Ho-Chunk warrior, Guard member promoted

By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Ellis

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

In a ceremony complete with ceremonial Native American raiment and music, a Ho-Chunk Nation warrior was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Wisconsin Army National Guard Saturday (March 19) at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison.

David James Whitehorse Klauser of Madison, an assistant staff judge advocate assigned to Joint Force Headquarters and a state public defender in Janesville, was lauded for his 14 years of service to the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

"He is a good example of a Ho-Chunk warrior and officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guard," Robert Mann, veterans service officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, said of Klauser. "He served his people, his country, and the Wisconsin National Guard proudly. He has earned the status of warrior ever since he signed up and went into the military."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, agreed.

"It was not hard to realize his tremendous effort and dedication, what he has already accomplished, what he has done, what he has been, and the value he has provided to this organization and nation," Anderson said.

Klauser is one of 74 Wisconsin National Guard members of Native American or Alaskan native heritage. Mann related how, during a 2007 deployment to Iraq with the 332nd Rear Operations Center, Klauser raised the Ho-Chunk Nation flag over the headquarters building.

"That just shows the type of person he is," Mann said. "He is very proud of his heritage."