Left, Marlene Brandl, Lori Gollon, Janet Zblewski, DAR Service for Veterans Chair, and Judie Janquart

For the City-Times

Nay-osh-ing Chapter, Plover, Daughters of the American Revolution honored several Veterans at their recent meeting.

“American Women and the Vietnam War” was presented by Janet Zblewski.  A commemoration of the role of American women, military and civilian serving in Vietnam as well as American women on the home front.

This year is the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Special guests were Judie Janquart, a Vietnam era veteran serving in the U.S. Army 1961-1964 and 1974 – 1996; Marlene Brandl, served in the U. S. Marine Corps 1965-1967 and Lori Gollon, served in the U.S. Army 1967-1970. Each guest was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for serving our country. Other veterans acknowledged were Roman Dahlke and Michael Kietlinski.

Janet also had created a display board highlighting military, civilian and home front people and events of the Vietnam War.

“2,584,200 American men served in Vietnam and we know 58,118 men were killed or died while in action,’ Janet said. “But we do not know how many American women served in Vietnam. Statistics were not kept. Estimates ranged from 7,500 to 11,000 in-country. If we include civilian women, the estimates range from 33,000 to 55,000. An estimated 265,000 military women served in the United States and other areas during the Vietnam era.  Many worked in support services  or helped to care for the 300,00 casualties in noncombat zone hospitals.”

Emma Zblewski, daughter of Anthony & Janet, was also a guest and was commended for her Academic Excellence as a senior at SPASH.  Emma played the Army song and the Marine song on the piano in honor of the two branches of the Military represented at the meeting.

Doris Dahlke, Vice Regent reported that over 2,500 Christmas packages have been mailed to soldiers serving overseas.  Nay-osh-ing Chapter hand crafted approximately 200 –  12” artificial Christmas Trees and knit 210 wool cap helmet liners.  Members will be knitting all winter for next year’s project.  Other items included in the packages were phone cards, earphones, Christmas cards for sending home, toothbrushes and paste among other goodies.

Joanne Hagen, Commemorative Events Chair, reported on the English Puritans leaving their mother country for the New England wilderness.

Any woman 18 years of age or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership in the DAR.  Additional information about Nay-osh-ing Chapter, Plover, is available from Betty Dean Andringa, Regent, 715-345-1019, [email protected]  or Hope Niedling, Registrar at 715-341-1996.