The original group consisted of Lucy Newell-Anderson from Kutter Harley-Davidson, and representatives from the 2 area Disabled American Veterans chapters, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #236, Orfordville American Legion Post #209, Military Order of the Purple Heart, US Military Vets MC, and the local National Guard. The intent at the time was to organize an event to recognize Veterans. We wan
ted to give them a venue to come together and enjoy each others company and also find out about the different military organizations that were available. The first two years monies raised were distributed equally between the 5 founding groups that were able to take donations. These were the 2 DAV Chapters, VVA, MOPH and Orfordville Legion. After our event in 2011 we realized that we might be on to something and saved the profit as working funds for the following year’s event. 2012 profits were donated to the Rock County Veterans Court and 2013 has been set aside for local wounded warriors. This is not to be confused with the national Wounded Warriors program. While this is a fine organization after vetting them out we realized that there were significant administrative costs that came out of donations. We wanted our money to go to the veteran. The plan in place is a veteran in need is vetted out by the Rock County Veterans Service Officer, John Solis or the local VA office. Three years ago we started evolving and got more structured and mission oriented hence the donations of funds. Our group has changed slightly and the core group is the VVA, Orfordville Legion, Janesville VFW, MOPH. Last year the paperwork was completed and the group became a LLC.
