Milwaukee Armed Forces Week
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NEWS

U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Christopher  Kolenda to honor fallen heroes with Kick-Off-100 Benefit, Auction and Fundraiser starting on memorial day

5/1/2022

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The Fallen Hero Honor Ride honors the six paratroopers from Chris Kolenda's military unit who were killed in action in Afghanistan and raises funds for the Saber Six Foundation.

The Foundation helps our unit's veterans, families, and descendants achieve their dreams, and supports a Rotary Club of Milwaukee scholarship endowment for disadvantaged youth who aspire to public service.

We will kick off this historic endeavor on Memorial Day in Milwaukee with Chris bicycling 100-miles to honor the memories of his unit's six Fallen Heroes, raise funds for the Foundation, and prepare for the 1700-mile Fallen Hero Honor Ride.

DATE: Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2022

LOCATION: War Memorial Center, 750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202 

TIME: 6:00PM - 8:00PM  

$125 general admission. The ticket includes a BBQ meal plus wine and beer.

$250 VIP. You also get a signed copy of Chris's book, Leadership: The Warrior's Art, and access to three live leadership seminars.

$2500 VIP TABLE: You name the table personal or corporate, 10 VIP tickets to the event, signed copies of Chris' book, Leadership; The Warrior's Art, access to three live leadership seminars, two bottles of wine on the table, and preferred seating

Use the code VET to receive the 10% discount at checkout for tickets to the event.

Your tickets and auction purchases may be tax-deductible. The Chris Kolenda Saber Six Foundation is a Wisconsin-based 501c3 public charity, EIN 87-2010682.

For more information, visit ​https://event.auctria.com/a7684488-eba8-4164-90c5-bff48726ea48/.


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three Wisconsin Businesses recognized with high honors by U.S. dept. of Defense

8/4/2021

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 For the first time, three Wisconsin businesses are among the recipients of the 2021 Department of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The following is a news release from the DoD detailing honors for Associated Bank in Green Bay; INNIO Waukesha Gas Engines in Waukesha; and  the Village of Pewaukee Police Department.
 
WASHINGTON ­– The Department of Defense is pleased to announce the 15 recipients of the 2021 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees.
 
The recipients include small and large private and public sector employers nominated by a National Guard or Reserve Component employee employed in their organization. Celebrating its 25th year, the Freedom Award began in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional employer support, with 310 honorees to date.
 
“I am proud to salute the outstanding employers who have earned the distinction of being named Freedom Award recipients as we mark the 25th year of this highly coveted recognition,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III.  “The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve make significant contributions to our communities and our national security through their civilian and military careers.  We owe a debt of gratitude to these exemplary employers, who by valuing and supporting their employees’ military service, enhance the strength, readiness, and diversity of our National Guard and Reserve forces.”
 
ESGR received 3,382 nominations for this prestigious award for employers throughout the 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and District of Columbia.  The recipients distinguished themselves by going far beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA, to support their National Guard and Reserve employees.  Many offered enhanced pay and benefit packages; flexible scheduling and generous leave policies; and pre- and post- deployment support.  In addition, they implemented robust training to equip human resource professionals and managers to support their organization’s military serving employees; stayed connected to deployed employees by sending care packages; and took care of their employees’ families during deployments by assisting with household repairs, including them in company functions, or providing financial assistance.
 
The 2021 Freedom Award recipients will be recognized in local ceremonies by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chairs.

                    The 2021 SecDef Employer Support Freedom Award Recipients                      

Associated Bank
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Army Reserve, Wisconsin


Boyer Commercial Construction, Inc.
Columbia, South Carolina
Marine Corps Reserve, South Carolina

Cameron Glass, Inc.
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Army National Guard, Oklahoma

Grand Strand Medical Center – HCA Healthcare
Nashville, Tennessee
Army Reserve, Florida 

INNIO Waukesha Gas Engines
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Coast Guard Reserve, Wisconsin


J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
Lowell, Arkansas
Air National Guard, Arkansas
Army National Guard, Arkansas

Loftin Equipment Company
Phoenix, Arizona
Air National Guard, Arizona

Marcus Construction
Wilmar, Minnesota
Army National Guard, Minnesota

Medtronic
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Army Reserve, Minnesota

Nogales Police Department
Nogales, Arizona
Army National Guard, Arizona

Phillips 66
Houston, Texas
Coast Guard Reserve, Texas

Prudential Financial
Newark, New Jersey
Army Reserve, New Jersey

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
College Station, Texas
Army National Guard, Texas

Village of Pewaukee Police Department
Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Army National Guard, Wisconsin


Yankton School District
Yankton, South Dakota
Army National Guard, South Dakota

For more information about the Freedom Award, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, a program of the Defense Personnel and Family Support Office, visit www.ESGR.mil.
 
About ESGR
 
ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.
 
 
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MAFW 2021  In the News

6/1/2021

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On behalf of the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee (MASC), we are grateful to the Milwaukee-area media outlets that covered our events during Milwaukee Armed Forces Week,  May 10-15, 2021. Our sincere thanks to CBS 58 News, CBS 58 Sunday Morning and Spectrum News 1 for providing tremendous stories on our award winners. Please take a moment to view the following links. 
 
  • CBS 58 Howard Hadley 2021 Lance Sijan Award Winner/Operation Boatlift, https://cbs58.com/news/waukesha-county-vietnam-veteran-recognized-for-his-service-in-operation-babylift
  • CBS 58 Millie Seefeld 2020 Lance Sijan Award Winner/WWII Army Nurse Battle of the Bulge, https://cbs58.com/news/former-us-army-nurse-mildred-millie-seefeld-receives-lance-p-sijan-award-for-service-during-world-war-two
  • CBS 58 MAFW Golf Outing, https://www.cbs58.com/news/golf-tournament-in-muskego-raises-money-to-support-armed-forces-week
  • CBS 58 Support the Troops Ride, https://www.cbs58.com/news/milwaukee-armed-forces-week-wraps-up-with-support-the-troops-ride
  • Spectrum News Howard Hadley Feature, https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2021/05/14/-it-s-the-icing-on-the-cake---wisconsin-air-force-veteran-honored-with-award-on-armed-forces-day

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“Forward with healing” is focus of MAFW 2021

4/14/2021

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MILWAUKEE
– Milwaukee Armed Forces Week (MAFW), one of the largest U.S. community celebrations of the military each May, announces that events slated for May 10 – 15, 2021, will be in person or virtual, with some activities cancelled or postponed until the fall.
 
“This year, as we continue to work our way through the pandemic, we look ahead following a time of incredible challenges and despair,” says Tom Plantenberg, president of Milwaukee Armed Services Committee (MASC). “Restrictions remain in place for several of our indoor and outdoor events, the use of military equipment and the involvement of military personnel, so the consensus is that we alter our activities this year.”
 
As of now, the following MAFW events are as planned:
  • Rotary Club of Milwaukee, North Shore Luncheon – Monday, May 10, 2021 Speaker: TBD
  • Milwaukee Rotary Club Luncheon – Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Speaker: Colonel (Ret.,) Christopher Kolenda, U.S. Army and founder of Kolenda Strategic Leaders Academy
  • Milwaukee Kiwanis Club Luncheon – Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Speaker:
Lt.  Colonel Tim Guy, Commander - Logistics Readiness Squadron,128th Air Refueling Wing
  • Lance Sijan Award Ceremony and Luncheon – Thursday, May 13, 2021
  • Armed Forces Week Golf Tournament – Friday, May 14, 2021, Muskego Lakes Country Club
  • “Support the Troops Ride” and Memorial Ceremony – Saturday, May 15, 2021
  • Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) “Breakfast with the Boss” Monday, September 1, 2021 Speaker: DJuan Wilcher, U.S. Navy Reserve and Senior V-P of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Associated Bank
  • Civic Dinner Dance – Postponed until Fall 2021
  • Wisconsin Club Dinner – Cancelled until May 2022
  • Military Display at Harley-Davidson Museum – Cancelled until May 2022
 
The 2021 theme for Milwaukee Armed Forces Week reflects on moving “Forward with Healing.” The image of a lotus flower on this year’s coin illustrates the refusal to accept defeat. It represents the ability to come from a place of darkness and suffering on through to a place of light. Just as a lotus blossom emerges from muddy waters and unfolds in breathtaking beauty, people can rise up from adversity with universal accord.
 
“As a society, we are fractured,” adds Plantenberg. “There’s a deep longing to rescue and renew all persons through healing – both mentally and physically – and restore the dignity and respect necessary to bring everyone together.”
 
More details on Milwaukee Armed Forces Week events will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Look for updates on our website, www.milwaukeearmedforcesweek.org and on our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.

                                                                                     
About Milwaukee Armed Forces Week
The 2021 Milwaukee Armed Forces Week, scheduled for Monday, May 10 - Saturday, May 15, is a joint effort of the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, comprised of members of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard, as well as Milwaukee-area citizens and veterans. Its mission is to increase public understanding of the role of the military in a democratic society as well as honor and acknowledge the Milwaukee area people serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
For more information, please visit www.milwaukeearmedforcesweek.org  and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

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Speaker announced for Kiwanis Club Luncheon May 12, 2021

3/10/2021

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LIEUTENANT COLONEL TIMOTHY R. GUY 
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Lieutenant Colonel Timothy R. Guy is the Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander, 128th Air Refueling Wing, General Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Logistics Readiness Squadron to
include Distribution Management, Material Management, and Contingency Operations, as well as War Reserve Material petroleum requirements. He also serves as Assistant United States Property and Fiscal Officer, Property Air, and ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures for property accounting. Lt Col Guy attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and received his commission through ROTC in May 2004. He has previously served as the Deputy Commander, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Qatar Air Base, Deputy Commander 128th Maintenance Group, student at the Advanced Study of Air Mobility, through the Air Force Institute of Technology at the United States Expeditionary Center,
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Integration Branch Chief at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB, Maryland, Commander of the 128th Maintenance Squadron, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Director of Cyber Operations, Wisconsin Joint Force Headquarters, Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to his current position, Lt Col Guy was the Headquarters Chief of Staff, 128th Air Refueling Wing, General Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

EDUCATION
2004 Bachelor of Business Administration, Computer End-User Technologies, UW-Whitewater, Wis.
2005 Aerospace Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2008 Masters of Business Administration, Management, UW-Whitewater, Wis.
2009 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2013 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2016 Advanced Study of Air Mobility, USAF Expeditionary Center, JBMDL, N.J.
2016 Master of Science, Logistics, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
2018 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

ASSIGNMENTS
1. July 2004-February 2006, Project Engineer, 738 Engineering Installation Squadron, Keesler AFB Miss.
2. February 2006-July 2007, Officer In Charge Cable/Antenna Installation, 85 Engineering Installation Squadron, Keesler AFB, Miss.
3. July 2007-December 2009, Communications and Information Officer, 210 Engineering Installation Squadron, Minneapolis, Minn.
4. December 2009-December 2010, Communications Officer, Wisconsin Joint Force Headquarters, Madison, Wis.
5. December 2010-April 2012, Director of Cyber Operations, Wisconsin Joint Force Headquarters, Madison, Wis.
6. April 2012-August 2013, Commander, 128 Maintenance Squadron, Milwaukee, Wis.
7. August 2013-June 2014, Operational Execution Working Group Action Officer, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB, Md.
8. June 2014-May 2015, Integration Branch Chief, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB, Md.
9. May 2015-June2016, Student, Advanced Study of Air Mobility, UASF Expeditionary Center, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
10. June 2016-July 2017, Deputy Commander, 128 Maintenance Group, Milwaukee, Wis.
11. July 2017-January 2018, Headquarters Chief of Staff, 128 Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Wis.
12. January 2018-July 2018, Deputy Commander, 379 Maintenance Group, Al Udied AB, Qatar.
13, July 2018-September 2020, Headquarters Chief of Staff, 128 Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Wis.
14. September 2020-Present, Commander 128 Logistics Readiness Squadron, Milwaukee Wis.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with 'N' Device and oak leaf cluster
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 15, 2004
First Lieutenant June 15, 2006
Captain October 1, 2008
Major November 29, 2012
Lieutenant Colonel December 1, 2016

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Richard I. Bong Awards for 2020

10/14/2020

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Congratulations to Navy Hospital Corpsman, 2nd Class Benjamin Lamberty, Marine Lance Corporal Brett C. Hanley, Army Staff Sergeant Kevin Paske, and Coast Guard Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Casey Miller on their receiving the Richard I. Bong Award for 2020. They are among the individuals within the greater Milwaukee area honored for demonstrating outstanding traits of leadership and professionalism through their contributions to their military unit and to the community.
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Navy Hospital Corpsman, 2nd Class Benjamin Lamberty. He serves as Fox Company's Senior Corpsman. As such he provides medical coverage support for more than 150 Marines during training, and ensures the unit's overall health and medical readiness. Additionally he is responsible for the development of four junior Corpsman.
As the RESPAY Liaison and EDM Approver, Lamberty was responsible for ensuring junior Sailors were appropriately scheduled for Fox Company drill weekend and their pay was properly adjudicated following drill. He proactively tracked the NROWS completing for AT orders, which ensured Fox Company had adequate medical support during field training at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin.

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Marine Lance Corporal Brett C. Hanley - His entire time-in-service has been served with Company F, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 23d Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Milwaukee, WI. Throughout his time with Company F, LCpl Hanley has volunteered to perform at least ten color guard details and static weapons displays, conducted approximately thirty military funeral honors details, and dedicated countless hours assisting the Inspector-Instructor staff in its day-to-day operations.
In addition to serving as a Team Leader and Gunner within the company’s Assault Section, LCpl Hanley is a fully-trained officer candidate--making him the only enlisted Marine within the company to apply for, get selected, and graduate from Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, VA. With the knowledge and experience gained at OCS, he leads his assault team with tenacity and vigor when put in stressful
situations and does not give up.  He has volunteered in support of the annual Toys-for-Tots campaign for three consecutive years; serving thousands of children throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha County.
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SSG Kevin S. Paske is a civilian soldier and multi-time combat deployer. He has served in three different combat zones. While serving as the launcher chief in Syria, Paske led his crew away from their remote outpost into further hostile territory during a strategic level operation. While forward deployed, he and his crew fired numerous precision-guided rocket artillery missions in order to deter pro-Assad forces from attacking nearby friendly bases. 
In early April 2020, he was ordered into active duty by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to assist local polling stations and their election processes. According an unsolicited Letter of Appreciation sent from Mayor Martin T. Becker of the City of Port Washington on 4/10/2020, “the moment of his (SSG Paske’s) arrival at Port Washington City Hall, it was evident his level of professionalism, dedication, intelligence and commitment to his assignment. He served side by side with staff for two very long days, without wavering in his duties.” The appreciation from his local community only confirms what many already know, that Kevin Paske is a heroic American and patriot worthy of recognition.
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Coast Guard Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Casey Miller, pictured here with Captain Donald Montoro, Commander of Coast Guard Station Lake Michigan. Miller is a machine technician with the CGR.
Miller is a mentor and role model to his Junior Coast Guard members and has been recognized by his command for his role in keeping the operational tempo at peak level during the busiest boating season on the Great Lakes. He has integrated with both Active Duty and Reserve members for sustained operational support. His community involvement is outstanding. Miller coached Wrestling from 1998-2015. During that time, he started a volunteer kids club for wrestling that took place after hours to give them a chance to improve their skills while giving them mentoring skills for life. He served as the president of the Burlington Regional Coach's Association, promoting sportsmanship and positive conduct throughout the sport. He's also promoted the S.T.E.M. program to local high schools, giving examples of real-world innovation in use with the engineering field.

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former u.s. army nurse receives 2020 lance p. sijan award

8/5/2020

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Mildred “Millie” Seefeld, a U.S. Army nurse who served during World War II (February 1943 to October 1945) has been honored by the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee (MASC) with the 2020 Lance P. Sijan Award.

The award acknowledges a veteran who performed distinguished service while in one of the Armed Forces of the USA.  Such service does not require that the recipient received any special recognition previously from the military branch in which he/she was engaged.  Most recipients to date have served in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam and usually in a combat zone.

Mildred was born in Milwaukee, the daughter of a Lutheran pastor.  She received her nurses training at Milwaukee Hospital (later named Lutheran Hospital) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She worked in a hospital in Milwaukee for a short time before leaving for Madison where she and some of her classmates intended to apply for training in Physical Therapy.  When the war broke out, some of them entered the Army to serve as nurses.  Millie did further training in Walla Walla, Washington and then went on for additional Army training before being shipped overseas.
 
Millie was assigned to the 22nd General Hospital in Blandford, England (about 40 miles from London).  There were multiple buildings and barracks on this site where Millie was assigned to an orthopedic unit.  In this unit, soldiers with war wounds, including traumatic amputations, were sent for treatment.  She described the beds in the ward as ones with large frames above and around them where soldiers would have their arms or legs suspended during the recovery and healing process.
 
The operations tempo increased during the Battle of the Bulge and over one particular night more than 500 wounded soldiers arrived at the 22nd General Hospital in Blandford for treatment.  There were other soldiers from other battles who came there as well but Millie remembers the Bulge as the source of a lot of the wounded for whom she provided care.
 
The 22nd General Hospital was the site where wounded were sent from the Battle of the Bulge.  She stated that in a peak period they would receive as many as 500 patients in one 24-hour period.
 
Millie admits that seeing the horrible results of war and caring for the wounded day after day changed her perspective on war.  She describes war is horrible and nothing to be romanticized.  She was determined to teach her children to care about others so as to build a better world.
 
Her caring for the wounded lasted for nearly two years, not counting her preliminary training before going overseas.  Following her discharge as a 1st Lieutenant, Millie returned to Milwaukee where she resumed her work as a nurse.  Eventually, she went to work for one doctor as his office nurse.  She married and had children but resumed nursing activities when their children reached high school age.
 
Millie continued to work as a nurse until she retired at age 65.  She was always faithful in her church attendance and worship, and a model citizen who liked caring for others because she feels it is important to look for ways to be helpful.
 
Millie, who lives in Wauwatosa, is now 100 years old, but one would never know that from looking at her and speaking with her.  Meg Jones of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper has interviewed Millie for a book that she is writing. 
 
Millie truly brings credit to what is now called The Greatest Generation.
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2020 GARY WETZEL AWARDS

7/8/2020

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Milwaukee Armed Forces Week is proud to honor the following for 2020.

Major Marcus Carlstrom, USMC, Inspector Instructor, Fox Company – (left in uniform) recipient of the 2020 Gary Wetzel Active Service Award,  and Capt. Matthew Johnson, USMC, Marine Officer Instructor, (right in uniform), Marquette University, accepting the 2020 Gary Wetzel Active Service Award for Gunnery Sgt. Zachary E. Gay, USMC.

Dr. Tom Buck, (far left), Civilian Chair, Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, and Capt. Tom Plantenberg, (far right), USN (Retired), President of the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, presented the honors in late May.

The award is named after Gary Wetzel, who was a Private First Class serving as a door gunner in the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company when his helicopter was shot down and the survivors, including Wetzel, came under heavy enemy fire. Despite devastating injuries, Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the threat thereby protecting and saving the lives of his crew and others. Wetzel survived his wounds, although his left arm had to be amputated. He was subsequently promoted to Specialist Four and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. This award is presented Monday night at the Armed Forces Week Banquet to members of one of our armed services who have served with valor while currently on active duty.  The award may also be give to a person who has been retired for two or fewer years.  One posthumous award has been given.

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From left to right: Sgt. Cody Wallace, USMC,  Sheboygan, Wisconsin
First Sgt. Jorge Cedeno-Tulloch, USMC, Long Island, New York
Dr. Thomas M. Buck, Civilian Chair, Milwaukee Armed Services Committee
Major Marcus Carlstrom, USMC, Inspector Instructor, Fox Company – RECIPIENT OF THE 2020 GARY WETZEL ACTIVE SERVICE AWARD
Capt. Thomas M. Plantenberg, USN (Retired), President of the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee
​Capt. Matthew Johnson, USMC, Marine Officer Instructor, Marquette University 
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Armed Forces day - May 16th, 2020

5/16/2020

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Here is this year's message from the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, 

During his tenure as President, Harry S. Truman spearheaded an initiative to set aside one day for all Americans to show appreciation for the service and sacrifices of all who have served in our Nation's Armed Forces.  On 31 August 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson fulfilled President Truman's vision by creating Armed Forces Day, a holiday that we now observe on the third Saturday in May each year.

The men and women of our military voluntarily give themselves over to a larger cause, to a greater purpose.  Each of us in uniform took an oath to defend our Nation, its principles, and its residents against all who would do it harm - even if it means our own lives are lost in that defense.

Armed Forces Day affords us an opportunity to pause each year and pay tribute to those who put on the uniform of our country, who have borne many a hardship in the service of others, and who gladly defend the American way of life.  As each of you pause on Saturday, 16 May, recognize your fellow service member with heartfelt gratitude, camaraderie, and respect.  I thank every member of the United States Armed Forces for your professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice.

Semper Fidelis,
​
David H. Berger
General
U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps
General David Berger Bio
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Honoring our Currently Serving MIlitary - MAFW 2020                          U.S. Air Force

5/14/2020

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During Milwaukee Armed Forces Week May 11-16, 2020, we support our currently serving military.


Today, we honor U.S. Air Force Colonel Andrew T Wahl, 128th Operations Group Commander, 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, Milwaukee.
 
What has been your experience in recent weeks as a member of the military during COVID19?

“Serving in these unprecedented times has only strengthened my commitment to serve and command in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee.  While I never thought about having to serve and perform my duties during a world-wide pandemic, I am proud of my unit and teammates who are serving their communities in State Active Duty status with election day and COVID-19 testing collection support. At the same time, we are continuing to meet our federal mission requirements all over the world.

"This period of time reminds me that I follow in the footsteps of those who served honorably before me, ensuring our freedoms today.  I’m sure my grandfather, who fought on the Aleutian Islands and in Europe during World War II, had similar thoughts as I do today: Am I ready to meet this challenge? How long will this fight take? Will my family be okay? As I remember the stories he would tell me, especially how he would lay metal sections on the frozen ground to create a runway in the middle of nowhere, I am reminded that there is no real training that prepares a person to meet times like today. Instead, you rely on the training that you received and those who serve with you to overcome adversity and the unknown. It is that dedication to your fellow Airman, Soldier, Sailor, or Marine that makes serving in the military such a great opportunity for the next generation of young men and women."

Why do you serve and what does it mean to be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces?
 
"I believe that leadership starts with acknowledging our love and duty to God followed closely by love and duty to our family and country. Integrity will be born from this love and duty. This kind of integrity must be our starting point.

"My thoughts, efforts, and actions will focus on treating others as I would want to be treated. I will listen attentively, seeking understanding, and leverage the experience and talents of others fully. This will help guide our path toward service before self.

"I will always strive to do my best in all that I do and I expect others to do the same. I believe excellence in all we do is having the peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable.
 
"To my fellow countrymen – it is a pleasure to serve you."

​​Thank you, Colonel Wahl, for your dedication and service in our U.S. Armed Forces. 

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