WEST SIDE SOLDIERS AID SOCIETY, INC.
MILWAUKEE/HALES CORNERS, WISCONSIN

West Side S.A.S. members and friends at the June 13, 2009, workshop with Cathy Stephens at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, Milwaukee.

The West Side Soldiers Aid Society, Inc., is a research-based living history organization, a modern-day soldiers' aid society,  and a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. It was created in 2006 to promote awareness of the Wisconsin Soldiers Home/National Soldiers Home movement in Milwaukee and the lasting contribution of this movement to veterans' health care. While education of the public is our primary goal, we want our common interest and “work” to be beneficial and enjoyable for members as well.

Our core impression is of the citizens of 1864-1867 Milwaukee, most of these prominent women and men in civilian and military life. We expect a higher degree of authenticity in dress, deportment and presentation from our members and a willingness to use this level of authenticity to tell the story of the women and men who cared so much for the well-being of Civil War soldiers.

Members participate in living history events and are available for presentations at schools, civic organizations and other educational gatherings. Members will help produce and procure items for the group impression, assist in WSSAS projects and recruit new members. 

Creating an impression involves an ever-growing knowledge of manners and mannerisms, attitude, deportment, speech patterns, news and culture of the period, including material culture. Impression is an ongoing work, aided by research, sharing and mutual encouragement. Event participation will be scripted whenever possible with ample time for research and preparation. This approach will help members move into first-person impressions and become familiar with the work of the West Side Soldiers Aid Society (1861-1864) and Wisconsin Soldiers Home (1864-1867)..

The Society is a member organization of VA Voluntary Service at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. Members are encouraged to support projects benefiting hospitalized veterans and other worthy projects.

West Side S.A.S. members take part in the annual December gift distribution and the February National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans at the Zablocki VA Medical Center. Members of the 128th surround (from left) Jennifer Sustar, Sharon Wildes, Carl (Santa) Sustar, John Thielmann, Marge Konet, and Barbara (Jingles the Elf) Hart.

Patricia Lynch, Laura Rinaldi and Terry Arliskas read the names of Union soldiers buried by the Lady Managers of the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home, Forest Home Cemetery, May 24, 2009. Deacon Dean Collins, Camp 1, SUVCW,  Tom Arliskas and Patrick Lynch led the service. The Society was joined by members of Camp 4, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; 5th Wiscosnin Volunteer Infantry; 2nd Wisconsin, Company K; U.S.S. Carondolet; and Dr. Michael McBride, VA Medical Center. Next year's observance will be held on the traditional Memorial Day, May 30, 2010.