Two retired Guard members enter Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor Sunday

April 30, 2010 - Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Douglas H. Alfke of Jackson, Wis., and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas E. Gehrke of Monona, Wis., will join the prestigious Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor during an induction ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday (May 2), in Witmer Hall at Joint Force Headquarters, 2400 Wright Street, Madison.

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 in 2003 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.

Alfke and Gehrke will join the ranks of 40 individuals who have brought great credit to the state of Wisconsin and to the Wisconsin Army National Guard since the inception of the Hall of Honor 10 years ago. Inductees are chosen by a special committee of current and past Guard Soldiers, based on exceptional achievement, devotion to duty and embodiment of the Army's core values - duty, honor, service, respect, loyalty, integrity and personal courage.

Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, and Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, Wisconsin Army National Guard commander, will lead the induction. Attendees include family and friends of the inductees as well as current and retired Guard members.