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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

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The 1st District of the Wisconsin American Legion is comprised of 45 posts from five counties in southeastern Wisconsin. Every year since 1983, the 1st District Legionnaires, along with all other veterans and civilians, have rendered respect for those who may still be serving this country as a POW or are classified as Missing in Action. This tribute takes the form of a Silent March.
            The Silent March is best described as a quiet, solemn procession. The participants walk in unison with reverent silence and the only sound to be heard is a lone drumbeat. It is not a parade with marching bands, sirens and a great deal of fanfare. All veterans and the general public are invited to participate. The distance traveled is usually up to one mile.
            The march concludes with a ceremony that includes guest speakers, a presentation of the POW/MIA table ceremony, and a reading of the names of Wisconsin veterans who are still MIA from Vietnam. Each name is accompanied by the toll of a bell and the release of a black balloon. A balloon is also released for MIAs from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War and the Gulf War. It is usually a very moving observance and an appropriate manner in which to show our respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in captivity and for those missing in action whose fate is still undetermined.
            Attendance at the March has been growing ever since Congress established the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The 1st District Silent March takes place on the next day and is hosted each time by a different Legion post within the 1st District. This year’s march marks 40 years of remembrance and will be hosted by Twin Lakes Post 544. It’s an event that is the highlight of the year for the district. Other districts in the state as well as around the country are always encouraged to host their own marches. We shall never forget and we must push for a full accounting of all our servicemen and women.

Download the Posters / Invitation…

POW-MIA-SILENT-MARCH-INVITATION-SIGNEDDownload
POWMIA-Poster-8.5-x-11-Mission-BBqDownload
PW-MIA-Letter-Black-Mission-BBQDownload

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If you have never been to an American Legion Oratorical Contest, you might consider attending. The dedication the young contestants show is very impressive, and their talks are always worth a listen. Please join us at:

Mukwonago Post 375
627 E. Veterans Way
Mukwonago, WI 53149

Doors open at 12:30 — Program beginning at 1:00

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On December 23rd Post 522 will be host a Tom & Jerry Party at David Leet Post 522, Village of Somers. Bring a friend and celebrate the holidays!

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Good Afternoon,

I just wanted to let you know that the sponsorship packets for Badger Boys State were mailed out today!

The 80th session of Badger Boys State will be held June 11-17, 2023 at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The cost of sponsorship for the 2023 session will be $400 per delegate. Your generous donation ensures that we can welcome citizens to our program at no cost to them.

Attached is an electronic copy of the sponsorship materials. If you know of anyone who might be interested in sponsoring a student to Badger Boys State please feel free to share this information with them. We always have students in need of a sponsor.

If you have any questions or need a sponsorship packet mailed to someone who did not receive one please contact Sheri Hicks at Legion HQ at (608) 745-1090.

Your sponsorship and support of Badger Boys State are greatly appreciated.

Bill Cosh

Director
Badger Boys State
(608) 770-1282
billcosh@hotmail.com

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If a Post Officer is able to mark a Member deceased in MyLegion.org, it is not necessary to notify HQ via paper or email of the status.  A bi-monthly report of the recently updated status will automatically notify HQ that the Member is deceased and will appear in a report run for the “Last Bugle” publication in the Badger Legionnaire.

An email or paper copy of the Member Data Form or “Last Bugle” notification form is only necessary if the Post Officers are unable to use MyLegion.org to complete the updates.  If the Member Data Form is used, please only use one-ply of the form (save the other 3-plys for other notifications).  HQ no longer needs multiple copies.

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The Headquarters Building will be CLOSED  from 9/26/2022-10/7/2022 for renovation.  HQ and ALA Staff will be available by phone, voice mail and/or email.  However, if you need anything, please let us know as soon as possible as our capabilities will be limited due to lack of access to files and supplies during the renovation.