News releases

January 14, 2005
TO: News/assignment editors
FROM: Liz Beyler, University Communications
RE: Bucky Badger to Recognize UW-Madison Ties With Air Guard

Members of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing have traveled worldwide representing the Badger State in support of national defense missions, most recently in Afghanistan and Iraq. This weekend Bucky Badger will give the unit a symbol of Badger spirit and pride.

On Sunday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m., Bucky will present the unit with an official University of Wisconsin-Madison spirit flag in recognition of the 115th's efforts. The presentation will take place at the base's Truax Field dining facility and in front of one of the unit's aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Don Nelson, assistant state relations director at UW-Madison, will accompany Bucky and make brief remarks.

Colonel Joe Brandemuhl, 115th Fighter Wing commander and a UW-Madison graduate, will accept the flag on behalf of his unit. The Madison-based unit has more than 1,000 members, with approximately 300 identifying themselves as college students. Many of those students attend UW-Madison.

"We want to present the unit with this symbol of the university to express our appreciation for its service," says UW-Madison Chancellor John D. Wiley. "Additionally, we want to work closely with the state's National Guard and Reserve members to identify ways in which we can best serve military students and veterans.

"I am proud of our citizen soldiers and their ability to balance family life, military service and their studies," says Wiley. "It is important to me to ensure that UW-Madison continues to be a welcoming and supportive place for veterans and those currently serving in the military."

Media wishing to attend Sunday's event should contact Lt. Col. David Olson of the 115th's Public Affairs Office at (608) 245-4339.

Directions: Take E. Washington Avenue to Wright Street. Turn left onto Wright Street if coming from the west, right if coming from the east. Take Wright Street to Mitchell Street, then turn left into the base.

For more information contact Nelson at (608) 265-4105, (608) 217-5110 (cell) or dwnelson@bascom.wisc.edu.

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