MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Local veterans from the Fox Valley area celebrated Armed Forces Day on Saturday, with extra recognition for a decorated veteran who recently passed away.
The third Saturday of May marks the military holiday in Winnebago County.
Men and women who served in the nation’s military gathered at the “Isle of Valor” near Smith park to celebrate themselves.
“The service of the nation is something we can’t ask someone to do, they have to do it voluntarily,” said retired Air Force colonel Gene Wall. “I’m very proud of the men and women who are serving.”
Armed forces day in Winnebago County is an annual event, but this year it especially focused on Kenneth Stumpf, a Neenah veteran from the Vietnam War who died last month.
On April 25, 1967, Stumpf saved three soldiers who were hurt and pinned down by Vietnamese gunfire.
For his heroic actions, Stumpf was presented the Medal of Honor by president Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
Thomas Robinson, one of Stumpf’s good friends helped create the “Isle of Valor” monument.
It recognizes the only two Neenah/Menasha veterans to receive the Medal of Honor: Elmer J. Burr who died in 1942, and Stumpf.
“One day I asked if I could put a monument up for him and he laughed at me because he was so quiet and humble,” said Robinson. “We started on the project and in eight months we put up this monument.”
Stumpf was born in Neenah on September 28, 1944, and was drafted in 1965.
He served three tours in Vietnam.
“It was a special day with the Stumpf family to be able to honor his service to the nation as well,” said Wall. “He was an amazing man.”
In 1994, Stumpf retired from the Army as a Sergeant Major after 29 years of service.
He passed away at age 77.
The VFW will be holding a parade on May 31 in downtown Neenah for Memorial Day
