To our many friends and supporters, we are “The Highground,” a not-for-profit, predominantly volunteer organization comprised of both Veterans and non-Veterans, dedicated to serving the needs of the greater Veterans community. We rely entirely on a small, efficient, dedicated, and overworked paid staff, whose daily efforts are enthusiastically augmented by a sizeable, capable, and ever-changing supporting cast of volunteers and an all-volunteer board.

Since its inception in the mid 1980’s, The Highground has primarily been funded by private giving from individuals and foundations, although early in its history some public funding was received from the State of Wisconsin through two sizable grants. While that arrangement has helped us maintain our independence and freed us from political constraints in the furtherance of our mission, this has simultaneously limited our activities and the scope of our effective outreach. It has now become apparent that a more significant level of private backing and funding from our private donors and friends is going to be necessary.

Riding the crest of over 35 years of successful growth and service, we find ourselves faced with the curious, but enviable dilemma of having done our job so well that we have begun to outstrip the operating capacity of our physical facilities. To continue serving the Veterans community in a timely and meaningful way and seek new, sustaining sources of capital, we are undertaking a carefully planned, necessary and focused expansion. We are seeking the help and relying upon the generosity of businesses, organizations and foundations to carry us toward that worthwhile goal.

You begin to understand why we are now endeavoring to enlist your financial support. This capital campaign is designed to help generate the income that we anticipate will be required to continue the pursuit and fulfillment of our mission. We are, indeed, grateful for any assistance you choose to provide.

Steve Maddox, Board of Directors

The Highground Board of Volunteers and Executive Director Chris Pettis in August of 2020

Mission Statement

The mission of The Highground Veterans Park is to Honor, Educate and Heal.

Vision Statement

The vision of The Highground Veterans Park is three-fold:

1. To Honor the sacrifices of Veterans, active service men and women and their families through our memorial park and services

2. To Educate the public about the service rendered, the hardships endured, the sacrifices made and the human cost asked of and proudly paid by our service men and women

3. To Heal Veterans and their families by providing a park as a place for fellowship, support and reflection