Keynote Speaker, David Turney, aboard the USS Tulare LKA-112 during the Vietnam War

Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg Honors Vietnam Veterans with Special Ceremony

Jessica White Wing-Clark Senior Manager Public Relations

April 7, 2025

Heartfelt event brings community together to pay tribute to veterans

Wittenberg, Wisconsin – On March 29, 2025, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg, a premier gaming and hotel facility in north-central Wisconsin, held a special ceremony to honor Vietnam veterans. The event featured a ceremonial flag raising and a heartfelt tribute with keynote speaker David Turney, a Vietnam veteran and tribal elder from the Menominee Nation.

“'Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another' is a fitting motto coined by the Vietnam Veterans of America, and it sends a powerful message that veterans stand together in support of one another,” said Jessica White Wing Clark, Senior Public Relations Manager at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg. “It is a profound privilege to uphold that promise during our Vietnam Veterans Ceremony and to witness our amazing veterans and community come together to support one of their own.”

Known by his Native name, Napos (pronounced Nah poos), meaning “Lead Rabbit, Teacher,” and Pitaw (pronounced Peet tah), meaning “He Brings Things,” David embodies the roles of both teacher and storyteller. He believes in the power of storytelling to share wisdom and foster understanding.

During his opening remarks, David shared, “Respectfully, I’m really honored to be asked to do this. At 70 years old, it’s probably the most important thing I’ve been asked to do, personally, for the things that I carry. So, I’m really, really grateful for that.”

Reflecting on his painful return to America, David shared, “I was flown home on March 26, 1973, and that’s when I felt the sting of serving in Vietnam for this country. As I walked into the airport terminal, I was spit on, things were thrown at me, and even plastic bags filled with what looked like excrement were thrown. I got called all kinds of names. I was 18 years old, and I couldn’t believe it. Coming home to me was disgraceful, what happened to me.”

Despite the struggles and trauma brought on by the Vietnam War, David described them as blessings in disguise, teaching him invaluable life lessons that shaped him into the incredible person he is today.

“I ended up getting into recovery through traditional ways, going through sweat lodges and using the medicinal practices I learned from my grandparents. It was my healing that I had to go through, and also to help other veterans,” David shared.

David’s positive outlook on life led him to become the first Menominee Nation Tribal Veterans Service Officer, the first Commander of the Veterans of Menominee Nation, and a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for Menominee County. He was also part of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and served as a Tribal Veterans Employment Specialist for Eastern Wisconsin's tribes. His commitment to the veteran community reflects his deep care for others’ well-being, advocating for tribal veterans, helping them navigate their benefits, and ensuring they received the respect and resources they deserved.

Currently serving as a professor at the University of Green Bay, David continues his role as a teacher, imparting not only academic knowledge but also life lessons. Drawing from his unique experiences as a Vietnam War veteran and as a Native person committed to preserving his culture, his teaching goes beyond academics. It’s about sharing history, fostering understanding, and encouraging others to carry the torch of service, commitment, and cultural pride - and to complete the last part of the ways of a warrior, “the old ones, the ones that help our young ones to come back.”

Additionally, the event was made even more meaningful by the surprising visit from the Office of Governor Tony Evers and Representative Carl Woitekaitis, who took the time to honor our Vietnam veterans, adding a powerful reminder that their service is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.

With immense gratitude, we also recognize Justin Fisher, USMC, for carrying the Eagle Staff with honor; Darlin-Gunderson Post 341 Birnamwood, for their dedicated service as the Color Guard; and our flag raisers, who stood tall to symbolize the strength of our veterans: Errol White Wing (US Army), Pamela Wilber (National Guard), Christian Wilber (USMC), Christopher Gourd (USMC), and Steve Radun (US Navy).

The Lake Delton Singers filled the air with the heartbeat of the drum, a sacred sound that connected us all, while Chanelle Roth’s breathtaking rendition of the National Anthem honored our nation and those who have defended it. Our Emcee, Dana Bzdawka, wove everything together with grace, reverence, and deep respect.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and care to make this day a success. Your collective efforts ensured that this ceremony was a meaningful tribute to our Vietnam veterans.

Since the doors opened in 2008, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg has been committed to providing excellent service to our guests while creating an atmosphere that is fun, exciting and continues to support its employees, surrounding communities and veterans.