Paying tribute to our state’s heroes during the holiday season, Wisconsin’s service members past and present, here and abroad, were honored by this year’s “Tribute to the Troops” tree at the Governor’s Residence.  Linda Hughes of Cambria shared with me how she spent over 200 hundred hours, along with the help of volunteers, designing and creating the angels decorating the tree.  This stunning tree, which was on display in the Reception Room, was adorned with the embroidered angels and patriotic ornaments Linda had purchased on her military travels all over the U.S., along with ornaments provided by the service men and women’s families from the different military branches in honor of their sons, daughters and loved ones.   

In recognizing veterans and soldiers at this special anniversary of 10 years since 9/11, the angel ornaments had designated meanings:  

6 Angels with the American Flag draped over the angel:  Represented the casket flag for each of the Wisconsin veterans that passed away in 2011. 

180 Angels Holding Gold Stars with the American Flag draped over the angel: Represented Wisconsin Gold Star families since 9-11-2001.   

 *A gold star family is a member of the immediate family of a soldier who has died in a combat zone while a member of any branch of the U.S. military. The gold star represents a gift given of their family, a gift worth more than gold. 

40 White Angels:  Created in honor of living veterans from our area who have 45 years of continuous service in the American Legion.  

Linda created a ‘dog tag’ for each angel so those military families would receive their ornaments after the tree was taken down. As she worked on each dog tag, Linda prayed for each family to be given peace, to remember the good times and the love they shared with this soldier. Generous sponsors from all over the U.S, as well as, organizations and citizens from almost every town in Wisconsin covered the cost to make each angel and send each angel home to the soldier’s family.   

Linda was first invited to decorate the ‘Salute the Troops’ tree in 2005 after her cousin, Joshua Scott, at the age of 26 was killed in Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  She hung ornaments that year in his honor and in memory of others who had given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.   Honoring those who have served has always been strong in her family.  She has had 9 uncles in the service, losing one, Merlin Beahm of Pardeeville at the age of 21 in WWII.  

In response to the tragic events of 9/11, Linda began the first of her many mailings of letters and packages to soldiers.  Since then, with the help of thousands of financial supporters, over 18,000 letters and packages have been sent to veterans and troops through Linda’s organization, A Case of Caring and Sharing.  The group sends care packages and a pillow case to troops stationed all over the world.  Linda learned the troops do not have pillowcases which is how the A Case (pillowcase) of Sharing & Caring name was born.  Ms. Phyllis Price of Poynette, who accompanied Linda on her trip to meet with me, sews many of the pillowcases for the organization.  Hughes and her students at Rascals and Rocker’s Christian Day School prepare the packages as part of a lesson focused on service, community and fostering volunteerism.  Along with each care package, the troops get to enjoy letters and drawings sent from the students.  Rascals and Rockers Day School in Cambria holds an annual “Pedals for Troops” event in May.  Any requests for information, wishes to donate or to be a sponsor for the students pedaling their bikes can be directed to Linda’s e-mail address:  rascalsrock@gmail.com 

I asked Linda what we could do to assist her in honoring our troops.  She mentioned she is still collecting names and addresses to send care packages to soldiers who may not otherwise receive mail.  If you have family or friends who are serving, she asks that you e-mail and let her know their military contact information.  Address information and requests to donate to the cost of mailings can be directed to Linda’s e-mail address: rascalsrock@gmail.com.  She also volunteers with Badger Honor Flights.  Information and donation instructions can be found online www.badgerhonorflight.org or to donate with a check:

Badger Honor Flight, Inc.

PO Box 258066

Madison, WI 53725

Linda also asks for prayers for her good health so she can continue to do her work in supporting the soldiers. 

Dialing 511 provides you with free real-time travel conditions.  This toll-free number is a useful resource for drivers to get instant updates on the condition of state roadways.  It’s a step forward for road safety and a great use of technology to give people a new advantage over the weather.

As in the past I would continue to encourage you to contact my office with ideas for this next legislative session and on individual pieces of legislation.  Now more than ever your ideas and opinions need to be heard, so we can begin to get Wisconsin back to work.  As before I will continue to work across the aisle to find common ground and move legislation forward.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (608) 266-3404, or Rep.Ripp@legis.wisconsin.gov. 

Please share this update with your friends and neighbors within the 47th  Assembly District. If there is anyone you know who would like to be included please respond to this email with their email address. 

I want to remind everyone that my door is always open and you can always visit me at my Madison office in the Capitol (223 North).   Please do not hesitate to contact me with any issues you maybe facing.  You can call my office at 608-266-3404 or email me at Rep.Ripp@legis.wisconsin.gov.  I look forward to hearing from you.