News From Around the State

Who do you know who wants to be a reporter?

Jim Ruppel
N33 W7120 Buchanan Street
Cedarburg WI 53012          or preferably email to: jhruppel@yahoo.com

Last updated February 2, 2012

Post Newsletters (newsletters have been moved, please click on link)

WDVA Announcements:

1-5-12 - Flyer - Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office moving 1/16/2011

12-29-11 VA News: Rules Liberalized for Veterans with Undiagnosed Illnesses

12-19-11 - WDVA Secretary's Column - January 2012

10-25-11 - Veterans Day Observances to be held statewide

09-28-11 - WDVA Secretary's Column - October 2011

Click in images below article for larger pictures

On January 28, 2012, in conjunction with the annual Winterfest, the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50, Phillips with the help of the AMVETS, sponsored a fundraiser in an effort to raise money for St. Jude Cancer Research Center in Memphis, Tenn. National AMVETS Auxiliary President, Lynda Taylor asked the various auxiliaries, to have a fundraiser for St. Jude for our Hospital Project. The fundraiser took place at the VFW Building. Everyone was invited to stop in, get warm, purchase food and refreshments provided by the AMVETS and the VFW. Music was donated by Russ & Jen Lasee of Wylde Times Karaoke. Throughout the night, raffle tickets were available for purchase for the 10 baskets made up and donated by the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. The Auxiliary will turn over all proceeds that were made on the raffles to St. Jude.
It was so nice, and so much fun, having all the veteran groups, AMVETS, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW members and the community, working together for a "Good Cause" ...Supporting St. Jude Cancer Research Center.


At the request of friends and family, AMVETS Post 1051 Honor Guard met this Soldier, Joe Reynolds, coming home for some well deserved R&R from Afghanistan. If anyone knows of any other Service Member flying into Central Wisconsin Airport feel free to let me know, as this really turned out to be a great thing to do. And I'd hope we can do more of this in the future. Submitted by Mike Worzella.


Commander Alan Willis visited Post 99 Auxiliary meeting January 4, 2012


Santa and his elves at the AMVETS and Auxiliary Post 99 "Kids Christmas Party" which took place December 18th at the club. Pictured with Santa are Auxiliary members, Judy Abler, Diane Benzschawel, Ruth Neilsen and Yvonne Reno

Post 99 Kids Christmas Party - December 18th, 2011 Pictured with Santa are all the kids that enjoyed an afternoon of fun, games, food and presents.

Post 99 Auxiliary member Judy Abler playing games with the kids at the annual
Kids Christmas party which was held December 18, 2011 at the AMVETS Clubhouse.

AMVETS Post 99 and Auxiliary were invited to Andrew Jackson Elementary School in Manitowoc on December 8th where they received homemade cards for the veterans. The cards were used at the local nursing homes visited by the group for the annual Christmas with the Vets Program. Pictured with the kids are Roger R Dufek, Judy and Vince Abler, Dennis Scherer, Karen Spittlemeister, Ed Mahloch, Jackson teacher and Diane Benzschawel


Post 50, Phillips
On November 23, 2011 AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary members Dolores Gradinjan and Etola Foytik visited the veterans living at Aspirus Pleasant View Nursing Home, Duroy Terrace Apartments and the Regency House. A total of 14 veterans who lived at the homes were presented with a patriotic home made pillowcase and were "Thanked" for serving our country. The pillowcases were sewed in October by auxiliary members, 4-H students and community volunteers in our project Operation H*E*R*O*S. Pictured with their pillowcase are veterans Daniel Wanta, John Zohimsky and Frank Sagan who live at Duroy Terrace Apartments.


AMVETS Post 99 members, Gordon Strauss, Roger Dufek and Commander Ed Mahloch
pose after a short ceremony and prayer at the AMVETS Christ party held December 15, 2011


Group picture of AMVETS Post 99 and Auxiliary members at the AMVETS Christmas Party held December 15, 2011 at the clubhouse in Manitowoc.

AMVETS Post 50, Phillips, WI. On Saturday, December 10, 2011 before attending the S.E.C. Meeting at Waupaca, WI, Doug Rasmussen and Auxiliary 50 President Dolores Gradinjan visited and brought Christmas gifts to our Adopted Veterans living at King Veteran Home.  Those visited were Ralph and Jacqualine Tramm, James Volzka, and our newly Adopted Veteran Richard Radlinger. They each received a beautiful fleece tied blanket, made by the AMVETS and Auxiiary members and a large plate of Christmas cookies made by Linda Schweikert and Nancy Fischer.

The following pictures were sent by Linda Dufek of Auxiliary 99 from the Fall Dance on December 9th. Thanks Linda.

AMVETS Post 99 Commander Ed Mahloch and Auxiliary 99 President Karen Spittlemeister

Commander Ed Mahloch from Post 99 with Miss AMVET White Clover Princess Rebecca Reiling

Dennis and Mary Scherer, Paul Hynek, Chris Mahloch, Linda Dufek, Roger Dufek and Ed Mahloch from Post 99.

On December 8th, 2011 AMVETS Post 99 and Auxiliary 99 posed for a group picture at Riverwood Estates Assisted Living Home in Manitowoc with members from  VFW Post 659 and TREA (Retired Enlisted Association) for Christmas with the Veterans. The AMVETS &  AMVETS Auxiliary Post 99, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 731, VFW Post 659, TREA(Retired Enlisted Association), Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club, Chapter A,  Blue Star Families and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) sponsored the visits to nursing homes in Manitowoc and Two Rivers with all Veterans receiving gifts from Santa and enjoying a flag presentation, a short service and treats.

December 8, 2011 Phillips, WI. National AMVETS Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (AADAA) poster contest winner Jada Eggebrecht along with AMVETS Auxiliary 50 President Dolores Gradinjan and Doug Rasmussen representing the AMVETS Post 50.  Congratulations Jada, on a Job WELL DONE.  The entire community of Phillips is very proud of you.

Reedsville AMVETS Post 1032 "Breakfast with Santa" on December 4th 2011. The breakfast crowd, the Sons of AMVETS raffle workers, Princess Rebecca Reiling enjoying her breakfast, Santa, and Commander Al Willis, President Emily Rataichek & Princess Rebecca Reiling with Santa.

Reedsville's AMVETS Post 1032 40 year anniversary charter banquet. The head table, seating of the Honored Guest, program book cover, State Commander Al Willis, State Auxiliary President Emily Rataichek, White Clover Princess Rebecca Reiling, and sixteen of the past Department of Wisconsin commanders who were in attendance at the banquet.
  

Following are pictures of Reedsville AMVET Post 1032's Veteran's Day program at Reedsville's elementary and high schools. Senator Liebaum from Sheboygan speaking, members showing the flag and the folding of the flag, main speaker retired Brigadier General of the Marines Jerry Miller, and the 21 gun salute by members of AMVETS Post 1032.
 

On December 3rd in conjunction with numerous other Veterans Organization that make up the Union Grove Veterans Home Recreation Committee Christmas parties were held throughout the Union Grove Veterans Home. Kansasville Post 911, Auxiliary 911, Sons Squadron 911 & AMVETS Riders District #2 put on their Christmas party for the residents of Fairchild Hall. Root beer floats, cookies, entertainment, along with Santa & Mrs. Santa handing out presents to each and every child at the party along with each resident of Fairchild Hall receiving a sleep set for Christmas. Children were given the opportunity to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas along with time to get their pictures taken with Santa & Mrs. Santa. For additional pictures, thanks to Cindy Wobst, click here.

Kansasville AMVETS Post 911 Color Guard was requested to post the colors on 11/11/11 @ 1100 hrs. for the Union Grove Veterans Home Veterans Day Ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies was Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos with the keynote speaker being Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. Post color guard members were Tom Kinnard, Dave Heebsh, Micheal Paul, John Wobst & Hank Jones, Jr.


AMVETS post 57 attended and made donations to the VFW Post 7534 for a Veterans Day breakfast and raffle


AMVETS Post 57 delivered treats for Hospital Halloween created to bring Halloween to kids that are in the hospital. Pictured is the Friends of Post 57 and pediatrics staff from Bellin and St. Vincents Hospitials in Green Bay. Donations were from Wal-mart, Shopko Express, Green Bay Packers and WIARNG Family Program.


Post 50, Phillips, WI - On November 7, 2011 Congressman Sean Duffy visited Phillips, WI and held a town hall meeting. The meeting was started by having the AMVETS Post 50, Past Commander Doug Rasmussen leading the group with the Pledge of Allegiance. He read the Proclamation "Love America Week" issued by Governor Scott Walker. Pictured above is
Congressman Sean Duffy and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 50 President Dolores Gradinjan.

On November 3-6, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary National President Lynda Taylor and National Americanism Officer Marvell Ruppel went to Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, PA for the AMVETS Spirit of America Youth Conference. Following is a picture of President Lynda with a group of students.

Lee Davis, General Manager of radio station WCUB/WLTU shakes hands with Jason Thorpe representing Thrivent for Lutherans. Both organizations are significant donors supporting the AMVETS Post 99 care package program. These packages are sent to US troops from our area who are deployed to combat zones.

Ruth Nielsen, Americanism Chair, presents a flag and certificate of authentication to Post 99 Auxiliary President Karen Spittlemeister, and Post
99 Commander Edward Maloch. The flag was flown on Sept 11, 2011
commemorating the 10th anniversary and heroic efforts of the passengers of
United Airlines Flight 93. It was flown over Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan
specifically for AMVETS Post 99 in appreciation for their ongoing support of
the 4/401st Army Forward Support Battalion at Shindand Air Base through the care package program & supplying the free PX. The certificate includes a
group photo of the AC1 unit, a combined military and civilian force who
inspect, repair and issue military vehicles primarily made by Oshkosh Truck.
The flag and certificate were sent by Mr. Wayne D. Gilly, CIV (SFC retired),
QA Specialist at Shindand.

A recent project of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50, Phillips, was to make pillowcases for Operation H*E*R*O*S.  Their purpose was to purchase patriotic material and then sew pillowcases that would be donated to Wisconsin Veteran Homes and Veterans Homeless Shelters.  The group wanted to recognize anyone who had served in the U.S. Military. Pictured are those who volunteered to sew patriotic pillowcases at the Normal Building on October 15, 2011.  Back row: Ruth Sutton, Dolores Gradinjan, 4-H members Andrea Eibergen and Megan Meives, Toni Samuel and 4-H member Sara Polacek, volunteers Lisa Meives and Dana Janssen. Front row: volunteer Barb Haynes, 4-H members Emma Peterson, Lindsey Meives & Jayda Janssen.  Others who helped but are not pictured are volunteer Judy Schultz, Karen Meives, Gail Huycke, Savannah Sutton and Auxiliary members Judy Atchley & Etola Foytek.This year, the AMVETS and Auxiliary, Post 50 plan on donating the pillowcases that were made to the Randlin Homes, in Wausau, WI, who help homeless veterans and others become self-sufficient and to the veterans in the Veteran Home at Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Watertown AMVETS Post No. 35 Color Guard Unit Awarded 2nd Place In Gemuetlichkeit Days Parade

On Sunday 9/18/11 Riedeman-Thompson American Veterans (AMVETS) Post No. 35 color guard unit marched along with a six other color guard units in the 41st Annual Gemuetlichkeit Days parade.  In the color guard category Post No. 35 placed second and was awarded a beautiful large Gemuetlichkeit Days recognition medallion along with a monetary prize.  These medallions are awarded to marching units that display both professional appearance and marching skills.

Watertown’s Riedeman-Thompson AMVETS Post 35 held their first ever brat fry on Saturday 9/17/11 at Breselow’s Market, 100 East Cady Street, downtown Watertown.  Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit veteran causes and the 2012 Easter egg hunt held each year since 1947 at Riverside Park.  Great weather and a good turnout of hungry people made the fry a success.  Ten post members contributed their efforts to ensure that the brats were fried and properly served during the seven hour fundraiser.

The following pictures were submitted by ace reporter/photographer and Commander of AMVETS Post 99, Ed Mahloch:

AMVETS Third District event held on Sunday Oct. 16th 2011 at King:

The group at King Vet Home ready to head-off to bingo with the residents

Sign-in table Post 42 Paul Schmitt, with 3rd Dist Commander Bill Forry

Post 99's Mary Scherer always ready to pitch in on Bingo calling

At State Camp-out Quietwoods:

Cribbage Tournament, Emily Rataichek & Barb Chesna

AMVETS 3rd District Meeting at Quietwoods

AMVETS Post 99. Did post 99 buy anything Auction Sales $$$$$

Bob Dessort & Jim Smejkal looking at Auction Items

Cribbage Final Round Bill LeMieux with State Commander Al Willis

Cribbage Winners Post 99 Bill LeMieux 1st & State Commander Al Willis 2nd

Flag Retirement Ceremony

What? Bob Dessort - No Camera?

On October 5, 2011 AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50 paid a visit to the First and Second grade classes at Prentice Elementary school. Trophies that were made by Auxiliary member Deb Hlavacek and her husband Laddy, were presented to First place winner in Kindergarten, Leila Heikkinen and Second Place winner in First Grade, Emily Maki, in the Wisconsin State Flag Drawing contest.  Both First Grade and Second Grade students also receives certificates for participation, "Super Star" Medals and cupcakes from Auxiliary member Etola Foytek, AMVET member Gail Redmond and Auxiliary President Dolores Gradinjan.

On September 28, 2011 the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50 hosted a September Birthday Party for all veterans and other residents having birthdays in the month of September at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Phillips.  President Dolores Gradinjan purchased gifts for the 4 birthday people. The Auxiliary had the Jim Pekol Band play music for the residents to listen to or if they so wished, AMVET Auxiliary members Etola Foytek and Linda Schweikert danced the "polka" with those members who wanted to dance.  After dancing, all residents were served hot fudge sundaes and a cookie. A great time was had by all.

On September 24, the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 50 had a stand on main street in Phillips for the Fall Harvest Festival.  At their food stand they sold "Walking Tacos."  We also raffled off a coat rack that was donated from a business in Phillips, MarquipWard United. Proceeds from the coat rack raffle will be used to purchase warm winter clothing for children in the Phillips, Prentice and Ogema school districts.  Proceeds from the walking tacos will go to purchase food for our local food pantries in Price County.

Our National AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary President, and Post 13 Auxiliary member Lynda Taylor and our State's highest ranking bag man, Past National AMVETS Commander Chuck Taylor are on the annual trip to Korea and Taiwan, following are some pictures:

Troops on the DMZ at Camp Bonafis, Korea holding cheese brought from WI. Their motto is "In Front Of Them All"


Korean War Memorial building with the Retired General in charge

Standing in front of the Air Force Memorial, presented by the Republic of Korea, at Osan Air Base, Korea.


2011 National Convention Picture Page

2011 State Convention Picture Page

President Darlene's Testimonial Picture Page

Commander Gene's Testimonial Picture Page

Wisconsin Guardsmen prepare for deployment to Kosovo

2011 King Weekend was held on the weekend of September 16th to 18th. For the picture page, click here.

On September 10th, AMVETS Post 33 participated in the American Hero Music Festival Parade. Following are pictures from the Parade.

September 5th was the annual Redgranite Labor Day parade, attended by many AMVETS family members.

On August 28th, AMVETS Post 45 hosted the annual AMVETS Timber Rattler outing. Post 45 provided a tailgate lunch, and on field entertainment.

Friday, August 5th marked the annual tour of the Minneapolis VA Hospital. This was attended By Commander Willis, President Emily, White Clover Princess Rebecca, and numerous other AMVETS.
 

AMVETS Post 50 Phillips, Wisconsin took part in the Prentice Progress Days parade held on Labor Day. Floats were built to promote the activities that the post has taken part in thought out the year.

AMVETS, Post 50 Phillips Wisconsin. The 7th annual Veterans Welcome Home event was held at the Frank & Michael Baran Post #5778 veteran's building in Phillips.  The Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance and performed a skit for the over 100 participants who enjoyed the main course, grilled steaks, generously provided by the Price County Tavern League.  Veterans from all eras were present, including those recently discharged and home on leave.

AMVETS, Post 50 Ladies Auxiliary Phillips Wisconsin. AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50 of Phillips was presented with a check in the amount of $750 from the Mid-Wisconsin Foundation.  The donation was based on the Auxiliary's active participation in the many projects for our community, youth and veterans. Below is President Dolores Gradinjan accepting the check from Dawn Schup, a member of the board of directors of the Mid-Wisconsin Foundation.

AMVETS Post 50 Ladies Auxiliary Phillips, Wisconsin. Pictured with the backpacks and school supplies that the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50, Phillips provided for the "needy" students in the Phillips, Prentice and Ogema school districts, all in Price County are:(from Left) Marilyn Flietner, Pres. Dolores Gradinjan, Etola Foytek, Judith Stanke, Kim Skomaroske and Judith Atchley.  A brat sale fund-raiser was held at Roundy's Food Center.  The money that was made and collected along with money donated by the auxiliary  was used to purchase the 30 backpacks and $250 worth of school supplies to be divided among the three school districts.

Five AMVETS Department of Wisconsin Scholarship award winners, sponsored by AMVETS Post 1032, pictured after receiving their awards. Also present are Past Department Commander Gene Wagner, and Department 1st Vice Commander Ted Sterletske both members of Post 1032

Pictures from the July 31, 2010 Reedsville Sons of AMVETS 1032 Squadron's fund raiser fryout. Past Department Commander Wagner helping to the frying, members of the Sons taking care of customers, and past Department Commanders Cletus Rataichek, Jim Endres, Arnie Miller, Duane Miskulin, and Armin Conradt providing support for the Sons, doing what Past Commanders do best.

The Zablocki VA Medical Center held the dedication of the new Spinal Cord Injury Center on Friday, July 29Th. Pictured in attendance below are Jim And Candy Endres, Jim and Marvell Ruppel, State Commander Al Willis, Estelle Ciepluch, and Jo Ann Leinweber.

On July 16th, members of AMVETS Riders of Wisconsin District 2 participated in the Vince Lombardi Ride to Daylight Motorcycle Run, of which District 2 is a sponser. Several of the members are pictured with Bart Starr.

AMVETS Post 50 Phillips, Wisconasin. On July 2, 2011 the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary members, Post 50, Phillips, helped the Price County Women's Health Alliance run their 7th annual "Spirit of America" Walk/Run Race.  Over 650 people participated in the event.  President Dolores Gradinjan and Judith Atchley drove the ATV that led the Walk/Run Race.

AMVETS Post 50 Auxiliary, Phillips, Wisconsin. On behalf of AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50, President Dolores Gradinjan and Judith Atchley took a carload of supplies to the Ronald McDonald House in Marshfield on June 27, 2011.  For a Community service project, members of the auxiliary bought food items, household items, office supplies, hotel toiletries and pop tops, plus the auxiliary donated $100.00 to buy additional groceries and meat products at a local store.  Timber Inn Motel, Phillips purchased hand towels and face clothes for the Auxiliary and Price Electric Co-op. donated a case of energy saving light bulbs.  The staff and the families served by the Ronald McDonald House were gratefully appreciative of AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 50, Phillips for their donation.

AMVETS Post 99, Manitowoc members at their Memorial Day picnic

AMVETS Post No. 35 color guard unit is pictured below wearing their new uniforms for this years’ Fourth of July Parade.  Members marched the parade route to the cadence being called by Al Zabel, Color Guard Leader.  It has been many years since the post could muster ten members to march in a parade.  Following the parade a trophy was awarded to the unit for their appearance and marching skills.  Members of the color guard unit are back row, left to right: Al Zabel, Dennis Berg, Larry Ready, Tom Schlesner, Jason Sim, Jeff Ready, Joe Hrobsky and Bruce Thompson.  Front row: Bonnie Hrobsky and Ken Smith.

Kansasville AMVETS Post 911, Auxiliary Unit 911, Sons Squadron 911 and a couple of the Riders from District #2 participated in the Union Grove 4^th of July Parade.
   

AMVETS Post 32 was fortunate indeed to have our own Miss AMVETS Wisconsin White Clover Princess come to Chippewa Falls and assist us for 2 days in our annual White Clover Drive.  Rebecca Reiling and her father, Department 3 Year Trustee Mark Reiling spent Thursday and Friday helping us secure donations during what was the hottest days of the year to that point.

AMVETS Post 57 spearheads the first joint Veterans Meet and Greet in the Greater Green Bay area to help Veteratns in need. Meet and Greet participants AMVETS, VFW & Ladies Aux, Desert Vets of WI, Vietnam Vets V V A 224, Rolling Thunder, American Legion, Patriot Guard Riders, Disabled American Vets, Military Order of Purple Hearts, Military One Source and Family Programs, VA Clinic, Green Bay Vets Center, Brown County Veterans Services

On Sunday, June 5, members of AMVETS Riders of Wisconsin District2 visited Reclaiming Our Heritage at the Zablocki VA grounds.

AMVETS Auxiliary 99 in Manitowoc held their annual Installation Dinner on Wednesday, June 1. Pictured below are Judy Chizek, Secretary, Darlene Hempel, Department Auxiliary President, Karen Spittlemeister, AMVETS Post 99 Auxiliary President and Mary Scherer, treasurer.

AMVETS Post 57 recently participated in the Green Bay Memorial Day and the VFW Loyalty Day parades.
  

Old Post commanders don’t die they turn into Elvis. When the Green Bay Enlisted Club was asked to take over Post 57 from DePere, Ron was one of the first commanders.

Members of AMVETS Post 57 working at a poultry shoot to raise money to help veterans in need.

AMVETS Post 50 in Phillips presented a Blue Star Banner to Terry and Valeria Mustard for their son Jason who is in the USAF stationed in Germany. Doug Rasmussen, Valeria Mustard and Ken Atchley pictured.

AMVETS Post 50 Auxiliary Phillips, Wis. collected and clipped coupons for troop families stationed overseas. These coupons are give to families to offset the high cost of food and other items. 15 pounds of coupons were shipped this time. This is a on going project for the auxiliary.

Wisconsin AMVETS Post 50 Phillips, Wis hosted their fifth annual AADAA program, "Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs" Sixty students from the fourth grade class took part in this program. This year thirty students from the Prentice and Ogema fouth grade were invited to take part in this program. For a total of ninety students. Fishing poles and fishing tackle were purchased and given to each student. Lunch was cooked and served at the lake. Most students caught fish. A fine time was had by all.


On April 30th, Post 32 from Chippewa Falls gave full service to customers of a local gas station. Every gallon that was pumped, the station donated .05 to Special Olympics. This was a co-op project between AMVETS Post 32 and Sons of AMVETS Squadron 32.


63rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Watertown at Riverside Park on Saturday, April 16th at 1PM. Event was a success even though cold weather and snow flurries had an effect on the numbers of children attending the event. Approximately 300 children hunted eggs and received prizes and baskets full of candy and treats. Over fifteen post and family members conducted the event.

Post 35 received assistance with filling plastic Easter eggs with treats from Watertown Girl Scout Troop 2433. Pictured below are Janine Grill, troop leader, and her troop who had just completed filling over 2000 eggs.

AMVETS Post 35 in Watertown recently held their first annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser. AMVET members and spaghetti dinner volunteers are back row, left to right: Al Zabel, Dennis Johnson, Shaun Ready, Brandon Hrobsky, Larry Ready, Gary Winkler and Steve Siegel. Second row: Tom Ready, Beth Winkler, Howie Schlesner, Tom Schlesner, Judy Schlesner and Jeff Ready. Front row: Debbie Zabel, Chris Ready, Debbie Ready, Jessica Stadler, Bonnie Hrobsky, Chuck Wendt, Joe Hrobsky and Dennis Berg.

Dolly Phillips enjoyed he spaghetti dinner

Leo Checkai Charter member of Post 35 enjoyed Easter egg hunt and dinner.

Below are the important pictures from the State Bowling Tournament, held in April 30th & May 1st in Sturgeon Bay. For the rest of the pictures, click here.

A few awards were presented at the Spring SEC, held in Brillion on March 26th

March 19th marked the annual New Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade, hosted by AMVETS Post 45, New London

Below are the important pictures from the State Dartball Tournament, held in March in Reedsville. For more pictures, click here.

Sons of AMVETS Squadron 32 from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin replaces the U.S. Flag at Park View Elementary School. Vice Commander Ed Cadwell noticed the Colors were in poor condition and made arrangements to replace them.

Past Department Commander Arnie Miller with members of William B. Libersky AMVETS Post 6440, Bloomer, WI, installing new officers, installing Commander Mike Libersky


Commander Gene Wagner swearing in members of Kiel AMVETS Post 5767, installing new officers, installing Commander Robert Wedeo, Jr.

Commander Francis Beers of AMVETS Post 69 of New Glarus, Wisconsin, is an Atomic Veteran. He often addresses  history classes at the high schools in Green and Dane Counties, and other veteran and civic groups in the area.  Mr Beers reports on his experiences as a young Marine in the 1950s who was among those used by the government as guinea pigs in atomic bomb radiation testing at Camp Desert Rock in Nevada. A 77 kiloton bomb was exploded in very close in proximity to his Marine company.  He subsequently developed a type of cancer associated with atomic radiation testing.  In 2010, Francis was named AMVET of the Year for the state of Wisconsin.  Also shown with Commander Beers in the photos are a student from Mt Horeb High School and Tom Pedretti (Post Adjutant). Read Article
 

AMVETS Post 32 Commander Michael Hanke refused re-employment after returning from Iraq war by the Federal Government. Visit his blog

White Clover princess Katie recently toured Tomah VA Medical Center and attended their Valentines Dance on February 16th. The first picture is Katie with a charter member of Necedah Post 2180, a Korean Ware hero who received six Bronze Stars.

The following picture is Princess Katie with her dad, Charles Roth, and fellow Post 2180 member Jim Hill

Steve Schultz, AMVETS Post 41 Finance Officer and Auxiliary 41 President Mary Wiese present a check to the North Fond Du Lac Police Department to purchase items for Christmas

Steve Schultz, AMVETS Post 41 Finance Officer presents a check to the Fond Du Lac Food Pantry

Pictures from Post and Auxiliary 41 Charter banquet held last November.

Auxiliary 41 President Mary Wiese with Auxiliary 41’s newest youth volunteer, grandson Adam Wiese.

Department of Wisconsin Ladies Auxiliary President Darlene Hempel, National Ladies Auxiliary President Dee Kreiling and Auxiliary 41 President Mary Wiese at King Weekend

    On 15JAN11, AMVETS Red Arrow Post 32 in Chippewa Falls held their Christmas/Anniversary dinner party. Dinner was scheduled to begin at 1900 hours, unfortunately it fell directly on the Packer playoff game. Commander Hanke  made a call to the facility and was relieved to hear that they had two flat screen televisions, the membership was equally as appreciative. In attendance was the Post 32 membership led by Commander Michael Hanke with his wife Keri, Post 32 Auxiliary led by President Ely Wittrock with her husband Joe, and the newly chartered Sons of AMVETS Squadron 32 led by Commander Darrell Vajgrt with his wife Misty. Special guests in attendance were Department Commander Wagner with his wife Char, Department Auxiliary President Darlene Hempel, and AMVETS Post 2000 Vice Commander Lawrence Hanke with his guest Trish Peterson Hanke. Vice Commander Al Willis regrettably was not able to attend due to an illness. Post Adjutant John Nebelsiek was the MC for the event.
    Lawrence Hanke, current member and Vice Commander of Post 2000 in Tomahawk/Merrill is the Father of Post 32 member Barry Hanke and Post 32 Commander Michael Hanke.  It was a interesting time in Department history to have a Father/Son Commander and Vice Commander of two different AMVET Posts.
    Also attending was Edward Cadwell with his wife Mary, Ed is a charter member of Sons of AMVETS Squadron 32 and is also the Father in law of Post 32 Commander Michael Hanke. Another Hanke family member affiliated with the AMVETS is the son of Commander Hanke, Mikkel Hanke who is also a Charter member of the SOA Squadron.
    Numerous members of Post 32 were recognized for their service with the AMVETS with a five year pin, Wally Wohlbier (not in attendance) was publicly recognized for his 20 years service with the AMVETS.

January 12^th - Commander Wagner and Tim Thiers with Governor Scott Walker.

Commander Gene Wagner - Sad Sack

January 9th - Post 1032 Breakfast at Fox & Hounds

Post Newsletters (please email newsletters to Jim Ruppel for posting here)

Free Adobe Reader required to read these newsletters. Click here:

Post 3 Outlook - January / February 2012 - Thanks to Kathy Hawkins

Post 4 - January 2012 -  Thanks to Howie Pegelow
Post 7 Bugler February 2012 - Thanks to Ron Griffin
Post 7 Ladies Auxiliary February 2012 - Thanks to Ron Griffin
Post 11 - The Bunker - July 2011 - Thanks to Matthew Stevenson
Post 32 February 2012 - Thanks to John Nebelsiek

Post 35 March 2011 - Thanks to Denny Berg

Post 37 November 2011 - Thanks to Tom Wolf

Post 41 April 2010 - Thanks to Steve Schultz
Post 45 - January 2012 - Thanks to Bob Dessort

Post 50 - January 2012 - Thanks to Larry Schweikert
Post 57 - January 2012- Thanks to Ed Koslowski

Post 60 - January 2012 Scuttlebutt - Thanks to Carson Lunde

Post 99 - February 2012 Go-Getters - Thanks to Jada Hynek
Post 128 - January 2012 - Thanks to Lenny Shier

Post 151- 4th Quarter 2010 - Thanks to Jim Miller

Post 190 - April 2011 - Thanks to Mark Sauer

Post 911 - February 2012 - Thanks to Dale Peterson

Post 1032 - January 2012 - Thanks to Arnie Miller
Post 1051 - May/June 2011 - Thanks to David Bigalke