Dale Saeger is currently the Adjutant of American Legion Post 91 in Oconomowoc. For those not familiar with the American Legion, its purpose is to serve veterans and their families, and the Adjutant is the personnel officer and personal point of contact for individual members of the post. He is a former American Legion Commander who was in charge of five American Legion Posts throughout Waukesha County. Dale was recently recognized as Legionnaire of the Year for the entire state of Wisconsin at the 104th Wisconsin Legion Convention held July 19 to 23. The Gung Ho Award is given to the outstanding Legion member in Wisconsin – he was selected from members of nearly 500 American Legion Posts from throughout Wisconsin.
About Dale Saeger
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married with four kids and 11 grandkids.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I attended grade school in Ixonia, went to Oconomowoc High School, then enlisted in the Air Force, where I served for six years. After the service I took an apprenticeship in the Ironworkers Local 8 and worked for different steel building companies throughout the state. In all, I was in construction for 35 years, with the last 10 as a project superintendent. Now retired, I am living the dream – still serving veterans through the American Legion. I love helping out at our beautiful Veterans Park – we keep it clean, clear cobwebs, pull weeds, water flowers, whatever it takes. We also administer a program to honor veterans that allows people to buy bricks that they have inscribed and are displayed at the Park. I was also involved with the Ixonia Fire Department for 40 years and founded the Ixonia Volunteer Fire Department Association.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Watching people smile when things go right in their lives.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
None. I try to never say no.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Looking back at the past and seeing where I am now.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
To keep Post 91 going strong and get new younger members involved.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Just keep at it, and enjoy every day since none are the same.
Dale Saeger & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
Helping build Veterans Park and being on the Board of Directors of the Park.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Robert Magnus, the Mayor of Oconomowoc – so helpful and responsive, and a cool guy.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Roots Cafe – I helped get it going with my neighbor girls and their dad, who had ALS.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Great little city.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
What I might do next to better this world.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Good Morning Vietnam – especially when Robin Williams yells out “Good Morning Vietnam!” over the microphone.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Everyone.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Coffee in the morning – wine at night (with a cookie).
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
A homeless veteran.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Make everyone happy and stop people from taking their own lives.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Seeing someone better themselves.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Every day is a bonus. And remember, whatever will be, will be.
