warning.A few hours later, at midnight, a

single torpedo struck the side of the ship. As the ship began to list, the interior filled with ammonia fumes. Soon, men began to stream up on the deck in terror. Survivors told of men standing dazed at the railing waiting to be told what to do.

In the darkness and confusion, the coolest men aboard the ship were four US Army chaplains – First Lieutenant Clark Poling (Reformed Church of Christ), Alexander Goode (Jewish), John Washington (Catho-lic), and George Fox (Methodist).

One survivor told of seeing a young man running on deck crying, “I can’t find my jacket.” In the gloom, he saw Chaplain Fox give his to the young man. Others told of the three other chaplains also giving up their jackets to frightened men in similar scenes.

The Dorchester went down twen-ty-five minutes later in a rumble of steam. Some 600 men were lost, but the chaplains had helped save over 200 others. In the last few seconds before the ship went down, the survivors saw the four chaplains link their arms in a final gesture if

comradeship and bow their heads in prayer. With arms linked and heads bowed, they disappeared beneath the waves.

There are less then twenty survi-vors of the Dorchester living in the United States today. One is 89 year old Leonard Ponath who is a mem-ber of Greendale Post 416.

Four Chaplains Sunday will be observed on February 7th. An obser-vance will be held at the Matousek Chapel on the Zablocki VA grounds in Milwaukee beginning at 2pm. For more information, contact 5th Dis-trict Commander Charles Roloff.

The Story of the Four Chaplains

Carl OeldemannChaplain

Chaplain

In November 2009, I was ap-pointed by the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Af-fairs to serve as Secretary of the Wisconsin

Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). I am humbled and hon-ored to be delegated with the privilege of leading a team of about 1,200 staff members to serve more than 427,000 Wisconsin veterans.

The department has an ongo-ing mission to assist and support Wisconsin’s military veterans and their family members to learn about, apply for and receive the

finest benefits, services and pro-grams we can provide.

It is our veterans who are our focus. It is our service members who are carrying on the tradition of service and sacrifice of veterans of all time periods in our nation’s history.

Therefore, it is my vision and direction for the department to keep moving forward – looking ahead and not backwards. There will be busy times before us.

During this first month of 2010, the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team will return, after nearly a yearlong deployment in Iraq. It was the largest operational

deployment of Wisconsin National Guard forces since World War II.

The department will participate with the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs and other partner organizations in demobilization and reintegration briefings, to wel-come our servicemembers home and let them know WDVA is here to assist them as new veterans.

As part of my goals and vision for the department, we will con-tinue moving forward to ensure that all of our veterans learn about what benefits they may be eligible for and how to obtain them. We will continue serving as a depend-able resource for our newest vet-erans of the 21st Century as well

as providing quality long-term care to our eldest veterans liv-ing life fully during their golden years as members of our veterans’ homes. And we will keep looking ahead for the best ways to serve veterans of all ages, eras, and experiences.

As Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, I am grateful and honored to serve our veterans and their families, as we all work together moving for-ward in a new direction, to ensure that those who have served our nation receive the benefits they have rightfully earned.

May we all look ahead to a suc-cessful new year in 2010.

A New Year, A New Direction

Ken BlackSecretary

WDVa SeCretary

Kevin Moshea, Camp Director#1. Make Donation to Camp American

LegionFrom Camp American Legion – wishing you

all a healthy, safe and prosperous 2010. Well, 2009 has ended. For some of us it was a

year of good fortune and growth to be celebrated. For some it was a year of hard times, struggles and just getting through it. Whatever side you were on we can all find something to be thankful for. Camp American Legion had a very suc-cessful year with record attendance and many new friends made.

Now 2010 – A New Year, we all start with fresh hope and optimism. The same holds true

for Camp American Legion. We look forward to this year’s camp season and serving Wiscon-sin’s veterans. We also enter the New Year with challenges ahead of us. One challenge, in par-ticular, is our Camp’s financial foundation. This is an area where we will need your help.

That being said, I ask you all to “Make a mon-etary donation to Camp American Legion.” Make it your #1 Resolution for this year.

Legionnaire brothers and sisters, this chal-lenge is not unique to Camp American Legion or The American Legion of Wisconsin, so don’t for a minute feel it is. It is a simple reflection of the present state of our economy. We are faced with the same financial challenges that every or-

ganization and business in our nation and world is faced with. Now I feel very positive that with 100,000 Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons and oth-ers this is an easy challenge to overcome.

So, if you find it in your heart to give (what-ever amount/any amount) please mail it to: Wis-consin American Legion, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901. Please write “Camp Donation” in the memo line of your check.

In making out your New Year’s Resolutions ask yourself “What’s important to me?” I believe Wisconsin’s disabled veterans should also be on that list; so give. It will make you feel like a “LEGIONNAIRE.” THANK YOU & GOD BLESS.

A Legionnaire’s New Year’s ResolutionCamp ameriCan legion

JANuARy 14, 2010 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE PAGE 3

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Newsletters

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A FULL SERVICE PRINTER

renew Your membershiponline - iT’s easY as 1,2,3

You can renew your membership online usinga credit card. To take advantage of this, you need to have your membership identification number. You can find this number on your membership card or above your name on the address label of your Badger Legionnaire. Go to

our home page at www.wilegion.org and click the “Renew Online Today” button in the bottom left corner.

If you have questions about online renewal, please contact Chris Schmidt at (608) 745-1090 or chris@wilegion.org.

• Zablocki VAMC – Milwaukee: Initial planning has started to create an Assisted Community Living Center (ACLC) on the Zablocki grounds. The proposed ACLC is slated to be approxi-mately 40,000 square feet. Larry Berkeley, acting Director at Zablocki was contacted by Department staff and indicates that the facility will be exclusively for veterans. Construction may require the demolition of the former Quartermaster’s residence for site clearance

• Wisconsin Veterans Home - Union Grove: Rapid increases in rates at the Union Grove facility have stunned many residents and their families. Rates at King are not currently slated to change. The WI Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that the increases are mandated by WI Statute 6.01 (16) and Federal Code CFR 51.130. In response to concerns WDVA Secretary Ken Black and Board of Veterans Affairs Chair Marv Freedman issued a letter December 18, 2009 outlining immediate plans to insure continued residence by veterans living at the facility. Residents are being encouraged by WDVA to enroll in the Aid-to-Indigent Veterans (AIV) program.

• State Capitol – Madison: Commander Endres met with Repre-sentative Steve Hilgenberg, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs. Plans are under way to restore the benefits contained in the WI GI Bill and reconcile tuition credits used under the Federal Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Representative Hilgenberg also assured Commander Endres that legislation to repair the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) was being considered. A bill to use General Public Revenues to repair the VTF has been introduced by Senator Scott Fitzgerald and co-sponsored by Representative Kevin Petersen.

• State Capitol – Madison: Representative Christine Sinicki has indicated to Department staff that a bill calling for balanced rep-resentation on the WI Board of Veterans Affairs will introduced when the legislature reconvenes January 19.

Issues and Answers - updates on matters of importance

National Headquarters information Technology Division5745 Lee road • indianapolis, indiana 46216 • (317)860.3141

The Department of Wisconsin is participating as one of the pilot states for the new myLegion internet-portal for members and Post Officers. From 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday, January 30th I will be presenting the myLegion portal in detail at your Midwinter Conference (Wilderness Resort, WI Dells). We’re excited about the potential for myLegion, and we’re sure every Post in Wisconsin will benefit. I’m hoping you can attend. Go to www.wilegion.org and click on “Mid-winter Conference” for more information.

All of the features of the previous portal known as ALPOP are still available in myLegion, with the addition of some new features that should prove very beneficial. One thing we know everyone will like is that myLegion for Post Officers is FREE! Take a look at what you can do!

The goal of the Department and National leadership is to improve the tools that assist you in your day-to-day duties, as well as providing a quick and efficient way to communicate with your mem-bers. We believe the new myLegion internet-portal is a major step in the right direction.

I look forward to working with you, and hope to see you at the “Midwinter Conference” on Janu-ary 30th. If you have any questions you can contact me anytime.

Joe Gallagher

Deputy Director Information Technology jgallagher@legion.org 317.860.3141

PAGE 4 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANuARy 14, 2010

WISCONSIN AMERICAN LEGIONDEPARTMENT MIDWINTER CONFERENCE

MEETING SCHEDULEFRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2010

Legion Office 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Lake Delton RoomRegistration 8:00 AM 5:00 PM LobbyExhibits 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Lobby TundraAmericanism Committee 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Tundra ABadger Legionnaire Committee 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Tundra BLegislative Committee 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Tundra DPolicy Committee 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Tundra EHospital Committee 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Tundra FSAL meetings - Americanism, Membership 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Glacier ASAL meetings - C&Y, PR 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Glacier BSAL meetings - VA&R, Finance 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Glacier CSAL meetings -Officer Development 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Glacier DPast SAA Club Meeting 12:30 PM 1:30 AM Tundra FReligious Emphasis Committee 12:30 PM 1:30 PM Tundra BCamp American Legion Committee 12:30 PM 2:30 PM Sandstone 1Convention & Activities Commission 12:30 PM 2:30 PM Tundra CNational Security Committee 12:30 PM 2:30 PM Tundra DPOW / MIA Committee 12:30 PM 2:30 PM Tundra EFundraising Committee 12:30 PM 2:30 PM Tundra AChildren & Youth Committee 3:00 PM 5:00 PM Tundra FFinance Committee 3:00 PM 5:00 PM Tundra AMembership Committee 3:00 PM 5:00 PM Wilderness 4Public Relations Committee 3:00 PM 5:00 PM Tundra BVA & R Committee 3:00 PM 5:00 PM Tundra C GNUTS Social Meeting 4:00 PM 6:00 PM Wilderness 2, 3Foundation Meeting 5:00 PM 6:00 PM Tundra D Past Commanders Club Meeting 5:30 PM 6:30 PM Tundra E

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2010 Legion Office 7:00 AM 6:00 PM Lake Delton RoomRegistration 7:00 AM 5:00 PM LobbyExhibits 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Lobby TundraBlood Drive 12:00 PM 4:30 PM Sandstone 4, 5Past Department Commanders Breakfast 7:30 AM 8:30 AM Wilderness 4WALPA Meeting 7:30 AM 8:30 AM Tundra ETraining - Post Revitalization 8:30 AM 11:00 AM Tundra A, BTraining - Roberts Rules 8:30 AM 11:00 AM Sandstone 6Training - Adjutant/ALPOP 8:30 AM 11:30 AM Sandstone 1Training - Public Relations 8:30 AM 11:30 AM Tundra C, DTraining - Service Officer / Vet. Benefits 8:30 AM 11:30 AM Sandstone 3SAL Training - 5 Star 10 Ideals 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Glacier ASAL Training - VAVS 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Glacier BSAL Training - Flag Education / POW/MIA 10:30 AM 11:30 AM Glacier CSAL Training – Camp American Legion 10:30 AM 11:30 AM Glacier DMCS Fundraising Presentation 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Tundra EGrizzard Fundraising Presentation 11:00 AM 12:00 PM Tundra FDual Members Club Meeting 11:30 AM 12:30 PM SurvivorsAuxiliary Luncheon 11:00 AM 3:00 PM Wilderness 1, 2, 3National Appointments Luncheon 11:30 AM 1:00 PM Wilderness 4Chaplin’s Luncheon 12:00 PM 1:00 PM SurvivorsBaseball Directors Meeting 11:00 AM 1:00 PM Sandstone 8, 9SAL DEC meeting 1:00 PM Glacier A, BDepartment Executive Committee 1:30 PM Sandstone 2, 7CB Club Meeting 4:00 PM 4:30 PM Tundra AWHA Meeting 4:00 PM 5:00 PM Tundra B2010 National Convention Meeting 4:00 PM 5:00 PM Tundra C20 and 4 Social 4:00 PM 5:30 PM Sandstone 6Catholic Church Services 5:30 PM 6:30 PM Tundra EProtestant Church Services 5:30 PM 6:30 PM Tundra FDISCOVER WISCONSIN RECEPTION 7:00 PM 7:30 PM Wilderness 2, 3, 5, 6Candidate’s Kick-off 7:30 PM 10:00 PM Wilderness 2, 3, 5, 6

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010

Legion Office 8:00 AM 2:00 PM Lake Delton RoomPast Dept. Vice Commanders Breakfast 7:30 AM 8:30 AM Wilderness 4General Session 9:00 AM 11:30 AM Sandstone 2, 7

Wisconsin American Legion2010 Mid-Winter ConferenceJanuary 29, 30 and 31, 2010

REGISTRATION

Wilderness Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells

All attendees to the 2010 Midwinter Conference must pre-register by remitting this registration form and $25.00 per person to Department Headquarters. (The rate increased as of January 17th.)

Please make your check payable to The Wisconsin American Legion and return to:

The Wisconsin American LegionAttn: Chris Schmidt

P.O. Box 388Portage, WI 53901

Include an extra $5 and receive a Wisconsin Legion Family Lanyard for your registration badge

One person per form, please PRINT legibly:

Name: __________________________________________________

Membership ID number: ____________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ Zip: ___________

District:______ Post #: ______ Unit #:______ Squadron #:______

Make Sure Your $25.00 Registration Fee Is Enclosed(ADD $5 for Legion Family Lanyard)

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Hotel Rooms Available

Due to an overwhelming response, no rooms remain at the Wilderness Hotel for the Mid-Winter Conference.

The Legion has made arrangements for a block of rooms to be held at the Ho-Chunk Casino down the road to accommodate those who have not yet made reservations. The Casino will run a FREE shuttle back and forth to the Wilderness for guests’ convenience.

The room rate is $79/night.

You can make a reservation at the Ho-Chunk Casino by calling (800) 746-2486.

The rooms are reserved under the “American Legion - Portage” block.

Grand MarquisThe Grand Marquis, which is located less than one mile from the Wilder-ness, is also holding rooms for the Department.

Rooms can be booked there for $59/night for Thursday and Friday and for $78/night for Saturday.

The first night stay will be charged to your credit card at the time of booking.

To book a room at the Grand Marquis, call (800) 447-2636 and ask for The American Legion block.

Two new membership awards will be presented at the Mid-Winter Conference this year. The winning District Commander of each award will receive a personalized gift from the National Commander.

District Membership Award - Total RenewalsThe winner will be the district with the greatest number of 2010 mem-

berships turned in between January 1, 2010 and the beginning of the Department Executive Committee (DEC) meeting on January 30th.

District Membership Award - Percentage of Total GoalThe winner will be the district with the largest percentage of their

2010 membership goal turned in between January 1, 2010 and the beginning of the DEC meeting on January 30th.

Get your membership in!

Mid-Winter Membership Drive

JANuARy 14, 2010 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE PAGE 5

D e p a r t m e n t Vice Commander Steven DuBois has announced his candidacy for the high office of Department Commander.

Steve is eligible for the American Legion through his service as a Pilot in the U.S. Air Force from 1973-1995. Steve flew B-52H bombers and T-39s on active duty and C-123s and C130s in the Reserves.

Steve has received the en-dorsements of his Post, County, and District. Steve has served as Commander of Post 278 Balsam Lake six years, 12th District Vice commander four years and District Commander two years.

On the State level, Steve has been a State Vice Commander, State Fundraising Chairman, DEC Liaison Hospital Com-mittee, Finance Committee, and a Fundraising Committee member for three years.

Steve is a Paid Up for Life member of the American Legion and Military Officers Associa-tion. Steve served as a Director

and member of the Past Command-ers Club. Steve is a member of the 40 et 8 Voiture # 236 and Sons of the American Legion.

S teve i s ac -tive in his com-munity. He is a board member of the Balsam Lake Home Owners Association and

Executive Committee for the Chamber of Commerce.

Steve is a Pilot for United Airlines. He has served as a First Officer and Captain on the Boeing 737, 757, and 767. He has a Masters Degree from Central Michigan University and a Bachelors Degree from the University of Minnesota.

Steve believes that getting the word out and saying “Thank You” to our members should be a priority. People who complain about Legion dues do not feel they are getting enough for their money. We are all volunteers in the organization. We all need and deserve recognition for our time and efforts. As your Department Commander, I promise to deliver on that.

Steven R. DuBoisCandidate for Department Commander

M i c h a e l M . Zapka announces his candidacy for Sergeant-at-Arms. Michael earned his membership in the Legion through his Navy service during the Grena-da/Lebanon war. He was aboard the US Camden AOE, serving from 1982 – 1988 as a Boat-swains Mate Third Class. Michael’s responsibili-ties were Second Division Su-pervisor, Rig Captain, Roving patrol, Mail Officer, Supply Officer, and Special Detail Rig Captain/Supervisor.

Michael has been a member of the American Legion for the past four years. He belongs to Portage Post 47 in the 2nd Dis-trict. He was previously a mem-ber of Milwaukee Post 18 in the 4th District and held the offices of Third Vice Commander and Historian for Post 18. Michael

serves as part of the Honor Guard and participates in parades.

At the District level, Michael is the Sergeant-at-Arms and at the Department lev-el he has served as the Secretary for the Historian Committee for three years. Mi-chael is also the

Department liaison for the SAL.

Michael was elected at the 2008 Mid-Winter Conference to fill a vacancy in the Ser-geant-at-Arms position and was subsequently elected to the position at the 2008 and 2009 Department Conventions. It has been his honor to serve and he looks forward to continuing in the position.

Michael has two daughters. Alena and Ashley are both members of the Auxiliary.

Michael M. ZapkaCandidate for Department Sergeant-at-Arms

It is a privilege to announce my candi-dacy for Department Assistant Chaplain. I have earned my membership into the American Le-gion through my U.S. Naval Service during the Vietnam War. I am now serv-ing as the Chaplain for the Landt-Thiel Post 470, Saukville, WI. I am into my 2nd year as a Badger Legion-naire and proud of it. I have been a member of the V.F.W. for the last 31 years. I was ordained a non-denominational Minister and Chaplain and took the title of Chaplain 16 April 2008. I am a member of the Ministries Christian

Sportsman Fellow-ship and Chaplain Fellowship Min-istries. I am an ac-tive member of the Cedar Creek Com-munity Church of Grafton, WI. and Foothills Christian Fellowship Church. I was instrumental in organizing the first annual toy drive for underprivileged and homeless chil-

dren in South East San Diego in California. Assisted with the homeless Veterans in San Diego County. Volunteered in feeding the homeless and Women’s shelters. I thank you for the opportunity to express my devotion and interest for this position.

James S. SmithCandidate for Department Assistant Chaplain

Eleventh District Commander Joe Story announces his candidacy for Department Vice Commander. Joe is a Paid Up For Life Member of Bron-sted-Searl Post 93. Joe served as the Adjutant for Post 93 for five years and has also served in various positions in the 11th District.

He qualified for membership in the American Legion by serving in the US Air Force and the US Army. He retired from the Army in 1993.

Joe has served as the DEC Liaison for the Membership Com-mittee and is currently serving as the DEC Liaison for the Camp American Legion Committee.

Joe believes that working closely with all of the components of the American Legion will help to increase overall member-ship goals. He also believes that us-ing the technology available today will show the younger, technologically sav-vy veterans that the American Legion is

the place for them to continue their service to the country.

Joe also believes that by having a dialogue with the local Reserve and Guard units, and their Fam-ily Support Units, will convey to them that we, the American Legion, are there to provide sup-port and service to the families that stay behind.

Joe StoryCandidate for Department Vice Commander

Emblem Sales has American-ism comic books available that teach kids about the Flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, liberty, and veterans. They can be ordered at www.emblem.legion.org.

If you have questions about any of the Americanism programs, please contact Jill at jill@wile-gion.org or (608) 745-1090.

Americanism Comic Books Available

A hot breakfast buffet will be availableat the Mid-Winter Conference on Saturday

and Sunday morning for $8/person.

Is your post on the post

locator?www.wilegion.org/

post_locatorOver 200 Posts are now taking

advantage of the Post Locator on the Department Website. Is your Post included? If not, contact Jessika at jessika@wilegion.org or (608) 745-1090 to get started. There is no cost for this service and it is easy to do. Being included in the Post Locator allows potential members and the public to find you! It is also a great tool for advertising the programs, events, and activities your Post participates in.

PAGE 6 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE JANuARy 14, 2010

1 GermantownLouis M Adams II 11/11/09Richard M Ammentorp K 11/28/09Erle D Wilson Jr II 11/9/098 WaukeshaRichard Gammon V 7/13/09Walter Panzer K 11/30/09Frank J Raab K 11/5/09Dennis F Virnig PG 11/28/0910 WausauWilliam F Abraham II 11/28/09Paul Boettcher K 12/17/09Merlyn C Doerr K 12/15/09DuWayne Erdmann K 12/5/09Arthur A Janz Jr K 12/25/09Norbert H Kitowski II 12/18/09Kenneth Kurtzweil V 12/27/09Louis E Marth II 12/9/09Louis E Sawyer II 12/19/0914 IolaHarold Peterson K 11/24/0915 JuneauWalter E Stewart K 12/8/0923 GlendaleWilliam Code V 12/14/09Ronald E Mason V 11/20/09Roland N Urban II 200933 NeenahErwin J Jensen II 10/25/0938 AppletonAdelbert L Boettcher II 12/2/09Kenneth M Casey V 11/23/09Philip A Hurst II 12/22/09Roland E Pruno K 11/1/09Clarence Voigt II 11/26/0939 MarinetteJohn C Anderson II 12/6/09Donald A Remington K 12/20/0941 KaukaunaMark J Dahlin K 12/18/09Russell V Scheibe V 11/25/0942 PlattevilleLouis J Eversoll K Oct 2009Raymond Kemnitzer II Oct 2009Ivan Kinney II 09/2009Michael Udelhofen V 08/200944 WabenoMarvin Nigg 12/12/09Eugene G Platek K 12/3/0946 MerrillCharles Seidel II 12/4/0947 PortageGeorge D Bogue II 11/20/09Laverne Paske K 11/24/0948 BeloitRobert C Henry II 12/12/0953 Eau ClaireHarold J Erickson II 12/12/09Peter Orth Jr II 11/24/09Edward P Wiersgalla V 12/12/09Paul J Kreul II 12/21/0958 HurleyRichard J Hockin II 11/5/0972 Sturgeon BayRomauld Verboomen II 1/29/0974 OcontoWilliam J Bake II 12/6/0975 Fond du LacGordon J Fuhrmann K 84 MonroeJack Robilette II 11/22/09

Doran Zwygart II 12/1/0989 MinocquaWilliam G Fredrick K 12/1/09Gordon D Smylie K 12/8/0990 AshlandEdwin M Hanson II 11/24/0993 TomahawkPete H Bushor K 12/5/09Raymond Romanowski II 12/20/0995 DelavanWilliam B Klewin V 11/18/0997 DodgevilleReuben E Johnson II 12/6/0998 CumberlandHenry E Piller II 11/19/09100 SpartaEmil Hoeft II 3/9/09Robert H Hughes K 1/9/09Douglas Jefson II 9/13/09Floyd L Nichols II 7/25/09Donald E Oswald K 10/9/09Robert J Riley II 2/9/09110 New LisbonHarry L Southern II 12/11/09115 ElroyMerrill G Thompson K 11/24/09136 NiagraDavid DeCremer V 11/30/09143 St Croix FallsGary Gustafson V Edward H Holeton K 146 Beaver DamAlvin G Rominsky II 12/28/09Harold E Rupnow II 12/5/09153 PittsvilleJohn F Jagielo K 12/1/09161 KingElroy Florence II 11/2009166 Fort AtkinsonNorman L Deihs K 11/25/09170 Mineral PointWilliam Mills II 11/22/09171 Union GroveWilliam E Meredith II 9/26/09179 ChetekJohn F Ours Jr II 11/25/09Ralph Sullivan II 12/6/09183 Genoa CityJerome Waldoch II 11/18/09192 FranklinRobert E Schupp K 6/2009193 Batavia/BeechwoodClarence Schicker II 12/16/09196 DelafieldIrving E Bonniwell II 11/17/09197 BrodheadRobert F Seifert II 12/5/09203 MilwaukeeFrank L Klamik II 12/6/09204 EllsworthDonald Murphy K 12/2/09205 JanesvilleDecklyn Wirth II 11/23/09209 OrfordvilleRalph Sagen II 12/3/09Robert L Van Hise II 11/6/09214 DarlingtonDick Craig K 12/9/09218 HaywardDarwin Drake V 11/11/09220 Soldiers Grove

Elling I Knutson K 11/22/09Ronald Rose V 12/24/09224 AlmaDurwood Stevens II 10/26/09228 MilwaukeeMichael A Trzebiatowski V 12/8/09234 OmroMaynard A Birkholz II 12/9/09260 DeerfieldCarl W Weier K 12/24/09268 BruceRobert ClipperDuane Hodgson Sr V Allen Joyner II Wayne Kuhn II 280 ColemanClarence Fleischfresser II 11/12/09282 MarkesanMerwin Christian II 11/28/09288 CedarburgDaniel Barribeau II 11/16/09Joseph A Dorfler K 12/22/09Richard T Holyoke II 12/9/09Wally Hugdahl II 11/4/09Owen B Royce II 12/4/09301 WoodvilleJames E Csper II 11/11/09305 Johnson CreekArnold C Pernat II 7/30/09Donald R Petig V 11/18/09308 Gays MillsBruce M France II,K 12/15/09310 RacineJoseph Cacciotti K 12/9/09Norbert H Klinkhammer II 12/21/09315 StoddardTC Jensen II 11/2009318 Lake TomahawkEdmund J Coffen II 11/25/09Robert R Wery V 11/6/09319 CascoOrville D Dejardin II 12/4/09Elvington A Erickson II 12/16/09329 BriggsvilleAugie G Pokrywka K 12/14/09

332 Black CreekFloyd Heiden II 11/21/09337 PulaskiFrank Borzych II 10/27/09Truman D Kelly II 11/20/09Julius Ryczkowski II 12/1/09Joseph Wojciechowski II 11/8/09360 WaunakeeJohn S Ewald II 12/16/09368 HixtonRussell K Wahlin II 10/30/09372 ForestvilleCarl H Krauel V 11/22/09Edson Stevens II 11/27/09375 MukwonagoMarvin Nitschke II 12/16/09Marvin Nitschke II 12/16/09Richard M Zulka P 12/29/09379 BirchwoodDuWayne A Belden V 12/23/09James W DiUlio II 12/2009Jerome D Lemke V 12/2009Clyde Sweeney II 12/2009384 KewaskumLou Bath II 12/21/09Joseph Schmitt II 12/2/09385 VeronaWillard Goth II 11/22/09391 FremontRobert J Michels V 12/9/09399 OkaucheeMary T Brengosz II 11/23/09401 CambriaPeter Kloostra II 11/28/09412 BelgiumDavid L Herbert II 12/5/09417 French IslandClaire Revels K 12/23/09428 AmbergAndrew Wonter II 12/11/09443 Blue RiverRaymond Crist K 12/24/09Harold L Krohn Sr II 12/27/09449 BrookfieldEd G Svach K 12/4/09

451 Boulder JunctionFrancis J Hyland II 11/18/09461 PembinePaul Lownik II 12/31/09478 St. CloudMarvin Mischo II 10/15/09481 MadisonRichard H Anderson II 9/23/09Robert Warren II 11/2009482 BagleyDallas Cohen II 11/22/09483 AllentonVictor E Dombroski V 12/4/09497 KeshenaJoseph Orenic II 11/25/09501 MadisonRobert Anstice II,K 11/30/09Edward J Boyer II 12/2/09E Mike Loniello II 7/18/09David V Wagner V 8/4/09Melvin C Wiganowsky II 7/10/09Gerald L Wood II 4/11/09506 Iron RiverSamuel J Gurtner K 11/22/09508 WiltonClarence E Brieske Oct 2009509 RosholtPhillip Thorp K 12/7/09524 White LakeEugene M Tackett V 11/5/09537 MilwaukeeMelvin A Bajanen II,K 12/4/09Ronald B Gruettner K 11/3/09Joseph L Rapant II 12/17/09Francis G Rebholz II 9/22/09541 NorthfieldRobert E Larson V 12/13/09544 Twin LakesJohn T Biesiada II 12/7/09Thomas Rutledge V 12/7/09547 LublinJoseph C Grzegorek V 11/21/09John Lewandowski II 11/26/09

JANuARy 14, 2010 THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE PAGE 7

On December 3rd, Rose Harms Post 355 in Grafton learned that two Marine families from the 2/24 Fox Company could use a helping hand this holiday season. Post Com-mander, Ken Nawrocki, authorized the post’s “Project Cares” to adopt the two families for Christmas. “Project Cares” is a fund set up by the Post to support area soldiers and their families. Both of the Marines have served two tours of duty in Iraq. One young family has six month old twins and the other larger family, has six kids.

On Saturday the 19th, the gifts were packed up and taken to the Fox Company’s headquarters in Mil-waukee. Post 355’s members were given a very warm welcome by the Marines and FRG Rachel Smith.

Fox Company Marines welcome members of Grafton’s Post 355.

Grafton Post 355 Helps Marine FamiliesOfficial Entry Blank

Sponsored by S.A.L. Squadron 117 and American Legion Post 117 - Shawano, WisconsinSanctioned by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) (Moral Support)

Tournament Opens: March 6, 2010 Tournament Closes: April 25, 2010Entries received after Midnight Feb. 18th will not be listed in schedule book.

Note: No Bowling Easter Weekend — April 3rd and 4th

TEAM DOUBLES SINGLESPrize Fee ............................... $10.00 $5.00 $2.50Bowling Fee.......................... $32.00 $16.00 $8.00Tournament Expense Fee...... $20.00 $10.00 $5.00ENTRY FEE........................ $62.00 $31.00 $15.50

ALL EVENTS OPTIONAL $2.00$48.50 PER PERSON INCLUDES ALL EVENTS

Entry Fees must accompany entry blank. All prize fees will be returned 100% in prizes. Prize ratio: 1 to 5 entries in teams doublesand singles. Handicap on 90% of 220 scratch.Non-USBC members may, at their option, obtain high score recognition by purchasing an unattended membership card for $21.00.all american Legion members (male and female, all ages) and all Sons of the American Legion members (provided they are 18 yearsof age or older) are encouraged to participate in the tournament.

MAIL ENTRIES TO: DOUBLES AND SINGLES BOWLED AT: TEAM EVENT BOWLED AT:senaLyaBniatnuoMsenaLerohsekaLrelleoKnaeD

teertSniaM.S406.rDtropriA.N012teertSslliM14366145IW,onawahS66145IW,onawahS66145IW,onawahS

0845-625-5170039-625-5176483-625-517

TEAM EVENTTeam Name_________________________________Post No._______ Location of Post _______________________Team Captain ____________________________ Phone____________________ E-mail_______________________Address ______________________________________________ City________________________ Zip__________

PLEASE PRINT (No Nicknames)Lineup Average USBC Number Legion/SAL Membership Card No.

1. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________2. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________3. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________4. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________Alternate ______________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________

Team Times: Saturdays 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm Sundays: 9:00 am & 12:30 pmSaturday 3/13 only 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm for Team Event or Singles & Doubles

Date and Time Preferred ___________________________ 2nd Choice __________________________

DOUBLES AND SINGLESLineup Average USBC Number Legion/SAL Membership Card No.

1. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________2. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________1. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________2. ____________________________ _______ ______________________ _____________________________

Doubles and Singles Times: Saturdays 12:00 pm & 3:30 pm Sundays: 10:00 am & 1:30 pmDate and Time Preferred ___________________________ 2nd Choice __________________________

If any of the above members are holding a State record in this tournament, please indicate.I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE PLAYER NAMES ON THIS ENTRY BLANK ARE MEMBERS OF THEAMERICAN LEGION/SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION IN GOOD STANDING..

_________________________________Commander or Adjutant

OFFICIAL BALLOTVote for four (4) by placing an X before the nominee or write-in___ Bob DeLong, Almond ___ Ron Kaun, Franklin___ Kenneth Laatsch, Watertown ___ Mike Wagoner, La Crosse___ Write In ____________________

Post Name-City ____________________________________________ Post No._________

Captain Voting - Sign Here ___________________________________

83rd Annual Wisconsin StateAmerican Legion Bowling Tournament

Do you have advertisers in your area that may benefitfrom advertising in The Badger Legionnaire?

They can reach over 100,000potential customers across the state!

The Badger Legionnaire is published every five weeks and is mailed to over 80,000 homes of Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion members.

Please e-mail your camera ready artwork to Jessika Erickson at jessika@wilegion.org.Questions can also be directed to Jessika at (608) 745-1090.

The Wisconsin American Legion reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that is deemed inappropriate for the publication.

Ad Size Color RatePage Black and White $1,500 1/2 Page Full Color (Back Cover) $1,000 1/2 Page Black and White $750 1/4 Page Color (Back Cover) $500 1/4 Page Black and White $350 1/8 Page Color (Back Cover) $250 1/8 Page Black and White $200 1/16 Page Color (Back Cover) $175 1/16 Page Black and White $125

Over 20 members of The American Legion Family showed up on a snowy Friday morn-ing to help serve refreshments to the members of the 32nd Infantry as they went through the demobilization process shortly after returning to Wisconsin. The Wisconsin American Legion was able to secure donations of hot dogs from Oscar Meyer and Honor Grounds coffee from Century Services to serve. Department Service Officer James Fialkowski was also on hand to assist the soldiers with benefit claims. 3,200 National Guard soldiers will return from Iraq over the next month and The Wisconsin American Legion will be there to assist them. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help with this effort, please give to the Troop and Family Support Fund by visiting our website at www.wilegion.org/howcanyouhelp or contact Jessika at Jessika@wilegion.org or (608) 745-1090.

Legion Welcomes Home 32nd

The Past Commanders Club is looking for a Legion Post anywhere in the state to host our annual meeting and dinner, for the year 2011 on the first Saturday in November. The meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. with the dinner at 5:00 p.m. Suggested menus are up to the bid-ding post to decide and will be approved by the PCC Board. If your Post is interested in submitting a bid or if you have any questions, please contact

Ronald Kaun, Adjutant7901 S. Scepter Dr., Unit #4Franklin, WI 53132-2244or email him at rkaun@wi.rr.com. His phone number is

414-525-1025.Submitted bids must be in writing to his attention by the Mid-Winter

Conference in the Dells. You can also hand carry them.

Request From Past Commanders Club

Did you know you can read the BadgerLegionnaire online at www.wilegion.org?

By opting out of receiving a print edition of the newspaper, you can save the Department money and get the information sooner! The online edition of the Badger Legionnaire is usually available at least one week before the paper arrives in your mailbox. Provide us with your e-mail address and we will notify you each month when the latest edition is available on our site.

______ I no longer wish to receive the print edition of the Badger Legionnaire

Name: _______________________________________________________________

Member ID: __________________________________________________________(Your Member ID is located above your name on your Badger Legionnaire mailing label)

E-mail Address: _______________________________________________________

Please note: If there is an Auxiliary or SAL member in your household, they must also opt out of the print ver-sion or it will continue to be mailed to your home.

Mail this form back to: Wisconsin American Legion, PO Box 388, Portage, WI 53901 or you can e-mail the information to jessika@wilegion.org.