Marshal Giese is president of the Shawano County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 206. He is a lifelong resident of Shawano County and graduated from Gresham High School.
Giese worked at Moede Plumbing as an apprentice before enlisting into the Army. He served from 1966 to 1969, serving in Germany and Belgium before spending a year in Vietnam in the demilitarized zone with the 108th Artillery Unit. When he returned, Giese went back to Moede’s for 10 years, followed by a stint at Gordon Zachow Plumbing for five years. In 1984 he started his own business, Marshal Giese Plumbing, in Gresham.
Giese and his wife, Susan, who does all the book work for the business, have been married 46 years. They have three children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They live north of Gresham in the town of Red Springs, where he was a county supervisor from 2000 to 2010, county board chairman from 2004 to 2010, and Red Springs supervisor from 1994 to 2011. Giese is a lifetime member of Gresham American Legion Post 390.
Q How long have you been in the VVA?
A “Since it’s inception, which was the early ’80s. I’m an original member and a lifetime member. When I was processing out of the Army at the airport, we were segregated from other people because of the protesters. I didn’t understand going into society that wasn’t even welcoming you home.”
Q What offices have you held?
A “Right now, I’m the president of Shawano Chapter 206. Back in the ’80s I was the secretary. I went to national conferences this past summer in Springfield, Illinois. They talked a lot about Agent Orange, which was sprayed to kill foliage. It affects seven generations. It‘s very important that we tell our children and grandchildren. It causes heart disease and diabetes and a number of health issues. A lot of soldiers died after they came back from Vietnam. I saw them spray. I’m constantly being monitored. So far so good. They told us when we got back to our states to contact our representatives and senators. I called Capitol Hill not only once but twice. We want them to support the Military Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015. I’m really hitting on that and not going to give up. We’re concerned about our young veterans.”
Q What does the VVA do?
A “We sponsor scholarships for a graduating senior. We’re involved with Dollars for Scholars. We donate to Safe Haven and SAFPARC and to other veterans. We donate to the Fisher House in Milwaukee and the Wounded Warrior Project.”
Q Who can join the VVA?
A “Anybody that was in the service from 1959 to 1975. We also have associate members like wives. The meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at the VFW at 7 p.m. We’re looking for more volunteers to join us.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “Because veterans are number one on my list. Veterans mean a lot to me. I have a bond with them. If they want to talk about their experiences, I’m there to listen.”
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