Muskego Library Display A Reminder That For Many, Every Day is Veteran's Day

A funny thing can happen in pursuit of one story: another pops up that is just as interesting.

A recent trip to the library had our attention grabbed by a table of photos and letters from troops overseas, with a call for donations to a cause called "Treats for Troops."

A little investigating revealed someone that thank you letters addressed as 'aunt Judy' or 'grandma Judy,' and an email address led us to Judy Wiedenkeller, who lives at Steepleview Senior Community just across the city border in Hales Corners.

"It started out with sending a big box of cookies that my friend and I had baked out to Pendleton for some wounded Fox Company Marines," Wiedenkeller told us after we caught up with her.  "I didn't even know ANY other soldiers then - just that somehow, reaching out to them was something I had to become involved in." 

At one point, Steepleview had 33 veterans in residence, many of which helped in the process of packing, but a reality of time has crept in according to Wiedenkeller. 

"Sadly, we lose them much too fast, and Victor, one of the gentlemen who loved helping us, can no longer do so.  They are extremely supportive with their donations, though," she said. 

Dollar donations are key, as mailings cost about $625 per shipment, which doesn't account for what actually goes into the boxes themselves. Treats for Troops sends out boxes at least six times a year, and Wiedenkeller said "It would be great to do it more often but it is pretty costly."

While a list of items is constant, including canned goods, health items like Chap Stick and socks, for the colder months Treats for Troops send hand and feet warmers (it's freezing in Afghanistan) packets of hot cider and cocoa mixes, regular and instant coffee. 

"If they have access to microwaves (some of our groups don't- they're living in tents) they like popcorn.  Since many do not have access to a PX, we also send foot powder, shower gel, shower shoes, and any other basic hygiene needs that we would just take for granted," Wiedenkeller explained.  "We also collect magazines, gently used DVD's, and sometimes specific requests - like hangers and Twinkies, Ho-Hos - that type of snack thing.  We've sent yarn and knitting supplies...one new soldier asked for drawing supplies because he likes to sketch." 

With the holidays approaching, needs are extra-special.

"For Christmas, we are making sure that each individual soldier or Marine receives at least two signed Christmas cards and we also wrap special little toiletries for the females and games for the guys.  That gives them some presents to put under their trees or where ever they can do a makeshift center for their celebration," she said. 

Personal connections are made, to make the giving even more meaningful. "Our 'boys and girls' get an official 'adoption paper' with the first introductory letter.  At present, we serve approximately 200 individual soldiers and Marines, so I've got a large 'family.'" 

Want to help?  Visit the library to drop off donations, or contact the editor (denise.konkol@patch.com), and we will make sure you get connected with Judy. 

Items needed:

Food Items:  cans of spaghetti & meatballs, ravioli, etc., chunky soup, small narrow packages of crackers, beef jerky, snack/protein bars, cheese crackers, ramen noodles

Health Items: lip balm, baby wipes (very critical), anti-fungal foot powder, sun screen (30+ SPF), insect repellent

Other: packs of white tube socks, mosquito strips