Latest News From The Highground
Patriotic Quilt Raffle Threads Together $2,820 for The Highground’s Mission
The Highground is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Patriotic Quilt Raffle. This year’s raffle featured 29 handmade quilts…
Halloween Fun at The Highground: A Treat for the Community
The Highground welcomed individuals and families to a sensational, community-focused Halloween celebration on October 29, 2025. A CAMO (Community and Military Outreach) program offering, the event delivered festive fun for all ages and gave supporters an opportunity to make a life-saving impact. From noon to 5pm, guests proved they knew the true meaning…
The Highground Receives $25,000 Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
The Highground is honored to receive a grant of $25,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in support of their Veterans Program offerings for 2026. According to Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) press release dated October 15, 2025, The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a…
One Chord at a Time: Substantial Gifts Empower Veterans on Their Healing Journey
Larry Kizewski & Charlotte Hense are once again showing their steadfast support for The Highground’s Vets & Guitars program. On October 15, Larry and Charlotte arrived at the park to visit with Executive Director Chris Pettis and Vets & Guitars…
Veterans Day: The Highground Awaits
In recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, 2025, The Highground will open its doors for an open house from 10am-4pm. Whether you served or simply wish to honor those who did, guests are invited to explore the Museum’s featured…
Trailblazing UTV Riders Deliver Heartfelt Gift to The Highground
On October 11, 2025, more than 40 UTV riders with the Eau Pleine River Rats ATV/UTV Club rolled into The Highground Veterans Memorial Park, dusty from the trail but brimming with pride. Representing their club, the group arrived to present…
Veterans are Invited to Register Now for Winter Fun
Experience The Highground’s three-day retreat or a day of ice fishing Veterans show off their catches ice fishing during the 2025 retreat Shake the winter blues and discover a new appreciation for winter in the company of fellow veterans at…
Sweet Success: Fall Bake Sale Boosts Museum Exhibits
Supporters snag some treats during The Highground’s Fall Bake Sale. On October 4, The Highground and its sweet volunteer bakers came together to host its annual Fall Bake Sale. Sharing the day with Legacy Stone placements, many guests took advantage…
Over 1,100 Students Experience The Highground’s Education Days
Ward Zischke and David Harris give a presentation on the Korean War during this year’s Education Days Students from 17 schools and homeschool students attended Education Days at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park Sept. 30-Oct. 3. This memorable event focused…
Halloween Fun at The Highground
On October 29, 2025, The Highground invites individuals and families to a thrilling, community-focused Halloween celebration that promises festive fun for all ages and a chance to make a life-saving impact. From noon to 5pm, consider giving the ultimate treat—the…
The Highground’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion Hosts Over 250 Veterans
Honoring, remembering and respecting those who served in the Vietnam War was the founding mission of The Highground, located just west of Neillsville, WI. Forty-one years ago, to enhance awareness and funding of what was then known as The Wisconsin…
Veterans and Supporters Unite for the 25th Annual Ride to Remember
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, The Highground welcomed 48 motorcycle riders for the 25th Annual Ride to Remember®. Although stormy skies and intermittent downpours played a role in reducing overall attendance, the riders who did join made the day feel…
The 41st Annual Heroes Ride Raises Over $62,000 for The Highground
Riders wave to the welcoming crowd as they arrive at The Highground on August 3 From August 1-3, 2025, cyclists from the Northern, Western, Eastern and Southwestern routes set off once again on their annual journey to The Highground. Three of…
The Highground Expresses Thanks for Men’s Veterans Retreat Support
Veterans participated in equine therapy at Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center this year The Highground extends its deepest gratitude to the individuals and organizations who made the 2025 Men’s Veterans Retreat a powerful and healing experience for all who attended. Held…
The Highground’s Ride to Remember Marks 25 Years of Honor
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, The Highground invites motorcyclists, veterans and supporters to gather at The Highground for the 25th Annual Ride to Remember. This longstanding motorcycle ride is a celebration of honor and valor. Participants will have the opportunity…
Military Couples: Re-Connect with Your Partner at The Highground’s Weekend Retreat
The Highground is proud to announce its third annual military couples retreat, “Operation Re-Connect,” scheduled for October 17-19, 2025. The Highground welcomes five couples, veterans and their spouses or partners — regardless of where they are in their relationship journey—to…
41st Annual Heroes Ride: The Legacy Rolls on in La Crosse August 1
On Saturday, August 2, a dedicated family of three will pack their support gear and lead the Southwestern Route riders for the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour—a ride rooted in remembrance and purpose. This meaningful tradition began in 1985 when…
41st Annual Heroes Ride: The Legacy Rolls on in New Richmond August 1
On Friday, August 1, cyclists with the Western Route will load up their support vehicles and set out on a meaningful three-day trek for the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour. This ride traces its roots back to 1985 when Tom…
41st Annual Heroes Ride: The Legacy Rolls on in Appleton August 1
On Friday, August 1, bicyclists with the Eastern Route will pack their support vehicles and embark on a powerful three-day ride for the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour. This longstanding event began in 1985 when Tom Miller cycled 1,244 miles—one…
41st Annual Heroes Ride: The Legacy Rolls on in Hayward August 1
On Friday, August 1, cyclists with the “Awesome Northern Route” will load their support vehicles and begin a three-day journey as part of the 41st Annual Heroes Bike Tour. This powerful tradition began in 1985 when Tom Miller rode 1,244…
The Highground’s 41st Annual Heroes Ride: The Legacy Rolls On
The Northern (top) and Southwestern (bottom) routes were all smiles after the milestone 40th ride Neillsville, Wis., July 8, 2025—On August 1, 2025, the longtime Northern, Western, Eastern and Southwestern routes will again begin their annual bicycle ride toward The…
The Highground Assists Families in Honoring Veterans
On June 14, The Highground proudly assisted families and friends in placing 12 Korean Honor Stones at the 11am ceremony, followed by the placement of 26 Legacy Stones and one United in Service Stone at the 2pm ceremony. Korean Stone…
Huey Pilot Documentary Highlights this Year’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion
On Sunday, August 3, The Highground will host its annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion combining Vietnam exhibits, a documentary about a Vietnam War Huey Pilot, lunch for veterans and an opportunity to meet fellow Vietnam veterans. There have been over 300…
Discover the History of the 32nd Inf Div – the Red Arrow
On July 16, The Highground will host a gripping presentation about the history of the 32nd Infantry Division – the Red Arrow. The 32nd Inf Div not only has a highly significant and storied past; it is also near and…
A Living History: Explore 250 Years of the U.S. Army
Throughout 2025, many activities and commemorations will take place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. To support the anniversary, The Highground will host a unique “Living History” event on Saturday, July 12, from 9am-4pm, that will…
The Highground’s Mental Health Expo Highlights the Need for Support Services
As its second CAMO (Community and Military Outreach Program) presentation, The Highground hosted a Mental Health Expo on May 14, 2025. The event’s success reinforces the commitment to fostering mental wellness in both military and civilian communities. Participants were…
The Highground Spring Bake Sale Raises $1,163 for Vietnam Veterans Reunion
On May 17, The Highground hosted its annual Spring Bake Sale in support of this year’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion coming up on August 3. The 2025 Bake Sale raised $1,163, a vital contribution toward funding the Vietnam Veterans Reunion. Vietnam veterans…
The 15th Annual Honor Ride Unites at The Highground to Honor the Fallen
The Highground kicked off the new year by hosting the Honor Ride at its own grounds, marking a significant milestone in its mission to honor and support veterans. The event, which had been held at the American Legion Post 73…
Meet Author and Vietnam Veteran Nurse Sarah L Blum
The public is invited to a special presentation on June 19 from 6-8pm to hear Vietnam Veteran Nurse Sarah L. Blum discuss her newest book, Warrior Nurse: PTSD and Healing and her Vietnam War service. Sarah’s presentation will be followed by a…
2025 Education Days at The Highground: Time to Register
The Highground’s Annual Education Days will be held September 30 and October 1 for fifth grade-middle schools (including a half-day guided tour of The Highground) and October 2 and 3 for high schools and adults (featuring a full day of…
The 15th Annual Honor Ride Rolls into The Highground on Memorial Day
The Highground will host its 15th Annual Honor Ride on Memorial Day, May 26. This notable ride continues to bring veteran and civilian motorcyclists together on this day when we pause to remember those who “gave all” in service to…
Hundreds Celebrate The Highground’s New Welcome Center
The Highground proudly opened its doors to a brand-new Welcome Center on Friday, May 2, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to honor veterans and provide a sanctuary for healing. The grand opening welcomed hundreds of guests, including…
The Highground Hosts an Inspirational 21st Annual Recognition Dinner
The Friends of The Highground Dinner to recognize supporters for the year 2024 was held on Saturday, April 12, at the Castle Hill Supper Club in Merrillan, Wisconsin. Over 200 invitations were sent, with just over half of the recipients attending,…
The Highground’s New CAMO Program Hosts Mental Health Expo
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 4-7pm, The Highground will host an important presentation and workshop as part of its new CAMO (Community and Military Outreach) Program. This event is aimed at improving mental health and suicide prevention awareness in…
Welcome Center Grand Opening: Join the Celebration on May 2
The Highground is excited to announce the grand opening of its new Welcome Center, a space designed to enhance visitors’ experiences and deepen their connection to the site’s mission to honor, educate and heal. “We are thrilled to unveil the…
June Journeys: The Highground Retreats for Female Veterans
Veterans create their own ornaments at The Highground during the 2024 retreat Registration is open for The Highground’s two female veterans’ retreats coming up in June. Veterans are welcome to join one or both retreats free of charge. Transportation to…
Financial Workshop Launches The Highground CAMO Program
The Highground is excited to announce the kickoff of its highly anticipated Community and Military Outreach (CAMO) Program with a Financial Literacy Workshop titled “You Made It Through Tax Season-Now What?” Scheduled for April 23, from 5-6:30pm, this money…
The Highground Newsletter March 2025
In This Newsletter: Explore our website for event updates, news and more. Read the March Newsletter
Local Citizens are Invited to Leave a Legacy
Local individuals and families are invited to join a community art project workshop at The Highground Welcome Center on Sunday, April 6 at 1pm. The Central Wisconsin region has vibrant cultural diversity: from indigenous Native Americans who have called this…
Ice Fishing and More: Winter Fun for Veterans
With the help of many community members and volunteers, The Highground Winter Veterans Retreat, held Jan. 31-Feb. 2, was a wonderful experience. Veterans enjoy some time ice fishing on Lake Arbutus during this year’s Winter Veterans Retreat As many people…
Exciting News: The Museum Reopens with Two Exhibits on Display
The new gallery offers more room to house our exhibits For many veterans serving overseas, most notably during the Vietnam War, coming home was referred to as getting “Back in the World.” “The World” was a place of normalcy, family,…
Spring Vets & Guitars Starts Strumming Along March 13
The Spring “Vets & Guitars” 10-week session begins Thursday, March 13 at The Highground Welcome Center. This program is offered to military veterans and is free of charge. Art and music have been found to help many veterans managing PTSD…
A Striking Success for Winter Veterans Retreat
On Sunday, January 26, six lanes filled up for an afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie in support of our veterans. The Highground’s 12th Annual Winter Bowl raised $1,595.00 for the Winter Veterans Retreat (held January 31-February 2). Participants bowling in…
Bowl Over Winter Blues on January 26
On Sunday, January 26, at noon, staff and volunteers with The Highground will welcome bowlers at Bowl Winkle’s Bowling Alley in Eau Claire for the 12th Annual Winter Bowl fundraiser. The colder and shorter days of winter present mental health…
Honor Stars Illuminate The Highground During the Holidays
At the beginning of November each year, The Highground turns on the “honor stars” on the Plaza as part of their annual Holiday Lights Program. This special initiative offers supporters a unique way to honor their loved ones or show…
Quilters Stitch Up $1,930 in Support of The Highground
On Tuesday, December 3, hopeful quilt ticket holders joined staff members in the new Welcome Center as 32 winning tickets were drawn for The Highground’s Annual Patriotic Quilt Raffle. It was great to have quilters and ticket holders from all…
The Highground December 2024 Newsletter
In This Newsletter: For current news, event information and more, visitthehighground.us Read the December Newsletter
ATV Raffle Success: $11,740 Raised in Support of The Highground
After months of selling raffle tickets for The Highground’s 5th Annual “Honoring Our Veterans” ATV Raffle (exactly 609 of the 999 ordered), Veterans Day, November 11, arrived for the winners’ names to be drawn. At 3pm that day, JT Savor,…
$25,000 Grant Boosts The Highground’s Veterans Programs
The Highground is honored to receive a grant of $25,000 from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs in support of their Veterans Program offerings for 2025. According to Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) press release dated October 21, 2024,…
Bonds were Strengthened During the 2024 Military Couples Retreat
The Highground facilitated a memorable military couples retreat on October 18-20, 2024. Operation Re-Connect invites veterans and their spouses or partners to get away from their daily routines to enjoy each other while they explore their relationship, strengthen their friendship,…