Michele Rathke is a proud “dual” Gold Legacy Life member at Schmitt-Manecke-Donner VFW Post 1638 in Merrill, Wisconsin and Life Member of their Auxiliary. Her VFW eligibility was earned during her 12 months at Kunsan Air Base in the Republic of South Korea. Michele retired February 2007 after 20 years of Active Duty in the United States Air Force. Her Auxiliary eligibility is from her grandfather, Vincent Ontrop, a WWII US Army Veteran.
While serving she assisted Armed Forces members and families as an Air Force Aid Society Clerk, also known as our UNMET Needs Program, assisting family members with applying for death benefits and insurance claims. Michele was also part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) as Armed Forces members retired or separated from the Military, providing briefings on non-military related programs and services.
Following her retirement, she became more involved with Post 1638, serving as Post Commander for two terms, with All-State and All-American honors, and Post Quartermaster for four terms. Progressing to District and Department leadership, she served two terms as District 7 Commander, four years as State VFW Recording Secretary, Chief-of-Staff and various Committees, culminating in All-American honors as State Commander in 2022-2023.
As a Centennial and Life Member of the VFW National Home, Michele served six years as State National Home Chairman and has obtained extensive working knowledge of the National Home. She has attended the annual VFW National Home Life member meeting the past seven years and works hard to promote this amazing VFW and Auxiliary treasure. Michele’s many skills and successes make her an ideal Trustee candidate, her heartfelt love and support of the VFW National Home will help make it an even better place for both residents and staff. Both the VFW Department of Wisconsin and its Auxiliary have unanimously endorsed Michele.
