While other American Legion Posts have been gifted with a smoothly written chronological history that began with a creation date and has led us up to the present, Brookfield's Post 296 was less fortunate. Although the Post in Brookfield, Wisconsin, was started by a group of veterans much like ourselves. They couldn't predict the future any better than we could today. But they did know that an American Legion Post had to be created to honor the memory of World War I Veteran Robert C. Behling.
Years, yes years, have been spent going through newspaper archives, making calls to local museums, and driving up to Portage, WI, where the post's history is stored by the American Legion, to try to retrace the steps that have led us to where we exist today. Within that timeline, you will discover that we began with the simple act of honoring one fallen veteran, Richard C. Beheling. Since that day, we have experienced the actual closing down of a Post and its revival, resulting in a change in our Post Number. We bought a Building and then later sold it. Every time it looked like we would turn into ashes, someone stepped up and ignited a flame. Today We Burn Bright! The best we can do to tell you about history is by excerpts. This research, and to the appreciation of the Post, falls mainly on One Man's Sholders, Robert Loggia (Bob, a Friend that you are blessed to have).
So begins our journey.
Robert C. BEHLING American Legion Post 156 history
According to the Waukesha (Daily) Freeman Newspaper, Plus The archived Badger Legionnaire and the Post file at State Headquarters in Portage.
May 23rd, 1918 – The local war board on Tuesday (May 21st) announced the completion of the roster of men who go from Waukesha County on the late May Call. The men will report at the courthouse at 7 o’clock next Wednesday (May 29th) Morning and leave at 1 o’clock for the training camp.
May 23rd, 1918 – On Wednesday, May 22nd, a farewell Party was held for our young men (Robert C, BEHLING – left Saturday, May 25th) & (Fred J. Woelfel left July 6th for Columbus barracks, Ohio) who leave for camp.
June 6th, 1918 – Mr. & Mrs. BEHLING recently entertained friends in honor of their son, who departed last week for Camp Grant, Illinois.
December 19th, 1918 – Brookfield Community shocked and grieved to hear the Death in France on November 25th, of Robert C. BEHLING Jr. He was mustered into his country’s service on May 29th, as a volunteer in the Motor Transport Corps. He was sent to Camp Grant, Illinois, but left in two weeks for Camp Johnstone, Florida, where he remained in training until September 1st. He was then transferred to Newport News, Virginia, the embarkation point, and sailed about September 8th, for France. He had refused the post on Military Police at Camp Johnstone for the duration of the war, preferring to serve his country at the battle front. Where he gave up his young life 14 days after the armistice was signed. He died of pneumonia at the age of 22 years, 10 months, and 14 days, and lies among the brave and true in France. Funeral services will be held as soon as the remains can be brought home from France.
August 6th, 1921 – The body of Private Robert C. BEHLING, who was with the 327th Field Remount Squadron, and who died at Fort Bizier (Believed to be Saint Dizier Airfield), France, November 25th, 1918, is expected to arrive in Milwaukee today. Funeral Services will be held Sunday afternoon, August 7th, at 2 o’clock, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. BEHLING, on Blue Mound Road, R. 6. After which, there will be services in St. John’s Lutheran Church, at Wauwatosa. This will be a military funeral under the direction of The American Legion. Internment is to be at the Wauwatosa Cemetery.
August 12th, 1921 – “Waukesha veteran buried with honors” article. Served in the Argonne sector until shortly before the armistice, when he took sick with pneumonia and died on November 25th, 1918, at the base hospital 41 (Could be Saint-Denis), Saint-Dizier Airfield, France.
January 25th, 1923 – Some of the progressive young ex-service men of the Town of Brookfield have formed a branch of The American Legion and named it the Robert C. BEHLING Post, No. 156. A meeting will be called in the near future.
February 14th, 1923 – “Elm Grove” Two meetings were held recently at Brookfield, for the organization of the Robert BEHLING Post, American Legion.
February 16th, 1923 – Robert BEHLING Post No. 156 (source typo had 159), The American Legion was organized at Brookfield on Monday, February 12th in the evening, with a membership of 80 men and a large percentage of attendance at the initial meeting. Captain Harry Welch of Waukesha installed the Officers of the new Post. Which will be guided by George Bresnan as Post Commander, Frank Savatski as Vice Commander, Thomas Breese as Secretary, Fred Woelfel as Treasurer, C. Kranich as Chaplain, and Joseph Shields as Sergeant-at-Arms. The Post members were addressed by E.E. Ingold of West Allis, who is connected with the Staff of the Badger Legionnaire.
March 7th, 1923 – Badger Legionnaire article. The same article was written above, but stated the Post was organized on February 19th.
March 7th, 1923 – “Elm Grove” The Robert C. BEHLING Post 156, American Legion will give a card party at Wandsnider Hall, Brookfield, on Saturday (February 10th) evening, at 8 o’clock. Other articles had it spelled Wandschneider’s Hall.
Source: Articles from the Waukesha Freeman or Waukesha Daily Freeman.
VARIOUS ARTICLES on Robert C. BEHLING Post No. 156
July 11th, 1918 – Fred Woelfel Left for service.
February 6th, 1919 – (Roberts' brother Harold Behling died at home from illness.
February 13th, 1919 – (same article as above)
October 16th, 1919 – Marguenite Behling marries George Bresnan.
January 30th, 1923 – First issue of Badger Legionnaire published January 24th.
February 2nd, 1923 – First issue of Legionnaire received.
February 22nd, 1923 – “Brookfield now has a Legion Post.”
March 8th, 1923 – Robert C. Behling Post 156 will give a card party at Wandsnider’s hall.
March 29th, 1923 – Robert C. Behling Post 156 dance party at Wandsnider’s hall postponed due to bad roads.
June 28th, 1923 – Robert C. Behling Post 156 July 4th picnic at Brookfield.
July 19th, 1923 – Robert Behling Sr. appointed Deputy Sheriff.
July 26th, 1923 – Robert Behling Post 156 to hold open-air dance at Goerke’s Corner's in Brookfield, Wisconsin
August 30th, 1923 – Robert Behling 156 & list of all Posts in Waukesha County.
January 24th, 1924 – Robert Behling Post 156 to hold Cinch & basket social at Wandschneider’s Hall in Brookfield, Wisconsin
March 5th, 1924 – Brookfield Legion Post meeting held at Ramstack’s Hall in Brookfield, Wisconsin
May 1st, 1924 – Robert C. Behling Post to hold cinch and pie social in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.
May 29th, 1924 – Robert C. Behling Post of Brookfield to hold Memorial Day celebration.
November 13th, 1924 – On October 30th, Post Auxiliary held a meeting at the home of Mrs. Robert Behling & held Installation of Officers.
February 11th, 1925 – Robert Behling Post held a meeting.
February 19th, 1925 – Robert Behling Post of Brookfield to hold a card party.
May 14th, 1925 – Robert Behling Post to hold a dance party B.F. Elger’s Hall in Brookfield, Wisconsin
May 21st, 1925 – Two local Posts to hold Memorial Day exercises.
May 28th, 1925 – Robert C. Behling Post 156 will give Memorial Day program
December 20th, 1928 – Post file. Letter from Department Headquarters addressed to the Post Finance Officer, William J. Svehlek, about the Post being out of existence for a couple of years. The letter went on to make a formal request to send a check for the balance of the Post funds to the Post had, together with such other property belonging to the Post. Signed Austin A. Petersen, Adjutant and Finance Officer.
1936 – Assorted Correspondence In-Post Files
March 11th - Letter to County Commander from State Adjutant that the Post Charter was cancelled about 1928. The letter went on to request that the County Commander check into the Post still having money at a Brookfield Bank.
March 13th - March 18th, April 15th, and May 12th - additional letters about Post's funds.
August 7th - Letter to District Commander from State Adjutant that the old Post in Brookfield wants to reorganize and to secure the consent of the District Commander. A reply was added to the letter with the District Commander's consent.
August 12th – Letter to post member from State Adjutant that the application blanks used in reorganizing the Post are enclosed, with instructions on how to complete the process.
August 28th – Letter to Assistant National Adjutant from State Adjutant, stating the application for charter for Robert Behling Post 129 is enclosed. The letter also stated that the original Post Charter was canceled in May 1928.
September 1st – Letter to State Adjutant from Assistant National Adjutant stating that they have received a petition for a temporary Charter for Robert Behling Post Number 129. The letter further states that Post Number 129 is an active Post in Eau Galle, and the State will need to assign another Post Number on September 5th. Letter from State Adjutant to the Assistant National Adjutant states that the State will be assigning Number 296 to the re-organized (Behling) Post.
September 16th – Letter to Post Commander from State Adjutant stating that they have received the temporary charter and will forward the charter after it is signed by the State Commander.
September 18th – Letter to Post Commander from State Adjutant stating that the Temporary Charter was sent. Copy of the request for a temporary charter is Filed
September 28th – Letter to Post Commander from State Commander with best wishes for a good year.
October 30th – Letter to Post Commander from State Adjutant that when the former Post was active, there was a considerable amount of money in the Post treasury. The letter further states to check the bank where the funds are located and transfer the funds to the current Post.
July 20th, 1937 – Badger Legionnaire article. First District added 431 members and reported the addition of two new posts, one of which was Post 296.
May 31st, June 1st, and June 2nd , 1939, Post file - Correspondence and articles of incorporation resolution confirming the application and Post Incorporated on June 1st, 1939. (also, on the State website)
1939 – assorted correspondence in post file
June 14th – Signed resolution changing the Post name to Behling-Kutchera.
July 5th – Letter to State Capitol Corporation Clerk from State Adjutant enclosing the resolution changing the Post name.
July 5th – Letter to National Adjutant from State Adjutant enclosing the resolution changing the Post name.
July 6th – Letter to the State Adjutant from the Secretary of State, placing the amendment changing the Post name on file.
July 26th – Letter to Post 296 Adjutant from State Adjutant enclosing the permanent and supplemental Charters, together with your Charter membership roll in the name of Behling-Kutchera. The letter also stated the Post permanent and supplemental Charters, originally issued, and now voided, are also enclosed.
No further Waukesha Freeman articles until
May 2nd, 1946 - Robert C. BEHLING Post 296 holds May Ball at Nightingale Ballroom in Brookfield, Wisconsin
Robert C. BEHLING – Jack A. KUTCHERA American Legion Post 296.
May 28th, 1948 – First Mention of BEHLING-KUTCERA Post 296 of The American Legion of Brookfield. Ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery
March 12th, 1949 – Behling-Kutchera auxiliary Post 296 of Brookfield sponsors Public Card Party at Ramstack’s Hall in Brookfield, Wisconsin
July 1st, 1954 – Behling-Kutchera Post 296 applied for a liquor license
July 13th, 1951 – Flyer Behling-Kutchera Post 296 Picnic
July 14th, 1950 – Behling-Kutchera Post 296 of Brookfield holds third Picnic – Gave a brief history on BEHLING and KUTCHERA. Any monies raised will be used to help construct a Post building on land recently acquired by Behling-Kutchera Post.
November 24th, 1954 – Behling-Kutchera Post 296 card party at the American Legion hall on Pleasant Street, Brookfield, Wisconsin
January 7th, 1955 – Behling-Kutchera Post/auxiliary will have a pillowcase card party at the Behling-Kutchera Post Clubhouse.
May 12th, 1955 – Auxiliary ladies receive Honors with pictures at Spring Conference in Oconomowoc.
October 19th, 1955 – Joint Behling-Kutchera Post 296 and Auxiliary meeting held at Legion hall.
March 9th, 1965 – Post file. Letter to State Adjutant from District Commander attending a meeting held at Post 296’s Clubhouse on February 15th to inquire about the low membership. There were only 6 members present, minus the Commander. A request was made to contact the Commander and as many members to hold a special meeting on March 8th, at which time a meeting was held. The VFW Post and the Elm Grove Legion Post were also in attendance. Somehow, word had leaked out that the Brookfield Post was “On the skids” and might consider merging or selling its building. Elm Grove was there to propose a merger, and the VFW was there proposing to buy the building. When the VFW and Elm Grove Post left the building, a special meeting was held. The District Commander would seek information about a Post dissolving its charter or merging with another Post. District Commander advised the Post to have its members present at the next meeting on March 15th, and to give it considerable thought.
March 11th, 1965, Post file - Letter to District Commander from State Adjutant on the procedure if Posts merge and what happens to the assets.
July 29th, 1965 – Behling-Kutchera Post 296 named Post Commander.
October 24th, 1968 – Foreclose tax lean on Post property at 18720/30 Pleasant Street, Brookfield, Wisconsin
December 5th, 1969, Post file – Letter to State Commander from Post 296 Resolution, in support of the soldiers in the My Lai incident in Vietnam.
1st Lieutenant Jack A. KUTCHERA – (2nd Lt. when shot down)
Pacific Theater – wife Irma of Milwaukee
Died: February 19th, 1945
Buried with 8 other members of the crew at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Saint Louis, Missouri.
Remains recovered in 1949
He was in Squadron F at Douglas Army Airfield. He had Basic at Shaw field. He was in the 500th Bomb Group, 882nd Bomb Squadron. On February 19th, 1945, he was a co-pilot on a B-29 (S/N 43-63494) with a crew of 11 on a bombing mission on Tokyo. The plane was attacked by fighters, and some of the crew bailed out. KUTCHERA was MIA but eventually declared dead.
A statement was made by Melvin L. Johnston, a radio operator on the flight.
SIDE NOTES
North Fond Du Lac American Legion Post 156 – Held its first meeting on February 10th, 1930. Incorporated May 20th, 1930.
Cadott American Legion Post 159 – Began on January 5th, 1920, ex-servicemen met to organize an American Legion Post in the Village. Incorporated August 25th, 1936. Lancaster Richard Burns American Legion Post 109, Incorporated December 27th, 1939.
April 14, 2025: Sent email to National Library for help with Post history. Linna from the National Library called and left a VM. I called (ph. 1-317-630-1367) back (12:18 pm) and spoke with Linna, who provided the following information. Temporary charter application submitted August 29th, 1936, considered the founding date. Permanent charter date of July 27th, 1937. Supplemental charter date of July 8th, 1946. Lost original (Post 156) charter in May 1928. Contact Brian Compton, Internal Affairs and membership, (ph. 1-317-630-1205, BCompton@legion.org), for archived documents. A larger display charger is available at a possible cost, and I think handwritten. Also, should be able to provide whatever documents he has on our post.