JANESVILLE — It came as no surprise to members of the Janesville detachment of the Marine Corps League that two of its members were chosen as Wisconsin Marine of the Year and Wisconsin Devil Dog of the Year at the League’s recent state convention.
The Marine Corps League was formed in 1923 and is the only congressionally-chartered Marine Corps veterans organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve traditions of the Marine Corps and strengthen the fraternity of Marines and their families among other goals.
“We are one of the largest Marine Corps League detachments in Wisconsin, and we are a great group of Marines always active in our various events,” said Tina Petersen, of Beloit, the 2024 Wisconsin Marine Corps League Marine of the Year. “I am honored to be chosen for this award.”
Like all members of the Marine Corps League, Petersen served active duty as a Marine. She was an aviation ordinance specialist.
“Our motto, ‘Semper Fidelis.’ meaning Always Faithful, is what I have tried to be both during active duty and as a member of our Marine Corps League detachment,” Petersen said.
Petersen was presented her award last week at the Marine Corps League’s Tun Tavern, the leagues meeting room in the Janesville VFW post. Presenting the award was Marc Van Zandt, the local League’s adjutant.
“Tina is our organization,” Van Zandt said. “We are one of the state’s larger detachments, and she has helped us grow even bigger and stronger. She has made us the best Wisconsin detachment by making sure we are able to reach out to others, continue to recruit new Marines and retain our current members.”
Van Zandt pointed out the Marine Corps League is committed to Marines Helping Marines — the right Marines at the right time.
“Through Tina’s efforts we have been able to help Marines in need whether it be physically and financially, and most of all helping them with our hearts,” he said.
Devil Dog of the Year
Janesville’s Gary Utterberg was chosen by the Wisconsin Marine Corps League as the Devil Dog of the Year.
The Military Order of the Devil Dogs, founded in 1939, is billed as the Fun and Honor Society of the Marine Corps League. It provides amusement and entertainment for the League in addition to assisting the League in preserving and strengthening its principles and ideals.
Utterberg received his award at the League’s annual convention recently. Commandant of the Department of Wisconsin Marine Corps League Kurk Anderson presented the award.
“When Gary was announced as the winner and came up to receive his award he was visibly moved and said he was honored to be chosen,” Anderson said. “I think that speaks to his modesty and humility. His tireless efforts to fellow Marines are an indication of how deserving he is of this honor.”
Utterberg, a Purple Heart recipient, served with the 3rd Marine Division on the DMZ in Vietnam.
“When they called my name at the convention I just sat there,” Utterberg said. “I was dumbfounded. It was humbling because there are so many people who do so many things for the Marine Corps League.”
In nominating Utterberg for the Devil Dog award, he was cited for being an “important part of our detachment. His dedication to the detachment, recruiting and VA matters would not run as smoothly as it does without his help.”
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