"Someone is thinking about you:" Veterans rally together to make care packages for troops overseas

"Someone is thinking about you:" Veterans rally together to make care packages for troops overseas

MEQUON (WITI) -- They're boxes and boxes of basic items, but to those serving overseas they can make all the difference in the world."It will put a smile on his face and hopefully we`ll put a smile on the other 98 guys' faces too," said Concordia University Director of Veterans Services Eduardo Garza.Concordia University in Mequon is the first college campus in Wisconsin to open an American Legion Post.After its members got word a fellow student and his unit in the Wisconsin National Guard were deployed to Afghanistan, they took action by kicking off Operation Falcon Support."Once you`ve served in the military, you don`t leave that behind," said Vietnam Veteran Jerry Smith.

Show of patriotism: Associated Bank contest results in $2,500 donation to Sussex American Legion

Show of patriotism: Associated Bank contest results in $2,500 donation to Sussex American Legion

SUSSEX (WITI) -- A show of patriotism has led to a big donation for the Sussex American Legion.Associated Bank had a contest for all their branches to create a display to honor United States veterans.The Sussex branch asked its customers who were veterans to come in and get their pictures taken and share their stories.That display led to the branch winning $2,500 -- which it donated to the local American Legion Post.Legion officials say some of the money will be used to help local veterans in need."Sometimes it's a simple matter of a car battery, getting a set of tires, maybe a utility bill, and they're so financally strapped that sometimes they just can't make it and we have the funds to do it," David Latimer, American Legion Post #495 commander said.The money will also be used to print out more booklets that tell the story of the American flag.

Veterans matched up with employers looking for help at 13th annual Job Fair for Veterans

Veterans matched up with employers looking for help at 13th annual Job Fair for Veterans

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Veterans looking for a job got some help Thursday, March 5th, as a job fair for veterans was held in Milwaukee.The 13th annual Job Fair for Veterans was held at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. 80 employers were on hand, including Harley-Davidson, Bradley Corporation and Time Warner Cable.Organizers say the job fair is for all veterans, but it can really help younger veterans who might be just coming off active duty."They may not be familiar with how to engage employers and the necessary requirements of resumes and cover letters and things like that, so this process and what we do here really goes a long way with our younger veterans," James Duff, director of Milwaukee County Veterans Services said.All veterans who attended were given a free flash drive loaded with forms and files to assist them in completing online job applications in the future.

"Not to be selfish about it, I think we earned it:" Celebrating vets at the Milwaukee VA

"Not to be selfish about it, I think we earned it:" Celebrating vets at the Milwaukee VA

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's part of a national observance of the Department of Veteran Affairs called "National Salute for Veterans" -- and the Milwaukee VA Medical Center expanded its celebration to include all local veterans.It is time to party and celebrate veterans!As they entered the celebration hall, each vet got a homemade Valentine's card to set the stage, but there was so much more.Music, food, games, giveaways including Harley Davidson gear -- and plenty of volunteers including 35 from Johnson Control buzzed around to make sure everyone was having a good time."Being able to help a veteran, being able to just bring a smile to a veteran's face when you say 'thank you for your service,' means a lot," said Cassie Woyak, Johnson Controls executive assistant.Vets could do what they wanted, including swap war stories.Neils Cocraft was on the infamous Pork Chop Hill in Korea where many American soldiers lost their lives.

Benefits & more: Milwaukee County offers help to aging veterans

Benefits & more: Milwaukee County offers help to aging veterans

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Hundreds of veterans spent their day at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center on Monday, September 15th -- it was the second year of the “Connecting Aging Veterans to their Benefits" fair.Dozens of organizations set up booths throughout the building, each with information on different benefits or programs available to veterans.

World honors D-Day's fallen, 70 years later

World honors D-Day's fallen, 70 years later

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France (AP) — Men who stormed Normandy's shore 70 years ago joined world leaders Friday in paying tribute to the 150,000 Allied troops who risked and lost their lives in the D-Day landings in Nazi-occupied France, in a day of international commemorations of history's biggest amphibious invasion.They are honoring the troops and civilians who fell in mighty battles that helped bring Europe peace and unity — just as bloodshed in Ukraine is posing new challenges to European security and threatening a new East-West divide.As the sun rose Friday over a gusty Omaha Beach, flags flew at half-staff.

City of Greenfield holds Ice Cream Social to thank veterans

City of Greenfield holds Ice Cream Social to thank veterans

GREENFIELD (WITI) -- The City of Greenfield honored veterans during an Ice Cream Social on Thursday, May 22nd.The event was organized as a way to say thank you to those who severed -- but also to give them something in return.Besides an Ice Cream Social, the veterans were also give information on how, as they age, they can get access to care at home.

Fifth annual Rock for Vets aiming to raise big bucks

Fifth annual Rock for Vets aiming to raise big bucks

RACINE (WITI) -- The fifth annual Rock for Vets was held Saturday, April 19th at the Civic Centre Memorial Hall with hopes to raise $20,000 to support veterans.The event features eight different bands, 50/50 raffles, and a raffle to win a Miller Park suite to see a Brewers game.“You get the bands, you get their groupies, you get all the veterans, you get everybody down here,” said attendee Debre Dell.Rock for Vets is sponsored by Bikers Helping Veterans and the Wisconsin Veterans Motorcycle Club.