Wisconsin Veterans Posts

About Veterans Organizations in Wisconsin

A deep look at the history, oldest posts, membership process, and notable veterans connected to Wisconsin.

History of Veterans Organizations in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's veterans tradition reflects the state's deep roots in nineteenth century immigration from Germany, Scandinavia, and other European regions, combined with a strong civic culture that has consistently supported military service across multiple generations. The state's military heritage stretches back to the Black Hawk War of 1832 in which Wisconsin Territory militia participated, through the Civil War in which Wisconsin contributed remarkable numbers of regiments including the legendary Iron Brigade composed primarily of Wisconsin and Indiana soldiers, and through the Spanish-American War and the World War I American Expeditionary Force. The 32nd Infantry Division, the famous Red Arrow Division composed of Wisconsin and Michigan National Guardsmen, fought through some of the heaviest combat of World War I including the Meuse-Argonne offensive, earning the nickname Les Terribles from French allies for its tenacity. By the time the American Legion was chartered by Congress in September 1919, Wisconsin already possessed strong veterans traditions through Grand Army of the Republic posts and Spanish-American War organizations, and the Wisconsin Department of the American Legion organized rapidly in 1919 and 1920.

Wisconsin is in fact the birthplace of the American Legion's first post: Post 1 of the American Legion is located in Milwaukee and holds historic claim to that distinction. The state's strong German-American population, despite the wartime tensions of World War I, contributed enthusiastically to American military service, and Wisconsin Legion posts often reflected the ethnic heritage of their communities through cultural traditions alongside patriotic activities. World War II expanded the Wisconsin Legion dramatically, with the 32nd Division serving again in the Pacific Theater under General Douglas MacArthur and earning further distinction in New Guinea, the Philippines, and the South Pacific. The Korean War and Vietnam generations contributed substantial membership to Wisconsin posts, with strong Korean and Vietnam veteran posts emerging in many communities.

Fort McCoy near Sparta in western Wisconsin serves as a major Army Reserve and National Guard training facility, hosting summer training for thousands of soldiers each year. The Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field in Madison flies F-35A Lightning II fighters, and the 128th Air Refueling Wing at General Mitchell Field in Milwaukee operates KC-135 tankers. The Volk Field Air National Guard Base supports training operations. The Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, descended from the original Red Arrow Division, has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan and maintains active service.

Oldest and Most Historic Posts in Wisconsin

Wisconsin holds a unique distinction in American Legion history as the home of Post 1, located in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Post 1 charter is recognized as the first American Legion post charter granted by the national organization, giving Wisconsin a foundational position in Legion history. Post 1 has operated continuously since 1919 and remains active today. Other early Wisconsin posts include Madison Post 8 in the state capital, Green Bay Post 11 serving the historic Fox River Valley city, and Racine Post 76 serving the Lake Michigan industrial city.

La Crosse Post in western Wisconsin, Eau Claire Post in the northwestern part of the state, and Wausau Post in central Wisconsin all trace their origins to the founding period. Oshkosh Post in Winnebago County served the Fox Valley industrial community. Kenosha Post drew membership from the southeastern Wisconsin manufacturing region. Sheboygan Post served the Lake Michigan community.

Smaller Wisconsin posts in towns including Manitowoc, Appleton, Beloit, Janesville, Fond du Lac, Stevens Point, and Marshfield all trace charters to 1919 and the early 1920s. The Wisconsin Dells Post serves the central Wisconsin tourism region, while posts in northern Wisconsin including Rhinelander, Eagle River, and Hayward serve the lake country and forest communities where many veterans have retired in recent decades. Many Wisconsin posts maintain post homes built during the 1920s and 1930s that have served continuously as community gathering centers, hosting weddings, fish fries, polka dances, and patriotic events alongside regular Legion business.

VFW Posts in Wisconsin: A Closer Look

The Wisconsin VFW Department traces its origins to the immediate post-World War I period and has grown into one of the larger Midwestern state organizations. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine, and Kenosha host the largest VFW concentrations, with smaller posts scattered throughout the state's seventy-two counties. The Wisconsin VFW Department coordinates extensive scholarship programs, supports the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King and the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove, and conducts legislative advocacy at the Wisconsin State Legislature in Madison. The Korean War and Vietnam generations contributed particularly substantial membership to Wisconsin VFW posts, and many Wisconsin VFW posts have historically maintained strong Korean War veteran character given the proportionally high number of Wisconsinites who served in that conflict.

The post-9/11 generation has revitalized many Wisconsin VFW posts, particularly those in communities adjacent to Fort McCoy. The Wisconsin VFW maintains active fish fry traditions at many posts, reflecting the broader Wisconsin food culture, and these Friday night events often serve as the major fundraising activity for individual posts.

AMVETS, DAV, and Other Veterans Organizations in Wisconsin

AMVETS organized in Wisconsin during the late 1940s as World War II veterans returned home, with the state organization developing posts in major cities and several smaller communities. The Wisconsin AMVETS Department maintains posts in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and other communities, focusing on legislative advocacy and direct service to veterans. The Disabled American Veterans organization operates a substantial state department in Wisconsin, with chapters throughout the state and an active presence at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, the Tomah VA Medical Center, and the Madison VA Medical Center. The Wisconsin DAV operates transportation programs that move disabled veterans to these VA facilities, and DAV service officers throughout the state assist veterans with disability claims.

The Wisconsin DAV partners frequently with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs on benefits outreach and the King Veterans Home programs.

Wisconsin Veterans Posts by the Numbers

Wisconsin is home to approximately 330,000 veterans according to recent VA estimates, a substantial veteran population reflecting the state's strong service tradition. The Wisconsin Department of the American Legion maintains over 380 active posts spread across all seventy-two counties, with combined membership estimated near 35,000. The Wisconsin VFW Department operates approximately 200 active posts with membership over 25,000. AMVETS maintains roughly 35 posts in Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin DAV operates over 50 chapters.

Veterans represent approximately 7 percent of Wisconsin's adult population, with concentrations distributed across the state given the lack of a single dominant active duty installation.

How to Join a Veterans Post in Wisconsin

Joining a Wisconsin American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, or DAV organization begins with locating the appropriate post through the respective state department. The Wisconsin Department of the American Legion maintains its headquarters in Portage. American Legion membership requires honorable service during a congressionally designated war era, with current eligibility extending continuously from World War I forward. Wisconsin posts process applications during regular meetings or through department headquarters.

Annual dues in Wisconsin posts typically range from 30 to 50 dollars. VFW membership requires foreign service or campaign medal qualification. AMVETS welcomes any honorably discharged veteran. Many Wisconsin posts maintain robust auxiliary units, Sons of the American Legion squadrons, and Legion Riders chapters.

The Wisconsin Department's annual convention rotates among different Wisconsin cities. Wisconsin posts often maintain substantial facilities including banquet halls used for Friday fish fries, Saturday weddings, and Sunday breakfasts that serve as central community gathering activities. The Wisconsin Badger Boys State program, hosted at Ripon College, represents one of the largest and most active state Legion youth programs in the nation.

Notable Wisconsin Veterans in History

Wisconsin has produced numerous distinguished military veterans throughout its history. Senator Joseph McCarthy, regardless of his controversial later political career, served as a Marine intelligence officer in the Pacific during World War II. Lieutenant Edward O'Hare, while a Missouri native, has Wisconsin connections through his Marquette and Naval Academy education. Astronaut and naval aviator Jim Lovell, the commander of the famous Apollo 13 mission, was raised in Milwaukee and represents one of the state's most celebrated naval veterans.

Astronaut Mark Lee, born in Viroqua, served as an Air Force fighter pilot before joining NASA. Senator Tammy Baldwin has championed veterans causes throughout her career. The 32nd Infantry Division produced numerous decorated soldiers across both World Wars, with the unit earning particular distinction during the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns of World War II. Medal of Honor recipient Kenneth Gruennert, born in Helenville, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in New Guinea during World War II.

Medal of Honor recipient Gary Wetzel, born in Milwaukee, received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam. Wisconsin Army National Guard members have served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wisconsin Veterans Posts

Sources & Further Reading

• https://www.legion.org
• https://www.wilegion.org
• https://www.vfw.org
• https://www.amvets.org
• https://www.va.gov
• https://dva.wi.gov
• https://www.dav.org