Author: Lee Matz

The 2019 Lance Sijan Award Ceremony took place at the Milwaukee Yacht Club on May 16, as the last tribute during Milwaukee Armed Services that recognized local individuals for their valor and service. Honored at the event were Ralph Charles Simoneau, Jim Partleton, George Banda, and Gold Star Parents Jane and Sylvester Sijan. ​The award was named for Captain Lance Peter Sijan, USAF, the first Medal of Honor recipient from the U.S. Air Force Academy. A native of Milwaukee Bay View neighborhood, Sijan was an F-4 pilot in Vietnam whose plane went down over enemy territory. Although badly injured,...

A special World War I film premieres during Milwaukee Armed Forces Week (AFW), chronicling the story of thousands of Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers who answered the national call and served with the 32nd “Red Arrow” Division. Milwaukee Armed Forces Week returns to southeastern Wisconsin from May 13 to 18, with the goal of increasing awareness about today’s military and pay tribute to the nation’s generations of veterans. Given the “Red Arrow” nickname for its tenacity in piercing the enemy line, the 32nd Infantry Division primarily served during World War I and World War II, with its origins rooted in...

As spring comes to Milwaukee, even with a last gasp of winter snow, two sites within a few city blocks both share a special and alternative fate. On the west side of the Milwaukee River, a landmark is midway finished with its demolition. On the east side of the river, a new skyscraper takes shape. One structure is torn down while the other is built up, and both related to BMO Harris Bank. In 2012, BMO purchased the naming rights for the Bradley Center from then owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, Herb Kohl. That remained in place until just...