MENOMONIE – Hosford-Chase American Legion Post 32 has presented a Community Service Commendation to the Menomonie/Dunn County Situation Table and its participating community partners, recognizing their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to helping individuals and families before challenging circumstances become crises.
The commendation recognizes the establishment of Wisconsin’s first Situation Table, which officially launched October 20, 2026. The initiative brings together public safety, healthcare, behavioral health, social services, and other community organizations to identify situations involving acutely elevated risk and coordinate timely assistance.
More than 50 professionals representing 26 agencies registered for the initiative’s October 6-7 training, demonstrating the breadth of community participation in this collaborative effort.
For Legion Post 32, the recognition reflects more than appreciation for an innovative approach to community safety. The mission of the Situation Table closely aligns with the values and purposes of The American Legion.
The Preamble to The American Legion Constitution calls upon its members “To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation.” It also emphasizes a commitment to “mutual helpfulness.”
“Those principles have been part of The American Legion since its founding, and they remain just as relevant today,” said Post 32 Commander Jon Brutlag. “The Situation Table brings together people from different organizations who recognize a shared responsibility to help others. Rather than allowing individuals or families to fall through the cracks, these professionals are finding ways to work together and connect people with the assistance they need.”
The Situation Table builds upon existing community partnerships, including the Menomonie Police Department’s Project HOPE. Its’ coordinated approach allows participating agencies to identify people facing overlapping challenges and connect them with appropriate services before situations escalate.
Brutlag noted that the Post wanted to recognize not only the significance of establishing Wisconsin’s first Situation Table, but also the people and organizations whose cooperation made it possible.
“Military veterans understand the importance of teamwork, shared responsibility, and looking out for one another,” Brutlag said. “Those values do not end when military service ends. We see them reflected in the commitment these community partners have made to one another and to the people they serve.”
The framed commendation recognizes the organizers, trainers, participating agencies, and community partners for their vision, dedication, and cooperative spirit. Its closing statement reads: “May this initiative stand as a lasting example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together in service to others.”
Post 32 congratulates the Menomonie/Dunn County Situation Table partners on this historic milestone and extends its appreciation for their continued commitment to strengthening the community.
About Hosford-Chase American Legion Post 32
Hosford-Chase Post 32 serves veterans and the greater Menomonie community through veteran outreach, remembrance, youth programs, civic engagement, and community partnerships. Guided by the principles of The American Legion, the Post seeks to honor military service while encouraging continued service to others.
For more information including questions on membership in the American Legion to support local programs contact Commander Jon Brutlag at 715-559-4078 or [email protected]
Source: News release
