Exploring Contributions of Wisconsin Veterans After Military Service

ith other veterans or they’re helping at schools. Some are even advancing the cause of a veteran who went before them who passed away.

Ferrett: Could you share a few stories from the exhibit that stand out to you?

Krueger: One story that stands out is about a World War I veteran who came home and became a mortician. After he retired from that, he continued to help out at his local VFW — Veterans of Foreign Wars — every day until he passed away.

There’s also a story from a veteran of the Iraq War who came home and became a state trooper. Unfortunately, he was killed in the line of duty, but his story is carried on by his fellow soldiers who participate in marathon runs in his honor.

Ferrett: What kind of objects are on display that show these veterans’ stories?

Krueger: We have items like uniforms, medals, dog tags, and photographs. The most interesting thing, I think, is a diary from a Civil War veteran who came home and became a carpenter. It includes his personal thoughts about how the war affected him and what he was doing in his community after he returned.

Ferrett: Is there anything you hope visitors take away from this exhibit?

Krueger: I hope they get a deeper understanding of what veterans do after their military service. It’s not just about what they did in the armed forces, but also how they continue to serve their communities long after their time in the military is over. The exhibit really highlights these stories of service and sacrifice that are often unseen and underappreciated.