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1st District Commander, Thomas J Visintainer SR‘s Welcome Letter

Looking Ahead: Serving the First District for the Next Two Years

As I begin my term as District Commander, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead over the next two years. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve the members of the First District, and I look forward to working together to strengthen our programs, support our veterans, and continue making a positive impact in our communities.

I am especially looking forward to working alongside First District Auxiliary President Sherri Curzi, First District Sons of The American Legion Commander Tim Penkert, and First District American Legion Riders Director Tim Flury. By working together as one Legion Family, we can accomplish great things and continue building upon the strong foundation established by those who came before us.

As we move forward, my motto will be simple:

“Get Out, Get Seen”

I encourage every post, unit, squadron, and chapter to be active in their communities. Attend local events, support veterans and their families, participate in community programs, and let people see the great work that The American Legion Family does every day. Visibility creates awareness, awareness creates support, and support helps us fulfill our mission of service to veterans, military members, their families, and our communities.

I also encourage everyone to take advantage of our district website for updates, resources, event information, and important announcements. The website serves as a valuable communication tool to help keep our members informed and connected throughout the district.

As we begin this new chapter, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Art Burns and Jon Lyons for stepping forward to serve as District Service Officer and Sergeant-at-Arms. Their willingness to answer the call to serve is greatly appreciated and will help ensure the continued success of our district.

At the same time, we remember and honor Richard Strehlow and Ronnie Dulin, whose dedication, service, and commitment to the First District will not be forgotten. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on our organization, and we are grateful for all they gave to The American Legion.

I am excited about what we can accomplish together over the next two years. With teamwork, dedication, and a commitment to my motto of “Get Out, Get Seen,” I am confident that the First District will continue to grow stronger and remain a visible force for good throughout our communities.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to serving alongside each of you.

For God and Country,

Thomas J Visintainer SR
First District Commander

Wisconsin American Legion

1st District ALA President, Sherri Curzi

1st District SAL Commander, Tim Penkert

1st District American Legion Riders Director, Tim Flury

Hello 1st District !
It’s fast approaching time for our annual POW/MIA Silent March on September 20.  Please note the March, for this year only, is on a SUNDAY. The host this year is Post 310, Racine.  The location is Veterans Center, 820 Main Street, Racine.  The March will step off at Noon.
 National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually on the third Friday in September to honor American service members who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who remain missing in action (MIA).  Its primary purpose is to ensure the nation remembers its responsibility to account for the more than 80,000 Americans still unaccounted for from past conflicts and to reaffirm the commitment to bringing them home.  The 1st District has been hosting this event for 35+ years so please let your members know.  An info-graphic is attached.

March info:
 The March is roughly five city blocks from Vets Center to Memorial Hall. Traveling POW-MIA display from War Memorial will be set up there. Ceremonies estimate starting at 1:15. After the ceremonies at Memorial Hall BBQ sliders provided for free or donation. T Shirts and Post 310 Challenge coins will be on sale at both locations.

 This year, an SOS Breakfast (pricing below) will be served from 8am to noon at the Foxhole Lounge restaurant that is in the Veterans Center. Vets and the general public can register for the march there as we muster outside the building on Main St. around 11:30.

Foxhole Lounge – SOS Breakfast Menu
        Full Order – $13.00   2 pieces toast, 2 eggs, choice of meat and potato
        Half Order – $7.00    1 piece toast, 1 egg, choice of meat and potato
        Egg Plate – $10.00    2 eggs your choice, toast, meat and potato

Please contact myself or John Capriotti(jmcapriotti@yahoo.com) Commander Post 310 if you have any questions.

See you there !

— 
Bob Miller
1st District Adjutant
Post 24 Commander, Lake Geneva
USAF Retired 1978-1999, E7

To all my friends, golfers, and true patriots. I am asking for your help and support. Carolyn and Bill Garbers are hosting our annual Golf Outing to raise money and awareness for our Severely Wounded Warriors. They are both members of our chapter the Southern Wi. All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd. Airborne Division. They are not getting paid to do this. They are just good patriots volunteering to help these heroes. All the members in our chapter are volunteers, and all the money raised at our fundraisers goes to help our Wounded Warriors. As we continue to have boots on the ground all over the world we will continue to have casualties and injured troops. You can help us by getting a team together and coming out to golf or you can make a donation by calling Carolyn Garbers at 262-945-2983 or donate a gift basket or sponsor a hole. Anything will help, these heroes protected us, now let’s help them. Below is the info for the Golf Outing.

Golf Outing for Wounded Warriors at Bristol Oaks Wi.
Friday September 11, 2026 10:30 am registration
Tee Off at Noon
We will be honoring USMC SGT. Gabriel Martinez
$135.00 per Golfer includes golf, lunch & dinner.
Any questions please call Carolyn or Bill at 262-945-2983
Or Dan Boring at 262-358-3460

THANK YOU ! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Thomas J Visintainer SR
AKA, Woody

It is with sad heart that we report the passing of Richard Strehlow on July 4, 2026. He dedicated years to supplying our members with information on Veteran services as the 1st District Service Officer. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Women Veterans Day is observed on June 12 in the United States, a date chosen to mark the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. The date is not recognized nationally, but is recognized by a number of states, either through legislation or proclamation, and organizations. The stated goal of Women Veterans Day varies somewhat by state, but can generally be acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognize the unique challenges that they have faced.[

The 2026 POW/MIA Silent March, Hosted by Harvey Hansen Post 310, will be on Sunday Sept. 20th, 2026.

  • This year’s route is from Veterans Center at 820 Main St. to Memorial Hall.
  • Parade groups muster at 1100–start time is 1200.
  • Speakers at Memorial Hall 1300.

Foxhole Lounge at Veterans Center will be doing SOS Breakfast starting at 9am. various Breakfast specials will be offered.

The Posts Spirit/Boys of ’76 Float and the Iwo Jima Float are confirmed along with Legion Riders!

Commander Capriotti looking for additional  Color and Honor Guard or other Veteran group participants for Parade.

Contact; jmcapriotti@yahoo.com 414 331-4757.