Menominee veterans elect officers

The Veterans of the Menominee Nation held their annual election of officers at their November meeting. Officers elected for one-year terms were Gilbert “Andy” Boivin, commander; Elmer Wilber Sr., vice commander; Jamie Awonahopay, treasurer; Susan Cook, secretary; and Lyle Kreier, sergeant at arms. Veterans of the Menominee Nation meet at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Menominee County/Tribal Veterans Service Office, W3191 Fredenberg Lane, Keshena. Tribal or nontribal veterans residing in Menominee County or reservation are eligible to join. The VMN provides services and support to veterans, their families, the tribe and the community. The association supports youth, families, elders and many educational, cultural, community and tribal organizational activities. Activities for 2014 include the annual fishing derby scheduled for Feb. 15 at the Legend Lake Lodge, annual spring banquet April 12 at the Menominee Casino Conference Center and the annual Gathering of Warriors Pow-wow May 16-18 at the Woodland Bowl in Keshena. At this year’s Gathering of Warriors pow-wow, VMN will honor World War II veterans and Menominee code talkers. Five Menominee World War II code talkers were recognized for their service at ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Specially minted medals will be presented in a special ceremony to the family members of the Menominee code talkers at the pow-wow. Any veteran in need of assistance can contact Adrian Miller Jr., the new county veterans service officer, at his office at W3191 Fredenberg Lane in Keshena from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 715-799-3729 to schedule an appointment.