Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor gains two new members

May 4, 2010 - Two retired Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers with a combined 74 years of military experience took their place of honor among 41 other individuals Sunday (May 2) during the 10th annual Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor induction ceremony in Witmer Hall at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison.

Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Douglas H. Alfke of Jackson, Wis., and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas E. Gehrke of Monona, Wis., both began their careers during the Vietnam War, and both retired in 2003 following decades of dedicated service to Wisconsin and their nation.

"Despite the difficulties put upon our service members during that time, these two men stood up for what they believed in and never stopped serving - first as traditional Guardsmen, and then full time," said Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, who led the induction with Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Alfke joined the 32nd Infantry Brigade in 1973 after service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. His enlisted career culminated with his assignment as first sergeant of the Red Arrow Brigade Headquarters Company. Upon his later appointment as a warrant officer, he distinguished himself by providing leadership and mentorship to the brigade's commanders, staff and Soldiers. Upon transfer to the State Headquarters, Alfke served as labor relations manager responsible for all Army and Air National Guard labor issues. He retired following a 34-year military career.

Gehrke served multiple tours in Vietnam as an artilleryman before joining the Wisconsin Army National Guard, where he enjoyed a long career in the logistics, intelligence and operations fields. He spent the last 10 years of his career in the area of training, and greatly impacted the deployment readiness of 64th Troop Command Soldiers. He retired from the Wisconsin Guard after a combined active duty and Guard career spanning 40 years.

Dunbar noted the recent return of more than 3,000 Wisconsin National Guard troops and also the approximately 500 Guard members presently deployed, and linked their present readiness to the mentorship of Soldiers such as Alfke and Gehrke.

"It is their hard work in areas of training, personnel, supply and operations that ensured the future success of our Soldiers when they began deploying in support of the global war on terror," he said. "We owe them a debt of gratitude. None of these accomplishments would be possible without the legacy left behind by Soldiers such as Chief Warrant Officer 4 Alfke and Command Sgt. Major Gehrke - outstanding Soldiers who made a difference."