Dane American Legion Auxiliary Unit 503

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Dane American Legion Auxiliary Unit 503 We are the Dane Legion Auxiliary Unit 503 supporting the legion and doing service for veterans and the community.

10/28/2026

This silver ladder badge belonged to Civil War veteran Herman Bohn. Bohn was born in Germany and moved to Wisconsin with his family in 1851, settling on a farm in Dane County.

He enlisted in Company F, 9th Wisconsin Infantry for service during the Civil War. The 9th Wisconsin Infantry, also known as the German Regiment, was comprised primarily of German immigrants and was mustered into service at Camp Sigel in Milwaukee on October 26, 1861. The 9th Wisconsin served most of the war in Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. Following service, veterans often wore personalized badges like this one to big events and reunions as they helped to easily identify one another and the company and regiment in which they served.

10/27/2026

Let’s Go Hiking: Hike #7!

Can you believe we’re already at Hike #7 of our Women Veterans Explore Wisconsin fall hiking series. This week we’re heading to Blue Mound State Park for Rise Above, and with only two hikes left, now is a great time to join us if you haven’t made it out yet!

When: Wednesday, October 28
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Blue Mound State Park – East Tower Parking Lot
Address: Indian Marker Tree Trl, Brigham, WI

Whether this is your first hike or you’ve made them all, come spend the morning with other Wisconsin women veterans enjoying the changing colors.

Grab you hiking shoes and join fellow Wisconsin women veterans for a morning of conversations and connection.

HOW TO FIND US:

When you arrive, look for the vehicle with the Women Veterans – Let’s Go Hiking! sign and purple balloons. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so we can gather before hitting the trail together.

Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes
Bring water
Dress for the weather
Family-friendly, so bring the kiddos!
All hiking experience levels are welcome!

Registration is not required but appreciated. And remember, you don’t have to participate in all eight hikes. Join us for one, a few, or all eight!

10/27/2026
10/27/2026

Today we commemorate National Day of the Deployed: a day that honors all service members deployed overseas and their families back here at home, and hopes to bring awareness to the reality of what being deployed and away from home really means.

In his oral history about his deployments to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division, Jeff Carnes of Jefferson, Wisconsin, shared his feelings of what it was like for him and his family and how meaningful it was to just have a chance to let them know he was safe.

“They knew it was just a matter of time before we were going to leave. My family was a bit upset but—especially since my grandfather passed away right before I left. So fortunately I was home on leave and got to go to the funeral. I didn't talk to them for almost a month, they had no idea where I was. We didn't have internet, we didn't have satellite phones, anything. So when I was finally able to get through to my family it was a very emotional experience for myself as well. That was the only time anyone ever - in the military - saw me cry. And it was—and, so at least everyone knew I was safe.”

You can watch more of Jeff Carnes’ oral history interview here: https://wisvetsmuseum.com/jeff-carnes-veteran-in-the-spotlight/

10/27/2026

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate both the US Navy’s birthday and Navy Day?

Navy Day was established on October 27, 1922, by the Navy League of the United States. This unique expression of appreciation for our naval forces originated with a shift in military strategy that would forever change the United States’ approach to warfare on the water.

Following the First World War, the navy’s fleet was set to undergo major modernization efforts. At the same time, it faced defense budget cuts and increased competition for funds between expanded air and ground forces. Perspectives continued to shift away from the navy’s direct funding interests with the 1921-22 Washington Naval Conference, where leaders from around the globe gathered to discuss naval disarmament.

The Atlantic Bombing Tests carried out in the summer of 1921 were the first definitive evaluation of live aerial bombs on battleship, cruiser, and submarine targets. General Billy Mitchell of Wisconsin was instrumental in organizing and overseeing this effort, which proved a massive success for proponents of airpower. Navy admirals wept at the sight of the target battleship Ostfriesland, smoking and broken from air bombardment as it slipped beneath the waves.

As aviation continued to advance, battleships would no longer reign supreme. However, naval power did remain an integral part of the United States’ military might. Celebration of Navy Day began a year after the tests and conference to emphasize the Navy’s enduring value and vast capabilities.

10/26/2026

Oct. 26 is National Day of the Deployed, a day to honor and thank the brave servicemembers who have deployed, are currently deployed, and who will deploy in the future. 🇺🇸 We are deeply grateful to these heroes and their families for their service, sacrifice, and strength. ❤️

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124 N Military Road
Dane, WI
53529

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