Four Soldiers with 145 years of service enter Wisconsin's Hall of Honor

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin National Guard

The Wisconsin Army National Guard recognized four of their own during a formal induction ceremony to the coveted Hall of Honor Saturday (May 5) at the Department of Military Affairs.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Kerry Denson of Lake Mills, Wis., Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James Krueck of McFarland, Wis., Col. (Ret.) Timothy Pfrang of Sussex, Wis., and Col. (Ret.) David Schumacher of Onalaska, Wis., are the latest to join the Hall of Honor which began in 2000.

"We get a chance, once a year, to recognize some outstanding Soldiers that have served the Wisconsin National Guard and the U.S. Army in a very exemplary fashion," said. Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin National Guard. "This year is held special to my heart because of the four gentlemen that are being recognized today."

Denson, who devoted nearly 41 years of service to the U.S. Army and Wisconsin National Guard, was the first to be inducted. He likened his time as a leader to that of a band director - stating he merely picked the songs and the Soldiers alongside and beneath him were the ones to actually play the "music" or accomplish the mission.

"Today when I receive this award, I do so on behalf of the thousands of quality, professional leaders ... that are spaced today, not only across Wisconsin, but around the world," Denson said.

Near the beginning of the ceremony, Anderson said that all Soldiers couldn't focus on the organization and mission-at-hand without the support of their families. Denson agrees completely.

"When a Soldier or Airmen loses the support of their family, we lose that Soldier or Airmen," Denson said. "And my family has been very, very supportive of my career, and I really do appreciate that - especially Mary Ann and my boys."

Another former commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard was the next to be recognized.

Krueck, who served as an enlisted Soldier, warrant officer and commissioned officer over the span of his 42-year career, said he was surprised and humbled when he learned of his selection to the Hall.

"I served on one of the best teams in the United States - the Wisconsin Army National Guard - for over 40 years," Krueck said. "I really don't see this as an individual award, I see it as a team award."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said let there be little doubt, however, to the significance of the recognition as he addressed the inductees and crowd in attendance.

"They're going to say things like, 'Aww, come on it was nothing.' Don't you believe it - it was something and it is absolutely a privilege to be here today and I hope that you'll accept these awards in the spirit in which they're offered."

Pfrang, who began his more than 30 years of service in the Army Reserves, was the third inductee. He joined the Wisconsin Guard in 1974 and worked with many different entities of the Wisconsin national Guard as a mobility readiness officer.

"I just want to thank all the hundreds and perhaps thousands of Soldier and officers that I worked for, the civilian people that I got to interact with ... for the opportunity to serve and be value added to the state and country," Pfrang said.

Schumacher, who served in the Wisconsin Guard for his entire 30 years of service, was the last member to be inducted. He said his initial reaction to hearing he would be inducted into the Hall was that of 'surprise and humble gratitude."

"Candidly, I immediately thought of the long list of Soldiers I know and served with, who in my view, are more deserving of this tremendous honor," Schumacher said. "I had 30 wonderful years in the Wisconsin Army National guard - and I would do it all over again without hesitation.

"For me this journey began 45 years ago, I am extremely grateful and will conclude by saying - thank you."

There was little doubt the number of lives affected by the four inductees as the ceremony was hosted in DMAs Witmer Hall and left standing room only.

"How phenomenal is it when an organization as fine as the Wisconsin Army National Guard, led by great men and women you see here, selects four from that kind of foundation and says 'your service was so good, so unique, so significant, that we'd like to put you into our Hall of Honor,'" Dunbar said.

"What an incredible, incredible statement of support from the men and women of the Wisconsin Army National Guard."