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Advocate, River Town Iron Works team up to help Wisconsin veterans

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Steven Pape holds one example of the steel-plated flags created by River Town Ironworks that will be sold in an effort to help Wisconsin veterans. To Pape’s left is one of the glasses bearing the Vietnam Veterans of America logo which are also for sale. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)

These are a few of the types of steel-plated flags created by River Town Ironworks that will be for sale.

 

By Ted Pennekamp

 

Steven Pape, a Vietnam veterans advocate, and River Town Iron Works of Prairie du Chien are teaming up to help veterans and their extended families with various issues.

Pape, who is working on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans of America Wisconsin State Council (VVA), said there are three fundraisers, including the sale of glasses bearing the Vietnam Veterans of America logo, the sale of steel-plated flags sponsored by River Town Ironworks, and the sale of decals to help provide veteran-centric education about the effects of Agent Orange and other herbicides and toxins. The sale of the VVA logo glasses helps to support the Veterans Service Officer Program (VSO), which helps veterans and their families from all eras to apply for and receive the benefits they have earned through their service, including their military disability compensation, pension, and other benefits.

In addition to the three fundraisers listed above , there will be a fundraiser on May 18 at Leisure Time Sports Bowl and Banquet of Prairie du Chien. The event at Leisure Time will be for the Wisconsin Veterans Foundation and is sponsored by River Town Ironworks, Leisure Time and the VVA.

Pape said the fundraisers will provide emergency financial assistance, links to Wisconsin veteran programs and community-based programs, veteran to veteran counseling and support, emotional and financial support while veterans of all eras are waiting for access to Wisconsin and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs services.

Pape said the Wisconsin Veterans Foundation (WVF) uses 90 percent of all donations to provide services to Wisconsin veterans. The WVF is a nonprofit organization which is committed to ensuring the honor and dignity of every Wisconsin veteran. In addition, the WVF facilitates the professional development of counselors and medical personnel providing identification and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. More information can be found at www.wisconsinveteransfoundation.org.

Pape said he is working directly under Richard Lindbeck, the state president of the VVA, and is certified in by the states of Wisconsin and Iowa.

In addition to the aforementioned services, the VVA provides scholarship opportunities such as the Richard T. Nuske Scholarship Program, which is specifically aimed at individuals seeking post-secondary education whose immediate or extended family members(s) is a Vietnam veteran. Also, the VVA helps to keep veterans apprised of new legislation or information regarding veterans’ benefits.

“We are continually seeking new avenues of opportunity for our veterans,” said Pape.

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