Latest news with #FoxValleyVeteransCouncil
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Appleton's Memorial Day Parade connects generations in tribute
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The Appleton Memorial Day Parade transformed the streets of Northeast Wisconsin into a vibrant celebration of remembrance. This cherished tradition brought families together to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The parade kicked off with an energetic marching band, filling the air with music and patriotism. Among the attendees was the Parish family. Andrea Parish expressed excitement for her children saying, 'It's great to have them down here. We thought we'd bring them down and see what it's about.' This year's event held special significance for her, as she reflected on her stepfather's service and the legacy of sacrifice in her family. The lively atmosphere was complemented by the sounds of honking cars and wailing sirens. Ben Paton, another parade-goer, shared his appreciation for the day Green Bay's colonial past honored by Heritage Hill reenactment 'It's a beautiful day, a great parade,' he said. 'We love seeing all the bands and honoring the veterans as well.' The event culminated in a poignant Moment of Remembrance. Mayor Jake Woodford emphasized its importance, stating, 'It's a deeply meaningful ceremony and a great way to honor our veterans.' A local choir's rendition of 'God Bless America' further underscored the emotional weight of the occasion. The Fox Valley Veterans Council, Fast Signs, and Great Northern Corporation displayed banners honoring Outagamie County servicemen and women who lost their lives, allowing spectators to reflect on their sacrifices. Each year, the Appleton Memorial Day Parade draws hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators, creating a powerful atmosphere of gratitude and remembrance. As families gather to celebrate, the spirit of those who served continues to resonate, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Appleton Memorial Day ceremony pays tribute to Outagamie County Vietnam War veterans
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Dozens gathered Saturday outside the Old Outagamie County Courthouse to honor 62 local service members who died during the Vietnam War. Hosted by the Fox Valley Veterans Council, the annual Memorial Day ceremony included a solemn reading of names, placing carnations and flags, a rifle salute by the Hortonville American Legion Honor Guard, bagpipe music and the playing of Taps. Hometown Heroes Special: Local 5 tributes those who made ultimate sacrifice serving our nation Don Falk, a Vietnam veteran from the Village of Fox Crossing, said the event is deeply personal. 'I get misty eyes talking and thinking about it, you know? But to know these guys and go to Washington D.C. and see the wall where I know 13 guys — those guys are heroes,' Falk said. He added, 'I went to school with some of them. I did know some of those names.' Falk has attended the ceremony for years and said he'll keep returning as long as possible. Timothy Cody, president of the Fox Valley Veterans Council and a retired U.S. Army colonel, said honoring fallen veterans is one of the group's core missions. 'This Saturday, we focus on Vietnam,' Col. Cody said. 'We've got 62 service members who fell in that war.' Col. Cody reflected on the war's legacy and how many veterans came home unrecognized. 'The tragedy of that war, more than anything, is the service members who came home, while nobody appreciated them,' he said. 'They didn't get that support when it was needed.' To Col. Cody, the best way to honor their sacrifice is to live with purpose. Neenah honors late WWII veteran's craftsmanship with flag disposal box 'You be a good person, you be a good American citizen so that they have value for what they've given their life for,' he said. The Fox Valley Veterans Council plans to continue this annual tradition, encouraging the public to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Hometown Heroes: Chili for Tom fundraiser for Navy Veteran and Manitowoc Law Enforcement Patrol Officer
MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV)—United States Navy Veteran Tom Traurig served more than 20 years in law enforcement, and amid a medical crisis, he needs help getting back on his feet. It is unusual for a man who has served his country and community to ask for help, but when you learn about his story, you'll understand why. Hometown Heroes: Fox Valley Veterans Council Fundraiser 'When I was 12 or 13,' he recalled. 'I decided I wanted to be a police officer. I learned as I grew older that police departments like ex-military people.' Four days after graduating from high school, Traurig enlisted in the United States Navy. He set his sights on traveling the world and made it to his dream post in Japan as a Petty Officer, 2nd Class, at Yokosuka Port aboard the USS Oklahoma. 'I was a gunner's mate. I was on the last six inches 47 triple gun turret in the fleet.' In 1980, he returned to Wisconsin to pursue his original goal. He served as a Manitowoc Police Department patrolman for some 20 years before finishing his career as a county court officer. He was the last point of contact for men headed behind bars. 'One guy in particular that when I dropped him off, he shook my hand and said thanks a lot for treating me like a human being.' The veteran who appreciated the cost of freedom more recently finds himself trapped in a wheelchair. The result, he believes, of a seizure caused by combining certain blood pressure and cold medications. 'I'm considered a quadriplegic. I'm left-handed and can't use that hand at all.' Hometown Heroes: Master Aviator Rick Crosson still serves in retirement True to form, this former competitive bodybuilder is fighting back. With VA assistance, his wife Linda outfitted their house with various support apparatus. He's done so well that he's eligible for help from spinal cord experts in Milwaukee. But they don't have a wheelchair-accessible van to get him there. 'We believe he will walk again,' Linda said. 'He just needs to get that therapy.' Linda posted about her challenges on the Gracious Givers Facebook page. Co-founder and Vice President of the non-profit Patriot Riders of America Wisconsin Chapter 2 was ready to report for duty. Jenny Matte is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and knew that the money from the group's upcoming chili competition featuring a bake sale and raffle items, including Packers memorabilia, should go to Tom. 'It's just the love that I have for our veterans,' Matte explained. 'They can't be forgotten and they deserve so much. Our appreciation. Our love.' 'I can't tell you what this has done for us,' added Linda. 'Just wow!' 'I know I'm going to walk again,' insisted Tom. 'I just need to get the proper amount of therapy.' Chili for Tom will take place on Saturday, March 1, at the City Limits Bar and Banquet Hall, located along County Road C R in Manitowoc. The event starts at noon. They're still accepting competitors and sponsors. Of course, the public is invited to give what they can and enjoy the treats. Those interested can contact Jenny at (920) 769-6022. There are trophies for the prize winners. Click here for more Hometown Heroes stories If you can't attend the event, you can still donate to Tom through the Patriot Riders Wisconsin Chapter 2. Just be sure to note that the donation is for Tom. The group also has a Facebook page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hometown Heroes: Fox Valley Veterans Council Fundraiser
Oshkosh, Wis. (WFRV) – Big news from the non-profit Fox Valley Veterans Council. The 'Prohibition Veterans Fundraiser' is back for a second year. Based on feedback, they're moving it to a Friday, March 7th this year, and the band will play until 10:30 pm. It's still in the same spot, the historic venue 404 in Oshkosh. C. Reiss makes new offer to move Brown County coal piles There is a $100 ticket or a VIP ticket for $200. 'The tickets are all-inclusive,' explained President Timothy J. Cody. 'They include all-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat. The VIP ticket gets you a higher level of food and drink and a meet-and-greet with Marine-turned-comedian James P. Connelly. The River City Orchestra with Kate Voss will perform in the main dining area for everybody. There will also be casino tables for everyone.' The money will help bolster their emergency assistance fund. Since 2009, the council's outreach jumped from $1,000 to more than $200,000 in assistance to our veterans 'So, emergency needs. Housing, food, car repair, and dental. Most veterans don't get dental. It's just not generally included in the VA package.' If Cody looks familiar that's because Hometown Heroes profiled him back in 2021. The retired Colonel in the United States Army served 28 years and was instrumental in building a justice system from the ground up in the wake of the Iraq war. He's on a new mission to show supporters the good work their donations achieve. The council doesn't want to invade veterans' privacy to show supporters what they do. So, Cody came up with the Prohibition-themed fundraiser as s way to connect. Kiel officers investigating hit-and-run after speeding vehicle leaves scene of crash After all, shouldn't helping veterans be fun? 'You don't need to be a veteran. The real goal is to get non-veterans here and if you don't want to buy a ticket, you could buy a ticket for a veteran. If you have a veteran by name, you can request that. If you don't, we have a list of veterans who want to come but can't afford it.' For more information click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
