Post 343 members to take the Honor Flight

On Monday, Oct. 27, the Never Forgotten Honor Flight Mission 54 will transport six U.S. Military Veterans from the Rogers-Oestrich Post 343 of the American Legion in Hancock/Coloma/Plainfield to Washington, D.C. These veterans, all of whom served in the military in 1975 or earlier, will be joined by their guardians from Post 343, including Nate Coward, Jerry Geers, Mike Wiles, and Erik Johnston from the newly formed Squadron 343 Sons of the American Legion.
Honored Veterans from Post 343:
Bill Schmudlach
•Military Service: Served in the U.S. Army for 19 months in Germany. He was a Mortar Platoon Commander.
•Post 343 Involvement: He is present at most Post 343 events, with his favorites being all things patriotic. He takes pride in conducting full military honors at veteran funerals and is almost always the U.S. flag bearer for the Post 343 Color Guard at local parades. He was a charter member of Post 163 in Dakota/Richford before transferring to Post 343 at the invitation of his father, Forest.

•On the Honor Flight: He looks forward to seeing the Vietnam Memorial Wall and other memorials in Washington, D.C.
Dennis Franks
•Military Service: He was a Warrant Officer Candidate in the U.S. Army Helicopter Training Program. The program ended as the war in Vietnam was winding down, and he was reassigned as a radio operator for the remainder of his active duty.
•Post 343 Involvement: He joined the American Legion as an outlet for his patriotism. He is a member of District 8 of Wisconsin American Legion Riders and particularly enjoys this activity as an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He also enjoys the fundraising events held by Post 343, such as the annual car show and brat fries.
•On the Honor Flight: He is looking forward to seeing all the monuments in D.C.
Bob Warzynski
•Military Service: He was a Machinist’s Mate in the U.S. Navy for four years. His duties ranged from making electricity with steam turbine generators to distilling seawater into drinkable water, and maintaining heating and air conditioning plants for a small floating city.
•Post 343 Involvement: After his service, he immediately joined the American Legion to stay engaged with and maintain contact with his fellow veterans. He was a member of the Department (state) of Wisconsin without a specific post affiliation until about a year ago, when he transferred into Post 343.
•On the Honor Flight: He is looking forward to seeing the Vietnam Memorial Wall and witnessing a special ceremony to honor Wisconsin veterans who passed away before having the opportunity to take an honor flight.
Ken Kiley
•Military Service: He was in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1974 to 1977, where he drove all types of trucks.
•Post 343 Involvement: After retiring from a career moving freight, he joined Post 343 at the encouragement of the Post Commander, Bill Johnston. His favorite Post activities are all the fundraisers. He specifically likes the camaraderie within the Post.
•On the Honor Flight: He is looking forward to seeing all the memorials in the District.
Jim Fawley
•Military Service: He was in the U.S. Navy SeaBees (CB Construction Battalion) as a heavy construction Equipment Operator. While on active duty, he was assigned to Mobile Battalion 4 in the Pacific Fleet. He participated in a project called Operation Eagle Scout and also managed maintenance in barracks facilities. He later transferred to the Active Reserves.
•Post 343 Involvement: He joined the American Legion to be a part of the Legion Riders and for his admiration for what the American Legion does for veterans and the community. The activity that attracts him the most is being with other veterans.
•On the Honor Flight: He is looking forward to seeing the Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Bill Johnston
•Military Service: He was in the U.S. Marine Corps. He started training to be a computer programmer, but was reassigned to an artillery outfit at Camp Pendleton, California, where he was a Squad Leader firing Howitzers. His time in the Marines was cut short due to hearing damage from training.
•Post 343 Involvement: A World War II Veteran convinced him to join Post 343. He is the current and long-standing Post 343 Commander. He particularly enjoys commanding his Post Color Guard in local parades.
•On the Honor Flight: He has visited Washington before but hopes to personally visit Arlington National Cemetery on this trip.