Over 400 Gathered for The Highground Veterans Memorial’s Vietnam Veterans Reunion

Thursday, September 4th, 2025 -- 11:01 AM

Honoring, remembering and respecting those who served in the Vietnam War was the founding mission of The Highground, located just west of Neillsville.

Forty-one years ago, to enhance awareness and funding of what was then known as The Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project, Inc. (later renamed The Highground), Tom Miller rode an epic 1,244 miles around Wisconsin.

That feat is now commemorated each year as the Heroes Ride. On Sunday, August 3, The Highground hosted an incredibly special day for these veterans, the Annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion and an opportunity for them to welcome home the ride's bicyclists.

Several exhibits were available to the veterans and visitors during the reunion, including:

• The “Wisconsin Remembers: A Face for Every Name” banner exhibit honoring the men from Wisconsin who were killed or remained missing in action during the Vietnam War;
• The “Vietnam Experience” exhibit by Carl Bogar Jr, owner of Historic Military Impressions in Kenosha;
• The Highground’s Big Map of the Vietnam War for veterans to sign for themselves and for lost battle buddies;
• And several Vietnam War memorabilia items and personal stories of Vietnam Veterans which have been donated to The Highground Museum.

A very special visit that has become a reunion tradition and highlight was the arrival and presentation of a UH-1H Huey helicopter courtesy of Combat Helicopters LLC.

The landing and visit by the Huey and crew has always been one of the most powerful moments of the year at The Highground. For many Vietnam veterans, the sound of the Huey is an unforgettable memory of their service.

Most veterans tell staff at The Highground that it is a welcome sound, a sound of protection and aid. Don Anibas of Durand added to the day’s exhibits with the display of his two military Jeeps.

Rounding out the reunion was the showing of the documentary “Honor in the Air,” a film about the service of Wisconsin Vietnam Veteran Huey pilot, Captain Scott Alwin.

Capt. Alwin, one of 16 “preacher's kids” and a Wisconsin native, served five tours of duty during the Vietnam War as an Army helicopter pilot, first flying slicks and later, gunships. The viewing of the documentary in the Highground Welcome Center was at capacity with approximately 100 veterans and spouses attending.

The film was presented by Scott’s sister Pamela Fullerton and the film’s producer Susan Reetz. The film connected with many of the veterans in the audience as it covered many personal aspects of serving in the Vietnam War and of returning home. 

Over 400 Vietnam veterans, guests and Heroes Ride participants gathered for the event, sponsored by:

• Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls,
• Central Wisconsin Broadcasting (WCCN , WPKG, WDLB),
• Gary Koenigs,
• Thrivent,
• Marg & Al Van Rossum,
• Harold Schmitt,
• Helynn & Ed Schufletowski Jr,
• Patrick & Sharon Schaefer,
• Steven and Pamela Nesbit,
• Russell’s of Neillsville,
• Hansen’s IGA,
• Judy Hutter,
• Paul Redemann,
• Eugene and Dr Donna Thomas,
• Carl Bogar Jr and Historic Military Impressions,
• Combat Helicopters LLC,
• Susan Reetz,
• Pamela Fullerton,
• And all who baked for and bought from The Highground’s Spring Bake Sale.

The Highground thanks all the volunteers that made this special day possible. Planning is already underway for next year's Vietnam Veterans Reunion which will be held Sunday, August 2, 2026.  

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.