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As our nation celebrates 250 years of American independence in 2026, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is proud to continue spotlighting the Marines whose stories shape not just the history of the Marine Corps but the very fabric of American society. Through our Marines Across America campaign, we are honoring the service, leadership, and lasting contributions of Marines in all 50 states.
Today, we turn our focus to Wisconsin, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.
Rep. Mike Gallagher
U.S. Congressman | Green Bay, Wisconsin
A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Mike Gallagher built a career defined by service and national security leadership. He earned degrees from Princeton University and Georgetown University before commissioning in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006.
Gallagher served over seven years on active duty as a Marine intelligence officer, rising to the rank of captain and deploying twice to Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. A top graduate of Marine intelligence training, he earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his service.
After leaving active duty, Gallagher continued his public service as a staff member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before being elected in 2016 to represent Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. Known for his bipartisan leadership on defense and technology issues, he became a leading voice on U.S. national security.
Gallagher received the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award—the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Navy. Though he stepped down from Congress in 2024, his impact on U.S. foreign policy and national defense endures.
Steve Janke
Founder & CEO, Semper Forward | Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Steve Janke has dedicated his life to missions that matter, shaped by his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he embraced the core value of “leave no brother or sister behind.” That principle continues to guide his work supporting veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
After active duty, Janke co-owned a Wisconsin dairy farm, gaining firsthand experience in small business and rural life, before entering public service. He served as a statewide veterans field representative for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and later as military talent attraction manager for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, connecting service members and spouses with meaningful employment statewide.
In 2020, Janke founded Mission Wisconsin, now Semper Forward, a veteran-led organization that partners with employers to create purpose-driven career pathways for veterans and their families. Today, Semper Forward is recognized as a national model for veteran workforce integration.
Frequently invited to speak alongside presidential advisors and veteran advocacy leaders, Janke is a respected voice on service, community, and life after the uniform.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
As the United States marks America’s 250th anniversary, these stories are a vivid reminder that the legacy of the Marine Corps is etched not only in history books, but in the communities where Marines live, lead, and serve every day.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is honored to amplify these voices as part of our Marines Across America campaign—now integrated into our America250 efforts—to showcase how Marines have shaped America for 250 years.
👉 Help us continue sharing these stories and preserving the rich legacy of the Marine Corps. Your support allows us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
About Marines Across America and America250
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Marines Across America honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate America250, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. Your support ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.
