A driver for JWC Trucking in Gillett who has raised money to help veterans and law officers across the country wants to stage an event to honor them this summer.
Dennis Schulze told the Gillett City Council on March 6 that he lost his right leg in a trucking accident 12 years ago.
“I decided to get my wheelchair and go across America backwards for our veterans and the people who saved my life,” Schulze said. “I’ve thrown out first pitches. I’ve stood in many stadiums. I’ve been in the Oval Office. Every year, I like hosting an event, and it’s called Heroes Day Off.”
The event at Zippel Park would serve as a fundraiser for local veterans, police, fire and EMS groups, he said.
“I have a couple buddies that are Nashville recording artist friends that’ll come in and put on a concert for us. I’m trying to find some local bands, too,” Schulze said. “And all the money I raise I give to the local veterans and an organization for police officers.” The organization, he said, is called Wisconsin Law Enforcement Death Response Team — a volunteer group of law enforcement professionals who assist agencies and survivors after a death.
City Clerk Chelsea Anderson said the Heroes Day Off could fill a lull between mid-July and early August, and council members were receptive to the idea, which would also include food, raffles and other activities.
“We can look at some dates that the city would have available for Zippel Park,” said Mayor Jon Blaskowski. “You’ve got the Lions Club; I know the Civic Club has a stand there, too, so we should be able to make most of that stuff work.”
Alderperson Jerry Luther asked Schulze what made him think of Gillett as a place to hold such an event, and he said he was drawn to the people when he started driving for JWC.
“My first day in town I started talking to people, and they acted like they’ve known me forever, no matter whether it was somebody in a suit, or somebody in shorts or Spanish or whatever — they treated me like I was here,” Schulze said. “Sometimes you know or you feel like where you need to be, and I just wanted to have my event here … I felt like this is someplace right to have this event.”
Blaskowski said city committees would discuss the next steps and help Schulze with any required permits.
wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com
‘Heroes Day Off’ would honor veterans, officers
