Dane American Legion Auxiliary Unit 503

06/06/2026

On this day in 1944 Operation Overlord commenced on the coast of Normandy, France. The operation included forces from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada that invaded the coast by air, land, and sea. It was a pivotal battle which turned the course of World War II in favor of the Allies. The operation is known commonly as D-Day.
Wisconsin was there with thousands of men and women in the European Theater. Forty-six Wisconsinites were killed in action on D-Day. Many more lived to tell their stories to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. You can explore their experiences on our website.

https://wisvetsmuseum.com/exhibits/virtual-exhibits/d-day/

This image, from the scrapbook of George L. Rambo of Baraboo, shows his landing on a Normandy beach in August of 1944, two months post D-day. Rambo enlisted with the Army Air Corps and served from 1942-1945 with 474th Fighter Group Association. He was an engineering machinist on P-38 fighter aircraft and was responsible for developing film taken from the planes.

06/06/2026

June 6, the anniversary of D-Day, is a time to reflect and remember the lives lost and thank those still with us. The Battle of Normandy, known as D-Day, took place over 80 years ago on June 6, 1944, when Allied forces launched a combined naval, air, and land strike against the German forces in World War II. History views it as a turning point of the war. Many lives were lost, but many were saved due to the service and sacrifices of our servicemembers.

06/06/2026

250 years. One flag. One chance to say you were there.

170 have answered the call. Will you be one of final 80?

Few people will ever say they helped es**rt Old Glory into Washington, D.C. for . Click on the link to join the National American Legion Riders on this historic journey and tag a rider in the comments

register.legion.org/riders/sojourn/registration

06/06/2026

June is PTS(D) Awareness Month.

While post-traumatic stress does not solely affect veterans, veterans are statistically more likely than the general public to suffer the effects of PTS(D), with a documented 6% of male veterans and 13% of female veterans experiencing it in their lifetimes (though actual numbers may be substantially higher, as many of those who struggle with post-traumatic stress do not seek diagnosis or treatment). The number of veterans diagnosed with PTS(D) is higher among those who've served in recent conflicts (for example, up to 29% of Iraqi Freedom veterans) than those who served nearly a century ago (3% of WWII and Korean War veterans) but it is important to remember that what we now know as PTS(D) was known by a number of other names in the past: "Shell Shock," "Battle Fatigue," "Soldier's Heart," "Combat Stress Reaction" and even the misleading "Nostalgia."

“Asking for support is not waving a white flag, it is a tactical decision to stay in the fight for your family, your future and your life,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore.

As a VFW Auxiliary members, you can help by knowing the signs, memorizing the Veterans Crisis Line number and sharing resources with those in need. Use the linked articles below to get started.

The VFW is shining a spotlight on PTS(D) this June. Read their article here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-highlights-importance-of-mental-health-this-national-ptsd-awareness-month

The VA shares the basics of PTS(D), including signs:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

The VA also has linked resources for those who need help:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

For those having suicidal thoughts or feelings, or feelings of hopelessness, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7.
Just dial 988, then press 1.

For a brief history on the usage of PTSD versus older terms like shell shock, see this History Channel article:
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-ptsd-and-shell-shock

06/06/2026

A 2025 Tufts University analysis shows that 50% of young people say they “rarely or never spend time in person with others in their community.” It’s a worrying statistic, considering the lifelong benefits that community involvement provides for young people. But one simple activity can strengthen the community ties that are lacking among today’s youth. That activity is volunteering.

In the American Legion Auxiliary, members can encourage volunteering among their children and grandchildren and with Junior members and Sons of The American Legion youth. 🇺🇸

Read more about the benefits of volunteering young on the ALA blog.
➡️ www.ALAforVeterans.org/Blog/Helping-others-benefits-kids-and-our-organization

06/06/2026

⭐Veterans and Families - The Milwaukee County Zoo has its annual Military and Veterans Family Day on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Free Tickets for military and veterans in Wisconsin can be obtained by contacting your nearest County Veteran Service Office (CVSO). **Please see the flyer below for all information*** 🌞Locate the contact info for your CVSO here > https://wicvso.org/locate-your-cvso-tvso/



Please note: WDVA is only re-sharing for informational purposes and to foster positive opportunities for our state's veteran community. Thank you!

06/06/2026

Please be on the lookout for Robert Aeshbach. He has been reported missing and has a silver alert posted for him. Sending prayers for Robert to be found quickly.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PVMjuAjqP/

06/04/2026

National Cheese Day is celebrated every year on June 4, honoring the versatility, history, and cultural importance of cheese worldwide. 🧀

And lucky us, we can celebrate cheese heritage at the Cheese Capitol of the World, right here in Wisconsin! The Cheese Capital Fest takes place on June 26 and 27 in Plymouth. Cheese themed parade, cheese eating contest, cheese cooking contest, cheese wedge race in the river, cheese history presentations, followed by a family music festival at Stayer Park. The Plymouth Historical Society will be serving grilled cheese sandwiches. Bring a lawn chair and comfortable shoes to toe tap to the great music. Located at the Stayer Park pavilion, in the heart of the downtown, along the banks of the Mullet River.

Stop by the historical society tent for grilled cheese sandwiches!

Learn more: https://wihist.org/4v5m0LZ

📸: Plymouth Historical Society

06/04/2026

Please join WDVA in saluting our state's Dairy Farmers during the month of June! Many farmers across Wisconsin, alongside their commitment to farming and agriculture, have served and continue to proudly serve in our nation's armed forces. Please join us in expressing appreciation to our veteran farmers, and we wish you a Happy June Dairy Month!

06/04/2026