Camp Victory celebrated another step in its mission of providing “health, hope and healing” on Saturday, August 22, with the dedication and ribbon cutting of a new cabin during the organization’s annual open house. Camp Victory is a haven for heroes dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of the nation’s veterans, first responders, and their families.
The day started out with a skydive by the Lake Wissota skydive team at 9:30 a.m., followed by a flag raising ceremony. The National Anthem was sung by Amy Randall, while the Pledge of Allegiance was led by USAF veteran Georgia Smith. Ryan Larson Post 65 provided the color guard.
Following this, Camp Victory board president Mary Randall thanked donors and volunteers for their work with Camp Victory, with Dan Marcon speaking as well, referencing Galatians 6:2 and the importance of “bearing one another’s burdens.”
From there it was on to the dedication of the new cabin, named in memory of Adam Heiman, who passed away unexpectedly at age 36 in 2020.
The cabin project, which began with design work in March 2025, was made possible through contributions from the Marshfield Elks Lodge 665 and the Heiman family, contractors, businesses, volunteers and other donors. Marshfield Elks Lodge contributed $5,000, with the Heiman family and contractors helping with building details, relative to their expertise.
The Ken Heiman family pledged two more cabins this year, with the cabin dedicated Saturday designated as Marshfield Elks 665 in memory of Adam Heiman.
Camp Victory Board President Mary Randall said the project had required months of planning and work, particularly because of the camp’s rural location.
“This process took a long time to complete,” she said. “We are in a very rural spot which added to the complexity of the build. However, with dogged determination and generous donors, the project is almost now complete with the septic field last on the project list.”
The dedication was one of the highlights of an open house that also showcased the services Camp Victory provides to veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders. Camp Victory is a 295-acre retreat facility with a main building, campground, stocked fish pond, numerous trails, cabin, and more. It seeks to help veterans and first responders, offering several activities throughout the year.
Randall introduced members of the Camp Victory board on Saturday, including Vice President Tim Sheridan, a retired U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate; Secretary Lori Smolen, a U.S. Army veteran; Treasurer Ken Heiman, CEO of Nasonville Dairy and a Camp Victory co-founder; co-founder Allan Lamovec, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam-era veteran; Bill Lobeck, a U.S. Army veteran and three-time Purple Heart recipient; and John Clift, a retired U.S. Navy veteran and Purple Heart recipient.
American Legion 7th District Chaplain and Vietnam veteran Ken Schoolcraft gave the invocation, asking for blessings on the camp and remembering fallen service members.
Randall also recognized the large number of volunteers who have kept the camp operating, from its maple syrup operation to trail maintenance, firewood cutting, painting, repairs, workshops, counseling, fundraising and special events.
“As I stand here, my heart is near to bursting with pride,” she said while thanking the volunteers.
Camp Victory operates as a nonprofit and depends on donations and volunteer support. Randall said the organization had assisted two people with finding housing during the past year and, over the previous five years, had helped multiple families and more than five individuals with short- and long-term shelter.
One recent source of help came from Complete Filtration Resources. The company invited Camp Victory to serve as a charity at the SentryWorld Golf Outing July 21. Following the event, Camp Victory received a check for $130,000.
"This is life changing for us," she said of the check donation.
Randall also recognized Complete Filtration Resources Inc., Rice’s Floor and More, Peck Roofing LLC, Haupt Well Drilling LLC and Quality Electrical Solutions for contributions that helped make the cabin possible.
Construction of the cabin stretched across more than a year. Following the initial March 2025 design by Marawood Construction, Leroy Jansky helped Camp Victory with septic permitting and design. Clark County Electric Cooperative extended electrical service to the camp, with electricity installed in November.
Erickson Construction completed the foundation before winter, with walls going up soon afterward. Work continued despite snow and cold, and siding was installed by spring. Finish work followed in June and July.
Scott Haupt helped bring water to the project, while Ken Heiman brought in a crew to complete plumbing work in the pumphouse and extend electricity to the cabin site. Randall and Joellen Heiman decorated the cabin during the first week of August as work on the pumphouse continued.
Randall noted that much of the most time-consuming infrastructure cannot be seen by visitors.
“As most know who have been involved in construction, the things you cannot see, take the longest time to plan and permit,” she said.
That work included piping intended to serve additional cabins in the future, electrical infrastructure and the septic system.
Contractors recognized for their work included Marawood Construction, Robert Schoen Plumbing, Clark County Electric Cooperative, Eljen Corporation, Haupt Well Drilling Inc., Mittens Appliances, Ehlen Excavating, Quality Foam and Fiber, Erickson Construction, Jeff Handt Electric, Wieser Concrete, Rice’s Floor and More, Haas & Sons Inc., RC Propane, C & R Concrete, Rivers Edge Metal Roofing, Peck Roofing LLC and Mike’s Custom Cabinets.
The Marshfield Elks Lodge 665 and Heiman family were identified as the cabin’s primary donors and were invited forward for the dedication and unveiling of the cabin’s name plate. A plaque was presented to Ben Rucker of Marshfield Elks Lodge 665 in recognition of the organization’s ongoing financial support for the project.
Members of the Heiman family were also recognized for their contributions. Ken and Joellen Heiman were honored for their commitment to Camp Victory’s mission, while Ryan and Amanda were thanked for helping with fundraisers and raffle support. Josh was recognized for contributions made through Heiman Holsteins, and Tyler received an award recognizing his family’s support of Camp Victory.
Kelvin and Marilyn Heiman and Ben Rucker of the Marshfield Elks then participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, along with Adam’s daughters.
Donors to the cabin project included Marshfield Elks 665, Heiman Holsteins, the Heiman Family, Nasonville Dairy, Weber’s Farm Store, Scott Haupt Well Drilling Inc., Levi Peck Roofing LLC, Jim Quigg, Tom and Mary Randall, Leroy Jansky, Sofas for Service, Jim and Marcia Kitchen, American Legion Ryan Larson Post 65, Haas and Sons Inc. Quality Electric Solutions, Rice’s Floor & More, Elgin Corporation, and Weiser Concrete.
The open house also offered visitors a broader look at Camp Victory and its programs. Operation Horses Heal brought therapy horses to the grounds, while demonstrations included wood turning, operation of the camp’s wood mill and archery. Greenwood firefighters and EMS personnel displayed emergency vehicles, and the Wisconsin Veteran Farm in Cornell brought a Humvee. Visitors were also encouraged to tour the grounds, walk the trails, participate in games and view raffle items.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Schoolcraft and the retiring of the colors.
Randall thanked the contractors, donors and volunteers whose combined efforts made the new cabin possible and encouraged visitors to see the finished building.
“Thank you to our contractors, to our donors, and our volunteers,” she said, “and to you all for coming out and joining in this day.”
Attendees finished the day by taking tours of the property, enjoyed lunch from the Veteran Food Stand, music from Larry Luzinski, and Wood Turning Art from Vietnam Veteran Barry Grill.
The Greenwood Fire and EMS also stopped by with trucks for display, Greenwood Ambulance called out on mutual aid during the day.