Staff Writer

Lt. Commander Daniel “Danny” Rodriguez passed away on January 28th. He was our Nurses Training Director, and a big reason why our little program is off to a great start. He couldn’t make our meetings after after his health declined, but he was always there cheering us on and answering questions when we needed him.

You can find Obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kenoshanews/name/daniel-rodriguez-obituary?id=60670276

You might consider sharing your memories of him there, or extend condolences to his family.

At the memorial service at St. Mark’s in Kenosha, Danny’s daughter was there to greet us — answering questions and sharing memories with the same warmth and kindness her father was known for.

Not many people call me Senior Chief any more, but the Commander did. I’m going to miss him.

You all know that the 40&8, Voiture 410’s Locomotive was born right here in Kenosha as a 1937 Nash Lafayette, but did you know that every 4 years, including this one, all her brothers,sisters, aunt, uncle’s, in laws, out laws, and a bunch of friends come to town to celebrate. Voiture 410 was graciously invited by the committee to share in the fun!. The show is free to spectators! Make sure to stop by the Locomotive to say hello and peak under the hood.

Vo1ture 410 will be there on July 26th 8-4. That’s one of the swap meet days, maybe we can get some car bling for the “choo-choo”!

Here are some pictures of our exhibit at the 2024 Expo! Everyone we met enjoyed it. We met and talked with lots of people who remembered the locomotive fondly. An automotive parts expert came by and pointed out some interesting about the locomotive, like part of the hardware to ring the bell is an alternator bracket for an 1960’s Chevy. We met Sandra Riese (née Singer) a nurse that Voiture helped through school in the 50’s. We met the granddaughter of “Wrecking Crew” Member Russ Gunderson. Miss Kenosha stopped by for a photo op. Lots and lots of children saw Engine V410 for the first time, and rang the bell, a lot! (my ears are still ringing even after wapping tape around the clapper). We had Sparky sit in the drivers seat. Lou Rugani stopped by and told us some old parade stories. We saw a lot of old friends and met some new ones. We even made a few dollars for the Nurses Fund. I think that is called a success! Here are some pictures to prove it!

Jon is our Aumonier/ Locomotive Coordinator. Jon’s father Dave, while not an official member of the 40/8, has been instrumental in getting the Locomotive back on the road. Jon’s Grandfather’s William was a VIP in the 40et8, both locally and nationally. Note his name on the side of the Locomotive! Jon’s responsibilities include coordinating the locomotives schedule and the “Wrecking Crew” the nickname given to the Locomotives Crew. He is also walking in Williams shoes by being one of our drivers.

All polished up for the KACC Kenosha Expo next weekend. Tim Green and Paul Ciarelli removed the dust cover, kicked the tires and lit the fire. She’s ready for the 2024 season. If you would like the Locomotive at your event, please contact us!

Michael Hellquist and I were searching through an old Trunk at Post 21, and we discovered our Charter, and a document listing our charter members. Both documents are sealed in a frame, so these pictures could be better. We’ll work on that. Sadly, they are going to have to go back in the trunk until we can take care of them properly as they are moldy, and they smell terrible.

While doing research for the displays for the Kenosha Expo, I ran across an American Legion Weekly edition that was dedicated to the 40et8. You can download it right here!

This past Monday, we had 13 people out of 21 Voyageur’s in attendance for our monthly promenade at Somers American Post 552. We were only missing Ron, Ken, and Donald who live out of town, Jon, Alex, Dennis, and Danny, who are convalescing, and only straggler. Well attended meetings are always better!

Awards were given to Voyageur Tim Green, and Dave Lyons for their work in getting the Locomotive on the road again. The award for Dave was accepted by his son Jon. The award for Tim included his family who also gave up countless hours to help prepare the locomotive.