2025 Gallery

Who do you know who wants to be a reporter? Your stories and pictures are important to keeping a record for the next generation of our organization. Please send pictures along with information about your event to: amvets.wi.webpage@gmail.com .

November

Post 1051 - Veterans Day 2025 Presentation at McKinley Elementary School

November 6, 2025, Members of the Community Americanism and Patriotic Association of Wisconsin (AMVETS and VFW) presented an engaging Veterans Day educational program at McKinley Elementary School in Stevens Point. The presentation, attended by 97 third- and fourth-grade students, 107 fifth- and sixth-grade students, and 21 staff members, was designed to help students better understand the meaning of Veterans Day and the importance of honoring those who have served our nation.

Presenters Tim Bubla (VFW/AMVETS), Ann Hazleton (AMVETS Auxiliary), and Debbie Manthey (VFW Auxiliary) led the program, which covered topics including what it means to be a veteran, the history and significance of Veterans Day, the cost of freedom, and the vital roles performed by veterans in each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Students also participated in interactive discussions and asked insightful questions at the end of the presentation.

The event was sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and AMVETS Post 1051 of Stevens Point, whose support helps make CAPA-WI’s educational outreach possible. Each student received a patriotic pencil, U.S. Constitution brochure, and bookmark to take home as a reminder of the day’s lessons and appreciation for America’s veterans.

Photo Credit: D. Manthey
Story by T. Bubla

October

AMVETS Post 1051 - Game Show Day at Whispering Pines Lodge

October 24, 2025 – Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Residents at Whispering Pines Lodge enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie during the “Wheel of Fun - Game Show Day” presented by members of the Community Americanism and Patriotic Association of Wisconsin (CAPA-WI). CAPA-WI members Tim Bubla (VFW / AMVETS), Ann Hazelton (AMVETS Auxiliary), and Debbie Manthey (VFW Auxiliary) arrived in festive Halloween costumes to bring fun and joy to residents while honoring and connecting with the veterans who call the facility home. The interactive event blended light-hearted entertainment with heartfelt appreciation for those who have served, reflecting CAPA-WI’s ongoing mission to unite community spirit with patriotism.

Photo Credit:

AMVETS Post 1051 - Quilts of Honor Ceremony – Dimensions Living, Stevens Point

On October 14th, 2025, a Quilts of Honor ceremony was held at Dimensions Living in Stevens Point to recognize and thank 3 local veterans for their service and dedication to our nation. Joe J, Jerome R, and Phillip S. were presented their long overdue Honor Quilts by members of CAPA-WI (Community Americanism and Patriotism Association of Wisconsin) — Tim Bubla (VFW / AMVETS), Ann Hazelton (AMVETS Auxiliary), and Debbie Manthey (VFW Auxiliary).

Each quilt, beginning with the very first stitch, was lovingly created specifically for the honored veteran by The Silver Threads of Portage County, a dedicated volunteer quilting group. The Silver Threads and the Quilts of Honor program are generously funded by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The event was a touching display of gratitude, craftsmanship, and community spirit, offering each veteran a tangible reminder of appreciation for their sacrifice and service to our great country and the Freedoms we enjoy today.

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September

AMVETS Post 1051 - Quilts of Honor

On September 25, 2025, Tim Bubla, Ann Hazleton, and Debra Suchon of AMVETS Post 1051 Stevens Point, along with Debbie Manthey of VFW AUX 10262 Plover, conducted a heartfelt Quilts of Honor Ceremony at Dimensions Living in Stevens Point. Veterans Terry, Jerry, and Gerald were each honored with a handmade Quilt of Honor, crafted specifically for them by the Portage County chapter of The Silver Threads. These quilts, along with a small stuffed animal, a certificate from DAV30 (Disabled American Veterans of Wisconsin), thank-you cards, and Veterans Coins, were presented as a token of gratitude for their service. The Silver Threads organization is supported by private donations and funding from DAV30. There was not a dry eye in the room as friends, family, and fellow residents witnessed this touching tribute to the veterans' sacrifice and service”

Photo Credit:

September

AMVETS Post 1051 - Donation to Silver Threads Ceremony

On September 9, 2025, Sr. Vice Commander Tim Bubla and Americanism Officer Ann Hazleton (AMVETS 1051 Stevens Point), along with Debbie Manthey (VFW AUX 10262 Plover) met with the Portage County chapter of the Silver Threads sewing group at the ADRC Lincoln Center, joined by Lindy Vruwink. During the meeting, a check for $1,500 was presented by Bubla and Hazelton to the Silver Threads on behalf of DAV30 (Disabled American Veterans of Wisconsin) to support their ongoing work. The Silver Threads group creates heartfelt Quilts of Honor and Quilts of Valor for deserving veterans, with the programs proudly sponsored and funded through generous donations from DAV30.

Photo Credit:

July

AMVETS Post 1051 and Auxiliary - Game Show Days

Members of VFW Post 10262 Plover, the VFW Post 10262 Auxiliary, AMVETS Post 1051 Stevens Point, and the AMVETS Post 1051 Auxiliary spent the month of July 2025 bringing joy and camaraderie to local senior living communities by hosting Friendly Feud Game Show events. The team of six visited the Whispering Pines Memory Center and The Lodge at Whispering Pines in Plover, WI, as well as Stevens Point Health Services, Wellington Place, and Dimensions Living Center in Stevens Point, WI. Together, they were able to share messages of Americanism and Patriotism with nearly 200 residents, while honoring and recognizing the many military veterans living in these facilities.

Photo Credit:

Post 13 - AMVETS, Auxiliary, Sons, and Riders Brat Fry

Hosted at Backyard Sheds in Wautoma

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June

Post 1032 - Officers Banquet

Guests at the installation of officers banquet held at Branch Station included, (from left), Noel Rataichek-new White Clover Princess, Emily Rataichek-new State Auxiliary President, Ron Griffin-new State Commander and Rod Bubolz-Amvet Post 1032 Commander. Following the banquet Commander Griffin swore in the new Post officers for the coming year.

Photo Credit:

Post 1032 - ADAA Winners

Each year AMVET Post 1032 in Reedsville offers area students to take part in the State Department, Amvets Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse (AADAA) program via essay, flag drawing or poster. Post 1032 had five winners at the State level.
First picture--front row, left to right:
Anna Brazzale, Zion Lutheran, 1st place-grade 7, AADAA essay ($100)
Cora Matzdorf, Holy Family, 1st place-grade 2, AADAA poster ($50)
Lucas Klepps, Holy Family, 1st place-grade 3, AADAA poster ($75)
Olivia Trochil, Holy Family, 3rd place-grade 1, Americanism flag ($25)
Back row, left to right:Amvet Dennis Parsley, Dan Rabideau (chairman), & Rod Bubolz

In the second picture, left to right:
Dennis Parsley, Amelia Stuebs, St. John/St. James, 1st place-grade 6, Americanism essay ($100),
Dan Rabideau & Rod Bubolz.

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Post 1051 - June 19- Patriotic Game Show Day at Dimensions Living, Stevens Point, WI

AMVETS Post 1051 of Stevens Point, WI brought patriotic fun and excitement to Dimensions Living on June 19, 2025, with a special Wheel of Fortune-style Game Show Day. The event featured a 4-foot-wide spinning wheel and a theater-sized screen displaying custom patriotic-themed puzzles that delighted a lively audience of 50 residents and 3 staff members.

In a spirited show of community collaboration, AMVETS members Tim Bubla (1st Vice Commander) and Ann Hazelton (Auxiliary Americanism Officer) teamed up with Sarah Rocha (Jr. Vice) and Debbie Manthey (Post Journalist) of VFW Post 10262 in Plover, WI. All four volunteers were dressed in Colonial-era costumes to create a festive and historical atmosphere.

Five resident Veterans were proudly recognized during the event, receiving heartfelt appreciation from both organizations. Each attending resident received a small American flag and a patriotic bracelet, generously donated by AMVETS Post 1051. The day was filled with laughter, applause, and gratitude—a memorable celebration of patriotism and community

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May

Post 1051 - Stevens Point Health Care Memorial Presentation

On May 22, 2025, VFW Post 10262 , VFW Auxiliary 10262, and AMVETS Post 1051, together, presented a special Memorial Day program at the Stevens Point Health Care Center in Stevens Point, WI. Led by US Navy Veteran Tim Bubla, AMVETS Life member Ann Hazelton, and VFW Auxiliary member Sarah Rocha, the event was attended by 22 residents, including one honored Veteran. The presentation shared the true meaning of Memorial Day, the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the historical significance of Memorial Day and included a respectful live flag folding demonstration with the playing of TAPS, offering a heartfelt tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country.”

Photo Credit:

Post 1051 - Memorial Day Presentation

On Thursday May 15th, 2025, a special Memorial Day PowerPoint presentation was held for 179 students in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade at McDill Elementary School in Stevens Point, WI. Led by U.S. Navy Veteran Tim Bubla and AMVETS 1051 Auxiliary, Americanism Officer Ann Hazelton, the program helped students understand the true meaning of Memorial Day and why we honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day was also discussed. The presentation included a respectful flag folding demonstration with a simplified meaning of the 13 folds and included the playing of TAPS, creating a powerful and memorable experience for all in attendance.