Hortonville Legion commemorates Veterans Day

Ray Boland, retired, U.S. Army colonel and past secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, was the guest speaker at Hortonville American Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of American Legion Veterans Day dinner held at the Hortonville Grand View Golf Course on Nov. 9.

Boland served two tours in Vietnam as well as serving in Germany during his 30-year career.

He served as a Huey and Cobra helicopter pilot and was a member of the Red Arrow 32nd Brigade.

His service also included Commandant at Fort McCoy.

Boland recently published his memoirs in a book titled “When the Bugle Calls.” Boland resides in the Sparta area. He autographed copies of his book and shared some of his military experiences at the dinner.

Evening highlights

Taking a moment out for humorous recognition, Post 55 Commander Bob Ziegert and Honor Guard Commandant Chuck Mompier recognized Legion member LeRoy Groeschel’s love of ice cream at all Legion events with an ice cream dessert.

William Fischer was recognized for 50 years of consecutive membership in American Legion Post 55. Ziegert presented William a plaque in honor of his achievement.

Legion Sgt of Arms, Jim Jentz was recognized for his outstanding giving of over 13 gallons of blood to area hospitals and to his community.

Special recognition was given to Rick Pankow, who while not a veteran himself, has given many years of dedication and support to the Hortonville Community, primarily through the Legion baseball programs here in Wisconsin.

Pankow worked to establish the American Legion baseball program in Hortonville and he is a big supporter of Legion Post 55 and its associations.

One of the guests, Junel Korth, is a teacher at Mount Olive in Appleton, a school the Legion visits as part of veterans events.

Korth brought hand-crafted flags that students at Mount Olive created, and wanted to give to the veterans in thanks for their service and sacrifices.

There was also a Hero Box sponsored by many area businesses for each veteran to take home.

More than 80 persons attended and enjoyed a meal catered by Kelsey’s Country Kitche, American Legion Unit 55 Auxiliary baked desserts.

American Legion Post 55 visited Bethlehem school on Nov. 8 and after presenting colors witnessed a patriotic musical salute.

Legion Finance Officer Tom McNichols spoke at Bethlehem about his service time, and shared his Old Glory Honor Flight experience to Washington D.C.

The Legion attended services in Greenville and Hortonville schools and churches on both Monday and Tuesday this past week.

American Legion Post 55 meets the second Monday of each month. For more information on upcoming events go to https://hortonvillelegion.org/.