Latest news with #VFWPost2126
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Isle of Valor hosts Armed Forces Day ceremony in Menasha, honoring those who served
MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV) – Veterans, families and community members gathered at the Isle of Valor across from Smith Park in Menasha to commemorate Armed Forces Day and honor those who have served in the United States military. The annual ceremony featured the raising of flags representing each branch of the military, with remarks from local veterans and officials. Former Packer helps give back to Green Bay community, packs 1,400 backpacks to fight hunger The event, organized by VFW Post 2126, is part of a nationwide tradition of honoring the men and women in uniform, past and present. 'By doing this, people are learning that the Armed Forces mean a lot more than just an Army guy, a Navy guy. It's a group of people that can get together for a day of reckoning in the Armed Forces,' said David Mix, Commander of Post 2126. Originally established in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman, Armed Forces Day was created to unify separate celebrations for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. The first national observance was held in 1950. Del Volpel, Director of the Winnebago County Veterans Service Office, said the event is a meaningful way to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve. 'Remembering folks that serve, that put on the uniform every day, that make sacrifices for this freedom—I think it's a wonderful opportunity today to do that,' he said. The Isle of Valor, often described as a 'military island' within the community, is significant for local veterans. 'The city lets us use this park and we can call it the Isle of Valor, even though it's in Menasha. Neenah-Menasha groups get together and do many things in this park,' Mix said. As flags were raised, veterans in attendance reflected not just on their own service, but on the commitment of those currently serving and those who never made it home. 'The best way to remember someone who was lost and can't come back is by having this day.' Mix said. Volpel added that showing support for veterans doesn't have to be complicated. Kaukauna hosts 6th Annual Breaking Boundaries Triathlon 'I think the opportunity to support veterans is something as simple as thanking them, something as simple as supporting local businesses that support veterans,' he said. The ceremony serves as a reminder that service and sacrifice are part of the community's fabric, and that honoring those who wear the uniform extends beyond just one day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hometown Heroes: Menasha's Medal of Honor recipient Kenneth E. Stumpf
MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV) – Local 5 News is honoring local Medal of Honor recipients on the eve of National Medal of Honor Day on March 25. Menasha has the distinction of having two recipients. Only one other city, Pueblo, Colorado, shares the same distinction. Hometown Heroes: Menasha's Medal of Honor Recipient Elmer J. Burr In the peaceful surroundings of Smith Park stands the Isle of Valor. It is a space dedicated to the area's veterans, those who never made it home, and those Medal of Honor recipients. 1st Sgt. Elmer Burr, who died after throwing himself on a grenade during World War II, and Staff Sgt. Kenneth E. Stumpf, a Vietnam veteran who rescued three fallen soldiers amidst North Vietnamese gunfire, carrying them one by one to safety. 'I'm not sure many people know Medal of Honor Day is on the 25th of March,' acknowledged VFW Post 2126 Commander David A. Mix. He was part of the team effort to see the Isle of Valor become a historical landmark. Mix grew up in the same circles as Stumpf and often heard the highly decorated combat veteran speak. 'He was friendly,' recalled Mix. 'If he was out somewhere and somebody wanted to talk to him, he'd tell them what he wanted to know.' Mix said Stumpf didn't go around telling everyone about his medals but didn't shy away from it either. 'A lot of people would go up to him and say 'thank you,' and he didn't do it for himself. He did it for the country. I know that for sure because he said that many times.' Stumpf's heroics that day included single-handedly destroying a third enemy bunker after leading his squad in the destruction of two others—all while taking enemy fire. Post 2126 headquarters at 3rd and Appleton streets has several of his keepsakes. 'We have Kenny's flag,' Mix said. 'We have to put it in a case now because when he died, you cannot fly it or take it anywhere because he's not there.' Hometown Heroes: Jesse Augustine of Saint Nazianz soared up the ranks of Wisconsin Army National Guard Now, in Kenny's honor, the post serves the community. From honor guards at veterans' funerals, brat fry fundraisers, and a big food drive in September, they honor those who served with honor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hometown Heroes: Menasha's Medal of Honor Recipient Elmer J. Burr
MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV) – Hometown Heroes is marking National Medal of Honor Day, March 25th, by sharing the stories of Menasha's two recipients. Pueblo, Colorado, is the only other city to have multiple recipients. 'The guys here were dedicated and fought just like anybody else,' said VFW Post 2126 Commander David A. Mix. 'You never know what's going to happen.' Menasha's Isle of Valor is a sacred place in Smith Park along Lake Winnebago. People come here to remember those who served, some who never made it back, and two in particular who received the Medal of Honor. They are Vietnam Veteran Kenneth Stumpf and World War II Veteran Elmer J. Burr. Local 5 News' 2025 Q1 Hometown Heroes Special 'It's a distinct honor having two,' added Mix who was part of the team effort among fellow veterans to enhance the property to include the wider community. He knew Stumpf but only heard about Burr. It was World War II, and according to the official Medal of Honor website and newspaper accounts at the time, Burr smothered a grenade explosion with his body in order to save his company commander on Christmas Eve, 1942. His tombstone at Oak Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin has him dying the next day. 'To save another guy ya know,' contemplated Mix. 'I don't even think he knew what happened. He went in right after school, going in to protect the country and then he did what he did.' The Post set out to make sure nobody would forget the stories of Menasha's heroes and worked years for the Isle of Valor to become a recognized historical site. Funerals, patriotic ceremonies, and even funerals happen here. 'I mean these families, they take it to heart,' added Mix who also is part of the Honor Guard which volunteers around the region at fellow veterans' funerals. 'When we get done doing a funeral, they're really happy we were there.' Hometown Heroes: Jesse Augustine of Saint Nazianz soared up the ranks of Wisconsin Army National Guard There are other stories of veterans told in bricks along the pathways and etched in stone on benches looking out onto the water. On a bitterly cold spring day, when the silence is filled by a sudden gust of wind, you're reminded this is a living, breathing monument to country and community. Mix says it has turned out as many of them envisioned. 'It's a secluded little place that you can come out there and sit there and look over the water.' He added that more and more people are purchasing the bricks to help with the upkeep. 'I don't know if in the real world if there's a lot of people who know Medal of Honor Day,' Mix acknowledged, 'All the guys who come out and do this stuff, it's because they want to give what they can for the families that lost people.' There is no formal ceremony on March 25th but there is always a special tribute to both Medal of Honor recipients during the popular, annual Armed Forces Day ceremony. Look for the story of 'Kenny' Humpf from those who met him, Monday on Local 5 News at 6 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
