The Highground is the proud recipient of an amazing donation discovered to have personal ties to the park’s humble beginnings.
Vietnam Veteran Hubert “Hub” Joski of Green Bay enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam from July 26, 1967 – February 5, 1969. He received a Purple Heart, and his unit was honored with the Presidential Unit Citation for their bravery during the 77-day siege of Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive. Hub was exposed to Agent Orange during his service, which became a major contributor to his health complications later in life. He was a proud veteran, involving himself with many local groups and events such as the VVA Chapter 224, AMVETS and the bikeathon. He drove his ’67 Kaiser Jeep in parades to honor Vietnam Veterans.
In 1988, Hub was part of The Highground Veterans Memorial Park’s groundbreaking event in Neillsville, Wisconsin. He was also instrumental in the placing of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Neville Museum in Green Bay.
Hub passed away at the age of 71 on December 14, 2019, willing his 1967 Kaiser and trailer to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 224. When VVA members received the vehicle, they found several decades-old brochures for The Highground as well as a program from the 1989 dedication of The Highground’s Dove Effigy Mound Tribute which Hub had volunteered to help create.
After finding these items and knowing about Hub’s love for and history with The Highground, VVA 224 contacted Executive Director Chris Pettis and began making plans to donate the ’67 Kaiser and trailer to The Highground.
The Highground is honored to accept this donation and will keep Hub’s generous spirit alive by continuing the jeep’s service in an educational capacity. Perhaps there will be more parades in the vehicle’s future.
For more information about The Highground, visit their website at thehighground.us or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.
The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us