Terry Kohler names bridge of USS Canon
The Wisconsin Naval Ship Association has announced the naming of the bridge – the command center – of the USS Canon, which will serve as the anchor of the Naval Museum and Education Center, Sheboygan. The bridge will be known as “The Commander Walter J. Kohler Bridge.”
This recognition is in acknowledgment of a multi-year pledge to the Capital Campaign by Terry Kohler.
Along with the naming of the Canon’s bridge and Kohler’s pledge, comes the naming of the new U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit. The unit or division, as it will be referred to as, will be named The Vollrath Division.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) Vollrath Division is being formed for youth ages 13 to 17 and will compliment the U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps (USNLCC) Training Ship Abingdon. TS Abingdon has been in the Sheboygan area since 2008 and is for young men and women ages 10-14. Both the NSCC and the NLCC programs are for young men and women who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.
Sea Cadets are authorized by the secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs. The local units will have one main purpose, and that is to foster teamwork. Cadets are instructed by both Sea Cadet officers and senior cadets through classroom and applied instruction in subjects such as basic seamanship, military drill, and leadership.
Cadets meet or “drill” at their local unit twice a month, mainly on the first and third Saturdays, throughout the year. A unit is structured along military lines and is headed by their commanding officer, LTJG Robert Hanke. Both the Vollrath Division and TS Abingdon will be drilling at the Aviation Heritage Center, at the Sheboygan County airport, until the Canon is made ready. Once the Canon is available, drilling will continue between the two locations.
Both the Vollrath Division and TS Abingdon will often participate in community events such as parades and fairs. Participation in community service such as working in veterans' hospitals, organizing clothing, and food drives are just some of the things the cadets do. There are cadets from all over the Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Manitowoc county areas. Cadets are from Grafton, Port Washington, Oostburg, and Manitowoc to just name a couple of cities. These two units are also family driven. Most of the officers and instructors are parents of one or more cadets.
LTJG Hanke, commanding officer of NLCC Training Ship Abingdon, stated, “It has been only a year and a half since the NLCC program started in Sheboygan.
“I can remember the first drill, in December of 2008 at the Coast Guard Station here with a total of two cadets and one visitor.
“It is hard to believe that in such a small time the unit has outgrown the Coast Guard Station and had to move out to the Aviation Heritage Center.
“The growth of the unit from two cadets in December 2008 to 17 cadets at this present date is amazing.
“Now with the generous donation of Mr. Terry Kohler, the anticipated arrival of the Canon, and the naming of the NSCC unit, it is going to be an adventurous time to be a youth in the Sheboygan area.”
For more information about these two youth programs, LTJG Hanke can be reached at 414-339-9550 or via e-mail at cotsabingdon@wi.rr.com. Feel free to visit www.tsabingdon.org for pictures and dates of events both of the units will be attending.
Larry Hinkelman, president of WINSA, stated, “The arrival of the USS Canon in Sheboygan to anchor the Naval Museum and Education Center is planned for 2012 after dredging of the Sheboygan River has been completed. The ship and the museum will offer guided and self-guided tours, overnight programs and a broad range of educational programs. Designed in partnership with schools and educators to create a hands-on learning experience for youth, the ship and museum will be positive for the Sheboygan area and beyond.”
Terry Kohler stated, “The opportunities for our youth to experience the rigors and self-discipline of a Sea Cadet military environment will definitely bring them far more quickly to a maturity needed broadly in our society today.”
For more information about the status of the Canon, the Naval Museum and Education Center (NAVMEC), WINSA, or how you may also help donate, contact: Char Pachniak, marketing and fund development director, Wisconsin Naval Ship Association, 920-254-8777 (museum), 920-254-1584 (personal), info@WiNavalShipAssocia tion.com or www.usscanon.com (new site under construction).
