ICYMI: "War on women" also hits returning military, Wis vet says

Military veterans are the big losers in the rollback of a Wisconsin law that had allowed women, minorities and other protected groups to sue in state court over employment discrimination, say leaders of a statewide veterans group. Read the Wisconsin State Journal article here.

Wisconsin Dryhootch found honored at White House

Dryhootch founder Bob Curry will be honored at the White House tomorrow at 11 a.m. CT.

The grand opening of Dryhootch Madison at the Veterans Welcome Resource Center, 8025 Excelsior Drive,  took place last week..

From the White House:

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, May 24^th, the White House Office of Public Engagement will honor Robert Curry as one of eleven individuals within the veterans’ community, especially those who served in Vietnam, who are Champions of Change.  These individuals have shown continued support for efforts to end veterans’ homelessness, boost veterans’ employment, treat problems with substance abuse, and develop treatment programs for those dealing with PTSD.

“Today’s Vietnam Veteran Champions of Change represent some of the best of their generation – those who served with dedication and courage.  These American patriots continue to serve in their communities today, improving the lives of their fellow veterans and military families,” said Rosye Cloud, the White House Director of Veterans, Wounded Warrior and Military Family Policy.  “As we mark the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War, we are reminded of their unwavering commitment to their country yesterday, today and tomorrow.” 

The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live at 12:00 pm ET on May 24^th.

Robert Curry is a combat veteran of Vietnam and Laos. In an effort to help our newest generation of soldiers transition as they returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, he founded Dryhootch.org, which has grown rapidly in locations and services and helped an increasing number of veterans and their families.

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Lighting the way for Spc. Ben Neal

Spc. Ben Neal of Orfordville, Wis, was killed in action last week. 

A "Lighting the way to bring Ben home" movement has begun on Facebook.

Ag mission changes for Wisconsin guard in Afghanistan

The mission has changed for a Wisconsin National Guard team that arrived in Afghanistan in early April to work on improving agriculture.
The team's security contingent will be reassigned because the team's agriculture specialists will be merged with a larger Army unit, the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team, which has its own protective force, said Madison-based spokeswoman Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie.
Read the Wisconsin State Journal article here.

Oshkosh Guard units switches gears, heads for Afghan war

From the Wisconsin National Guard:

The Oshkosh-based 1157th Transportation Company of the Wisconsin Army National Guard has completed its mobilization training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and is eager to hit the road - even if that road is somewhere in Afghanistan, where the unit arrived early this morning (April 17).
"They're more than ready," 1st Sgt. Tom Krueck said last week at Camp Shelby. "They're excited - they want to get out of here and do what they're supposed to be doing."
Initially tasked with transportation and base security missions in Kuwait, the unit was reassigned to conduct convoy security missions in Afghanistan. The change in mission also meant a change in vehicles and tactics from what the unit typically trains for.
Read the Wisconsin National Guard press release

Photo: Soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1157th Transportation Company practice first aid and combat lifesaver skills in realistic conditions March 5 at Camp Shelby, Miss. The 1157th has completed its mobilization training and will conduct convoy escort missions in Afghanistan. 1157th Transportation Company photo

4 to be inducted in Wisconsin National Guard Hall of Fame

From the Wisconsin National Guard:

Four outstanding former Guard Soldiers have been chosen to enter the prestigious Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor.
A special committee of current and past Guard Soldiers selected retired Brig. Gen. Kerry Denson of Lake Mills, Wis., retired Brig. Gen. James Krueck of McFarland, Wis., retired Col. Timothy Pfrang of Sussex, Wis., and retired Col. David Schumacher of Onalaska, Wis., to receive one of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's highest honors for exceptional achievement and devotion to duty.
They join the ranks of 46 individuals previously inducted into the Hall of Honor.
Denson was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1965, earning the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, 35 Air Medals and the Purple Heart during two tours in Vietnam as a UH-1 combat pilot. He joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard after completing his active duty service, and served in a variety of command and staff assignments. He commanded the 147th Attack Helicopter Battalion, served as director of aviation for the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and served the final nine years of his career as commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Denson's military career spanned 40 years and 10 months.
Krueck enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1966. He reached the rank of staff sergeant before being appointed as a warrant officer in 1975. He completed Officer Candidate School in 1976 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of armor in 1978. He held a variety of command and staff assignments in the 32nd Infantry Brigade headquarters; 1st Battalion, 632nd Armor; 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery; 13th Evacuation Hospital; and the 64th Troop Command before becoming deputy director of personnel and administration for the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1994. Krueck then served as director of personnel and administration, director of human resources, director of logistics, and chief of staff at State Headquarters. He commanded the 32nd Infantry Brigade for six years beginning in October 2000. He was promoted to brigadier general in 2004. He deployed to Kuwait as commander of the 32nd Separate Infantry Brigade (Light) and deputy commander of the 377th Theater Support Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He commanded the Wisconsin Army National Guard from November 2006 until his retirement in February 2008. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and two Meritorious Service Medals.
Pfrang enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1971, and enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1974. He received his commission in 1977 and, after graduating Infantry Officer Basic Course in 1978, was assigned as a platoon leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry. He held a variety of staff and command assignments at the battalion and brigade level until assuming command of the 132nd Support Battalion in July 1996. He was assigned as the Wisconsin Army National Guard mobilization readiness officer in October 1998, the operations and training officer in late 2000 and the director of plans and operations in 2002. He was promoted to colonel in October 2002.His military awards include the Legion of Merit and two Meritorious Service Medals.
Schumacher joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in June 1967 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1969. As training officer for the 426th Engineer Battalion he developed professional development programs for junior officers and was rated the top field grade officer in the 264th Engineer Group. During his time as commander, the 426th Engineer Battalion earned the Eisenhower Trophy and Superior Unit Award, oversaw the mobilization of the 229th Engineer Company and deployed to Panama in 1992 in support of Fortes Caminos. During this time Schumacher also served on the Fort McCoy Facility Review Committee, which eventually led to relocating the Wisconsin Military Academy from Camp Williams to Fort McCoy in 1995. He commanded the Wisconsin Military Academy and the 426th Regiment from 1992 until his retirement in 1997, and led the academy through a period of significant growth and transition. Throughout his career Schumacher was regarded as among the best officers of his rank, and his military awards include the Legion of Merit and two Meritorious Service Medals.
A public induction ceremony will be held May 5 at 10 a.m. in Witmer Hall, Joint Force Headquarters in Madison.