Wisconsin VFW 100th Anniversary Convention

 We had a long but uneventful drive to Green Bay, Wisconsin to attend the 100^th Convention and celebration.  The Tundra lodge is within view of Lambeau Field so I had to swear allegiance to the Packers in order to stay at the convention!  And what a convention it was…we started bright and early Wednesday morning and didn’t stop until late Saturday evening.  In between, the VFW certainly put on a great convention.  Also, the Tundra Lodge lives up to its name…there were so many animals hanging on the walls and in full mounts all over the walkways.  It was an amazing sight!

One of the most poignant moments was the honoring of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America.  The Wisconsin Governor proclaimed May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day across the state and the Wisconsin VFW presented the Veterans Association with a beautiful crystal plaque.  Several of the Lao Veterans talked about their service during the “Secret War” in Vietnam, including their captivity by North Vietnamese forces.  Wisconsin members of the VFW who fought alongside these Lao veterans recalled their service and several noted that they would not be with us today but for the courage and bravery of the Lao veterans.  It was a truly solemn event, one that I’m glad to say I witnessed.  These Lao veterans, many of them of advanced years, were so honored to be recognized for what they did so many years ago.

I was amazed at how many first time VFW members were in attendance.  At one point, all of them stood up and they easily comprised 50% to 60% of the entire audience.  Who says the VFW is just a bunch of old men?  Wisconsin will prove you wrong.  Additionally, six of the 11 incoming District commanders are first timers and the new State Commander is also a current conflict veteran.  We’re going to hear a lot more from Wisconsin in the years to come!

Members of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America

Young and enthusiastic members of Green Bay Post 2307.  They garnered a lot of community service awards and were also declared an All State Post.  Far right is Commander Ken Corry.  This man always had a smile on his face and jumped in to help anyone who needed it the entire time.  Outstanding!

The new leadership of Wisconsin:  Senior Vice Michele, Junior Vice Ron, and Commander Cory.  What a great crew!

Commander Jason presenting a handicap-capable van to a very grateful double amputee.  The very new van belonged to a long time VFW member. After his recent passing, his wife wanted a deserving person to have it.  

As always, the Wisconsin Honor Guard is the absolute best at what they do!

Thanks to the Denmark Post, Mama got a lot of treats in her own personalized cheese round container

This goat fascinated Mama.  She had to stop and sniff every time we walked by

She did seem a bit sedate when she was next to this lion!  There was no Mama Smack Down in sight!

Just because

When you're in Green Bay, you wear a cheesehead hat...even if you are wearing a tuxedo at a banquet!