Legislature Passes SB 178 “Purple Heart Conservation Patron License”
Legislature Passes SB 178 “Purple Heart Conservation Patron License”
October 16, 2013- (Madison): The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Wisconsin applauds the State Legislature on passage of SB 178 and wishes to express special thanks to the lead authors Representative Warren Petryk (R)-Eleva and Senator Jerry Petrowski (R)-Marathon, as well as DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp & her team.
When I approached Representative Petryk & Senator Petrowski with the idea for this legislation in January they were very excited to get involved in making it easier for our combat wounded veterans to enjoy the healing power of the great outdoors and to encourage Purple Heart recipients from outside the state to come to Wisconsin to do so as well”, says Jason Johns, Legislative Officer. “The DNR was also very eager to work with us on making the Purple Heart Conservation License a reality as Secretary Stepp told me ‘It’s the right thing to do’, adds Johns.
John McDaniel, Lt. Colonel (Ret) an Oshkosh native & UW graduate who founded the non-profit Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation in 2007 after retiring from the Army, says “Our mission is to provide world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to recognize and honor their sacrifices, encourage independence and connections with communities, and to promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors. I wish to personally thank the Wisconsin State Legislature and DNR for assisting us in this mission through passage of SB 178”.
The Purple Heart Conservation Patron License mirrors the licenses and permits provided through the purchase of a current Conservation Patron License, but residents of Wisconsin who are Purple Heart recipients may purchase it at a discounted value of just under $10. SB 178 also allows non-resident Purple Heart recipients to purchase hunting and fishing licenses and state park passes at the same rate as a resident non-Purple Heart recipient.