MilitaryA Special Publication of the Vilas County News-Review and The Three Lakes News 2018Salute freedom is not free

Memorial Day Preview Soldiers’ Stories Veterans Services Active-Duty Military Profiles PAGE 2 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 We salute and support America’s veterans and active military personnel! VISIT US SOON

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Communities across the North Woods will host Memorial Day services to remember those who in Eagle River, Three Lakes, Land O’ Lakes, Phelps, Rhinelander and Woodruff. This was a died fighting for this country and its freedoms while serving in the military. Programs are planned Memorial Day scene at Three Lakes in 2017. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO Memorial Day services announced

Men and women who died in military ac- grounds of the Vilas County Courthouse) in guest speaker. Bagpipe music will be pro- Wars (VFW) Post 8637 and the playing of tion for their country will be remembered Eagle River. vided by Tom McKale of the Emerald Soci- taps by the band. There will be another can- during Memorial Day services in communi- Ceremony participants are asked to as- ety of Wisconsin and the Greater non salute, the benediction by Fosdick and ties across the North Woods. semble at 10:45 a.m. at the park. In the Milwaukee Fire/Po lice Pipes and Drums. the band will sing “Amazing Grace.” Veterans, area residents, government of- event of rain, the program will be held at Other highlights of the program will in- McKale will conclude the program with a ficials and North Woods visitors are wel- Northland Pines High School. clude the placing of poppies at the Tomb of bagpipe solo. come to attend all the ceremonies. The program will open with the North- the Unknown Soldier by Eagle River area For more information, contact the Vilas Veterans organizations in Eagle River, land Pines High School band and choir per- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, a reading of the County Veterans Service Office at (715) Three Lakes, Land O’ Lakes, Phelps, forming the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” names of the fallen by the Veterans Service 479-3629. Rhinelander and Woodruff have provided followed by the 8th Wisconsin Artillery Office, and Sliwicki and Vilas County Board the following details of Memorial Day Company cannon salute. The master of cer- member Marv Anderson laying a wreath at Three Lakes weekend programs. emonies will be retired U.S. Marine Corps the tomb. There will be another cannon Memorial Day in Three Lakes will be ob- Col. Michael Biszek. Pastor Patrick Mc- salute from the 8th Wisconsin Artillery served Monday, May 28. The program will Eagle River Connell will lead the opening prayer. The Company, followed by a moment of silence. start at 10 a.m. with a solemn procession The Eagle River Memorial Day cere- band will perform a medley of Armed The Northland Pines choir and band will from the Three Lakes Winery down Supe- mony is scheduled for Monday, May 28, at Forces songs. perform “America the Beautiful,” followed 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (front Army Veteran Ralph Sliwicki will be the by a rifle salute by Veterans of Foreign Turn to SERVICES, Pg. 10 PAGE 4 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

Trenten J. Stefonek Thomas Hurtado

Specialist Trenton Stefonek is a combat engineer LT Thomas Hurtado is a physician assistant in with Bravo Company 31st Engineering Battalion, the U.S. Navy. He has been stationed at Naval Sta- Army National Guard based out of Superior, Wis. tion Great Lakes, Ill., Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Trenten completed basic and intensive training at and is currently stationed at Naval Hospital Bre- Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., in August 2017. merton, Wash. He also served with a medical Trenton is a 2012 graduate of Three Lakes High trauma unit tending to wounded warriors while in School and a 2016 graduate of UW-Eau Claire, Afghanistan from 2011-2012. where he majored in Business Economics. He received Navy and Marine Corps Achieve- Trenten currently lives and works in Eau Claire, ment Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps and attends monthly readiness training and spe- Commendation Medals. cialized training with the rest of his unit in Superior, His family has a strong tradition of military ser- Eau Claire and Fort McCoy. vice. His grandfather, Thomas A. Thiele, served as Trenten is the son of Lou and Margo Smith and a Seabee in the U.S. Navy and his uncle, Arthur Bruce and Jan Stefonek of Sugar Camp, and Thiele-Sardina, is a retired colonel in the U.S. grandson of Robert and Betty Stefonek (de- Army. ceased), Sugar Camp, and the late Jack and Mar- He and his wife, Jenny (née Sobecke) have garet Olkowski, Three Lakes. Trenten’s family incudes brothers Jeff, Erik and Paul Stefonek, and two children, Leo (4 years old) and Penélope (2 sister Trisha Stefonek. years old). Jenny’s parents own a home in Eagle River.

Brian Krieck Charles Starke

St. Germain native Maj. Brian Krieck is currently the Executive Charles “Charlie” Starke commissioned as Officer for the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) in Green Bay. an Air Defense Artillery Officer upon graduation Maj. Krieck entered active duty service in 2002, as a lieutenant from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in upon graduation from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the New York, in May 2016. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In 2008, then Capt. Krieck left active duty and joined the Wis- He served for a year in South Korea as a consin Army National Guard. After a successful two-year command Patriot Battery Executive Officer, and is now the and honor graduate of his Captain’s Career Course, he was pro- Fire Control Platoon Leader for a Terminal High moted to Major. He graduated in March 2018 from the John F. Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) Battery at Fort Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Ft. Bragg, N.C. Hood, Texas. Maj. Krieck is the recipient of the , the Merito- rious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal, Army Charlie is a graduate of Three Lakes High Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Army School and is the son of Kim and Ginny Starke Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve of Eagle River. Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Parachutists Badge and the Combat Action Badge. Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Army Maj. Krieck is married to his wife and best friend, Alexis, and to- Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, gether they have three children, Madison (14), Bella (14) and Zan- Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Ter- der (7). His parents, James and Marsha, live in St. Germain with rorism Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon. his brother, Michael, and his sister is Bethany of Appleton.

Nathan Pirus Anthony Giebudowski

Nathan is a 2017 graduate of Northland Pines Anthony “Tony” Giebudowski is a 2016 grad- High School. He graduated boot camp from uate of Lakeland Union High School. Tony en- Lackland Air Force Base on Sept. 27, 2017. He listed in the Marine Corps and graduated boot spent the next four weeks training in Texas, and camp MCRD San Diego, Calif., on March 10, graduated from the Security Forces Apprentice 2017. Course on Jan. 30, 2018, as Airman First Class Tony is currently serving with 1st Marines Pirus, Nathan E. LAR Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Tony is carrying on the family tradition of the He is currently stationed at Whiteman Air Marine Corps with his older brother, Marine Sgt. Force Base in Missouri, where he is continuing Matthew Giebudowski; their father, Mark Giebu- his training. dowski (USMC 1986); grandfather, John Giebu- dowski (U.S. Army 1959); grand-uncle, Walter His parents are Mike and Tanya Pirus of Ea- Figura (USMC, World War II); uncle, Stanley gle River, Wis. Nathan has two sisters, Britney Frydrych (U.S. Army, Vietnam) from Armstrong of Port Washington, Wis., and Cortney of Eagle Creek, Wis., and cousins currently serving in River, Wis. the USAF, Craig and his wife Julie Frydrych of Armstrong Creek. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 5 Grandfather inspired Kelly Keating to serve her country, community ______BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR ______Kelly Keating moved to the North Woods said Keating. “Being a year in Iraq, I in 1998 and graduated from Three Lakes learned about how their culture is and how High School in 2000. She always had an in- they live day-to-day — how they survive, terest in the military, but didn’t know work and what they think of the U.S. and which branch. other countries.” After a few years of thinking and debat- She also witnessed plenty of bad days ing, she called the recruiter and signed up while in Iraq. for the Army National Guard. She finished “Every day was a struggle, praying that her spring semester of college and left in I make it back and make it to the next day. the fall of 2002 for training in South Car- Every day was a different experience and I olina at the age of 20. witnessed a lot,” said Keating. “It is hard to “I joined the military because my grand- talk about because it reminds me of the father was in World War II and he really struggle we had and going there not having enjoyed talking about the war and every- anything — food, shelter, bathrooms and thing that he went through,” said Keating. places to clean your clothes and clean your- “He inspired me and I thought about it for a self.” few years and decided that it would make For her duties while serving in Iraq, him proud if I joined and served. I also Keating received the Army Commendation wanted to travel and see what is out there.” Medal. Her son’s father was also deployed Keating came home on Jan. 14, 2003, af- to Iraq. ter seven months of training. She went back Keating also worked at the border of Ari- to school and on Feb. 14, 2003, received a zona and Mexico, doing border patrol and phone call that she was being deployed and helping to build the border fence in 2007. had to report to duty at the armory March “That was interesting as well, to experi- 17, 2004. That was when she received her ence Mexico and their culture. For example, orders to deploy to Iraq. they would beg for our steel scraps so that The Three Lakes graduate was deployed they could get money to feed their families,” to Iraq for a year, where she was a light said Keating. wheel mechanic, known as a 63 Bravo. She also would watch the train drive by “During the deployment, I was given on the Mexico side of the border every more jobs than what I had trained for,” said morning. Keating. “I ended up leaving every day to go “We would see the process of illegals on missions for security, mechanical issues coming into the U.S. and getting caught. We and towing.” saw how they processed the individuals and Kelly, who weathered a variety of experi- cleared them to get released back into Mex- ences in the service, was promoted from an ico,” said Keating. “We were down there E3 to an E4 Specialist while in Iraq. during one of the biggest cocaine busts “My experiences were all over the place,” through an underground tunnel, which is one of many. We saw all the drugs and try- ing to get back and forth into the U.S.” Keating eventually served in the mili- tary for eight years — eight years that changed her life. “Every little thing that we don’t ever think about is a big deal when you are at war,” she said. “I respect so much more than I ever thought I would — things such as a roof over my head, a vehicle that has soft seats, hard ground, a door, privacy, water, ice, a toilet. Basically everything you could think of from the second you get up to the second you go to bed! A bed was a big one, along with a pillow and the privacy.” She also doesn’t miss the heat. “Being able to grab what you want when you want. If you want cold water you can go and get it here. In Iraq, we didn’t have cold water. At night, we would have to dig holes in the sand and put water bottles in there so that they would be cold in the morning. The heat went up to 160 degrees one KELLY KEATING Kelly Keating, a former Army National Guard soldier who served in Iraq, is employed at the Boot Camp 2002 Turn to KEATING, Pg. 9 Three Lakes School District as a special education aide. —Photo By Jennifer West PAGE 6 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

Michael T. Busha We must never, ever

Senior Master Sergent Michael T. Busha is the First Sergeant for the 325th Operations forget the sacrifices Group, Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Fla. ______SMSgt Busha enlisted in the Air Force in BY STATE SEN. TOM TIFFANY Decem ber 1998, and completed Intelligence 12TH SENATE DISTRICT Operations technical training at Goodfellow AFB ______in August 1999. He has deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Annually, on the final Monday in May, we Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. gather and honor those who have sacrificed their lives to protect our nation and its free- His major awards and decorations include the doms. Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commenda- Since May of 1868, when Memorial Day tion Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal was known as Decoration Day and cele- with five devices. brated on May 30, our nation (and the state of Wisconsin) has held this day as a close and SMSgt Busha is the son of Thomas and Jeri constant reminder that many men and Busha of Eagle River. women across our nation have given their lives for the longevity of our union. Over time, Memorial Day has evolved into the federal holiday that we recognize today. The original proclamation for Decoration Day was in solidarity with the fallen soldiers from the Civil War. Hunter J. Raatz It was not until 1956, when the final sur- viving Union veteran from the Civil War passed away, that Decoration Day became a Hunter is a 2014 graduate of Three Lakes High national day of remembrance. As our entire School. He is also a 2015 graduate of Nicolet nation began to observe this holiday to- Area Technical College Welding program. gether, we also began to honor the fallen sol- STATE SEN. TOM TIFFANY He joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from diers from all wars, not simply the Civil War. boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., in August 2015. In 1971, the present-day observation of I will continue to work and ensure that He successfully completed his A-School train- Memorial Day was solidified when Congress we provide our state’s veterans and the fam- iong as an EM (Electrician). He then went for officially declared a federal holiday on the fi- ilies of our veterans and fallen soldiers the further training in San Diego, Calif. nal Monday in May. America and small com- opportunities and resources to be successful. He is currently stationed in Sasebo, Japan, munities like ours continue to be blessed Last year I challenged everyone to take serving on the USS Patriot. He recently re- with many brave men and woman who do time out of their weekend to attend one of ceived an award from his ship for Outstanding not view serving their country as a burden, the many observances in our local communi- Dedication and Work ethnic. His current rank is but as a sacred duty. ties and I renew my call this year. PO3, Petty Officer 3rd Class. I think that all of us share the same hope Wisconsin has lost nearly 27,000 of its Hunter lives in Japan with his wife, Heather that each conflict, battle or war will be our brave citizens since the culmination of the Raatz. He is the son of Terry and Johna Schulz last. Sadly, we are reminded all too regularly Civil War. Any small commitment of our time of Three Lakes and Jon Raatz of Edgar, Wis., that threats to our way of life do exist. As pales in comparison to the sacrifice that and brother of Mitchell Raatz, Valentine Schulz time passes, the enemies and threats to our these men and women have made for our and Will Raatz. national security may change, but the valor country. of the men and women willing to answer our As we reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen nation’s call has not. heroes this Memorial Day, let us keep a The 12th Senate District hosts 33,000 of prayer in our hearts for those still serving Wisconsin’s veterans and I gladly serve them and a spirit of gratitude toward our living and the rest of my district. I think it is im- veterans. Brett S. Mai portant to reflect today on all of our service We also must keep the promise that we members. will never, ever forget. Brett is a 2011 graduate of Northland Pines High School. He graduated from boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Base in August 2013. He was stationed in Bahrain from January 2014 to February 2016. His ship was the USS Gladiator. Military Salute He is currently stationed in Hawaii since February 2018 2016. His ship is the USS Hopper. The USS Hop- per was deployed to the Middle East from August 2016 to February 2017, and from September 2017 to February 2018. VILAS COUNTY Published by Eagle River Publications, Inc. Brett’s current rank is an EN2 2nd Class Petty P.O. Box 1929, 425 W. Mill St., Eagle River, WI 54521 Officer and waiting for his results to advance to 1st NEWS-REVIEW e-mail: [email protected] vcnewsreview.com Class Petty Officer. While serving in the Navy, he Eagle River Vindicator Established 1886 Phone 715-479-4421 • Fax 715-479-6242 has been awarded a Letter of Commendation and Eagle River Review 1890 Vilas County News 1892 six Navy Achievement medals. Brett is married to Jenille Mai, who also is a 1st Class Petty Officer in the Navy and is stationed in Publisher KURT KRUEGER Circulation Manager ELIZABETH SCHMIDT Washington, D.C. They have one son, Henry Mai. Editor GARY RIDDERBUSCH Accounting Manager TERRY POSTO His parents are Anne and Rick Mai of St. Germain, Asst. Editor DOUG ETTEN Photo Technician JACKI RISJORD Wis., sister, Nicole Mahmens of Tipton, Iowa, and Lifestyle Editor MICHELLE DOOLITTLE Production Technician TONI RUTHVEN sister, Ashley Mai of Duluth, Minn. Production Manager JEAN DREW Advertising KURT KRUEGER MARY JO ADAMOVICH Asst. Production Manager ELIZABETH BOULDEN JO DANIEL COLLETTE SORGEL WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 7 Heffner takes Badger Honor Flight Vietnam veteran calls day ‘a memory forever’ ______BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR ______

On April 21, 2018, the Badger Honor Flight experience. “There is so much to do Flight, based in Madison, flew 91 World and it is all emotion and excitement.” War II, Korea and Vietnam war veterans Heffner and the other veterans visited from the Dane County Regional Airport to Arlington National Cemetery, Air Force Reagan National Airport in Washington, Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam D.C., to visit the memorials for their mili- Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, tary service. World War II Memorial and the 9/11 One of those honored veterans on the Memorial at the Pentagon. 30th Badger flight was Agendrew “Jim” Some of Heffner’s old service friends Heffner Jr. of Eagle River, who served with were on the flight and upon returning to the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Madison, they were met by a large crowd Badger Honor Flight is a regional affili- of about 4,000 to 5,000 people at the air- ate of the national Honor Flight Network. port. The purpose of the Honor Flight Network Heffner graduated from Broadhead is to ensure that World War II, Korean High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy War, Vietnam War and terminally-ill veter- in 1958 at the age of 19. He served during ans from any war have the opportunity to the Vietnam War until 1964 and was sta- see the memorials that have been erected tioned at Naval Air Station Alameda, the in their honor. largest Naval base on the West Coast, in Upon landing at Washington, D.C., the Aircraft Maintenance Department. Heffner was met by his guardian for the “I worked on all of the Navy jets except day, Mary C. Quigley, who is a retired two because I didn’t have clearance to Navy captain. work on those aircraft,” he said. “It’s an 18-hour day, but you don’t get Heffner was later assigned to a patrol tired,” said Heffner, 79, about his Honor squadron following eight weeks of addi-

Jim Heffner of Eagle River was on a Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., earlier this year. He is shown with his guardian for the day, Mary C. Quigley. —Contributed Photos tional schooling and survival training. He Alameda, Calif. was discharged in 1962. “It was a day that will be a memory for- “I was assigned to Marine Air Wing in ever,” said Heffner. “If you know any veter- Japan and was a plane captain/flight engi- ans who haven’t been on one of these neer on a P2V5F Neptune bomber which flights, please get them to sign up.” hunted enemy submarines,” said Heffner. “I also flew bow/mad operator and could For veterans from northcentral Wiscon- fly aft station observer and radio.” sin, they can contact Never Forgotten While visiting Washington, D.C., April Honor Flight, 4404 Rib Mountain Drive 21, Heffner was able to reminisce about #234, Wausau, WI 54401. For veterans who being a part of VP-6 a long-lived Patrol are from the southern part of the state, they Squadron of the U.S. Navy, nicknamed the can contact Badger Honor Flight, P.O. Box Blue Sharks. That’s because Quigley’s fa- 258066, Madison, WI 53725. People also Jim Heffner stands next to one of the planes he flew in while he served in the U.S. Navy from ther was the commanding officer of VP-47 can send an e-mail message to: info@never- 1958 to 1962. He was 19 when he joined the Navy. at Moffitt Field, which isn’t very far from forgottenhonorflight.com. PAGE 8 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Generations have faced challenges

“Freedom is a fragile thing and is and honor all those American heroes who take away the grief, or ease the pain after never more than one generation away have given their lives in defense of our the loss of a loved one. from extinction. It is not ours by in- freedom and our American way of life. That is why Memorial Day is so impor- heritance; it must be fought for and Memorial Day is a time in our country tant, and it is why we will always remem- defended constantly by each genera- where citizens from all walks of life come ber and honor all those who answered the tion, for it comes only once to a people. together to pay their respects and honor call of duty and paid the ultimate sacri- Those who have known freedom and the sacrifices made by so many of their fice, fighting for our freedom. then lost it have never known it fellow Americans. U.S. flags, wreaths and As President Reagan so eloquently again.” flowers are placed on the graves of fallen stated, “Freedom must be fought for and --President Ronald Reagan soldiers, flags are flown at half-staff and defended constantly by each generation.” ______“Taps” is played to help us express our To ensure that future generations enjoy BY STATE REP. ROB SWEARINGEN eternal gratefulness to those who died de- the same freedoms we have been blessed 34TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT fending our nation. with, it is our moral obligation to make ______While every family has its own Memo- sure that the sacrifices of our fallen sol- diers are never forgotten. President Reagan’s words remind us rial Day traditions, I hope that everyone is that freedom is never truly free. The able to take a moment to reflect on just From the Revolutionary War that freed United States of America only came into how lucky we all are to call this great us from the chains of monarchical subju- existence because of those brave patriots country home. Enjoying a family barbecue, gation to our current conflicts against evil willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in baseball game or a pontoon boat ride is a in the War on Terror, their selfless sacri- the name of freedom. great way to spend the weekend, but make fices will forever be interwoven in the sure to attend a memorial service at a story of America. The United States con- Since the founding of our great nation, cemetery, in front of the local court house, tinues to be a shining beacon of freedom every subsequent American generation or a procession through town to honor the in an otherwise tumultuous world because has faced challenges and attempts to fallen who so selflessly gave their lives to of the selflessness of so many brave patri- erode this sacred principle. allow us to enjoy these freedoms in peace. ots. From the grassy fields of Gettysburg to I encourage you to keep family, friends Understanding that Memorial Day is a the wooded forest of the Argonne. From and neighbors who have lost loved ones in time to reflect on our fallen heroes, I the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima to defense of our country in your thoughts would also like to take this opportunity to the snowcapped mountains of Korea. and prayers throughout the day. The bur- thank all those who have served and who From the humid jungles of Vietnam to the den that our military families carry is one are currently serving in our armed forces. scorched deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, that is shared in the hearts of all Ameri- You are all the embodiment of the Ameri- let us pause this Memorial Day to reflect cans, but nothing can be said or done to can spirit. God bless. STATE REP. ROB SWEARINGEN America’s Military Heroes Should Never Be Forgotten THIS SPECIAL MILITARY SALUTE IS SPONSORED IN PART BY THREE LAKES AMERICAN LEGION POST 431 All veterans welcome to join 2018 SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE May 26 • June 23 • July 28 • Aug. 25 Sept. 22 • Oct. 20 • Nov. 10 • Dec. 8 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Attention Veterans and Friends: FREE MOVIE – Taking Chance Memorial Day — Monday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at Three Lakes Center for the Arts Discussion and sharing to follow. “When in the region, stop at the Legion” PAYING TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS The Legion Bar 715-546-3431 DOWNTOWN THREE LAKES • OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 9 National Cemetery for veterans being developed in Oneida County ______lows: eran, a veteran’s spouse and dependent quired. BY TAMMY WALTERS • All members of the Armed Forces who child or children are eligible to be buried in Burial in a National Cemetery includes ONEIDA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER ______have met a minimum active duty service re- a national cemetery. the opening and closing of the grave, a grave quirement and were discharged under other This does not guarantee burial in the liner, perpetual care of the grave site, a John Knapp, deputy director at Fort than dishonorable conditions are eligible. cemetery chosen. Anyone who is considering grave marker, a burial flag and a Presiden- Snelling National Cemetery, was in Eagle • A veteran’s spouse, widow/widower, being buried in a National Cemetery is tial Memorial Certificate, all at no cost to River, Rhinelander and Merrill earlier this minor dependent children and, under cer- strongly recommended to request preneed the family. spring to give briefings on the National tain conditions, unmarried adult children determination by filling out a VA form 40- The grave markers will all be upright Cemetery that will come to Oneida County with disabilities, are eligible. 10007. markers either made of white marble or in the town of Cassian. • Eligible spouses and children may be This will ensure that at the time of pass- gray granite. The cemetery now has an actual ad- buried even if they predecease the veteran. ing, the deceased is already in the National The cemetery is expected to have the ca- dress, which is 4520 Lakewood Road in • Members of the National Guard or Re- Cemetery database and family won’t have pacity to hold 10-plus years of in-ground Harshaw. It’s a 6-acre, $3.4 million project serves who die while on active duty or ac- to worry about that detail at a time when casket burials, 10-plus years of in-ground and the contractor plans to break ground tive duty for training or who were eligible they are already overwhelmed. cremation burials, 10-plus years of colum- late spring or early summer of this year. for retired pay also may be eligible for The form can be mailed or faxed to the baria placements and a memorial wall for At this time, the design is 35% complete. burial. National Cemetery Scheduling Office in St. those whose ashes were spread elsewhere. Once it’s 100% complete and signed off by • Members of the National Guard or Re- Louis, Mo., but mail is recommended as get- the Veterans Affairs (VA) secretary, the pro- serves who only have active duty for train- ting a fax through is normally difficult. For more information on the National ject will begin. ing and were never federally activated are Veterans can stop by the Oneida County Cemetery in Oneida County, contact Tammy No date of completion was given because not eligible. Veterans Service Office, located at 1 S. Walters at (715) 369-6127 or [email protected] - there are too many variables, such as the Unlike a state veterans cemetery, there Oneida Ave. in Rhinelander, to fill out the neida.wi.us. Jason Dailey, assistant Oneida weather, that will dictate when it gets fin- is no preregistration to reserve a burial plot. form and have it mailed in. Supporting doc- County Veterans Service Officer, can be ished. The only option is to file for preneed deter- umentation such as discharge papers and a reached at the same number or jdailey@ National Cemetery eligibility is as fol- mination, which tells whether or not a vet- marriage and/or birth certificate are re- co.oneida.wi.us. Keating FROM PAGE 5 day. We couldn’t even touch the vehicles it was so hot! When it was 80 to 90 degrees, we were in our long underwear,” said Keat- ing. Looking back on her military service and her deployment to Iraq, Keating said she does not regret serving. “It makes me love life more and I am grateful for so much more! I don’t regret joining and I loved serving. I made a lot of brothers and sisters for life,” she said. “But I have lost some in Afghanistan, suicide and accidents. Love life!” Keating, 36, currently works at the Three Lakes Elementary School as a spe- cial education aide and is involved in youth hockey. “I love working with children at the Three Lakes Elementary School as they are our future,” she said. “My family and I are a hockey family. My son is a goalie and has been skating for seven years. I have also been his coach as well.” Keating has also been a state-certified firefighter and first responder with the Three Lakes Fire Department for 10 years. She is state certified in many other areas, including wildland fire and hazmat, and has been the department secretary for nearly four years. “The fire department is my family, along with the military,” said Keating. “I take a big part in the community with the fire department and being a veteran. I love After serving her country in the military, Kelly Keating now serves her (second from right in back row) posed with her fellow firefighters in my jobs and always helping others.” community as a member of the Three Lakes Fire Department. Keating front of the ladder truck. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO PAGE 10 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Services FROM PAGE 3 rior Street to the Three Lakes Cemetery. The procession will include The American Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad, the Legion Auxiliary, the Three Lakes Lions Club and the Three Lakes High School band. The ceremony at the cemetery will begin at 10:15 a.m. and honor those who have served and given their lives for this country. Three Lakes High School seniors (to be an- nounced) will serve as guest speakers for the event. The program will conclude with the na- tional flags at the cemetery and Cy Williams Park raised to full staff. The public is encour- aged to attend. In the event of bad weather, the program will be held in the Three Lakes School gym- nasium at 10 a.m. For more information about the program, contact The American Legion at (715) 546-3431.

St. Germain The town of St. Germain will hold its Memorial Day services Sunday, May 27, at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park located on the corner of highways 155 and 70. The Memorial Day service will include the changing of the flag at the memorial. A veteran will give a speech and music will be provided by disc jockey Wildfire. For more information, contact the St. Ger- main Area Chamber of Commerce at (715) 477-2205. Memorial Day services include a variety of salutes. The 8th Wisconsin ceremony on the grounds at the Vilas County Courthouse in Eagle Land O’ Lakes Artillery Company provides a cannon salute several times during the River and will return in 2018. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTOS There will be a Memorial Day service at the Land O’ Lakes cemetery Monday, May 28. Cemetery ceremonies are planned at 28, at 11 a.m. with a light lunch to follow at Newbold Cemetery, Northland Memorial VFW Post 8400. Call the Land O’ Lakes Park, Forest Home Cemetery and Our Lord Chamber of Commerce to confirm the service Cemetery. Call (715) 369-6127 to confirm as the date approaches at (715) 547-3432. times. Memorial Day services will be held at Phelps Rhinelander High School beginning at ap- There will be a Memorial Day service in proximately 11 a.m. Phelps Monday, May 28, at 1 p.m. at the For more information about the court- cemetery. There will be a roll call for the dead house and cemetery ceremonies, contact the and flag placement. For updated informa- Oneida County Veterans Service Office at tion, call the Phelps Chamber of Commerce (715) 369-6127. at (715) 545-3800. The Oneida County Veterans Council in- cludes members of The American Legion, Rhinelander American Veterans, Disabled American Vet- The Oneida County Veterans Council will erans, Marine Corps League and Veterans of host a Memorial Day service Monday, May Foreign Wars. Pine Isle is Honored to Salute Our Veterans and Active Military Personnel HAPPY HOUR MON.-FRI. 3:30-5 P.M., THURSDAYS 8:30-10 P.M. Tuesday Nights it’s HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT for service industry, camp employees and veterans. Our Happy Hour is 1, 2, 3 $1 Domestic Taps $1 Chicken Bonez $2 Rails $2 Chips and Dip $3 Signature Cocktail of the Day for drinks $3 Cheese Curds

1261 Pine Isle Rd., Three Lakes, WI www.PineIsleThreeLakes.com 715-546-3333 Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8637 will offer a rifle salute, followed by the playing of taps at the Eagle River ceremony. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 11

FALLEN VETS REMEMBERED — Communities across the North Woods host Memorial Day programs to honor veterans who served their country and to remem- ber those killed in military action. These are scenes from the ceremonies in 2017, including a veteran honoring fallen soliders with a wreath and a color guard march- ing in Three Lakes (upper left and above); and Boy Scouts placing poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Tom McKale playing bagpipes in Eagle River (below and lower left). —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTOS PAGE 12 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

Humbly honoring those who have served.

715.479.8484

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 13 The ultimate sacrifice Veterans memorial now open in Presque Isle ______BY DEAN S. ACHESON SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW ______An eternal flame now burns brightly in the small town of Presque Isle, as it honors all service members who served the United States during its conflicts both here and abroad over the last 250 years. The eternal flame is part of the Wilder- ness Veterans Memorial, which was dedi- cated in a formal ceremony last October, with more than 400 people attending the event held in Pipke Park. Winegar American Legion Post 480 and the Wilderness Veterans Memorial Flame Foundation Inc. (WVMFF) hosted the event. After the ceremony, Vietnam veteran and WVMFF President John “Larry” Gor- rilla outlined the purpose of the memorial and what the foundation hopes it accom- plishes. “I think the general public who doesn’t have a member of their family in the mili- tary will develop a re spect for the veterans and our military by coming to a memorial such as this and seeing what our young people have given to keep this country free, and give us the freedoms we have today,” he said. In addition to the large granite memo- rial with the eternal flame, there are sev- eral smaller granite monuments along the pathway. “All of our monuments leading to the main memorial show the different conflicts The Wilderness Veterans Memorial at Pipke Park in Presque Isle in members who served the United States during its conflicts both here that we have been involved with, starting northwest Vilas County opened in October 2017. It honors service and abroad over 250 years. —Photo By Dean S. Acheson with the War on Terror and moving all the “When the world is threatened, it calls in donations ranging from $100 to $1,000. other veterans’ names, no matter their orig- way to the Revolutionary War,” Gorrilla con- on the United States of America,” Biszak The North Lakeland School student govern- inal hometown. There are veterans from 15 tinued. said. “And our country calls upon our ment raised $1,556 last year for the project. states represented on the wall. “So it’s a history lesson for children from troops. Because of them our country’s prin- A separate monument honors under- school that come here. They can learn about ciples and way of life have endured. Our na- writers who donated $1,000 or more to the The memorial our country, development, through our con- tion stands as the world’s foremost example project. Above the memorial and monuments flicts, if you will. And that way we are en- of freedom and opportunities because of ser- While the memorial has been paid for, flies the U.S. flag, as well as the six branch couraging the schools to bring students vicemen and servicewomen like those in- organizers still need donations to establish service flags of the military, POW/MIA flag here for Veterans Day, Fourth of July, differ- scribed on the wall or present today as they an endowment fund for the eternal flame and Wisconsin flag. (The foundation con- ent things like that,” said Gorrilla. have ensured our security for the future.” and for upkeep of the grounds and other ducted a separate fundraiser to purchase Biszak pointed out that the eternal monuments, said Gorrilla. the Wisconsin flag and flagpole, which were Ultimate sacrifices flame reminds us to be “vigilant day and During his remarks to the audience, dedicated in memory of Sgt. Holmquist.) A It was an emotional ceremony, as Tom night,” and that it stands as a “beacon of Gorrilla thanked the foundation board, Post visitor on a clear night will see the North and Susan Holmquist fought back tears as hope for all.” Of the memorial and grounds, members, other volunteers, donors and Star glittering above the American flag. they spoke of their fallen son, Sgt. Carson he said he saw granite, steel, oak and rock, other supporters who helped make the pro- At the foot of the service flags are A. Holmquist, who lost his life in a July 16, all symbolizing the strength of the nation’s ject a reality. benches, each engraved with the emblem of 2015, do mestic terror attack on the Navy- resolve. “Memorials exist to acknowledge our the associated service branch. The center Marine reserve center in Chattanooga, Further, Biszak urged the young people unique culture and values,” he said. “They bench faces the U.S. flag, the two panels Tenn. Three other military personnel were in the audience to “learn about the heroes capture our history and function to pre- and the eternal flame. also killed by the gunman. on the wall, learn about the places they serve and shape our national identity. At the kiosk near the underwriters Master of ceremonies Brian Jopek, who fought, and preserve this place for future Memorials give physical meaning to how memorial, visitors with smartphones can also lost his son, Army Sgt. Ryan Jopek, generations, for it is yours.” we have evolved as Americans.” access the foundation’s website via a quick while he was serving in Iraq in August Following the ceremony, the attendees response code to view the inscribed vet- 2006, stepped forward to comfort the Built with donations walked the paved path to view the inscrip- eran’s name and see his or her biography Grantsburg couple. Gorrilla, who has been a key figure in tions on the conflict memorials, as well as and photo. Keynote speaker Mike Biszak, Vilas the drive to complete the project, said the those on the main memorial wall. To learn more about the memorial, visit County veterans service officer, spoke of the cost to develop and build the memorial was Currently, there are 414 veterans’ names wildernessvetsmemorial.org or call (715) devotion to duty and honor of the nation’s $350,000, all raised through donations of etched into the walls of the granite memo- 686-2517. Donations may be sent to P.O. military. cash and labor. The bulk of the funds came rial. There is an open invitation to add Box 83, Presque Isle, WI 54557. PAGE 14 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018

DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT — This photo of the St. Germain Veterans Memorial was taken by Ryan like an arrowhead pointing to the dawn.” Doucette said the photo is his tribute to veterans. “The Doucette of St. Germain, who named it “By dawn’s early light.” He said the veterans’ names on names of the veterans on this memorial are names of Americans who, too, have proudly hailed the memorial bricks are pointing in the direction of the dawn’s early light and “the monument is our country,” said Doucette. Welcome home! Wisconsin recognizes Vietnam War veterans Wisconsin’s Vietnam veterans were rec- they made for our country.” those who fought and sacrificed so selflessly tired with the rank of colonel. ognized early this year as Gov. Scott Walker The ceremony was in recognition of and valiantly in Vietnam,” Zimmerman Col. Boland went on to serve as the Sec- proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam Veterans March 29, 2018, being the first anniversary said. “To my brothers and sisters in arms retary of the WDVA and later as a civilian Day in Wisconsin. of the country’s newly established National that served that noble cause, I wish them a aide to the Secretary of the Army. Boland, A ceremony called “Welcome Home: A Vietnam War Veterans Day. The day was long overdue and heartfelt ‘Welcome Home!’ along with recipient Gary Vietnam War Commemoration,” was held to marked by hundreds of events hosted ” Wetzel, a door gunner in the 173rd Assault honor Vietnam veterans, the fallen, the across the country to thank and honor Viet- More than 165,000 Wisconsinites served Helicopter Company, serve as Co-Chairs of wounded, those unaccounted for, former nam War veterans and their families. Na- in Vietnam, with 1,239 making the ultimate Wisconsin’s Vietnam War Commemoration prisoners of war, their families, and all who tional Vietnam War Veterans Day was sacrifice. With about 132,000, Vietnam vet- Committee. served. added as a national holiday when the pres- erans are the largest group of living veter- Another featured speaker was Bee Yang, ident signed into law The Vietnam War Vet- ans in Wisconsin. Secretary of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of The ceremony was hosted by The Veter- erans Recognition Act of 2017. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our Viet- America. The Hmong Lao in the mountain- ans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 305 in Walker has proclaimed March 29, 2018, nam veterans, and today we honor their ous regions of northern Laos were recruited Eau Claire. as Vietnam Veterans Day throughout Wis- service and sacrifice,” Maj. Gen. Don Dun- by the CIA to fight for American interests “Men and women from across Wisconsin consin saying, “the people of the state of bar, Wisconsin’s adjutant general, said. during the Vietnam War. Thousands of men bravely served our nation in the Vietnam Wisconsin honor the obligation and sacri- “This generation served not only in a time answered that call and worked together War, putting their lives on the line to pro- fice of the men and women who served dur- of war but in a time of social unrest at with the United States to defend peace, se- tect others,” said Gov. Walker. “The sacri- ing the Vietnam era and that of their home, they served with dignity and honor, curity, freedom, and democracy during the fices of all those who served must always be families, and we honor their just and honor- they returned home and made America bet- Vietnam War. remembered, especially those who never re- able devotion to our country and that ser- ter.” The United States of America Vietnam turned home. Many of our Vietnam War vice can never be devalued.” Among the featured speakers was for- War Commemoration began with a presi- veterans never received the welcome home Wisconsin Department of Veterans Af- mer WDVA Secretary Col. Ray Boland, a pi- dential inaugural event at the Vietnam Vet- they deserved, but today and every day we fairs (WDVA) Secretary Daniel J. Zimmer- lot in Vietnam who flew an AH-1 Cobra erans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on can work to make up for this by honoring man attended the ceremony. attack helicopter during his second tour. He Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, and concludes their service and recognizing the sacrifice “Today gives us pause to remember served in the Army until 1991 when he re- on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025. WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 15 Area veteran honored at The Highground

Ron Koth placed a legacy stone at The Highground in Neillsville in central Wis- consin Oct. 7, 2017. The legacy stone is 12-inch by 12-inch granite and was sponsored by Koth’s wife, Linda, his son, Karl, and his daughter-in- law, Felicia. The Highground is a 155-acre manned veterans memorial park that pays tribute to the dead and honors the survivors, their service and their sacrifices. The park includes tributes to veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea, Viet- nam, Persian Gulf and Desert Storm to present, as well as a Native American Viet- nam Memorial, a meditation garden, effigy mound, a learning center and 4 miles of hiking trails. The park continues to grow as history unfolds, and coming soon is a Military Working Dog Tribute. Koth, a combat veteran, recounts his military experience, focusing on a year spent in Vietnam.

Koth’s story of Cua Viet I was born and raised in Tomahawk and graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1966. I attended Rockford Barber College in Rockford, Ill., from 1966-’67. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968 and reported to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill., for basic train- ing. I was then assigned to Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Kingsville, Texas. Next, I was stationed at Little Creek, Va., for survival, evasion, resistance and escape training. From there, I went to Cua Viet in Vietnam from 1969-’70. Ron Koth (kneeling) was honored with a legacy stone at The High- were, standing from left, his wife, Linda, his son, Karl, and and his Cua Viet Naval Support Activity De- ground in Neillsville. Sharing the moment with the U.S. Navy veteran daughter-in-law, Felicia. —Contributed Photos tachment was located at the mouth of the Cua Viet River in Northern I Corps in tarized zone. A klick is the distance of 1 boats, Task Force Clearwater, Division 543, (submarine tender). The home port was Quang Tri Province. It was the northern- kilometer or 0.62 mile. and the Dong Ha River Security Group pa- Charleston, S.C. Then, home port changed most U.S. Navy base in Vietnam, located The south bank of the river was a trolled the river. to Key West, Fla., where I was discharged. approximately 5 klicks south of the demili- bleak, sandy place, with faded olive green I returned to the states and was sta- I now live in Rhinelander with my wife, shacks (hooches) bound together by wooden tioned on the Howard W. Gilmore AS-16 Linda, and I’m happily retired. pallets laid end to end to form a sidewalk. Sandbags were piled high around each hooch. The boundary to the north was the river Cell Phones for Soldiers offered and to the east was the South China Sea. Concertina wire, tanglefoot and minefields Cell Phones for Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) calling cards each week. bounded the south and west. A concrete nonprofit organization that provides cost- A $5 donation warrants two and one- ramp sloped into the river for moving cargo free communications services to active-duty half hours of talk time; a $100 donation up the river to Dong Ha or back to Da military members and veterans. gives 50 hours or 3,000 minutes of talk Nang. The organization was founded in 2004 time. The mission of the base was to provide by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 In 2012, Cell Phones for Soldiers support to the Third Marine Division and and 13 years old, with only $21. launched its newest program, Helping other allied forces operating around Dong Cell Phones for Soldiers relies on donors Heroes Home, a program that provides Ha. Cua Viet was under mortar, rocket and for cash contributions and funds raised by emergency funds for returning veterans to ground attack for most of the war by the the recycling of used cell phones. alleviate communications challenges as North Vietnamese Army. Since 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers has well as physical, emotional and assimila- Because of its location on the Cua Viet provided soldiers with more than 300 mil- tion hardships. River, the base was uniquely situated to lion minutes of free talk time and dis- Since July 2012, Helping Heroes Home provide fuel, ammunition, administration, tributed more than 3.2 million has assisted more than 3,100 veterans and supplies and construction materials to Ma- international calling cards. And since 2004, their families with emergency funding. rine and Army combat forces. Mechanized more than 15 million cell phones have been There are more than 3,800 public collec- landing craft were used to transport fuel to recycled, reducing the impact on landfills. tion points for Cell Phones for Soldiers the Dong Ha airstrip. An estimated 1 mil- In 2014, Cell Phones for Soldiers dis- across the nation. lion gallons of fuel a month was moved up- tributed more than 10 million minutes of A collection box is located at Eagle River river. free talk time and more than 160,000 call- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8637, located RON KOTH Cua Viet also was home to river patrol ing cards. The program mails aboout 1,500 at 418 W. Pine St. in Eagle River. PAGE 16 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 We’re Proud to Salute The story of taps

our Veterans & Military The 24-note melancholy bugle original melody. call known as taps is thought to He ordered Norton to play eaglefloorcovering.com be a revision of a French bugle this new call at the end of each signal, called “tattoo,” that noti- day thereafter, instead of the reg- fied soldiers to cease an evening’s ulation call. The music was e Floor Cove drinking and return to their gar- heard and appreciated by other agl ring risons. brigades, who asked for copies E It was sounded an hour before and adopted this bugle call. It the final bugle call to end the day was even adopted by Confeder- Locally owned and operated for 24 years by ex tinguishing fires and lights. ate buglers. The last five measures of the tat- This music was made the offi- 1160 Twilite Lane, just off Hwy. 70 W, across from Eagle Cabinets 715-479-4480 too resemble taps. cial Army bugle call after the OPEN MON.-FRI. 8:30-4:30, SAT. 9-12 OR BY APPT. The word taps is an alteration war, but not given the name taps of the obsolete word “taptoo,” de- until 1874. rived from the Dutch “taptoe.” The first time taps was Taptoe was the command — “Tap played at a military funeral may toe!” — to shut or “toe to” the tap also have been in Virginia, soon Proud to honor our veterans of a keg. after Butterfield composed it. Union Capt. The revision that gave us present-day John Tidball ordered it played for the burial and active military personnel taps was made during America’s Civil War of a cannoneer killed in action. Not wanting All active-duty military and their immediate families by Union Gen. Daniel Adams Butterfield, to reveal the battery’s position in the woods receive free admission on the train. heading a brigade camped at Harrison Land- to the enemy nearby, Tidball substituted taps ing, Va., near Richmond. Up to that time, the for the traditional three rifle volleys fired RIDE THE 1916 LUMBERJACK STEAM TRAIN U.S. Army’s infantry call to end the day was over the grave. the French final call, “L’Extinction des feux.” Taps was played at the funeral of Confed- 2018 DATES — JUNE 21 THRU AUG. 18 Gen. Butterfield decided the “lights out” erate Gen. Stonewall Jackson 10 months af- OPEN THURSDAY THRU MONDAY music was too formal to signal the day’s end. ter it was composed. Army in fantry One day in July 1862, he recalled the tattoo regulations by 1891 required taps to be STEAM TRAIN RUNS 11 A.M., NOON, 1 & 2 P.M. music and hummed a version of it to an aide, played at military funeral ceremonies. 5068 U.S. Hwy. 8 & 32, Laona, Wis. (715) 674-3414 who wrote it down in music. Butterfield then Taps now is played by the military at asked the brigade bugler, Oliver W. Norton, burial and memorial services, to accompany www.lumberjacksteamtrain.com to play the notes and, after listening, length- the lowering of the flag and to signal the ened and shortened them while keeping his “lights out” command at day’s end. WE’RE ALL FIRED UP TO SUPPORT OUR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY Make the switch to AmeriGas!

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Friendship House To all our servicemen and -women, we Family Restaurant are grateful for your service and sacrifice. OPEN DAILY 6 A.M. TO 10 P.M. Serving WE SALUTE YOU! Breakfast, Lunch, Proud to help Dinner honor veterans and the military We support Chain O’ Lakes Rd. and Hwy. 45 North our troops! 101 W. Wall St., Eagle River, Wis. • 715-479-1070 Eagle River, WI 715-479-4688 ® WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 17

Members of the Plum Lake Woman's Club show their refurbished photos for their veterans Roll Kazda, Sharon Brooker, Liz Shucha, Janice Dewitt, Alice Gross Kreuz, Arlene Dreyfus, Ida Ne- of Honor in the Plum Lake Town Hall. They include, from left, Joan Bloechl, Nancy Minx, Ivy mec and Kathy Jones. —Photos By Wally Geist Plum Lake veterans ‘Roll of Honor’ updated ______BY WALLY GEIST SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW ______If you have ever visited the Plum Lake over the wall. Town Hall, located in Sayner, you can’t This story begins in 1937 with the help but be drawn to a photo tribute wall Plum Lake Woman’s Club presenting a called the “Roll of Honor.” plan to the town board to build the town The wall has pictures of residents of hall. The club raised all the money neces- Sayner and Star Lake who served our sary to build the structure by hosting card country in the military. parties, dances and bake sales. The build- The photographs date back to World ing was completed in August of 1938. War I and continue to the present. The list In 1945, the club completed an addi- of names will be familiar to visitors who tional veterans honor by establishing the live in the area. “Veterans Memorial Grove,” a grove of tall Many of the veterans have relatives pines near the building. The grove is lo- who live in and make contributions to the cated between the town hall and Lake community — names like Brooker, Kleppe, Street. In 2010, some of the older, dying Kazda, Mykelby, Tamling and others. pines were removed and replaced by flag The Plum Lake Woman’s Club started poles. the Roll of Honor after the building was In addition to the flags, a brick patio constructed and this year decided to refur- area was constructed around their bases. bish the display. The ease of adding pic- Some bricks are inscribed with the names tures to the exhibit was the main reason The Plum Lake Woman’s Club is planning to refurbish some of the inscribed bricks in the for the club creating a display spread out Turn to PLUM LAKE, Pg. 21 Memorial Garden. Time, weather and general wear have degraded the script on the bricks. PAGE 18 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Consider joining a local Veterans Service Organization ______BY TAMMY WALTERS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW ______Gaffney-Busha I’ve been the Oneida County veterans ser- vice officer for over 12 years and in that time I’ve noticed a distinct decline in Veterans Service Organization (VSO) membership. A lot of organizations are made up of our aging veterans and it’s getting more difficult for them to be as active as they were; how- ever, our younger generation is working and raising families so it’s difficult for them to be H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H active in an organization. This equates to lower membership and in WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! some cases, organizations closing altogether. In the near future, this could be very detrimental to veterans and their benefits Complete Landscaping and Full-Service Garden Center because VSOs are the ones who really fight for veterans’ rights and benefits, not politi- Now open Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat.-Sun. 9-1 cians. VSOs are a great place to meet other vet- www.northernlakeslandscaping.com erans and share stories. You can be a mem- ber or you can run for an officer position; you Rod & Jill Croker can go out and volunteer in the community 1075 E. Pine St. with your fellow members; you can start Proud sponsor of the landscaping scholarships, sponsor a sports team, sell food Eagle River or raffle tickets at public events, and so much (715) 479-5852 at the 2012 Vietnam Veterans more. TAMMY WALTERS Wall Memorial If you’re a member of a VSO, you’re H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H amongst family. They’re a great place to go some of which are quite severe. relax and enjoy comradeship with men and As fellow veterans, we need to take care of women who have walked in your boots. them because we can’t count on our govern- I hope on Memorial Day and every day ment to do it. I hope you’ll consider joining a you honor the men and women who sacri- VSO in your area and making a difference. ficed their lives for our freedom. They paid “We support those who defend our freedom” the ultimate price and their families con- Tammy Walters is the Oneida County vet- tinue to pay. So many of our veterans who erans service officer. She can be contacted at are alive have a lot of their own struggles, (715) 369-6127 or [email protected].

WI Master Plumber MI Master Plumber 225915 8110692 Thank you for supporting us, so we can support those who served our great country. Stateline VFW Post 8400 YOUR FAMILY-OWNED HOMETOWN BUSINESS SINCE 1970 VFW 4492 County Hwy. B, Land O’ Lakes, Wis. Our Mission: To exceed our contractors’ and owners’ expectations VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 715-547-3314 LICENSED • INSURED 3883 Hwy. 70 East, Eagle River, WI 54521 715-479-7012 • Fax: 715-479-7013

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Join us — Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. offer our heartfelt thanks you might like it. Stop by or call today. • Hoists & Piers: to all veterans who make the Pier Pleasure, freedom we now enjoy possible. Porta Dock • Dock Removal, VFW Post 8637 Install, Repair 418 Pine St., Eagle River, Wis. • Boat Winterizing (715) 479-8810 & Storage WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 19 Veterans Museum at King celebrates re-opening of James Megellas Gallery

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Daniel J. Zimmerman and Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Michael Telzrow announced the grand re- opening of the James Megellas Gallery at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum at King. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to re-open the gallery, following a year-long improvement project, took place April 20 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King’s Marden Activity Center. “Strong support from Wisconsin’s Veteran community makes King truly special,” Zim- merman said. “This museum, right in the heart of our campus, honors the service of the men and women of that community. It also gives our members an opportunity to see and hear the stories of those who served, just as they did. Sharing those experiences with their families and friends in conversations about service above self are therapeutic to all involved. We are excited to provide this new museum in honor of all those who have served.” Telzrow said they are proud to open the new James Megellas Gallery at the museum at the King Veterans Home. “This completely redeveloped space will provide Home members and the surrounding public with an opportunity to learn about, and remember, the sacrifices of our Wiscon- sin veterans,” said Telzrow. “The incorpora- tion of our oral history recordings within the individual exhibits is certain to provide an authentic experience for all of our visitors.” The James Megellas Gallery at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in cludes numerous new displays on Lt. Colonel Megellas and other men The James Megellas Gallery at the Wis- King has opened following a year-long improvement project that in- and women who served their country. —Contributed Photos consin Veterans Museum at King traces the history of Wisconsin’s involvement in this na- with the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion from tion’s conflicts through the eyes of individual 1999 to 2007. She was involved in the Kosovo veterans. Supported by original artifacts and Force, K4, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. oral histories, the exhibit features stories from veterans who served in every conflict. Other improvements The James Megellas Gallery is named in The museum improvement project is just honor of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel one aspect of an overall transformation of the James “Maggie” Megellas, of Fond du Lac, Marden Center, according to WDVA officials. the most-decorated officer in the history of The Veterans Café, located on Marden’s the . Megellas re- lower level, celebrated its grand re-opening ceived the Distinguished Service Cross, two in February following months of gathering Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and other mil- input, planning and construction. itary honors for his World War II European Additionally, the King Exchange was service. The campaign continues to upgrade moved into the center to improve access, the one of Megellas’ Silver Stars to the Medal of Alley 5 bar got a facelift, and other upgrades Honor for his service and leadership during around the building were made, such as new the . flooring and furniture. In addition to featuring Lt. Colonel Megel- More changes are planned, including a las, the gallery includes, among others: major landscape project on the waterfront • Melvin Jacob, of Manitowoc, who served side of Marden that will improve member ac- with the Marine Corps during World War II. cess and safety. He waited for rescue at sea for five days For its effort and future construction aboard the USS Indianapolis when it was plans, the Veterans Home was presented sunk by a torpedo. with a 2017 Facelift Award from the Wau- • John Peters, of Merrill, who served in paca Area Chamber of Commerce in January. A veteran tours the new James Megellas Gallery at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The mu- 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th The award is presented to area businesses seum features exhibits and artifacts on Wisconsin’s involvement in this nation’s conflicts. Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division during the Gulf which make changes that aesthetically im- War. He was awarded the Bronze Star. prove the environment of the city or area. care and amenities for America’s heroes. All state operated by the WDVA. King is ranked • Michelle Rasmusson, who grew up in The Veterans Home at King has more branches of the armed forces are represented in the top 15 percent of all skilled-nursing fa- the Fox Valley, served in the Army Reserve than 130 years of providing around-the-clock at the home, which is one of three across the cilities in the nation. PAGE 20 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Giving credit where it’s due, we salute our veterans and God Bless active-duty military. Those Who Serve St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Parish OWNER — 5001 County Road G, Eagle River, WI EAGLE CARPET CLEANING 715-477-0501

Rogers Bar salutes all veterans and wishes to express our gratitude for their service and sacrifice for the greatest nation in the world! SalutingTHOSE WHO SERVED E19605 Old US2 W FOODROGERS & SPIRITSBAR Watersmeet, MI 49969 SINCE 1939 (906) 358-4435

God Bless Our Military Honoring those who honorably served COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH Proclaiming The Living Word Made-from-scratch comfort food Sun. 9:45 a.m. Sunday School — all ages 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service Made-to-order pizza 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Wed. 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting “Hour of Power” Full menu and specials Dine In 933 N. Railroad St., Eagle River Pastors Dave & Jon Johnson Full bar and game room or Carry Out 715-477-1155 Second & Division St., Eagle River 715-479-4986 & 715-479-4759

622 E. Wall St. We thank those who served, Eagle River, Wis. Right next to our veterans and active military We Salute Nelson’s Ace Hardware the veterans and active-duty O’Brien’s Spirits, Etc. military who keep America OUR REGULAR PRICES ARE OTHERS’ SPECIALS the land of the free and O’Brien’s Pub — FULL BAR, OPEN 7 DAYS home of the brave. (715) 479-6631 E. Wall St., Eagle River, Wis. (715) 479-2999 Thank You TO ALL THE TROOPS & FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT The Fountain Blu • Complete Auto Service Distinctive Gifts for All Occasions 5255 Transmission Alley, Eagle River, WI 54521 • Automatic Transmissions 715-479-4020 715-477-0909 • Towing & Recovery Downtown Eagle River 715-479-6312 WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 21 Program offers diplomas to vets who left high school

The state of Wisconsin has a program cording to retired U.S. Navy Capt. Terry under Statute 120.13(37) to provide high McCloskey, a member of the Three Lakes school diplomas to veterans who left high School Board. school for wartime military service. “Anyone who qualifies and would like to The Northland Pines, Three Lakes and be included as part of the next graduating Rhinelander school districts are looking for class of either the Northland Pines, Rhine - area veterans, age 65 or older, who left a lander or the Three Lakes school districts Wisconsin high school to enter the service, may contact the applicable school district were honorably discharged and currently office that they live in,” said McCloskey. live in either the Northland Pines, Rhine- land er or Three Lakes school districts. This law also applies to anyone who has The law also applies to those older than a general equivalency diploma, meets the 55 with a service-connected disability and other requirements and wishes to join their who also satisfy the above conditions, ac- respective area graduations. Veterans Assistance Fair set June 2 in Iron Mountain

The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and North- The Dickinson County Veteran Affairs ern Wisconsin Veterans Assistance Fair will Committee is partnering with the Upper be held Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to Peninsula Veterans Community Action 3:30 p.m. (central time) at the Bay College Team, Michigan State University Exten- West campus in Iron Mountain, Mich. sion, Dickinson Area Community Founda- All veterans, service members and their tion, Veterans Alliance of Dickinson County families from across the U.P. and northern Area, and numerous other service providers Wisconsin are invited to participate in the and local businesses across the Upper free fair, but registration is required. Peninsula and northern Wisconsin to plan The Veterans Assistance Fair will in- the fair. clude informational presentations and Refreshments and food will be available. breakout sessions about veterans benefits There is no cost for the event. and services, environmental exposures and related health conditions, and numerous Veterans and service members are other topics. There will also be a variety of asked to register by May 25 online at service providers on site to assist veterans events.anr.msu.edu/vetfair/ or by calling and family members. Mary Ellen Pond at (906) 387-2530.

Flags, a brick patio area, a commemorative rock and a few remaining large pine trees are the focal points of the Plum Lake veterans memorial in Sayner. —Photo By Wally Geist Disabled American Veterans ther and other relatives in the Roll of Honor. She felt updating the wall is great Plum Lake and that it needed to be refreshed. Van Routes FROM PAGE 17 Plum Lake Town Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Brooker explained that the board Reservation line (715) 369-6227 is dedicated to Plum Lake residents, say- of the same veterans whose photos are ing each veteran pictured there is an indi- displayed on the Roll of Honor wall. vidual who has roots in the community. MONDAYS & TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS The brick patio was also the club’s way Sharon’s father, Richard Brooker, has a of honoring those who served in the mili- picture in the display. • Rhinelander Trig’s Liquor, • Rhinelander Trig’s Liquor tary. A large rock in the patio area holds The Woman’s Club took on the project 6:30 a.m. (at the earliest) 6:30 a.m. (at the earliest) an aged plaque that reads “Planted 1945 of updating the wall by having the photos Dedicated to Members of the Armed Ser- re-framed this winter and club President • Lake Tomahawk Sloan Comm. Ctr. • Monico Marathon Gas Station vices.” Nancy Minx stated that the pictures will • Crandon Courthouse (front) When asked what the Roll of Honor be back on display by June. • Woodruff Corner Hwys. 47 & 51 • Laona Fire Station (back) means to the community, club member Minx said the ease of adding pictures • Arbor Vitae The Store (Hwys. 51 & 70) Janice Dewitt said she felt it was an to the display and to honor additional vet- • Cavour Corner Hwys. 8 & 139 honor for her father, Walter Freestone. erans were the main reasons for the club • St. Germain Krist Gas Station His photo is on the board. Dewitt said it expanding and updating the display. • Armstrong Creek Maplewood Villa, means a lot to her because her father Many visitors say it truly is an amaz- • Eagle River VFW, Hwy. 70 West Hwy. 101 served in World War II and was injured on ing tribute that has taken years to de- Beach, Italy. velop and maintain, and is a true • Iron Mountain VAMC • Iron Mountain VAMC Another club member, Alice Gross veterans Roll of Honor for the community Kreuz, has photos of her two brothers, fa- of Plum Lake. PAGE 22 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 Vilas County Veterans Remember the fallen NAMES OF THE FALLEN this Memorial Day CIVIL WAR WORLD WAR II (Cont’d) Samuel Odell Chancy A. Rogers ______Clayton O. McLain BY MICHAEL BISZAK WORLD WAR I Harold E. Evenson SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-REVIEW Lyman E. Barnes Norman E. Wegner ______Emil H. Gherke Joe Skye Each year, we observe Memorial Day to Olaf Thompson Edward B. Kalous honor the brave men and women who gave John S. Chicog William E. Jolly the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, in service Joe Grazis Lyle W. Hawks to this great nation. Frederick J. Walsh Joseph C. Trinka On Monday May 28, Americans will Willow Trapp Herbert H. Walbruck honor our fallen heroes for the 155th time. Albert C. Goranson Martin L. Bloom As a day of remembrance, it is only fitting George Micholowski Joseph C. Rowinsky that we pause, reflect and honor those who Nilo J. Albertson have laid down their lives so that we may en- WORLD WAR II Norman C. Schlarp joy our current freedoms. Edward A. Weber Robert F. Sayner This year will be like so many before. The William C. Ament KOREAN WAR parades, ceremonies and cookouts will be the Ervin Matteck Roland W. Kubinek main events of the day, but do not forget to Earl M. Esque Charles W. Newberry remember those who died for our country. Arnold E. Simon Carlton C. Valliere This Memorial Day, Deb Eicher, deputy Robert E. Brooker Vilas County veterans service officer, and I William A. Manbeck VIETNAM WAR will read 57 names of the Vilas County veter- Heino F. Busch Jr. Paul S. Gee ans who were killed in action. These names William L. Neumann James H. Page are etched on the monument that stands be- Careld J. Blackburn Chester A. Myers Jr. fore the Vilas County Courthouse. William J. Wepfer Larry S. Jensen I have never met any of these soldiers, but MICHAEL BISZAK Harry E. Karwoski John A. Mietus I will honor and remember them, their fam- William H. Weber Sheldon J. Burnett of our fallen. ilies and their service to this country. Reynold Soquist I hope that you, your family and friends Michael Biszak, U.S. Marine Corps, Ret., Cecil S. Snow PANAMA will join me on Memorial Day at the Vilas is the Vilas County veterans service officer. He Louis R. Hall John M. Price County Courthouse at 1100 in remembrance can be reached at (715) 479-3629. George E. Strong Walter R. Hermanson WAR ON TERRORISM Edward A. Croker Tyler Kritz Proud Supporter of Those Who Serve Our Country! H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H “An Attitude of Excellence” 633 N. Railroad Street in Eagle River 715-479-4491 All veterans are World Champions or at 121 Sutliff Avenue Rhinelander T hank you all! 715-365-4800 Serving Vilas, Oneida, Florence, Forest, Lincoln, Federally DERBY RACETRACK Langlade & Price Counties www.ripco.org Insured by NCUA

We thank our veterans & We’re Honored to Salute servicemen and -women for keeping America free! our Veterans and the Military Cabinets & FIND WHAT YOU NEED AT countertops EAGLE RIVER for every room. CABINETS, Visa, MasterCard & Discover “Building relationships are considered cash. one cabinet at a time” INC. www.EagleRiverCabinets.com Hwy. 45 N., Eagle River 715-479-6408 www.lampertyards.com • 5234 Hwy. 70 West, Eagle River, WI 54521 • 1419 Lincoln St., Rhinelander, WI 54501 WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS MILITARY SALUTE PAGE 23 SALES SERVICE RENTAL FFrreeeeddoomm IIssnn’’tt FFrreeee Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. Thank you to all the men and women who give their service to keep our homeland free.

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW SERVING THE NORTH FOR MORE THAN 133 YEARS www.tracksideinc.com P.O. Box 1929, Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 479-4421 • Fax: (715) 479-6242 1651 Hwy. 45 North, Eagle River, Wis. (715) 479-2200 Email: [email protected] www.vcnewsreview.com

We proudly salute our veterans & military Thank you for your service

OIL, COMMERCIAL FUEL & Hicks Fuel & Oil AND LUBRICANTS RESIDENTIAL H H H H H We’re Ready to Keep You Moving H HWY. 17 N, EAGLE RIVER 715-479-8191 H www.hicksfuel.com H PAGE 24 MILITARY SALUTE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018