Banners are displayed along
Veterans Lakeshore Drive • Rice Lake, WI from:
Memorial Day May 25th, 2026 -
Patriot Day September 11th, 2026
Each year, honorary banners will be draped along Veterans Lakeshore Drive, showing support for service members with local ties to the community or community members.
Nominations are collected yearly, and names are drawn to select each years honorees. If a nomination was not drawn, that nomination will go back into the list of future draws.
Due to the outpour of support, there is no cost to the service family/member to be a part of the project. Please check out our amazing supporters below, this project would not be possible without the support of these local businesses and people! We are so thankful!
We invite you to enjoy a walk along beautiful Veterans Lakeshore Drive, and honor our hero's from the past and present.
2026 SERVICE MEMBERS
Joshua F. Schmidt, US Marine Corps
2001-2005
Josh was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California during his years of service from 2001-2005. Josh completed two combat tours in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Josh was an Amphibious Reconnaissance Marine in which he was a certified assault climber and received his jump wings. His platoon was part of the initial invasion into Iraq to start Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was the assistant team leader in his team, and he drove the humvee during both tours.
He received the following ribbons and medals:
Navy and Marine Achievement Medal with Combat Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation Medal.
He is the epitome of a dedicated Reconnaissance Marine! His family knows how much his service meant to him, and that is why he was nominated. Josh was nominated by his wife, Alissa, and two daughters, Lyla and Elsy Schmidt.
Joel Kohlmeyer, US Army
1968-1970
Joel Kohlmeyer proudly served his country in the US Army in the 97th Battalion. He was stationed Mannheim, Germany.
He was awarded the Army Service Medal, Good Conduct and Expert Rifleman.
Neil Sitenga Jr, US Army
1991-2016
Neil Sitenga Jr. graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1983. While in High School, Neil was the co-captain of the state bound football team and was also recognized nationally in the National Scholastic magazine for his entrepreneurial activities. He then graduated from Saint Norbert College (DePere, WI) 1987 - Magna Cumm Lauda - Maj Chemistry/Min Biology. From there, he started his honorable military journey:
• Regional Collegiate ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate - 1987
• Graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (Madison, WI)Doctorate of Medicine (MD) - 1991
• Entered Active Duty in the United States Army, June 30th 1991
• Graduated from General Surgical Internship Walter Reede Army Medical Center - 1992
• Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course - 1992
• General Medical Officer Fort Campbell Kentucky - 1992
• Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Flight Surgeon’s Course - 1993
• Operational Flight Surgeon Fort Campbell Kentucky - 1996
• Graduated from Diagnostic Radiology Residency Tripler Army Medical Center (Honolulu, HI) Board Certified Radiologist - 2000
• Staff Radiologist / Chief Dept of Radiology Heidelberg, Germany U.S.A. MEDDAC 2000 / 2001-2003
• Staff Radiologist Yongsan South Korea U.S.A. MEDDAC 2003-2006
• Chief Dept of Radiology Yongsan South Korea U.S.A. MEDDAC 2006-2012
• Associate Professor of Radiology Yonsei University School of Medicine, Seoul South Korea 2007-2008
• Deployed with the 10th Combat Support Hospital Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraq 2009
• Deployed with the 28 Combat Support Hospital, Iraq 2010 (Theater Radiology Consultant to the Surgeon General)
• Awards include: Bronze Star 2010 deployment, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defnse Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reseve Medal, Flight Surgeion Badge, Air Assult Badge
Neil retired from Active-Duty October 1st, 2012 as a Colonel. He continued serving the US Army as a federal civilian GS/GP Staff Radiologist from 2012 to present (Yongsan South Korea and Fort Drum NY) with 35 years of continuous federal service to date. His years of active service included more than 15 years in Foreign Service.
Emmett R. Engstrom, Army National Guard
1949-1960
Emmett R. Engstrom was born on May 9, 1933, and was raised on a farm between Rice Lake and Barron, Wisconsin. On September 11, 1954, he married Jean La Mere, and together they raised four children: Michael, Dawn (Westphal), Cheryl (Laney), and Rhonda (Anderson).
Emmett proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard, joining Company D, 128th Infantry in 1949 as a section leader. He was honorably discharged in January 1960 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his service, he earned distinctions as a sharpshooter, 7 mm qualifier, and .30 caliber expert.
In March 1959, Emmett began his career with the Rice Lake Police Department as a patrolman. Through dedication and leadership, he rose through the ranks and was appointed Assistant Chief in October 1971. In April 1975, he was appointed Chief of Police, a position he held with pride until his retirement on February 3, 1992.
Throughout his career, Emmett attended numerous law enforcement training programs sponsored by the state and the FBI. In August 1962, he was formally recognized for his
heroism in saving the life of a factory worker who had been overcome by heat stroke.
Beyond his professional life, Emmett was deeply committed to serving his community. He volunteered as a firefighter for 11 years and served on the WITC Law Enforcement Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Rice Lake Housing Authority. He also served as a Rice Lake City Councilman for several years. Emmett was an active member of the Salvation Army for many years and played a key role in establishing the bell-ringing program in the Barron County area.
Rick Sharp, US Navy
1968-1978
Rick Sharp proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1968 - 1978 and served in Vietnam from 1970-1971 on an aircraft carrier. He retired as a United States Navy Chief Petty Officer.
Bob Sharp, US Army
1971-1972
Bob Sharp proudly served his country in the US Army. He served in Vietnam from 1971 - 1972 as a Specialist 4 in the 7th Cavalry Regiment.
Tom Sharp, US Navy
1944-1945
Tom Sharp proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1944 - 1945 in World War II on the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier in the South Pacific. He was a Seaman 1st Class and served his country with honor. Many of his family members followed in his footsteps and enlisted in the military as well. The Sharp family is a proud veteran family.
Larry Sharp, US Air Force
1967-1971
Larry Sharp proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1967 - 1971. He was an Air Traffic Controller and retired as a Staff Sergeant. He served in Vietnam from 1969 - 1970 on Hon Tre Island. Larry comes from a proud family of US Veterans.
James A. Sirinek, US Navy
1978-1982
James "Jim" Alan Sirinek (1960 - 2025) was a dairy farmer, US Navy Veteran and a dedicated family man from Birchwood, WI.
He was born in Rice Lake, WI on August 27th 1960 and he grew up on his parents' farm. He graduated from Birchwood High School in 1978 and served four years in the US Navy, earning a Navy Commendation Medal. On December 1, 1984, Jim married Sue (Kodesh) and had three children and later 6 amazing grandchildren he adored.
In 1993, he returned to Birchwood to take over the Sirinek family dairy farm and raised his family there. He was known as "Grandpa Jim", and known for his love of farming, outdoor life and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren.
Tammy L. Raymond, US Air Force
1988-1990
Tammy L Raymond proudly served her country by joining the US Air Force in 1988. She served as an Air Transportation Specialist and Air Cargo Specialist. She is a proud military Veteran and comes from a military family.
Shelley A. Raymond, US Army
1990-2021
Shelley Raymond proudly served her country for 31 years. She graduated from U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA) after a rigorous four-year program. Shelley retired from the US Army as a A Lieutenant Colonel.
Shelley served two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She received many medals while in service. Some of them include: Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and more.
Roccy Raymond, US Army
1968-1971
Roccy Raymond proudly served his country in the US Army. He served in Korea in the Vietnam Era and comes from a proud military family. Roccy said, "As the years go by I realize more and more what an honor it was to serve our country during the Vietnam Era." We are thankful for Roccy and families like his that proudly served the USA.
Edwin J Lashmett Jr, US Army
1971-1973
Edwin J Lashmatt Jr. proudly served his country in the US Army from February 18th, 1971 to February 18th, 1973. He retired as a Specialist 4 and worked as a missile man.
Eric J Richter, US Air Force
1998-2014
Eric Richter proudly joined the US Air Force March 3rd, 1998. Eric retired August 1st, 2014 and a Technical Sergeant. Eric served in Afghanistan.
Eric and his family live in the Barron County area and are a proud military family.
Thomas Peter Olsen, US Army
1966-1968
Tom enlisted in the US Army in 1966. Basic training was in South Carolina and Officer Candidate Schooling was at Fort Benning in Georgia. He then trained at Fort Benjamin Harrison and served as a recruiter and for the Adjutant General Corp in five states during the Vietnam conflict. He was eventually assigned to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and occupied office space in Dallas, Texas.
Tom was honorable discharged Dec 4, 1968, and had earned the National Defense Service Medal and Marksman Rifle M14 recognition. He served his country proudly.
Donald Warren Carney, US Army
1954-1956
Don worked in Germany for over a year as a SP3 with others from the Rice Lake, WI area.
He returned to the University of WI-Madison to finish his degree and was hired by the United States Park Service after his time in the military.
Don was known for his volunteering and help around the Rice Lake community. You could always count on Don and he held a vast knowledge of the history of the community.
Russell J. Hulback, WI Army National Guard
1976-1996
Russ proudly served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Company A in Menomonie, Wisconsin from 1976-1996. Russ'
Russ served with many great people and created some lifelong friends. Russ says, "It was my pleasure to help provide a good meal for my fellow soldiers especially during challenging weather and training."
Richard Lee Borgen, US Air Force
1963-1967
Richard Lee Borgen, Enlisted in the USAF right after high school in 1963 and served for 4 years. He acquired the rank of Sgt. After basic he was stationed at Truax field in Madison, WI. In January of 1966 he was stationed in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam , where he did maintenance on one of the best aircraft in the military at the time, the F4 phantom. A two engine fighter. Quite the bird! Richard also did TDY work on O1E spotter planes which were prop jobs. His tour of duty in Vietnam ended in January 1967. He was stationed at Mountain home AFB in Idaho. Then in June of 1967 he was discharged from the Air Force. Richard talks about his days in the Air Force with pride and is very grateful to have served for his country! Good Bless the USA!
Dana Richard, US Air Force
1978-1982
Dana Richard served in the US Air Force from April, 1978 - April, 1982 and retired a Sergeant.
Specialty: Air Traffic Control Radar Technician
Duty Stations:
Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS
Air Traffic Control Radar Installation Technician
Eilson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, AK., for 6 mo. to install new Air Traffic Control Radar System
Upon return to Biloxi, MS., Dana was transferred 2 months later to Galena Air Force Station, Galena Ak.
- Galena Air Force Station, Galena, AK
Air Traffic Control Radar Technician
- Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS
Air Traffic Control Radar Technician
After Galena, Dana was transferred back to Keesler AFB. He spent the last year maintaining air traffic control training equipment and counting the days to separation.
George Petry, US Navy
1967-1971
George Petry proudly served in the US Navy. He was a Corpsman, E3 rank and served from 1967-1971, in the Vietnam war era.
George served in Vietnam from August, 1969 to October 1970. As a Hospital Corpsman. He worked with US Navy, Marines, Army and Vietnamese Marines.
His responsibilities included training Vietnamese Marines to give first aid, resupply medic operations, prisoner protection and outgoing medivacs.
Randell Lynn Hoff, US Army
1967-1969
Randell says the following about his service to our beautiful country:
"I am proud to be a Vietnam Veteran and have served my country. I was stationed in Long Bend, Saigon from part of 1967 to part of 1969.
I have been married for 56 years. We have 17 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, one very smart dog - a Brittany Spaniel, named Trump an Lucy the cat that can't meow. Life is good!"
-Randell Hoff
William Staberg Weber, US Army
1950-1952
William Staberg Weber was drafted into the US Army, 24th infantry division, also known as the Victory Division, on January 22, 1951. His unit was assigned to the US Offensive Operation Thunderbolt in Korea. Bill was honorably discharged on October 31, 1952. He took advantage of the GI bill and attended Logan College, graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. Bill was a chiropractor in Rice Lake until his death on February 17, 2002. He was interred at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery at Spooner with full military rites.
To nominate a Past or Present Service Member for future years displays, please email the following information to:
All information below is required for a full nomination:
• SERVICE MEMBER NAME & RANK
• MILITARY BRANCH
• YEARS OF SERVICE / WAR(S) (Years of service example: 1998-2001)
• PHOTO OF SERVICE MEMBER
Shortly after nominations are closed each year, you will receive an email acknowledging if your nomination has been drawn for the following years banner displays.
The banners will be displayed along Veterans Lakeshore Drive from Memorial Weekend through Patriots Day, September 11th. We will then remove the banners from the lakeshore poles, clean them, and have them ready for presentation to be given back to the Service Members and/or their family during the
Veterans Day community program.
THANK YOU TO OUR PROUD SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!
