Nature-based activities are proven to boost mental health, lessen anxiety and add to our physical and spiritual well-being. To harness these benefits, The Highground led a four-day female veterans retreat (May 30-June 2) near Holcombe, Wisconsin. This was the second annual Ice Age Trail hiking retreat offered by The Highground with kayaking instruction added this year at the beautiful Brunet Island State Park. Female veterans sometimes find it hard to locate and join groups of women who share a military background. Often isolated, many of these veterans also are managing post-traumatic stress (PTS) and/or are survivors of military sexual trauma.…

The Highground Veterans Memorial Park is excited to host a Badger Talk by University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Emeritus Doug Bradley on Sunday, August 4 at 1pm. Bradley will present We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War, which places popular music at the heart of the American experience in Vietnam. The presentation explores how and why U.S. troops turned to music as a way of connecting to each other and the World back home and of coping with the complexities of the war they had been sent to fight. It also demonstrates that music was important for…

The Highground is thrilled to announce this year’s Male Veterans Retreat will take place Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29. Veterans are invited to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and immerse themselves in a weekend dedicated to mindfulness, meditation and meaningful connections. Strengthen bonds and forge new friendships through team-building activities designed to promote collaboration, communication and trust among Veterans. Depending on the circumstances, activities could include archery or equestrian therapy.  Veterans can relax and unwind with delicious meals and comfortable lodging and leave the planning to The Highground retreat staff.  Outdoor “Rendezvous” Workshop…

For many Veterans serving overseas, most notably during the Vietnam War, going home was referred to as getting “Back in the World.” “The World” was a place of normalcy, family, everyday acceptable and calm conditions—a place to forget the nightmare of combat. However, the reality of getting back in the World did not meet with these expectations for a great many Veterans. The war hitched a ride back home with them in the form of nightmares, post-traumatic stress, ruined relationships, survivor’s guilt and some destructive behaviors. For these Veterans, getting back in the World was the beginning of a new…

At the time of this writing, The Highground is in the middle of the spring acoustic guitar course as part of the “Vets & Guitars” & Ukulele program. The summer course will be a little different. It will offer classes for beginner and continuing ukulele. Guitar classes will be back this fall at The Highground. Summer ukulele classes will begin on Thursday, June 6.   Instructor Victoria helps a Veteran attendee with some cords during a previous ukulele class. Music is a powerful tool for bringing joy to life. Peace and mental focus can be found almost immediately when we listen…

Registration is now open for The Highground’s 2024 Female Veterans Retreats. The Female Veterans Ice Age Trail Hike is scheduled for May 30–June 2 and The Highground-based Female Veterans Retreat will take place June 21–23. Veterans hike the Ice Age Trail near Holcombe during the 2023 Ice Age Trail Hike Retreat. Veterans can sign up for both retreats and are encouraged to share the event information with other female Veterans.   The Ice Age Trail Hike will include 5-8 miles of hiking on rolling/hilly terrain along the Ice Age Trail in the Holcombe, WI area. The group will return to overnight individual tent…

The Highground is excited to announce that the Spring Vets & Guitars courses are open for registration. The Highground is doing something different this year by offering both beginning and continuing acoustic guitar classes. The courses are free for Veterans, and The Highground will supply instruments and basic necessary supplies. Both sessions will begin on Thursday, March 21 at The Highground. The beginner’s guitar class will start at 4:30pm and the continuing guitar course will begin at 6pm. These 10-session courses are scheduled to meet weekly on Thursday evenings.  Music can be a powerful tool in bringing joy to one’s life.…

What happens when a Winter Retreat is scheduled, and Winter forgets to show up? With the help of many community members and volunteers, and a few adaptations to the itinerary, The Highground Winter Retreat, held Feb 2-4, was still a wonderful success.  As many people can experience increased struggles with mental health issues, isolation, and lack of physical activity during the winter months, the Winter Retreat is an especially welcome event.  This event, for male and female Veterans of any age and service experience, combines outdoor and indoor activities that are selected to introduce and encourage outdoor winter activities and…

The Highground is excited to announce registration is open for the annual three-day Winter Veterans Retreat scheduled for February 2–4, 2024 along with the addition of a one-day Ice Fishing Event on Saturday, February 3 on Lake Arbutus. Both events are open to all male and female Veterans and Veterans will be treated to great food at both events. The Ice Fishing Day on Saturday, February 3 is offered with the generous hosting and fishing guide assistance of Paul Borsheim, Mike Prindle, Eugene Bertrand and Josh Olson. Ice fishing equipment and guidance in comfortable ice fishing shacks will be available for registered Veterans who do not…

In this Newsletter: 39th Annual Heroes Ride Bike Tour Recap First Military Couples Retreat Recap Honor Stone Recap Memorials and Honorariums Veterans Crisis Line Holiday Lights Program Update 11th Annual Winter Bowl 2024 Winter Veterans Retreat 2024 Calendar of Events for 2024 Male Veterans Retreat Recap Education Days Recap Fall Cleanup Days Recap Be a Fox–Not a Bear Military Couples Retreat Recap (cont.) Information Request Form Volunteer Form Museum News• The Highground History Project• A Face for Every Name• Donating to the Museum• “We Were There: The Vietnam War” Event News• Heroes Ride Recap (cont.)• Fall Bake Sale Recap• 23rd Annual…

The Highground facilitated its first military couples retreat October 20-22, 2023. “Operation Re-Connect” invites Veterans and their spouses or partners to get away from their daily routines and enjoy a peaceful yet purposeful weekend at no cost to them. The Highground is grateful to the Marshfield Elks Lodge 665 for their generous sponsorship which helped make Operation Re-Connect a success. “Military couples face unique challenges whether they were together during active duty and deployments or if they met each other afterward,” said Chris Pettis, Executive Director of The Highground. “We want to help them develop and hone new skills to strengthen their…

The Highground’s Fall “Vets & Guitars” and Ukulele courses are open for registration. These 10-session classes are free for veterans and are scheduled to meet weekly on Thursdays at The Highground. Both the acoustic guitar and ukulele sessions will begin on Thursday, October 5. The ukulele course will start at 4:30pm and the guitar course will start at 6pm. The Highground will supply the instruments and basic supplies needed for beginner instruction. Veterans focusing on their music during the acoustic guitar class on Thursday, August 31. All courses will be instructed by local award-winning musician and instructor, Victoria Shoemaker. Victoria has…

On Saturday, August 19, over 200 motorcyclists will come together at the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 for The Highground’s 23rd Annual Ride to Remember® in recognition of honor and valor. Veterans and Veteran supporters will gather to enjoy rides in picturesque Clark County and help raise funds for The Highground and its Veterans programming. Although the riders and the number of riders may change every year, it’s easy to see that the desire remains the same: to remember the fallen and honor the living. Highlights of the event include three scenic rides led by experienced motorcyclists, live music by the band Uncle Ron from 10am–1pm, a…

The Highground is pleased to announce it has begun working on plans to expand its legacy for 2024 and beyond. Now that the midway point of this year’s stone ceremonies has arrived, visitors may notice some new landscaping on the plaza. By the end of 2023, The Highground will reach the end of the plaza walkway where most of the 6,200 stones live. To prepare for the future, The Highground staff and board of directors along with emeritus and founding members selected two squares on the plaza where Legacy Stones will be placed beginning in 2024. This decision demanded many hours of consideration in order to design a solution…

The Highground will hold a Male Veterans Retreat August 11–13, 2023. The retreat will offer Veterans the opportunity to have fun, enjoy great food and experience interesting activities in the company of fellow male Veterans. The retreat is open to any male Veteran of any age and service history. The retreat will include activities at The Highground as well as local sites and most activities will be accessible for a wide range of physical abilities; however, a field trip to the Silver Mound archaeological site on Sunday, August 13 will require actual hiking to the site through a hilly and wooded area…

Veterans, non-veterans, families and the public are invited to attend an informative gathering on post-traumatic stress (PTS/PTSD) and veteran suicide prevention at 6pm on Tuesday, July 25 at Patriot K9s (7333 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401). The event, part of The Highground’s outreach efforts for the PTSD Peer Support Group, will include speakers and a free exchange of information between those who have experienced struggles with PTSD management or veteran suicide issues.  “This effort is about veterans, but it’s also about veterans’ families and friends,” said The Highground executive director Chris Pettis. “Veterans’ loved ones are the first to be affected…

On Saturday, July 15, The Highground will host its annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion combining Vietnam exhibits, Huey helicopter displays (a landing is planned weather permitting) and an opportunity to meet other Vietnam Veterans. Over 100 Vietnam Veterans have RSVP’d for lunch, so it should be a great gathering. It all takes place at The Highground Veterans Park. Founded as a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1984, The Highground continues to honor and remember those who served in the Vietnam War and their families. A UH-1H Huey landing at The Highground during the 2022 Vietnam Veterans Reunion. The itinerary is as follows:10:45am (weather permitting):…

Registration is open for the Summer “Vets & Guitars” & Ukuleles course which begins on Thursday, June 15. The beginner ukulele class starts at 4:30pm. The beginner acoustic guitar class starts at 6pm. To register or for more information, Veterans are invited to email Theresa at museum@thehighground.us or call 715-743-4224. Victoria and Veterans at a Spring 2023 “Vets & Guitars” & Ukuleles session. The Spring “Vets & Guitars” & Ukuleles course had a full house—12 Veterans for guitar instruction and 5 for ukulele. Music is a powerful tool in bringing joy to life. Peace and mental focus can be found almost immediately…

Veterans, their families, non-veterans and the public are invited to attend a presentation at the Pittsville American Legion at 6pm on Wednesday, May 24 about Post-Traumatic Stress/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTS/PTSD), Suicide Awareness and Prevention. Although the focus of the presentation will be on Veteran suicide prevention, the majority of the information, communication techniques and resources will translate over to non-veteran situations as well as to awareness and prevention of youth suicide.   Guest presenters will include subject matter experts from the Tomah VA’s Suicide Prevention team and Linda Brey, Gold Star mother of Veteran Don Marine. Don was lost to Veteran Suicide after returning home…

The Highground Veterans Park in Central Wisconsin is offering two female veterans retreats this coming June and registration is now open for both retreats. Female veterans can take part in these retreats free of charge. Transportation and any transportation costs to and from the retreat weekend are not covered and are the responsibility of the veteran. Due to welcoming special veteran post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / military sexual trauma (MST) presenter, Sarah Blum (Vietnam Veteran nurse, author, PTSD/MST advocate) at both retreats, the Female Veterans Retreats will be held on back-to-back weekends in June. More information about Sarah can be found at womenunderfire.net. The…

The Highground hosted its second annual Winter Retreat February 3-5. Both male and female Veterans who served in different combat and era campaigns—from the Vietnam War to the Gulf War—were introduced to unique indoor and outdoor activities. These ventures were designed to promote mental health growth through creativity, indulging the senses, reflection and physical movement. Many people experience progressive struggles with mental health issues, isolation and lack of physical activity during the winter months, which makes this Winter Retreat an especially important event. Creative workshops guided by Bonnie Pettis, Event Coordinator at The Highground, were very popular with the group. Bonnie demonstrated how hands-on…

The Highground Veterans Park in Central Wisconsin is offering two female veterans retreats this coming June and registration is now open for both retreats. Female veterans can take part in these retreats free of charge. Transportation and any transportation costs to and from the retreat weekend are the responsibility of the veteran. Due to welcoming special veteran post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / military sexual trauma (MST) presenter, Sarah Blum (Vietnam Veteran nurse, author, PTSD/MST advocate) at both retreats, the Female Veterans Retreats will held on back-to-back weekends in June. More information about Sarah can be found at womenunderfire.net. Vietnam Veteran Nurse, Author and PTSD/MST Advocate…

The Highground is excited to announce the Spring Vets & Guitars (and Ukulele) courses are open for registration. These 10-session courses are free for veterans and are scheduled to meet weekly on Thursdays at The Highground. Both the acoustic guitar and ukulele sessions will begin on Thursday, March 23. The ukulele course will start at 5:30pm and the guitar course will start at 7pm. The Highground will supply the instruments and basic supplies needed for beginner instruction. Music is a powerful tool in bringing joy to life. Peace and focus can support our mental health almost immediately when we listen to and create music. The Highground’s Vets & Guitars…

The next Veteran / Family PTS Peer Support Group will meet at The Highground on Sunday, December 18 at 2pm. Veterans, families and the public are invited to attend the casual gathering to obtain resources and more information on post-traumatic stress (PTS). The topic of discussion for this month’s gathering will be around how music can help with post-traumatic stress management as well as how music can be an important part of living a joyful, relaxed and fulfilling life. Musician and instructor Victoria Shoemaker (of “Virginia Steel” – virginiasteelmusic.com) will be there to perform and share information about the “Vets & Guitars”…

The Highground holds a monthly peer support group for not only Veterans who are managing post-traumatic stress (PTS), but also for the family and loved ones of Veterans with PTS. There are very limited opportunities for spouses, family members, friends and loved ones who are in a relationship or are part of a support system for a Veteran who is managing PTSD. As with friends, caregivers and families of people struggling with other physical and mental challenges, the role of caregiver and/or friend comes with its own stresses and hardships. Many caregivers and friends end up struggling with their own depression, stress…

Even though Vietnam Veteran Nurse Sarah Blum was only at The Highground for four days, she was able to help Veterans from across the region in ways that will last a long time, perhaps a lifetime. Sarah is a decorated Vietnam Veteran Nurse who earned the Army Commendation Medal serving as an operating room nurse at the 12th Evacuation Hospital Cu Chi, Vietnam during the height of the fighting in 1967. She has dedicated herself to serving Veterans, especially those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or military sexual trauma (MST). Sarah is also an accomplished author. Her book “Women Under Fire” is currently available…

The Highground, the Willard Well and several supporters, including musician Victoria Shoemaker (of “Virginia Steel” – virginiasteelmusic.com), are offering military Veterans the opportunity to learn how to play acoustic guitar. The program is designed to help them gain skills to bring the joy that accompanies creativity to their lives and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Veterans. The Vets & Guitars program will consist of 10 sessions of instruction and “jamming” with fellow Veterans and musicians. The program will begin on Thursday, September 29 at 6pm at The Highground. Each session will run 1-2 hours every Thursday evening through December 1 (the lesson during the week of…

Photo: Sarah Blum after working 24 hours straight. The Highground is set to host a special presentation by Vietnam Veteran Nurse, Therapist and Author Sarah Blum on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 5:30pm. The presentation is open to the general public with RSVPs appreciated. The evening will focus on the experiences of nurses, medics and corpsman during the Vietnam War. Veterans and those who have served in the military or civilian life in a medical capacity are encouraged to attend.  Sarah Blum, ARNP, is a decorated nurse Vietnam Veteran who earned the Army Commendation Medal serving as an operating room nurse during the Vietnam War.…

The Highground Veteran and Family PTS Peer Support Group will meet at The Highground on Sunday, August 21 at 2pm. Veterans, families and the public are invited to attend the casual gathering to obtain resources and more information on post-traumatic stress (PTS). This gathering will focus on how to begin conversations between the Veteran and their family and friends on PTS management and how to open the door to sharing military service experiences. The hope is that these discussions will help build better, trusting relationships between these loved ones.  For Veterans and families, this is a unique opportunity to make connections with others…

The next Family PTS Support Group will meet at The Highground on Sunday, July 17 at 2pm. Veterans, families and the public are invited to attend the gathering to obtain resources and more information on post-traumatic stress (PTS). Michael Orban, Vietnam Veteran, author and founder / co-host ‘Stigma Free Vet Zone’ The Podcast (orbanfoundationforveterans.org) will present information on recognizing and managing “triggers” of PTS and share information about how the community can make progress with de-stigmatizing PTS to encourage healing. This is not a professional counseling event. It is a gathering for those who are interested in learning more about PTS and gaining…

The Highground will host another Family PTS Support Group Meeting on Sunday, June 26 at 2pm. Families, Veterans and the public are invited to attend the gathering to obtain resources and information about the prevention of Veteran suicide and de-stigmatizing post-traumatic stress (PTS). Guest speakers will be: Carole Ewald, Community and Engagement Partnerships Coordinator for the Office of Integrated Mental Health in Tomah VAMC and Michael Orban, Vietnam Veteran, author and founder/co-host of ‘Stigma Free Vet Zone’ The Podcast (orbanfoundationforveterans.org). Carole and Michael will be speaking at 2pm and available afterward for questions and one-on-one conversation. Veterans and their families and friends are encouraged to attend to learn more…

The Highground, the Willard Well and several supporters, including musician Victoria Shoemaker (of “Virginia Steel”), are offering military Veterans the opportunity to learn how to play acoustic guitar. The program is designed to help them gain skills to bring joy that accompanies creativity to their lives and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Veterans through the process. Pictured: Vets & Guitars Instructor Victoria Shoemaker of the band “Virginia Steel”(FB: virginiasteelmusic) The Vets & Guitars program will consist of 10 sessions of instruction and “jamming” with fellow Veterans and musicians. The program will begin on Thursday, July 7 at 6pm at The Highground. Each session will run…

The Highground has received many “calls for help” from spouses, family members and friends of Veterans who are having difficulty managing PTS (post-traumatic stress). These Veterans’ loved ones are seeking resources and/or a group to speak with; most importantly, they are looking for a place to share their fears as well as learn from others who are going through a similar situation and from those who have “been there.” The Highground will be holding an initial Family Support Group for PTS at The Highground Museum on Sunday, May 15 at 2pm. Michael Orban, Vietnam Veteran, author and founder & co-host of the ‘Stigma Free Vet Zone’ Podcast (orbanfoundationforveterans.org) will…

The Highground was able to treat Veterans to a day of ice fishing, snowshoeing and a Veterans Workshop by The Heartbeat Center for Writing, Literacy and the Arts during the First Annual Winter Veterans Retreat on Saturday, Feb 5. After a hearty breakfast at The Highground—thank you, Bonnie Henchen, for all the delicious food over the weekend—the group of Veterans traveled to Mead Lake in Clark County for a half day of ice fishing. Skip Klabon, Chad Klabon and Dick Jacobson set up comfortable, warm shacks for the Veterans who were fishing and assisted them as necessary. All the veterans caught fish;…

Veterans are invited to sign up for The Highground’s Winter Retreat happening on Sat., Feb. 5. The casual gathering will include ice fishing at Mead Lake; snowshoeing through The Highground trails; a post-traumatic stress management workshop by The Heartbeat Center for Writing, Literacy and the Arts; and a Veteran-guided tour of The Highground. All activities are free for the Veterans and ice fishing equipment and snowshoes will be provided. The Veterans are responsible for getting their own valid WI fishing license and having it with them while fishing. WI fishing licenses are available to Veterans at a reduced rate at dnr.wisconsin.gov. This retreat is open…

The Highground Veterans Memorial Park will host a Female Veterans Weekend Retreat Sept. 10–12, 2021. This retreat will offer women Veterans the opportunity to have fun, enjoy great food and experience interesting activities including as a trail ride on horseback, a bald eagle presentation and a forest walk, in the company of fellow female Veterans. This Veterans weekend is open to any female Veteran of any age and service history. The Veterans Weekend Retreat is also free for the Veterans thanks to these generous sponsors: Alliance Bank; Gauger Ventures LLC; American Legion Post #354; American Legion Phaneuf-Vanasse #111; VFW Post 2490; Marshfield Professional Police Association; Citizens…

The Highground Veterans Memorial Park hosted their second Female Veterans Weekend Retreat September 11-13. Several Veterans from across the state took part in the retreat with the goal of learning something new to help bring more fulfillment to their lives and make new connections with fellow female Veterans. Although not continuous counseling events, the Veterans Weekend Retreats are geared toward providing the tools and experiences that many Veterans find helpful in managing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These retreats offer Veterans an opportunity to get first-hand experience with several activities as well as a chance to find new friendships, information,…