County Executive Names New Veterans Service Officer
August 31, 2011
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 843-8858
County Executive
Iraq War Veteran Has Served Veterans Community Since His Return
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today that he has selected Purple Heart recipient Sergeant William Ganem, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and an active leader in the veterans community, to serve as his Dane County Veterans Service Officer.
“Sergeant Ganem has shown a deep commitment to helping his fellow soldiers returning from service access the critical assistance they and their families deserve here at home,” said Parisi. “I have no doubt he will serve Dane County’s veterans well as our new Veterans Service Officer.”
Sgt. Ganem began his military service in 1996 as an active duty member of the Marines. In 2000, he became a member of the reserves in Gulf Company 2nd Battalion 24th Marines, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005. Sgt. Ganem was awarded a Purple Heart for serious injuries he received in combat, injuries that ended his service.
After returning home, Sgt. Ganem has worked with other disabled veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project, and with the larger veterans community through a variety of projects including Mission: Welcome Home, and as a member of the board of advisors for the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison.
“I am honored to continue to serve the veterans of Dane County in my new, official capacity. Veterans advocacy, advisement, rights, and benefits are my passion,” said Ganem. “As soldiers continue to return home from service every year, our already important mission to serve those who have served, and their families, will continue to grow as well.”
For the last 10 years, Sgt. Ganem also worked for Kraft Foods, most recently as a Retail Sales Manager. In this capacity with Kraft, Ganem was responsible for budgeting and human resources within his division, and leading a team responsible for product sales, marketing , and quality control in grocery stores in Madison and Central Wisconsin.
Ganem’s official start date is September 26, pending confirmation by the Dane County Board. Sgt. Ganem is the County Executive’s first department head selection since taking office in April.
# # #