Red, White & You: Honoring Wisconsin’s Military Heroes

Wisconsin has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Dale Reich

An Army veteran who served in the infantry during the Vietnam War, Oconomowoc-born Dale Reich discovered a passion for storytelling while working for his brigade’s newspaper overseas. His time in the military sparked a lifelong love of writing that led to a journalism degree and a full-time career as a newspaper reporter and author. Today, he channels that experience into whimsical, lesson-filled books written for each of his grandchildren, creating a legacy of love through stories. Reich calls his time in Vietnam the most important part of his life for how deeply it shaped him, and he hopes his books will always keep a piece of him with his family. Read more here.

2. Sgt. Major Kerry McAllen

Command Sergeant Major Kerry McAllen (Ret.) began her military service in 1990 as a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. She later served over a decade with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, taking on roles in vehicle repair, logistics and fitness training, all while earning her bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts. McAllen completed two overseas combat deployments as a member of the Army Reserves, including a logistics leadership role in Iraq, where she briefed a one-star general. She retired in 2020 after 31 years of service and now leads her family’s commercial real estate business while continuing to support veterans through her local VFW. Read more here.

3. Adam Alexander

Adam Alexander, an Army veteran from Wisconsin, survived a sniper shot to the head during an intense 2011 firefight at a remote firebase in Afghanistan. Despite a traumatic brain injury and losing his right eye, he made a remarkable recovery and was named DAV’s 2022 Disabled American Veteran of the Year. He now co-hosts a public access show called "The Outpost," which highlights veterans' stories and raises awareness for Disabled American Veterans. Alexander also advocates for legislation supporting disabled vets and continues to inspire others through his resilience, humor and deep sense of purpose. Read more here.

4. Lt. Ellen Ainsworth (1919-1944)

Second Lieutenant Ellen Ainsworth was born in Wisconsin and graduated from nursing school in 1941. She joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1942, and while stationed in Anzio, Italy, her field hospital was struck by German artillery. Despite being mortally wounded, Ainsworth helped evacuate 42 patients to safety alongside three fellow nurses. She died six days later and became the only woman from Wisconsin killed by enemy fire in WWII. Ainsworth was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart and Red Cross Bronze Medal, and several buildings across the U.S. now bear her name in tribute. Read more here.

5. James Long

Army veteran and Wisconsin native James Long spent over eight years serving his country, including two deployments to Afghanistan, one with the Army and another with the Texas National Guard. Inspired by his experience training Afghan leaders, Long realized his passion for helping others and carried that mindset into civilian life as an entrepreneur. He and his wife launched Bad Batch CrossFit and Fox Valley Meal Prep, both rooted in wellness and community service. His gym partners with Lift for the 22 to support veterans through fitness and mental health resources, continuing Long’s mission to serve with purpose and heart. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!