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Transcript of HOW TO FOLD A US FLAG - Waupaca County, Wisconsin CVSO 2017 Annual Report.pdf · STRATEGI...
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
COURTHOUSE, 811 HARDING STREET WAUPACA, WI 54981
Tel 715-258-6475
Fax 715-258-6266
http:/www.co.waupaca.wi.us/departments/veterans_service_office/index.php
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
INCLUDING OPERATIONAL INFORMATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2017
AND FEDERAL FY 2016 (OCT 1, 2015 TO SEP 30, 2016)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
To our Stakeholders ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Federal DVA Data .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Veterans Emergency Relief.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Office Activity ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Office Information ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS
Page 1
2017 Annual Report - Veterans STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS
In 2017, the CVSO identified three strategic goals addressing important aspects of our veteran community.
The first aimed at becoming a member of the Wisconsin County Ambassador Program team. The second, to
study the statewide practice regarding WI §45.85. Finally, the third goal focused on a collaborative digital
mapping project with the Waupaca County GIS operator to map the location and contact information of the
Veteran Service Organizations in Waupaca County. These goals concentrated on advocacy for veterans at
the State of Wisconsin level, fiscal accountability, and sharing information about the Veteran Service
Organizations in our community.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Waupaca County Veterans Service Office operates under State of Wisconsin Statute 45, at the pleasure
of the Waupaca County Board Chairman, the Waupaca County Board of Supervisors, and the veterans of
Waupaca County. Cindy, Julie, and I are humbled and honored to provide services to our veteran
community free of charge. Our office provided $4,500 in direct emergency assistance in CY 2017, and
assisted the County Veteran population (4,491) receive over $50.5 million dollars in earned benefits (FY
2016 according to VA Expenditure).
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
This year, our office planned and executed three important events incorporating tens of agencies and
reaching hundreds of veterans. The first event, 2017 Veterans Benefit Expo, took place in March and
included representation from 27 agencies with 69 attendees. The second event, Waupaca County Fair
Veterans Program, took place in August and served more than 250 veterans and dependents. This event
included a speech by Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI 8th). The final event, 2017 Veteran Mental Health
and Suicide Prevention Training, took place in October and certified 34 community gatekeepers in the
suicide prevention method called Question Persuade Refer (QPR). Thanks to all the agencies and
individuals who assisted our office and our county veterans this year.
LOOKING AHEAD
The work of the Waupaca County Veterans Service Office is more important than ever. Since 1934, the
concept of our office has been to provide a local veteran advocate who links local veterans with benefits
and services. That mission remains as relevant today as it was in 1934. The state of Wisconsin and
Waupaca County, in particular, should be proud of the CVSO model. We look forward to continued
engagement with the veteran community as our moral obligation and honored duty.
Jesse P. Cuff
Waupaca County Veterans Service Office
December 31, 2017
FEDERAL DVA DATA – FY 2012 TO FY 2016
Page 2
Financial Summary
Chart 1
Chart 2
These charts compare Federal Fiscal year data for the State of Wisconsin and Waupaca County respectively.
The purpose of these charts is to produce a graphical trend analysis over a five year period. Charts 1 and 2
indicate a general upward trend.
$0
$500,000,000
$1,000,000,000
$1,500,000,000
$2,000,000,000
$2,500,000,000
$3,000,000,000
FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
WI - FED FY SELECTED EXPENTIDURE TREND
Total Expenditure Compensation & Pension Medical Care
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
WAUPACA CO - FED FY SELECTED EXPENDITURE TREND
Total Expenditure Compensation & Pension Medical Care
FEDERAL DVA DATA – FY 2012 TO FY 2016
Page 3
Chart 3
Chart 4
These charts compare Federal Fiscal year data for the State of Wisconsin and Waupaca County respectively.
The purpose of these charts is to produce a graphical trend analysis over a five year period. Charts 3 and 4
show slight downward trend in overall veteran population with slight upward trend in unique patients.
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
WI - FED FY VET POP / VA PATIENT TREND
Veteran Population Unique Patients
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
WAUPACA CO - FED FY VET POP / VA PATIENT TREND
Veteran Population Unique Patients
VETERANS EMERGENCY RELIEF
Page 4
$0.00
$2,000.00
$4,000.00
$6,000.00
$8,000.00
$10,000.00
$12,000.00
Utility Housing Food Transport Other Finance Ed
5 Year Total Expenditure
Waupaca County Veterans Service Commission §45.81
COMMISSION MEMBERS
• Mrs. Brandy Surprise (Chair)
• Mrs. Judy Deschler
• Mr. Jim Goeser
• Mr. Jesse Cuff (CVSO – Executive Secretary)
CALENDAR YEAR 2017 – EMERGENCY GRANTS
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE APPROVED DENIED EXPENDITURE
Utility 5 1 $2,414.46
Housing 4 5 $1,132.68
Food 1 0 $55.72
Transportation 2 1 $897.14
Other 0 1 $0.00
Financial Education 0 0 $0.00
TOTALS 12 8 $4,500.00
FIVE YEAR TREND GRAPHIC
Chart 5
This chart shows expenditures by category over a five year period (CY 2013-2017).
OFFICE ACTIVITY
Page 5
Contact by Type for Calendar Year 2017 (250 working days)
OUTREACH CONTACTS
TOTAL - 118
OFFICE VISIT CONTACTS
TOTAL - 780
OFFICE TELEPHONE CONTACTS
TOTAL - 1,905
COMPLETED FORMS
TOTAL - 2,351
E-MAIL CONTACTS
TOTAL - 557
TOTAL OF ALL COMMUNICATIONS
TOTAL – 3,825
TAKEAWAYS
The Waupaca County Veterans Service Office is composed of three full-time staff members committed to
serving our county’s veteran and eligible dependent community. Our veteran population is approximately
4,491, not taking into account the total number of eligible dependents. If we assume one eligible
dependent for every veteran, the potential population we serve is nearly 10,000. Divided evenly, our
individual case load would be approximately 3,333.
CY 2017 Waupaca County Population – 52,100 (www.doa.wi.gov)
FY 2016 Waupaca Veteran Population – 4,491* (www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp)
*Population does not include dependents eligible for benefits
EVENTS / HIGHLIGHTS
Ongoing - Provide outreach to Clintonville / New London off-site office 1st Wednesdays of the month.
Additionally, outreach to WVH@King Thursdays from 9a-12p.
December Attended the WVH@King Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance
November Spoke to Waupaca Middle School students for veterans in the classroom for
Veterans Day and spoke to the Waupaca Genealogical Society on Veterans Day
October Held Veteran Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training
September Spoke at the Bethany Home Medicare Bootcamp Event
August Veterans Program at the Waupaca County Fair
July Collaborated to place a flag disposal box in the Waupaca Sheriff ’s Office Lobby
June Waupaca County Veteran Coalition celebrates one year in operation
May Spoke at the Clintonville Post 63 Memorial Day Remembrance in Clintonville and
Embarrass
April CAP Team Meeting at the Capitol
March Held the 2017 Waupaca County Veterans Benefit Fair
February Spoke at the Manawa Snodeo Veterans Program
January Participated, as 1 of 3 judges, during the Am. Leg. Oratorical Competition
OFFICE INFORMATION
Page 6
Contact Information
JESSE P. CUFF VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER
CINDY ROLOFF SENIOR BENEFITS SPECIALIST
JULIE MOTIFF BENEFITS SPECIALIST
Tel 715-258-6475 op 3
Fax 715-258-6266
Tel 715-258-6475 op 2
Fax 715-258-6266
Tel 715-258-6475 op 1
Fax 715-258-6266
Department Information
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
COURTHOUSE, 811 HARDING STREET WAUPACA, WI 54981
Tel 715-258-6475
Fax 715-258-6266
http:/www.co.waupaca.wi.us/departments/veterans_service_office/index.php
Find us on Facebook! Facebook.com/WaupacaVeteransOffice
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
ANDERSON, Eugene E. Fremont 03/22/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
ANDERSON, George A. Waupaca 04/01/17 Korea U.S. ArmyLakeside Memorial Park,
Waupaca
ANDREWS, John D. Waupaca 08/02/17 Peacetime Army National GuardPark Cemetery, Town of St.
Lawrence
BALSEWICZ, Donald J. Fremont 03/06/17 Korea U.S. Army Lakeside Cemetery, Fremont
BARBER, Arthur W. Iola 02/20/17 World War II U.S. NavyScandinavia Lutheran Cemetery,
Scandinavia
BARRY, Michael R. Weyauwega 11/06/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
BARTELT, Gene D. Manawa 04/09/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmySymco-Union Cemetery, Town of
Union
BAUER, Michael J.Fox Crossings (formerly
Fremont)12/23/17 Vietnam Era Army National Guard Cremated
BEHM, Leslie A.Appleton (formerly
Waupaca)09/02/17 World War II U.S. Army Hatton Cemetery, Town of Lind
BEHNKE, Roy A. Clintonville 05/09/17 World War II U.S. ArmySt. Martin Lutheran Cemetery,
Town of Larrabee
BERNHARDT, Arden E. Clintonville 10/04/17 Korea U.S. Marine Corps Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
BOHLMANN, Glen F. New London 11/30/17 World War II U.S. NavyValhalla Memorial Park,
Milwaukee
TAPS
1 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
BOLEN, Reuben J. Ogdensburg 08/16/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyPark Cemetery, Town of St.
Lawrence
BONNELL, John D. Waupaca 03/21/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyPark Cemetery, Town of St.
Lawrence
BOWDEN, Douglas J. Fremont 06/26/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
BRANDT, Richard C. Waupaca 05/16/17 Korea U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
BRAZIL, Robert K. Fremont 08/30/17 Korea U.S. Army St. Paul's Cemetery, Fremont
BREITENFELDT, Carmen C.Neenah (formerly New
London)08/05/17 Korea U.S. Marine Corps
St. John's Lutheran Cemetery,
Town of Caledonia
BRIGHAM, Harold G. New London 01/16/17 Korea U.S. NavyTurney Hill Cemetery, Town of
Liberty (Outagamie Co.)
BROCKWAY, Carl B. Iola 12/09/17 World War II U.S. Navy Cremated
BRUCE, Colin R. II Scandinavia 09/03/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
BUCHHOLZ, David A.Kuna, ID (formerly
Clintonville)08/12/17 GWOT U.S. Air Force Cremated
BUTZIN, Larry W. Waupaca 02/18/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyPleasant Valley Cemetery, Town
of Dayton
BYFORD, William F. Waupaca 09/02/17 Korea U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
2 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
CASKEY, Harry S. Clintonville 01/12/17 World War II/Korea U.S. Navy Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
CHADY, William P. Manawa 08/03/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
CLARK, Allen E. Iola 09/08/17 Korea U.S. NavyLakeside Memorial Park,
Waupaca
COLDEN, Kevin L. Sr. Clintonville 03/23/17 Vietnam U.S. Navy Cremated
CRAMER, Bryce A. Waupaca 09/09/17 GWOT Army National GuardLakeside Memorial Park,
Waupaca
CUMMINGS, Glenn C. Clintonville 04/05/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyShiocton Bovina Cemetery,
Shiocton (Outagamie Co.)
CURTISS, Donald E. Shiocton 11/13/17 Korea U.S. Army Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
DANKE, Alan A. Waupaca 01/27/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyLind Center Cemetery, Town of
Lind
DAVIDSON, Kenneth L.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Weyauwega)
05/29/17 Korea U.S. ArmyLind Center Cemetery, Town of
Lind
DAWSON, Charles C. Bear Creek 02/25/17 World War II U.S. ArmySymco-Union Cemetery, Town of
Union
DE METS, Dennis D. Black Creek 08/21/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyMost Precious Blood Cemetery,
New London
DISHNO, Wayland E. Waupaca 06/22/17 World War II/Korea U.S. Air ForceLittle Wolf Cemetery, Town of
Little Wolf
3 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
DOHR, Dylan T. Clintonville 04/28/17 GWOT U.S. Marine Corps Cremated
DONA, Thomas Appleton 09/16/17 Vietnam U.S. Air ForceSpencer Lake Cemetery, Town of
Lind
DRAKE, Daniel L. Waupaca 04/04/17 Vietnam U.S. Air Force Cremated
DREXLER, Michael Waupaca 04/05/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
DRIVAS, George Peter Waupaca 11/23/17 World War II U.S. NavyLakeside Memorial Park,
Waupaca
ELLIS, Jerome J. Ogdensburg 03/24/17 Korea U.S. Air Force Cremated
FEHRMAN, Lyle C.
Shawano - formerly
Clintonville and
Embarrass
01/22/17 Korea U.S. Air ForceZion Lutheran Cemetery, Town of
Matteson
FREIBOTH, Kenneth C. Clintonville 12/14/17 Vietnam U.S. Air Force Cremated
FUHRMANN, Gene E. Clintonville 10/24/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
GEE, Douglas J. Clintonville 05/11/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
GERHARD, Russell D.Appleton - formerly New
London02/08/17 Korea U.S. Navy Cremated
GIERSBACH, Glenn A. Clintonville 05/28/17 Korea U.S. Army Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
4 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
GLODOWSKI, Norbert J.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
12/05/17 Korea U.S. ArmySt. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic
Cemetery, Amherst (Portage Co.)
HALEY, Patrick J. Waupaca 11/07/17 Peacetime U.S. Marine CorpsWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
HALVERSON, David W.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Weyauwega)
04/10/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
HAMMERBERG, Robert New London 04/08/17 Korea U.S. Army Cremated
HANKE, Lavern L.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
12/09/17 Korea U.S. Air ForceWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
HANSEN, Lewis C. Waupaca 03/19/17 World War II U.S. Army Rural Cemetery, Town of Dayton
HANSON, Daniel M. Fremont 10/03/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyPoy Sippi Cemetery, Poy Sippi
(Waushara Co)
HARVEY, Gordon A. Iola 06/22/17 VietnamU.S. Navy/U.S. Marine
Corps
Wisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
HENSCHEL, Roger E. Clintonville 11/20/17 Peacetime Army National Guard Marble Cemetery, Town of Union
HINTZKE, Francis P. New London 07/20/17 World War II/Korea U.S. ArmyMost Precious Blood Cemetery,
New London
HOFFMANN, Thomas J. Manawa 10/10/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmySacred Heart Cemetery, Town of
Little Wolf
HOKENS, Edward C. Waupaca 08/16/17 Vietnam U.S. Marine CorpsWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
5 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
HOKS, William D. Iola 06/03/17 Korea U.S. ArmyGrace Lutheran Cemetery,
Winchester (Winnebago Co)
HOLTZ, William E. New London 04/18/17 Korea U.S. NavyMost Precious Blood Cemetery,
New London
INDERDAHL, Howard K. Scandinavia 09/12/17 World War II/Korea U.S. ArmyScandinavia Lutheran Cemetery,
Scandinavia
JANIS, Donna M.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly New
London)
09/18/17 Korea U.S. ArmySt. Patrick's Cemetery, Town of
Lebanon
JOHNSON, Hugo L. Fremont 02/03/17 Korea U.S. NavySt. Paul Lutheran Cemetery,
Fremont
JUERGENS, LeRoy W. Manawa 03/09/17 Korea U.S. ArmyLittle Wolf Cemetery, Town of
Little Wolf
KAMPS, Raymond G. New London 10/28/17 World War II U.S. ArmyRiverside Cemetery, Menominee,
MI
KARSTEDT, Frederick L. Clintonville 08/31/17 Peacetime U.S. Army Woodlawn Cemetery, Shawano
KASSON, Jack D. Clintonville 07/29/17 Peacetime U.S. Marine Corps Cremated
KAUTZ, Ronald R. Clintonville 06/23/17 Vietnam EraWis Army National
GuardCremated
KEALIHER, Stanley R. Waupaca 01/07/17 Korea U.S.. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
KERNEN, Raymond H. Appleton 11/09/17 Peacetime U.S. Air ForceFloral Hill Cemetery, New
London
6 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
KESSLER, Robert J. Waupaca 03/17/17 PeacetimeNational Guard & Army
ReserveRural Cemetery, Town of Dayton
KLEIN, Wayne C. II Waupaca 03/07/17 World War II U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
KLOEHN, Bruce L.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly New
London)
04/01/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
KLOTZBUECHER, Kenneth H. Manawa 12/28/17 Vietnam U.S. Navy Cremated
KOEPKE, Bruce N. Clintonville 03/02/17 Vietnam U.S. Navy Cremated
KOROTKA, Michael S.Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly Manawa)03/31/17 Vietnam U.S. Marine Corps
Wisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
KOROTKA, Robert D. Manawa 07/31/17 Peacetime U.S. Marine CorpsWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
KRAMER, Robert A. Fremont 05/18/17 World War II U.S. ArmySt. Paul Lutheran Cemetery,
Fremont
KRAUSE, Gary R. Big Falls 02/04/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
KRUEGER, Kenneth R. Clintonville 10/23/17 Korea U.S. ArmyOakhill Cemetery, Town of Main
(Outagamie Co.)
KURTH, Charles E. Weyauwega 09/05/17 Korea U.S. Army Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega
LABISCH, Gerald E. Iola 09/19/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmySt. Mary Magdalene Catholic
Cemetery, Waupaca
7 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
LEE, Marshall E.Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly Iola)05/31/17 World War II U.S. Navy
Northland Lutheran Cemetery,
Town of Harrison
LICHTENBERG, Donald H. Clintonville 02/28/17 World War II U.S. Navy Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
LUDVIGSEN, Jody R. Clintonville 09/17/17 Vietnam Era U.S. Navy Cremated
LUSIAK, John W. Sr.Elkhorn (formerly
Clintonville)05/27/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
MANNY, William J. Waupaca 11/16/17 Vietnam U.S. Air ForceLind Center Cemetery, Town of
Lind
MARCKS, Gerald G. New London 12/28/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
MARTIN, Carl A. Iola 09/20/17 World War II U.S. Marine Corps Cremated
MARTIN, Eugene R.Crivitz (formerly
Clintonville)08/25/17 Peacetime U.S. Army Cremated
MASSEY, Ronald G. New London 01/17/17 Korea U.S. Marine CorpsNorthport-Ostrander Cemetery,
Town of Mukwa
MATTSON, Allen L. Clintonville 07/13/17 Korea U.S. ArmyGreenwood Cemetery, Town of
Matteson
MCINTOSH, Sidney C. Waupaca 07/18/17 Peacetime U.S. NavyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
MEHLBERG, James C.Waupaca (formerly
Manawa)01/02/17 Korea U.S. Army Big Falls Cemetery, Big Falls
8 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
MESHKE, Douglas L. New London 08/21/17 Korea U.S. ArmyNorthport-Ostrander Cemetery,
Town of Mukwa
MEYER, Russell H. Sr. Saxeville 11/07/17 World War II U.S. ArmySt. Mary Magdalene Catholic
Cemetery, Waupaca
MILLARD, William J. New London 07/27/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyFloral Hill Cemetery, New
London
MILLER, Dennis Edward Manawa 02/18/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyPark Cemetery, Town of St.
Lawrence
MITTELSTAEDT, Erwin H. Manawa 10/17/17 World War II U.S. ArmyLittle Wolf Cemetery, Town of
Little Wolf
MOERICKE, Roy A. Marion 03/01/17 Korea U.S. Army Big Falls Cemetery, Big Falls
MOORE, Blake A. Neenah 07/13/17 Afghanistan U.S. ArmySacred Heart Cemetery, Town of
Little Wolf
MORK, Clarence A. Waupaca 01/24/17 World War II U.S. ArmyOur Savior Lutheran Cemetery,
Iola
NEUMANN, Kenneth A. Waupaca 03/08/17 Korea U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
NOHR, Raymond E. Manawa 01/05/17 Korea U.S. NavyLittle Wolf Cemetery, Town of
Little Wolf
NORDWIG, David A. Clintonville 02/11/17 Peacetime U.S. Army
St. Paul's Lutheran
Cemetery/Stony Hill, Town of
Richmond (Shawano Co.)
OEHLKE, Vernon N.Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly Fremont)04/06/17 Korea U.S. Army Lakeside Cemetery, Fremont
9 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
OLSEN, Leonard Jr. Manawa 07/24/17 World War II/Korea U.S. Navy/U.S. ArmySymco-Union Cemetery, Town of
Union
OPPOR, Scott L. Clintonville 03/25/17 Peacetime U.S. Army Cremated
OSBY, Richard Wisconsin Veteran Home
(formely Waupaca)11/01/17 Vietnam U.S. Army
Greenwood Cemetery, Atlanta,
GA
PALMER, Howard N. Waupaca 06/15/17 Korea U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
PAMPERIN, Raymond F.Oshkosh (formerly
Manawa)01/02/17 Korea U.S. Army Cremated
PAULBICKI, Richard R.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
05/26/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega
PEDERSON, Donald R.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly New
London)
04/17/17 Korea U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veteran Memorial
Cemetery, King
PEETERS, Donald G.Seymour (formerly
Clintonville)11/23/17 Peacetime U.S. Army
St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery,
Bear Creek (Outagamie Co.)
PETERSON, Dennis C. Weyauwega 02/15/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega
PETERSON, Earl W. Clintonville 12/25/17 Korea/Vietnam U.S. Air Force Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
PEURA, John E. Fremont 02/23/17 Vietnam U.S. Navy Deerton Cemetery, Deerton MI
PHELPS, Lavern H.Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly Manawa)06/13/17 Vietnam U.S. Army
Wisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
10 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
PIELA, Elmer J.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
10/02/17 Korea U.S. Army Cremated
PINKOWSKI, Thomas J. Waupaca 09/16/17 Korea U.S. NavyWisconsin Memorial Park,
Brookfield (Waukesha Co)
PITT, Vernon O. Clintonville 06/13/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyZion United Methodist Cemetery,
Town of Hartland (Shawano Co)
PLESHEK, Gary J. Weyauwega 08/25/17 Vietnam U.S. Marine Corps Cremated
PREUSS, Gerald K. Iola 10/12/17 Berlin Crisis U.S. Army Cremated
QUAINTANCE, Donald J. New London 08/25/17 World War II U.S. ArmyMost Precious Blood Cemetery,
New London
RADES, Gary L.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
10/03/17 Peacetime U.S. Air Force Cremated
REDMANN, Duwayne K.Appleton (formerly
Weyauwega)03/29/17 World War II / Korea U.S. Marine Corps Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega
ROBERTS, David O.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly New
London)
11/17/17 World War II U.S. ArmyFloral Hill Cemetery, New
London
ROE, Richard R.Appleton (formerly New
London)12/21/17 Gulf War Army National Guard
Most Precious Blood Cemetery,
New London
ROGERS, John J.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly New
London)
12/06/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
ROHLF, Richard W.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Clintonville)
05/12/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
11 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
ROLAND, Robert M. New London 08/30/17 Korea U.S. ArmyFloral Hill Cemetery, New
London
RYAN, Thomas A. Appleton 10/10/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyBarton Cemetery, Town of
Farmington
SALTER, Glenn W. Waupaca 11/01/17 Korea U.S. ArmyFarmington Lutheran Cemetery,
Town of Farmington
SCHERTZ, James L. Bear Creek 10/30/17 Korea U.S. ArmySt. Mary's Catholic Cemetery,
Bear Creek (Outagamie Co.)
SCHMIDT, Clement M. Iola 09/30/17 World War II U.S. Army Air ForceWolf River Cemetery, Fremont
(Winnebago Co)
SCHULDT, Robert A. New London 07/10/17 Vietnam U.S. Air ForceFloral Hill Cemetery, New
London
SCHWAMB, Franklin H. Waupaca 01/07/17 World War II U.S. ArmyWashington County Memorial
Park, West Bend (Washington Co)
SEEFELD, Rodney H. New London 09/04/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyFloral Hill Cemetery, New
London
SERAFINI, Vincent J. Waupaca 09/28/17 World War II U.S. NavySt. Mary Magdalene Catholic
Cemetery, Waupaca
SHAFFAR, Raymond J. III Weyauwega 09/01/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyNorthshore Garden of Memories
Cemetery, North Chicago, IL
SMITH, Joseph D.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly New
London)
04/23/17 World War II U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
SMITH, Russell J. New London 04/09/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyHighland Memorial Park,
Appleton (Outagamie Co.)
12 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
STABE, Maurice E. Waupaca 08/31/17 Korea U.S. ArmyNicolet Memorial Park, Green Bay
(Brown Co.)
STRASSBURG, Carl A. Waupaca 12/23/17 World War II/Korea U.S. Navy Cremated
STREICHER, Bernard R. Jr. Clintonville 12/07/17 Korea U.S. NavySt. Martin's Lutheran Cemetery,
Clintonville
STROIK, Thomas F. Waupaca 07/11/17 Peacetime U.S. ArmyGreenwood Cemetery, Amherst
(Portage Co)
SZYMBORSKI, Alexander J.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Readfield)
04/24/17 World War II U.S. NavyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
THOE, Edmund A. Iola 03/22/17 Korea U.S. Army Hitterdahl Cemetery, Iola
THOMPSON, Earl K. St. Francis, MN 05/04/17 Korea U.S. ArmySt. Patrick's Cemetery, Town of
Lebanon
THURK, Richard W. New London 02/07/17 World War II U.S. ArmyNew Maple Creek Cemetery, New
London (Outagamie Co.)
TORGERSON, Forrest E. Iola 02/17/17 World War II U.S. NavyOur Savior Lutheran Cemetery,
Iola
TRAUGER, Jeane N. New London 05/08/17 World War II U.S. ArmyUnion Cemetery, Hortonville
(Outagamie Co)
TRIEGLAFF, Clarence C.Appleton (formerly
Clintonville)10/26/17 World War II U.S. Army Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
TSCHECH, David L. Clintonville 03/29/17 Berlin Crisis U.S. ArmyLake View Memorial Park,
Oshkosh (Winnebago Co.)
13 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
TURRUBIATES, Ty J. Waupaca 03/29/17 Iraq U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
VAN ORNUM, Gerald F.Jackson (formerly
Royalton)08/09/17 Vietnam U.S. Air Force
Northport-Ostrander Cemetery,
Town of Mukwa
VANCE, Paul Hortonville 05/20/17 World War II/Korea U.S. Marine CorpsFloral Hill Cemetery, New
London
VAUX, James P. Jr.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
06/12/17 Korea U.S. Marine CorpsWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
VINCENT, Thomas W.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Clintonville)
12/28/17 Vietnam U.S. ArmyWisconsin Veterans Memorial
Cemetery, King
VOIE, Roger T.Stevens Point (formerly
Iola)02/17/17 Korea U.S. Navy Riverside Cemetery, Iola
VOSS, Evan E. New London 09/21/17 World War II/Korea U.S. ArmyArlington National Cemetery,
Arlington VA
WARTNER, Luvern W. Fond du Lac 05/16/17 World War II U.S. ArmySymco-Union Cemetery, Town of
Union
WEBB, Lawrence C. Scandinavia 08/01/17 Korea/Vietnam U.S. ArmyScandinavia Lutheran Cemetery,
Scandinavia
WENZEL, Wilbur W. Clintonville 08/07/17 Peacetime Army National Guard Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
WIED, John (Jack) W. Amherst 03/07/17 World War II U.S. ArmyLind Center Cemetery, Town of
Lind
WILKENING, Wallace A.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
04/22/17 World War II U.S. NavyPine Grove Cemetery, Wautoma
(Waushara Co)
14 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
WAUPACA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE
January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017
NAME CITY DATE OF DEATH SERVICE PERIOD SERVICE BRANCH PLACE OF BURIAL
TAPS
WILSON, Gary H.
Wisconsin Veterans
Home (formerly
Waupaca)
10/28/17 Vietnam U.S. Army Cremated
WIRSBINSKI, Buddy R. Fremont 03/23/17 Peacetime U.S. Marine CorpsHighland Memorial Park,
Appleton (Outagamie Co.)
WOLDING, Duane E. Scandinavia 03/26/17 Peacetime U.S. Marine CorpsNelsonville Lutheran Cemetery,
Town of New Hope (Portage Co)
ZAWACKI, Henry F. Waupaca 10/14/17 Korea U.S. ArmySt. Mary Magdalene Catholic
Cemetery, Waupaca
ZEUSKE, Donald Ray Clintonville 08/19/17 Korea U.S. Army Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville
ZUBE, Calvin J.Madison (formerly
Waupaca)09/12/17 Iraq U.S. Marine Corps Cremated
15 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED SINCE 1934 15
HOW TO FOLD A US FLAG
Brought to you by: The Waupaca County Veterans Service Office
Courthouse, 811 Harding Street Waupaca, WI 54981
(F) 715-258-6475 / (F) 715-258-6266 facebook.com/WaupacaVeteransOffice
University of Wisconsin – Madison/Extension Office of Steven Deller
Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics 515 Taylor Hall – 247 Lorch St.
Madison, WI 53706 (608) 263-6251
(fax) (608) 262-4376 [email protected]
November 22, 2017 To: Jessica Beckendorf From: Steven Deller
Re: VA Expenditure Impacts on Waupaca County 2016
As you requested, below are the updated economic impacts of the VA related expenditures in Waupaca County. The economic metrics (e.g., jobs, labor income, etc.) and nature of the multipliers (direct, indirect, induced and total) are the same as the analysis of previous years. If you need any clarification on interpretation please feel free to drop me a note.
Waupaca VA 2016 Impacts
Impact Type EmploymentLabor Income
($000)Total Income
($000)Industry Sales
($000)Direct Effect 155 $ 14,085.8 $ 13,957.5 $ 21,317.5 Indirect Effect 19 $ 541.5 $ 1,029.9 $ 2,126.8 Induced Effect 196 $ 6,096.5 $ 11,869.2 $ 22,193.0 Total Effect 370 $ 20,723.8 $ 26,856.6 $ 45,637.3
Agriculture 2 $ 61.9 $ 78.6 $ 172.8 Mining 0 $ 0.0 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Construction 2 $ 89.9 $ 116.0 $ 310.7 Manufacturing 4 $ 159.9 $ 225.9 $ 1,023.8 Trans, Utilities, Communication 6 $ 307.7 $ 715.2 $ 1,816.0 Trade (retail & wholesale) 49 $ 1,342.4 $ 2,130.1 $ 3,607.2 Service 302 $ 18,235.2 $ 22,821.6 $ 37,196.2 Government 6 $ 526.9 $ 769.2 $ 1,510.5
State & Local Govt Rev ($000)Income Taxes $ 449.7 Sales Taxes $ 654.3 Property Taxes $ 1,163.8 Other $ 263.0 Total S&L Govt Rev 2,530.7$
University of Wisconsin – Madison/Extension Office of Steven Deller
Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics 515 Taylor Hall – 247 Lorch St.
Madison, WI 53706 (608) 263-6251
(fax) (608) 262-4376 [email protected]
July 19, 2017
To: Joe Aulik Cc: Catherine Neiswnder From: Steven Deller
Re: VA Expenditure Impacts on Wisconsin 2016
As you requested, here is the analysis of the economic impacts of VA expenditures in Wisconsin. The methodology, analysis and interpretation of the results are identical to the analysis for Winnebago County. The only difference is that the state analysis is reported in millions of dollars ($MM) whereas the county analysis is in thousands of dollars ($000). Otherwise everything is identical.
Wisconsin VA 2016 Impacts
Impact Type EmploymentLabor
Income ($MM)
Total Income ($MM)
Industry Sales ($MM)
Direct Effect 9,681 $ 1,103.4 $ 1,004.9 $ 1,429.5 Indirect Effect 2,563 $ 119.3 $ 209.1 $ 352.9 Induced Effect 19,135 $ 804.9 $ 1,389.8 $ 2,425.6 Total Effect 31,380 $ 2,027.6 $ 2,603.9 $ 4,207.9
Agriculture 125 $ 4.1 $ 8.1 $ 14.6 Mining 5 $ 0.3 $ 3.3 $ 4.0 Construction 220 $ 14.8 $ 15.0 $ 41.2 Manufacturing 330 $ 21.7 $ 35.9 $ 126.2 Trans, Utilities, 965 $ 61.9 $ 118.6 $ 267.6 Trade (retail & wholesale) 3,738 $ 135.6 $ 205.3 $ 335.8 Service 25,752 $ 1,772.4 $ 2,199.6 $ 3,366.0 Government 246 $ 16.8 $ 17.9 $ 52.5
State & Local Govt Rev ($MM)Income Taxes $ 47.6 Sales Taxes $ 61.9 Property Taxes $ 81.0 Other $ 27.5 Total S&L Govt Rev 218.0$
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
Jesse P. Cuff
Waupaca County Veterans Service Office
Courthouse, 811 Harding Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
20 March 2017
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
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The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
Waupaca County is home to approximately 5,033 veterans and in the fiscal year 2014, the
US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) delivered them a total benefit package of $47.2
million (Population, 2014; Expenditures, 2014). Many veterans maintain membership in
veteran-centric organizations. Approximately 36 of these veteran-centric organizations operate
within Waupaca County. Valuable and successful, the Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
offer specialization and have unique interests in assisting veterans. Each organization has
differences in membership eligibility and method of community involvement; because each
serves the common goal of promoting the good and welfare of all eras of veterans in addition to
dependents, widows, and orphans, they are interconnected. The Waupaca County Veteran
Coalition (WCVC) is a project aimed at building an organized venue for cross collaboration
among a variety of veteran-centric stakeholders, and an integrated veteran-centric network built
from existing community resources.
Building a collaborative network of veteran-centric stakeholders involves dynamic
organizational complexity. Complexity in organizations emerges when multiple interconnected
groups whose “degree and nature of relationships [are] imperfectly known,” and the system of
organizations begins to display dynamic complexity when “cause and effect [of interactions] are
subtle and obvious interventions produce non-obvious consequences” (Ferreira, 2001). In short,
“Small changes in inputs or parameters may produce large changes in behavior” (Ferreira, 2001).
The WCVC is a group of groups designed to leverage the idea that by supporting change and
providing a venue where stakeholders are encouraged to adapt and create open connections
between groups, large changes in behavior can be achieved (Coalition, 2017; Foster, 2012). The
WCVC was formed in June of 2016 to create a venue where Waupaca County’s veteran-centric
organizations share information, problem solve, and collaborate.
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
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Purpose
Wisconsin statute provides for the employment of a County Veterans Service Officer
(CVSO) in each of the 72 counties. A CVSO is a local veteran advocating for local veterans.
Per Wisconsin §45.80 (5)(a) one duty of the CVSO is to:
Advise persons living in the service officer's county who served in the U.S. armed forces
regarding any benefits to which they may be entitled or any complaint or problem arising
out of such service and render to them and their dependents all possible assistance
(Wisconsin, 2015).
While fulfilling this duty, CVSOs obtain accreditation through various VSOs recognized by the
US Department of Veterans Affairs, among them are Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled
American Veterans, The American Legion, etc. Accreditation allows CVSOs to assist veterans
in filing claims with the US Department of Veterans Affairs by establishing the VSO as
claimant’s representative, also known as Power of Attorney (POA) representation for VA
purposes. POA representation also allows a CVSO read-only access to the US Department of
Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefit Management System (VBMS) allowing the CVSO to track the
progress, report the status, and research historical claims data for each veteran worked with.
CVSOs are, therefore, uniquely positioned and receive the appropriate training to provide POA
representation.
Although Waupaca County has a strong veteran population and veterans receive a
significant annual benefits package from DVA, VSOs can do more to educate and provide
benefits and services to our veterans. Per a 2010 DVA report, veterans were asked “. . . whether
they understand the ‘Veterans benefits available to [them]’. . . 41.0 percent of Veterans
indicated that they understood their general benefits ‘A lot’ or ‘Some’” (Westat, 2010). The
survey indicates that approximately 59 percent of veterans don’t understand the benefits
available to them due to their military service (Westat, 2010).
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
4
Additionally, a 2006 Institute for Defense Analysis report, observes significant award variation,
among states, due to variations in: the mix of eligible veterans, application rates, VA Regional
Office grant rates, and POA representation (Hunter, 2006). In general:
POA representation is extremely significant in individual veteran awards. Nationwide,
veterans with POA representation receive an average annual award of $11,162, while
veterans with no POA receive an average of $4,728. . . differences in the percentage of
claims with POA account for 15.5% of the variation in average award across states
(Hunter, 2006, p.18-19).
Empowering the veteran community with information and linking them with the CVSO office is
critical to increasing benefit awareness, application, and award. Increased benefits may make all
the difference in terms of poverty and homelessness for some veterans. Ensuring a healthy
veteran population is not only a moral obligation, but is important for future generations to see
that if they choose a service path, their country will honor them beyond their time in service.
The local veteran community is composed of veterans, their organizations, and CVSOs.
The WCVC aims to increase benefit awareness through the creation of collaborative veteran-
centric events, and identify/generate solutions to barriers (barriers include communication
breakdowns, access to benefits, and participation in VSOs). This type of collaboration did not
exist prior to June 2016. The WCVC was organized in response to several organizations
struggling to recruit and retain members as well as update practices/remain relevant. To date,
cross-organizational collaboration has been activated within the community. The WCVC meets
to pool knowledge, resources, and focus and unify efforts. The mission of the WCVC is, “To
provide a venue for the Veterans Service Organizations and Veteran Community stakeholders,
located in Waupaca County, to share information, create opportunities for collaboration, and
honor the service of veterans living in Waupaca County” (J. Cuff, personal communication,
April 29, 2016).
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
5
Scope
The formation of the WCVC allows the CVSO a guaranteed quarterly opportunity to
interact with stakeholder representatives from all participating organizations. This interaction
creates a venue to share information, provide training, and address issues within the veteran
community. The WCVC is a mutually beneficial collaborative community network. An
interactive map of the social network can be found at
https://embed.kumu.io/6e205c6bcc8e002328256441c1e84e4a.
Goal 1: Spontaneous Collaborative Events. Leveraging relationships within the
community network helps raise awareness of veteran benefits by creating collaborative events
and generating solutions to barriers through identifying and providing access to resources within
the community network. To date, the WCVC has met in June 2016, September 2016, and
December 2016. The average attendance at these meetings was 27 and the average amount of
unique organizations represented at the meeting was 17.
Goal 2: Share Information. Infusing benefit information into the network and steering
veterans to the CVSO office for benefits processing will increase benefit delivery and veteran
understanding of benefits. At each of the WCVC meetings, segments were dedicated to sharing
benefit information by guests including the Waupaca County Aging and Disability Resource
Center, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Outreach and Recovery, Desert
Veterans of Wisconsin Fox Valley Chapter, and the Waupaca County Veterans Service Officer
(CVSO).
This project does not have an operating budget. Costs include CVSO time and basic
office supplies. Since this project is directly linked to the duty of the CVSO, it will be
accomplished during and in conjunction with the normal course of office operations. CVSO
office supplies and resources will be utilized to complete this project. The CVSO is the initial
sponsor and project manager, but will transition out of a direct leadership role after the first year.
After the leadership transition is complete, it is the intent of the CVSO to remain in a secretary
type position to continue to coordinate meetings of the network as well as coordinate
training/resources to support the mission of the network including office supplies
Project quality is measured by the number of meeting attendees, and the generation of
collaborative events. The higher the meeting content quality the more buy-in and higher number
of meeting attendees. The groups who buy-in will share the information provided at the
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
6
meetings and take the initiative to plan and execute collaborative events. Major milestones
include the establishment of the WCVC’s mission, the definition of stakeholders/network
community members, initial meeting, subsequent quarterly meetings, identification of successive
leadership, the transition of the CVSO into a support role, and at least one spontaneous
collaborative event occurring within the first year.
Management Concerns
The CVSO initiates, plans, and manages the launch of this project. Once the project is
established, the community network will transition into self-regulation and the CVSO will
continue to be a contributing member, but will no longer exercise a leadership role.
The WCVC is not a traditional project in terms of structure. This project will not have
long-term sponsorship. The timeframe to initiate, plan, and execute occur within the first year of
operation. Monitoring and controlling of the project will continue as long as the group continues
to meet and remains relevant. Initially, the CVSO will sponsor and manage the project, but will
only continue in these roles until the community network is established and self-regulating.
By June of 2017, the community network will be established and the CVSO will have a
plan in place to transition out of a leadership role and into a support role. A leader will be
identified and will agree to transition by the June 2017 meeting. One spontaneous collaborative
event will take place within the first year of operation. Because the WCVC is meant to establish
a collaborative environment where ideas and information is shared, the nature and location of the
event is irrelevant. It is not the intent of the WCVC to own the project, rather to generate the
potential for collaborative opportunities. The measure of success is the occurrence of any
collaborative event. Due to the complexity of the network it would be inefficient to specifically
direct groups to collaborate; adaptive collaboration is encouraged in the context of the
information shared at the meetings and independent groups take ownership operating
independently in support of the WCVC. The WCVC will continue to operate as long as the
attendees find value in the venue.
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
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Lessons Learned
This project has been a success. Benefit information is shared at the meetings and one
spontaneous collaborative event—an inter-organizational Chili fundraiser— took place in
February 2017. This is a first of its kind spontaneous collaborative event involving three
organizations that took place within the first year of the existence of the WCVC. Additionally,
one northern county VSO recently undertook an interior remodeling project in their
organization’s building. This work was completed after consensus in the WCVC was built
around remodeling/modernizing facilities suggesting the events are correlated and causal. The
time necessary for rapport building has consumed much of the time originally expected to be
utilized for sharing benefit information. Name tags are being implemented to speed the rapport
process, foster ownership, and provide needed time for benefit delivery.
Current work of the WCVC includes a guided problem-solving decision-making
brainstorming exercise to identify problems and begin to build consensus on how to address
those problems. The following image details the collaborative PDSM. Under people/team, team
projects, joint work, and teamwork are identified areas of consensus. Another area of consensus
noted on the PDSM slide under facility is the area of consensus remodel/modernize.
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
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The WCVC demonstrates the potential to enhance and improve the efficiency of service delivery
by integrating and sharing existing resources. The WCVC is a project aimed at building an
organized venue for cross collaboration among a variety of veteran-centric stakeholders, and an
integrated veteran-centric network built from existing community resources. The group of
groups is subject to dynamic organizational complexity, and intends to leverage relationships and
information to influence group behavior. The desired result of influenced group behavior is the
generation of spontaneous collaborative events, and the sharing of information throughout the
network. The intent of this project is for it to continue to operate as long as community network
members find value in the collaborative venue.
The Waupaca County Veteran Coalition
9
References
Coalition. 2017. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved March 6, 2017, from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coalition
Expenditures: National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. (2014). Retrieved
February 26, 2017, from https://www.va.gov/vetdata/expenditures.asp
Ferreira, P. (2001, October). Tracing Complexity Theory: ESD.83 Research Seminar in
Engineering Systems. Retrieved March 06, 2017, from
http://web.mit.edu/esd.83/www/notebook/Complexity%20Theory.ppt
Foster, C. (2012, May 22). Complexity Theory - Organisation Development. Retrieved
March 06, 2017, from http://organisationdevelopment.org/five-core-theories-complexity-
theory-organisation-development/
Hunter, D. E. Boland, R. Guerrera, K. Rierksts, B. Tate, D. M. (2006). Analysis of differences in
disability compensation in the department of veterans affairs volume 1: final report.
Institute for Defense Analyses.
Population: National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. (2014). Retrieved
February 26, 2017, from https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp
Westat. (2010). National survey of veterans, active duty service members, demobilized national
guard members, and reserve members, family members, and surviving spouses.
Rockville, MD.
Wisconsin Legislature: 45.80(5)(a). (2015). Retrieved March 06, 2017, from
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/45/VIII/80/5/a
CARE OF VETERAN GRAVES
10/9/2017
A Review of Practice in Wisconsin Counties with comparative emphasis on Waupaca County
The Waupaca County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) surveyed 72
CVSO offices regarding their practice related to the care of veteran
graves pursuant to Wis. §45.85, for 2016. 71 CVSO offices
responded with 42% remunerating $0.00 for the care of veteran
graves in 2016. Due to the language of WI § 45.85 and the
implementation of perpetual care, a growing number of counties no
longer reimburse the cost of care for veteran/widow graves.
Care of Veteran Graves
Page 1
Care of Veteran Graves A R E V I E W O F P R A C T I C E I N W I S C O N S I N C O U N T I E S W I T H C O M P A R A T I V E E M P H A S I S O N W A U P A C A C O U N T Y
RESPONDENTS
This report includes responses from 71 of the 72 counties in Wisconsin for the budget year 2016. Door
County was the only county not to participate. Results of the survey indicated Wisconsin Counties
remunerated over $180,000 to reimburse the cost of care for more than 46,961 veteran/widow graves
under WI §45.85. Additionally, aside from WI §45.85, many County Veteran Service Offices provide
cemeteries with flags and flag holders for use in honoring veteran’s graves.
WAUPACA COUNTY CARE OF VETERANS GRAVES
Waupaca County is home to a total of 68 cemeteries. 53 are non-profit cemeteries, 14 municipal,
and 1 county owned. Additionally, 22 are under church authority, 8 public authority, and 38
association authority. According to an open records response from the Wisconsin Department of
Safety and Professional Services 1 cemetery is licensed, 4 are registered, and 6 are religious.
Pursuant to WI §45.85, and historical agreement between Waupaca County Veterans Service
Office and Waupaca County Clerk’s Office, since approximately 1997 the Waupaca CVSO
receives report from Cemetery authorities requesting reimbursement for the care of veteran graves
within their cemeteries no later than September 1st annually.
Under WI §45.85(1), cemetery authorities may not seek reimbursement for care where suitable
care is otherwise provided, and the amount requested may not exceed the cost of care for other
graves in the cemetery. Additionally, since November 1, 1991 any cemetery sell ing cemetery lots
meeting WI §157.11(9g)(C), must charge the perpetual care fee. Pursuant to WI §157.11(11),
certain nonprofit/unlicensed cemeteries are exempt from the perpetual care fee mandate.
Additionally, it should be noted that municipal cemeteries should be considered ineligible for
reimbursement under WI§45.85, where municipal tax levied funds are used to care for graves as
this meets “except where suitable care is otherwise provided” (WI §45.85(1)), in order to prevent
double taxation.
On October 25, 2005 the Waupaca County Board of Supervisors approved and set the
remuneration for the care of veteran/widow graves at $5.00 per grave for all cemeteries seeking
reimbursement under WI §45.85(1) in Waupaca County, effective 2006. The results of the 2016
Waupaca CVSO survey indicate, 42% of respondents paid $0.00 for the care of veteran graves in
2016. Additionally, Waupaca County is among the 41% of respondents who paid between $0.01
and $5 for care per grave in 2016. Only 17% of respondents paid more than $5 or an unknown
amount per grave in 2016.
Care of Veteran Graves
Page 2
CEMETERIES IN WAUPACA COUNTY
CEMETERY NAME OWNERSHIP TYPE DESCRIPTION
Axtell Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Baldwins Mill Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Barton Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Public
Bear Creek Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Public
Big Falls Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Butternut Ridge Cemetery aka Farley Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Cedar Lake Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Crystal Lake Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Danish Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Emanuel Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Evanswood Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Farmington Lutheran Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Floral Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Graceland Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Public
Greenleaf Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Greenwood Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Hatton Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Hitterdahl Lutheran Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Hobart Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Iola Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Lakeside Cemetery (Waupaca) Municipal Cemetery - Public
Lakeside Cemetery (Fremont) Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Lind Center Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Little Creek Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Little Wolf Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Maple Lane Cemetery aka Harrington Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Maple Ridge Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Marble Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Most Precious Blood Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Northland Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Northport Ostrander Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Oakwood Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Ogdensburg Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Old Ostrander Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Parfreyville Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Pioneer Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Pleasant Valley Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Care of Veteran Graves
Page 3
Riverside Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Riverside Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Roseland Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Royalton Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Ruckdashel Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Rural Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Sacred Heart Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Saint John Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Saint Johns Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Saint Martin Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Saint Marys Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Saint Patrick Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Saint Pauls Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Saint Rose Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Salem Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Scandinavia Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Sheridan Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Spencer Lake Memorial Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
St Mary Magdalene Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Town Of Caledonia Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Public
Townline Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Trinity Lutheran Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Union Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Association
Union Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Association
Veliefalzbot Cemetery Municipal Cemetery - Public
Waupaca County Poor Farm Cemetery County Cemetery - Public
Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery Non Profit Cemetery - Public
Zion Cemetery (Embarrass) Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Zion Lutheran Cemetery (Caledonia) Non Profit Cemetery - Church
Zion Evan. Lutheran Cem. (Caledonia CTH W) Non Profit Cemetery - Church
* Sorted Alphabetically by Cemetery Name
Care of Veteran Graves
Page 4
WI DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – LICENSED, REGISTERED, RELIGIOUS
* Sorted Alphabetically by Profession Name
78%
21%1%
Waupaca County Cemeteries by Type
Non-Profit
Municipal
County
32%
12%
56%
Waupaca County Cemetery by Ownership/Authority
Church
Public
Association
FULL NAME STREET CITY PROFESSION NAME STATUS GRANTED DATE
Greenleaf Cemetery Assn 1030 N Main St PO Box 12 Marion Cemetery Authority - Licensed A 01/10/2007
Lind Center Cemetery Assn N1639 LIND CENTER RD Waupaca Cemetery Authority - Registered A 05/26/2009
Cedar Lake Cemetery Assn N494 CTY E Waupaca Cemetery Authority - Registered A 09/08/2009
Lakeside Cemetery Assn 453 Wolf River Dr Fremont Cemetery Authority - Registered A 01/25/2012
Northport Ostrander Cemetery Assn Douglas Meshke Weyawega Cemetery Authority - Registered A 07/28/2014
St Martin'S Cemetery Assn 100 S Clinton Ave Clintonville Cemetery Authority-Religious A 06/23/1992
St Paul'S Evangelical Lutheran 107 Tustin Rd Fremont Cemetery Authority-Religious A 06/23/1992
St John'S Lutheran W7072 St Johns Church Rd Clintonville Cemetery Authority-Religious A 07/08/1992
Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery Po Box 197 Embarrass Cemetery Authority-Religious A 07/13/1992
Farmington Lutheran Cemetery c/o Nancy Helbach Waupaca Cemetery Authority-Religious A 09/27/1999
Our Savior's Lutheran Church 395 E Iola St Iola Cemetery Authority-Religious A 09/08/2009
Care of Veteran Graves
Page 5
42%
41%
17%
2016 Per Grave Reimbursement
Paid $0
Paid between $0.01 and $5
Paid More than $5 orunknown
42.3%
32.4%
15.5%
5.6%
4.2%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%
$0.00
$1.00 TO $4,000
$4,001 TO $8,000
$8,001 TO $12,000
OVER $12,000
2016 Total Amount Paid
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
Jesse P. Cuff
Waupaca County Veterans Service Office
Courthouse, 811 Harding Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
17 December 2017
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.……………………………………………………………………………… 2
Problem Statement………………………………………………………………………. 2
Research Objectives……………………………………………………………………... 2
Background……………………………………………………………………………… 4
METHODOLOGY..……………………………………………………………………………. 5
Data Collection………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Limitations………………………………………………………………………………. 5
FINDINGS………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
CONCLUSIONS………………………………………………………………………………. 16
RECOMMENDATIONS.…………………………………………………………………….... 16
APPENDIX…………………………………………………………………………………...... 18
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………… 19
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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INTRODUCTION
Problem Statement
The Waupaca County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) reaches out to, coordinates with,
educates, advises, and assists veterans by connecting them with benefits and services. According
to Wisconsin §45.80(5)(a), the duties of the CVSO include “Advise[ing] persons living in the
service officer’s county who served in the U.S. armed forces regarding any benefits to which
they may be entitled or any complaint or problem arising out of such service and render to them
and their dependents all possible assistance” (State, 2017).
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) in Fiscal Year
(FY) 2016, approximately 4,491 of Waupaca County’s 52,100 residents were veterans (National,
2010; Housing, 2017). Between 2004 and 2013 Waupaca County experienced an approximate
crude annual suicide rate of 7.40. Between 2004 and 2013 veterans composed an approximate
average 9.15% of the population in Waupaca County, and represented an approximate average of
17.57% of the deaths by suicide (WISH, 2016). Should the Waupaca County Veterans Service
Office respond to the veteran death by suicide in Waupaca County, and if so, how should it
respond?
Research Objectives
The purpose of this report is to determine the best course of action for the Waupaca
CVSO to respond to the veteran death by suicide in Waupaca County. Several research
questions were considered, and the following were considered the best:
● Should the Waupaca CVSO continue to monitor, but take no immediate action?
● Should the Waupaca CVSO work to increase the number of veterans enrolled in the VHA
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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Healthcare system?
● Should the Waupaca CVSO hold annual awareness events?
Investigative questions were developed corresponding to the research questions and follow in
order. The purpose of developing these investigative questions is to provide the information
necessary for the Waupaca CVSO to make informed decisions regarding the response to veteran
death by suicide in Waupaca County.
Should the Waupaca CVSO continue to monitor, but take no immediate action?
○ Is the suicide rate in Waupaca County increasing, decreasing, or remaining
steady?
○ What is the overall suicide rate for Waupaca County?
○ What is the veteran related suicide rate for Waupaca County?
○ Is the suicide rate in Wisconsin increasing, decreasing, or remaining steady?
○ What is the overall suicide rate for Wisconsin?
○ What is the veteran related suicide rate for Wisconsin?
○ Is the suicide rate in the US increasing, decreasing, or remaining steady?
○ What is the overall national suicide rate?
○ What is the National veteran suicide rate
● Should the Waupaca CVSO work to increase the number of veterans enrolled in the VHA
Healthcare system?
○ Does receiving healthcare through the VHA impact veteran death by suicide?
○ How does receiving healthcare through the VHA impact veteran death by suicide?
● Should the Waupaca CVSO hold annual awareness events?
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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○ What is the National suicide prevention strategy?
○ What is the Wisconsin suicide prevention strategy?
○ What is Waupaca County’s suicide prevention strategy?
Background
The issue of veteran suicide in the United States has received recent widespread attention
since 2012, shortly after Janet Kemp, RN PhD and Robert Bossarte, Phd of the Mental Health
Services/Suicide Prevention Program division within the USDVA published a report titled,
Suicide Data Report, 2012 (Kemp, 2012). Soon after this report was released, the media began
sharing the now ubiquitous statistic of 22 veteran suicides occurring each day in the United
States. In 2016, the Office of Suicide Prevention within the USDVA published, Suicide Among
Veterans and Other Americans 2001-2014 (Suicide, 2016). This report clarified and improved
some aspects of the 2012 report including establishing a more accurate national average veteran
death by suicide rate at approximately 20 veterans dying per day (Suicide, 2016).
In 2016 the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) launched the Zero
Veteran Suicide Initiative with primary focus on providing suicide awareness training called
Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) (WDVA, 2016). Certain members of the WDVA are
trained to provide QPR certification to individuals identified as veteran community gatekeepers.
A gatekeeper is someone who has a high probability of contact with a veteran in their day to day
activities, however, the principles of QPR apply to all demographics.
In October of 2017, the Waupaca CVSO collaborated with the WDVA, and the USDVA
Hospital in Madison to provide a Veteran Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention
training event. The event provided attendees with information regarding veteran mental health
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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and suicide prevention including certification in QPR. Because of this training, the 34 attendees
were certified in QPR (J. Cuff, personal communication, November 22, 2017).
METHODOLOGY
Data Collection
Data for this report were obtained through multiple sources including the USDVA
National Center for Veteran Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS), US Census Bureau National
Population Projections, the Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health (WISH) Query on Violent
Deaths System with support from the system coordinator, and the National Violent Death
Reporting System (NVDRS) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The information has
been compiled from these sources and details the period 2004 - 2014.
Limitations
The accurate study of veteran death by suicide is a difficult undertaking. The accuracy of
reporting veteran death by suicide statistics is determined by the accuracy of the primary data
collection at the local level. Frontline investigators, homicide detectives, coroners, crime lab
investigators, and medical examiners throughout the US, collect information about individual
cause of death and create the death records that populate state mortality and national mortality
data like NVDRS and WISH (National, 2017). Beginning in 2002, violent death information has
been collected into a searchable and anonymous database known as the National Violent Death
Reporting System (NVDRS). It is important to note, some data meet suppression criteria and are
not available for display. The purpose of data suppression is to maintain the
privacy/confidentiality of those representing that data. Generally, data suppression occurs when
the returned numbers are in the low single digits and vary slightly between databases. Currently,
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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32 states participate in supplying data to the NVDRS (National, 2017). Since all 50 states are
not reporting violent death data, and reporting of veteran status at the time of death may not be
required by every jurisdiction, truly accurate veteran death by suicide data is not available.
Additionally, the process for determining veteran status rests upon the frontline investigators and
their death investigation. As such, veteran death by suicide statistics are incomplete and
developing nationwide.
To date, the most accurate information regarding veteran death by suicide is contained in
the two comprehensive national reports from the USDVA published in 2012 and 2016. This
information relies heavily on records of veterans within the USDVA Health Care System.
According to the NCVAS, as of 2016, approximately 8.97 million of 21.68 million veterans were
enrolled in the USDVA Health Care System (N. (Ed.), 2016).
Additionally, comparing county, state, and national data carries with it inherent skewing
risk. To correct for this potential error, data has been age adjusted to the US Standard Population
and is presented in a per 100,000 rate. Another factor to consider is the declining number of total
veterans in the US, while at the same time the overall US population is increasing (Data, 2017).
Pew research indicates the veteran population has been declining since approximately 1960
(Livingston, 2016). According to the VA, in 2017 the total U.S. veteran population was 20.0
million. By 2037, the total veteran population is projected to decrease to 13.6 million. Since the
veteran population is decreasing by approximately 1.9% annually, and total population is
increasing this has a skewing effect on suicide rate data as this issue continues to be studied.
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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FINDINGS
In assessing a potential course of action in response to veteran death by suicide in
Waupaca County the national, state, and local prevention strategies were reviewed and are as
follows:
National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Themes Shared Across Strategic Directions
Suicide prevention efforts should:
● Foster positive public dialogue; counter shame, prejudice, and silence; and build public
support for suicide prevention;
● Address the needs of vulnerable groups, be tailored to the cultural and situational
contexts in which they are offered, and seek to eliminate disparities;
● Be coordinated and integrated with existing efforts addressing health and behavioral
health and ensure continuity of care;
● Promote changes in systems, policies, and environments that will support and facilitate
the prevention of suicide and related problems;
● Bring together public health and behavioral health;
● Promote efforts to reduce access to lethal means among individuals with identified
suicide risks; and
● Apply the most up-to-date knowledge base for suicide prevention.
(Office, 2012)
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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Table 1: Excerpt from the 2012 National Suicide Prevention Strategy
(Office, 2012)
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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Image 1: Excerpt from the 2012 National Suicide Prevention Strategy
(Office, 2012)
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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State of Wisconsin Suicide Prevention Strategy
Table 2: State of Wisconsin Suicide Prevention Strategy
(Wisconsin, 2015)
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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Waupaca County Suicide Prevention Strategy
Table 3: Waupaca County Suicide Prevention Strategy
(Wohlt, 2017)
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Age Adjusted Death by Suicide Rate Comparison
US age-adjusted suicide death rate WI age-adjusted suicide death rate
Co age-adjusted suicide death rate
Chart 1: Age Adjusted Death by Suicide Rate Comparison
(Wish, 2016)
* 2009-2010 County WISH Query: Violent Deaths Data Suppressed
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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Chart 2: Percentage of Veterans in Population and Percentage of Veteran Suicide
Compared to Total Deaths by Suicide
Table 4: Percentage of Veterans in Population and Percentage of Veteran Suicide
Compared to Total Deaths by Suicide
Average from 2004 to 2013
US Veteran suicide percent of total 19.66%
US Veteran Pop as percent of total 7.61%
WI Veteran suicide percent of total 19.11%
WI Veteran Pop as percent of total 7.72%
Co Veteran suicide percent of total 14.92%
Co Veteran Pop as percent of total 9.15%
(NVDRS, 2017; WISH, 2016)
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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Chart 3: US Death by Suicide Crude Comparison
Chart 4: WI Death by Suicide Crude Comparison
Chart 5: Waupaca County Death by Suicide Crude Comparison
(NVDRS, 2017; WISH, 2016)
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
US Crude Comparison
US Veteran/Current Military Suicides
US Non Veteran Deaths by Suicide
0
500
1,000
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WI Crude Comparison
WI Veteran/Current Military Suicides
WI Non Veteran Deaths by Suicide
0
5
10
15
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
County Crude Comparison
Co Veteran/Current Military Suicides
Co Non Veteran Deaths by Suicide
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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According to findings in the 2016 USDVA suicide report “Compared with the U.S.
general population, risk for suicide among users of Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
services has decreased since 2001 among both men and women” (Suicide, 2016). Evidence,
contained in that report, further show “non-VHA [using] veterans had greater increases in rates
of suicide when compared to changes in rates of suicide among VHA [using] veterans” (Suicide,
2016).
Chart 6: Figure 10. Percent Changes in Age-Adjusted Rates of Suicide Among
Veterans and Civilians, 2001-2014, from the USDVA 2016 Suicide Report
(Suicide, 2016)
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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CONCLUSIONS
Between 2004 and 2013, the age adjusted rate of death by suicide shows an increasing
trend overall. Nested within this data, is a difficult to measure, however, reasonable to estimate
increasing and over-representation trend in veteran related death by suicide.
The evidence presented in the USDVA Suicide report of 2016 strongly suggests that
veterans receiving care and treatment within the VHA are less likely to die by suicide. This is
particularly true for female veterans receiving care within the VHA.
The national, state, and local suicide prevention strategies are comprehensive and
mutually supportive. Reducing stigma, promoting teamwork between service
providers/organizations, improving access and volume of mental health services, promoting
resilient families/communities, and suicide/mental health/Alcohol and Other Drug (AODA)
education are cornerstones of the effort to reduce death by suicide in the US.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Waupaca CVSO should continue to monitor the veteran death by suicide issue in
Waupaca County. Additionally, due to strong supportive evidence presented by the USDVA
effort should be made to increase veteran enrollment in VHA. In FY2016, USDVA reported
1,695 unique patients in the VHA out of approximately 4,491 veterans residing in Waupaca
County (National, 2010). Since outreach, de-stigmatization, and education are supported themes
within all the suicide prevention strategies researched, efforts should be made to continue to
provide these services. Currently, the Waupaca CVSO provides increased outreach efforts in
odd years on a biennial basis. The purpose of the biennial rhythm supports current staffing and
budget resources, as well as, ensuring the population does not become fatigued while allowing
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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for the development of novel information as the response to this issue is improved by ongoing
study/research.
Although veteran related death by suicide is a difficult topic to study, report, and discuss
it is our country’s sacred duty and moral obligation to work diligently to improve the health of
our former Armed Services Personnel. Future generations are observing how we deal with this
and related issues. If we fail to properly address and improve the health of our Service Members
and veterans, the future security of our country may be at risk. Veterans’ health and welfare is a
national security imperative.
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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APPENDIX
AODA - Alcohol and other Drug Addiction
CDC - Centers for Disease Control
CDC WONDER – Centers for Disease Control Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic
Research
CVSO - County Veterans Service Officer
DOA - Department of Administration, Wisconsin
FY - Fiscal Year, Federal
NCVAS - National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
NVDRS - National Violent Death Reporting System
QPR - Question Persuade Refer
USDVA - United States Department of Veterans Affairs
VHA - Veterans Health Administration, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
WDVA - Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
WISH - Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
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References
CDC. (n.d.). CDC WONDER FAQ Help Contact Us WONDER Search. Retrieved
December 17, 2017, from https://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html
Data - US Census Bureau. (2017, April 06). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from
https://www.census.gov/data/datasets/2004/demo/popproj/2004-detailed-data.html
2004 Interim National Population Projections
Housing and Population Estimates, Wisconsin. (2017, January 1). Retrieved October 25, 2017,
from http://doa.wi.gov/Divisions/Intergovernmental-Relations/Demographic- Services-
Center/Wisconsin-Population- Housing-Estimates/
Kemp, J., RN Phd, & Bossarte, R., PhD. (2012). Suicide Data Report, 2012. Retrieved
December 16, 2017, from
https://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Suicide-Data-Report-2012-final.pdf
US Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services Suicide Prevention Program
Livingston, G. (2016, November 11). Profile of U.S. veterans is changing dramatically as their
ranks decline. Retrieved December 12, 2017, from
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/11/profile-of-u-s-veterans-is-changing-
dramatically-as-their-ranks-decline/
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. Office of Policy and Planning.
(2010, November 24). Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
https://www.va.gov/vetdata/Expenditures.asp
National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). (2017, September 18). Violence
Prevention. Retrieved December 13, 2017, from
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
20
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nvdrs/index.html
Centers for Disease Control
N. (Ed.). (2016, May). Department of Veterans Affairs Statistics at a Glance. Retrieved
December 10, 2017, from
https://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/Quickfacts/Homepage_slideshow_06_04_16.pdf
Prepared by the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
Office of the Surgeon General (US). (2012). 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention:
Goals and Objectives for Action: A Report of the U.S. Surgeon General and of the
National Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Retrieved December 12, 2017, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109906/#introduction.s13
Bookshelf ID: NBK109906
State Statutes, Wisconsin. (2017, September 20). Retrieved October 25, 2017, from
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/45.80(5)(a)
Suicide Among Veterans and Other Americans 2001-2014 [Updated August 2017]. (2016).
Retrieved December 16, 2017, from
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/2016suicidedatareport.pdf
US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
WDVA Secretary Scocos Announces Zero Veteran Suicide Initiative. (2016, October 14).
Retrieved December 16, 2017, from
http://dva.state.wi.us/Documents/newsMediaDocuments/10.14.16%20%20NewsRelease-
ZVSI.pdf
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
The Way Forward: Responding to Veteran Death by Suicide in Waupaca County
21
Wisconsin Suicide Prevention Strategy (2015). Prevent Suicide Wisconsin. Retrieved
December 16, 2017 from https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p00968.pdf
WISH Query: Violent Deaths. (2016, November 15). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wish/violent-death/rates-form.htm
Wohlt, J. (2017). Community Health Improvement Plan 2017-2022. Retrieved
December 13, 2017, from
http://www.co.waupaca.wi.us/departments/health_and_human_services/health_services.php
Waupaca County Public Health