APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Rep. Mike Gallagher honored an Appleton native Tuesday for his years of service to both the U.S. military and the Northeast Wisconsin community.
Gallagher (R-8th District) presented John Gillespie with the 2023 Northeast Wisconsin Veteran of the Year award during a ceremony held at the American Legion Post 38 in Appleton.
Gillespie, who was nominated by one of his sons, was chosen as the recipient of the third-annual award in recognition of his distinguished military career, as well as the contributions he’s made to his community.
With the help of legendary Packers quarterback Bart Starr, Gillespie and his late wife, Jan, founded the Rawhide Boys Ranch — now called Rawhide Youth Services — in 1965. The program provides residential treatment and campus-based counseling to at-risk Wisconsin youth and has served more than 750 individuals to date.
Additionally, Gillespie has dedicated his time and effort to projects such as establishing Plamann Park, creating a faith-based peer-to-peer assistance program for veterans and volunteering with American Legion Post 38.
“John has an unending desire to leave our little slice of Northeast Wisconsin better than how he found it,” Rep. Gallagher said. “It’s really hard to put into words how John has impacted this community.”
During the ceremony, Rep. Gallagher gave Gillespie a congratulatory entry he made in the Congressional Record on Gillespie’s behalf.
“I know that there are dozens or hundreds of other veterans that should get this award,” Gillespie said. “I’m honored.”
