Banners are displayed along
Veterans Lakeshore Drive • Rice Lake, WI from:
Memorial Day May 26th, 2025 -
Patriot Day September 11th, 2025
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.
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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.
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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.
2025 SERVICE MEMBERS
DUKE THURS, US ARMY
1955-1963
Duke Thurs enlisted in Co 426 Infantry WI National Guard in 1955. He was a Mortar Gunner and his unit became Headquarters Co 1/105 Armor(Tank) Division.
He then became a heavy vehicle driver and was transferred to the S-4 ammo Division and became Division Ammo SGT.
His division was declared combat ready for the Berlin crisis in April1, 1961.
Duke was released from active duty August 1962 and honorably discharge February 1963.
Duke was awarded the Capt. Walter Writ Award in 1962
NATHAN L. PLUMER, US NAVY
2001-2005
Nathan Lawrence Plumer, was born in Minneapolis, MN. on November 15, 1982. He is the son of Patrick and Rebecca Plumer. He was raised in Hudson, WI. Shortly after his graduation from Hudson High School in 2001, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His basic training was in Great Lakes, Illinois and his A-School was in Pensacola, Florida. After completion of his training, he was stationed for four years on the USS-Nassau in Norfolk, Virginia, as an ABH (aviation boatswain’s mate handler). During his time stationed on the USS-Nassau, he was sent on a nine-month deployment with the 24th Marine expeditionary unit. In 2004, the USS-Nassau was part of the Operation Iraqi Freedom, seeing action in the Persian Gulf and Iraq. In addition to combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the USS-Nassau served as an armored taxi in the horn of Africa to
open shipping lanes, while fighting off Somalian Pirates. Nathan was honorably discharged in 2005 as a third-class petty officer.
After his four-year service in the U.S. Navy, he returned to Wisconsin, where he benefited from his MGI Bill. He earned a welding degree at St. Paul Technical College and later a Telecommunications Diploma at WITC-Rice Lake.
While the Navy has offered challenges and hardships, including being stripped of the freedoms that many adult youth have, Nate is extremely grateful for his experiences. The Navy instilled perseverance, grit, determination, humbleness and a willingness to serve.
Nathan is now a Central Office Technician. He is married and has three children.
“Success is not handed to you. You must work hard for it and you must never dishonor what you’ve achieved."
-Gail Tsukiyama
CLAUDE L. STINE JR., US NAVY
1945-1946
Claude L Stine (September 24th, 1926 - October 16th, 2005) served in the United Sates Navy from February 1945 until February 1946. He had 6 brothers serving in WWII at the time he enlisted.
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Claude was assigned to an LST Ship. They went to many islands in the Pacific. Among Claude's duties was to transport officers to shore on a small boat, manning a turret gun and using the signal flags for ship to ship signals. Claude was a SEC 1, a Seaman First Class and loved serving his country.
DAVID EISENTRAUT, US MARINE CORPS
1962-1965
At age 17 David joined the United States Marine Corps where he traveled to Camp Pendleton, California and proudly served his Country as part of the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Marines throughout the Vietnam War era.
He completed his service and was honorably discharged as Lance Corporal E3. At which time he returned to Neillsville with his wife Patricia and family and assumed responsibility of the family farm. He worked hand and hand with his Father and Brother to help operate Eisentraut Tree Farms. He also worked as a journeyman plasterer for many years with Christensen Plastering of Neillsville and Kopf Plastering of Marshfield until his well-deserved retirement.
David loved working in his garden and just enjoying the outdoors. He was part of many family fishing trips to the Boundary Waters and always enjoyed getting out Musky fishing with his Brother and Son. He had many successful hunting trips out west and never missed a Wisconsin deer season opener in over 60 years. David loved reading a good book and was a huge Packer and Badger fan. In his early years David was a member of the Neillsville Saddle Tramps, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association and Dairyland Fox and Coon Hunters Association. He is dearly missed by his family but his memory still lives on with all the family fishing and hunting adventures.
LLOYD MEINEN, US ARMY
1966-1969
Lloyd Meinen enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and retired an E-5 Sergeant. Lloyd trained as a track vehicle mechanic. He served in Germany and Vietnam.
Lloyd has also been a member of Rice Lake Veterans Honor Guard for 30 years, and serves as the current commander.
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Lloyd was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
GENE POLITO, US ARMY
1966-1968
Gene Polito proudly served his country in the US Arm from 1966 thru 1968.
SCOTT BACHOWSKI, US AIR FORCE
1986-2007
Scott is the Barron County Veterans Service Officer, from July 2007 - Present
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PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT:
United States Air Force, 1986 - 2007
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EDUCATION:
Graduate of Whitnall High School; Associate in Applied Science Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Avionic Systems Technology and Airport Resource Management
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MILITARY EXPERIENCE:
U.S. Air Force from February 24, 1986 to June 30, 2007. Stationed at Homestead AFB, FL; Griffiss AFB, NY; Travis AFB, CA; Grand Forks AFB, ND; Republic of Korea; Whiteman AFB, MO and Mountain Home AFB, ID.
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MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, AF Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, AF Good Conduct Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, USAF NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. John Levitow award recipient Non-Commissioned Officers Academy.
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FAMILY:
Married, 3 sons and two beautiful grand daughters
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RECREATIONAL INTERESTS:
Hunting, Fishing, UTV Riding, and Camping
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CIVIC AND VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS:
Alderman City of Chetek 2017-2025, President Chetek Common Council 2019-2024, Past President Northwestern Wisconsin County Tribal Veterans Service Officer Association
JUSTIN SELZLER, US ARMY
1998-2012
SSG Justin Selzler joined the Army National Guard in 1998, inspired by his grandfather's legacy of service and dedication. He wanted to make a meaningful difference.
Over his 14 years of service, Justin was deployed during the Global War on Terrorism, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. His commitment and bravery were evident as he navigated the challenges of these missions, always striving to protect and serve his country.
Justin's time in the National Guard was marked by unwavering dedication, resilience, and the strong bonds he formed with his fellow soldiers. His service not only honored his grandfather's memory but also left a lasting impact on those who served alongside him. His family is incredibly proud of his achievements and the sacrifices he made for his country.
DANIEL D. PITTMAN, US ARMY
1986-1992
Dan Pittman enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school in Waterloo, Iowa. He did basic training and AIT in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was trained as a motor transport operator and drove all kinds of vehicles including semis, Jeeps and Humvees.
He was stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas and Fort Lewis in Washington and did two tours at Camp Casey, South Korea. Dan earned many awards during his time of service: Two Army achievement medals, an expert marksman badge, an expert driver badge, two good conduct medals, and many certificates of achievement. Dan was honorably discharged in August 1994.
ROBERT R. JOHNSON, US NAVY
1944-1945
Robert (Bob) Johnson served when he was 18 years old from 6/30/1944 to 7/10/1945. He was chief petty officer 3rd class on supply ships in the pacific ocean. He was drafted as part of the ‘new’ draft bill. One of his major tasks aboard ship was hanging from the side of the ship painting.
He and a classmate were interviewed in the local paper at a meeting of the Legion Auxiliary in 1944. The ‘boys’ felt they were ready to serve and do their part, not too young to go to war. Bob had an understanding beyond his 18 years that you didn’t hate the people you were fighting and the people were not your enemy. The enemy in WWII was Nazism and fascism. Bob didn’t hate anyone, he lived his whole life in Rice Lake, WI and made friends everywhere. Bob was a wonderful man and a wonderful citizen of rice lake.
NOEL SEVERSON, US ARMY
1990-2012
SFC Noel D. Severson graduated from Eau Claire North High School in 1989. He attended Western Illinois University and is a graduate from the US Army Quartermaster and US Army Engineer Branch Schools. He is a graduate of the US Army Airborne, Pathfinder, Special Operations Support, Career Counselor, Combat Advisor Courses, and numerous other military schools and courses that span a military career of 22 years. He has also completed the Primary, Basic and Advanced Leadership Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Courses.
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SFC Severson enlisted in the Army in 1990 and served as a Logistics Specialist at numerous military installations throughout the United States and abroad. His Operational and Combat assignments included the following: Operation Restore Hope, Task Force Ranger, Somalia; Operation Save Haven, Panama; Operations Northern & Southern Watch Southwest Asia, Bahrain; Operation Enduring Freedom; Afghanistan.
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SFC Severson's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal with 6 clasps, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with campaign star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with campaign star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, the Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 4, and the NATO Medal - Afghanistan. He has eared the Parachutist, Pathfinder, Aircraft Crew Member, Career Counselor and Combat Action Badges.
JAMES "JIM" D. FOUST, US ARMY AND
WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD
1969-1982
James Duane Foust, better known as Jim, was born in Ladysmith, Wisconsin on November 10th, 1948 to Robert and Elva Foust. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1966, married Diane Millard in 1968, and had one son, Jason, in 1973.
Jim served with distinction in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971. Jim was a Vietnam Veteran in the 101st Airborne Division and later joined the Wisconsin National Guard.
He spent most of his career in the cable television industry, starting as a technician and later rising to the position of regional manager. Jim was a fan of the Packers, the Brewers, and also enjoyed watching auto racing from the Rice Lake Speedway to NASCAR. He was a voracious reader and loved working on his ’49 Ford pickup, his ’72 MGB convertible, and enjoyed traveling around the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico in his vintage RV.
Jim was very proud to have served his country, but sadly fell victim to the lasting effects of Agent Orange exposure on February 12th, 2025. He was a friendly, well-liked man who enjoyed people. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
DAVID C MYRE, US ARMY
1970-1972
David C. Myre served in the US Army and retired a SPC 4. He served from 1970 thru 1972 in the Vietnam era. He was in the Fulda Gap East German Border in the 14th Armored Cavalry. David was a radio Teletype Operator.
JOE KNEPPER, US NAVY
1970–1976
Joe served in the US Navy reserves (4 inactive attending meeting and 2 years active service) from 1970 thru 1976. Joe was a 2nd class Petty Officer. He served as a “storekeeper” or Navy supply. Joe supported a unit called EOD or Explosive Ordnance Disposal. An EOD team was on every Naval unit that dealt w/ordnance. Such as Air Craft Carriers, Naval Air stations and Mines.
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Joe still lives in the Rice Lake area and serves on the Rice Lake Veterans Honor Guard.
MYRON C. HELDSTAB, US ARMY
1942-1945
Myron (Mike) Heldstab was born on January 21, 1921 and passed away at age 76 on July, 5th 1997. He was born in Rice Lake, WI to John and Barbara Heldstab, where he grew up and received his education. After graduation from high school in 1938, he attended school in Madison for a farm short course. In September 1943 Mr. Heldstab entered the US Army and worked as a mechanic during WWII. In December 1945 he returned to Rice Lake to farm with his brother. On June 3, 1952 he married the former Zana Whited in Brill, Wisconsin. They farmed their homestead from 1945 until retirement.
KURT D. SCHAMBERG, US ARMY
2003-2005 KIA 05/20/2025
SGT Schamberg, Kurt Daniel Schamberg, 26, of Orwell, Ohio died May 20, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq from a roadside blast while on patrol near the Abu Grahib prison. Kurt was born July 16, 1778 in Warren, Ohio to Thomas and Pamela (Gabriel) Schamberg. He grew up in Orwell, Ohio and graduated in 1997 from Grand Valley High School. He enlisted in the army in April 2003, completed basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, July 2003, and then was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum, New York. He was with Charley Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Brigade. He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq since January 25, 2005. He was presented a Purple Heart by U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on April 12th, 2005 for injuries sustained during a fire fight while on patrol March 31st, 2005. Kurt loved life, he loved to draw and paint, he enjoyed sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers, politics, being with family and friends and having a good time with all. He really enjoyed making home movies with his siblings and friends. He had been documenting his unit's tour of duty in Iraq. He believed in their mission and helping the people of Iraq and wanted us all to know we must support and believe in our troops.
TIMOTHY J. NELSON, US AIR FORCE
1979-2000
Timothy J Nelson U.S. Air Force 1979-2000, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, retired MSgt
Tim graduated from Hudson, WI High School in 1978. He served on active duty primarily as a B-52G/H, Defensive Aerial Gunner.
Active-Duty Assignments:
4017th Combat Crew Training, Castle AFB CA
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46th Bombardment Squadron, combat crewmember and Instructor Gunner, Grand Forks AFB ND
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319th Bombardment Wing as an Evaluator Gunner, Grand Forks AFB ND
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328th Bombardment Squadron as a Flightline Instructor Gunner, Castle AFB CA
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93rd Bombardment Wing B52 Plans and Programs Superintendent, Castle AFB CA
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330th Combat Flight Instructor Squadron, Instructor Gunner Program Manager, Castle AFB CA, deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and flew combat missions during Desert Storm, 801st Provisional Bombardment Wing.
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Upon returning from the Gulf war, Tim was reassigned to the 99th Strategic Weapons Wing, Ellsworth AFB SD. Strategic Air Command, Bomber Tactics School (SAC-Tactics School)
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October 1991 President Bush stood-down the B-52 Nuclear Alert mission with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the B-52 Gunners were taken off the B-52’s by the Commander-In-Chief, Strategic Air Command. He accumulated 5,033 B-52G/H flight hours.
Air Force Reserve Assignment:
Tim left active duty in January 1992 and joined the Air Force Reserves as a C-5 Galaxy, Flight Engineer (FE) with the 312th Airlift Squadron, Travis AFB CA until his retirement as a MSgt, accumulating over 3,000 flight hours in the C-5 A/B/C. As a C-5 FE, flew missions supporting U.S. Operations and interests worldwide including: Presidential support missions transporting the Motorcade and Helicopters, delivering Armor to Mogadishu Somalia non-stop from Biggs Army Airfield TX after Army helicopters were shot down. 18 months after he retired from the Air Force, military training and awareness led Tim to call the FBI on August, 15th 2001, 27 days before the 9/11 attacks to report a person, with no pilots license, trying to learn to fly a B747-400 at the flight school he worked at. This directly led to the FBI detaining and subsequently arresting this person who would later become known as the 20th 9/11 Hijacker and would plead guilty for his part in the terrorist attacks.
Tim’s love of aviation carried over into a civilian flying career working for Champion Air, carrying MLB, NBA and NHL teams, Atlas and Polar Air Cargo, Pratt & Whitney and Classic Aviation Service, flight testing Northwest Airlines B747 and DC-10 aircraft. His travels have taken him to all 7 continents and 117 countries.
GARY SCHIEFFER, US ARMY
1966-1968
Gary Schieffer joined the US Army in 1966 and retired in 1968 at a SGT. He served in the Vietnam from 1967 thru 1968 and worked in Artillery.
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Gary lives in the Rice Lake area and has stayed active in the local VFW and also being a part of the local Honor Guard for 40+ years.
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The National Guard building was recently closed in Rice Lake, WI and Gary was informed he had a photo hanging there. He was able to get his photo and that is what we used on his banner. Gary is a proud American and still serves his community with volunteering.
HERMAN GERBER, US ARMY
1942-1945
Herman Gerber served in the U.S. Army, 3rd Armor Division from 1942 thru 1945 and retired honorably as a Staff Sergeant after proudly serving his country in WWII.
His military qualifications were: rifle sharp shooter and 1st class gunner
Herman was awarded five Battle stars: Normandy, France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe
His decorations include: Good conduct medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, 4 Overseas Bars, Lapel Button and had a ASR Score 92
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Herman lived in Exeland, WI and loved his family and country.
JOE VITCENDA, US ARMY
1964-1966
Joe Vitcenda was drafted in the Fall of 1964 and proudly served in the US Army. His basic training was at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He spent the remainder of his military career as a clerk typist at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, NM.
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Joe was from the Exeland, Wisconsin area and has many family and friends that still reside there.
SHAYNE M. KUCKO, US ARMY
1997-2000
Shayne Kucko joined the US Army in 1997 and served on a peace keeping mission in Bosnia from 1999-2000.
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He retired an E4 in the Army and lives in the Rice Lake area.
DEAN M. BERANEK, US ARMY
1965-1967 KIA 07/23/1967
Seargeant Dean Mitchell Beranek
Born April 23, 1946 - Died July 23, 1967
Sgt. Beranek was killed near Pleiku Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for Gallantry in Action and Wounds received. At the time of his death, he was survived his parents Leo and Ella Beranek, brothers Dale (Esther) Beranek, Robert (Dorothy) Beranek, Wayne (Ruthann) Beranek, Leon (Joyce) Beranek, Billie Beranek, and sisters Maxine (Bill) Denison and Bonnie Beranek. Other family members who served were Dale, US Army, Wayne, US Marine Corps & US Army, Billie, US Army, and Ronnie (Bonnie) Roux US Army.
Dean enjoyed playing pool, hunting and racing on Saturday nights at the Rice Lake Speedway.
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The Silver Star commendation read:
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 July 1967 Sergeant Beranek distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader in Company C, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, on a search and destroy operation near Duc Co.
His platoon had gone out on a reconnaissance patrol when it made contact with a North Vietnamese Army Regiment and became heavily engaged. Sergeant Beranek displayed great courage and leadership in the action that followed. He maneuvered his squad skillfully into defensive positions and directed his men as they began returning the enemy fire.
The North Vietnamese advanced in large numbers, but due to his skill with his personal weapon and his masterful control of his men, a large number of the enemy were eliminated before they could reach the platoon's lines. Disregarding the danger, he exposed himself numerous times to enemy fire, fighting heroically until he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Beranek's courage under fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Dean was lovingly nominated by his family.
The Beranek family thanks the Rice Lake Veterans Drive Projects Committee for recognizing and honoring Sgt. Dean M. Beranek
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.
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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!
This years banners would not be possible without the support of these businesses and community members. We thank you for your support!
Todd & Mahala Earnhart
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