Wisconsin Veterans Museum

When you're watching the Indy 500 this weekend, remember the legend who raced for 35 consecutive years: A.J. Foyt, or... Feucht?

Columbus, Wisconsin native Darrel Feucht earned his nickname, "AJ" for a pretty simple reason. His last name sounds a lot like the accomplished racing driver A. J. Foyt. Feucht may not be as well-known as his namesake, but his service is equally impactful.

In the spring of 2012, the Wisconsin National Guard's 82nd Agribusiness Development Team deployed to Asadabad in Afghanistan's Kunar Province with the primary objective of improving the agricultural practices of Afghan farmers. There, Columbus, Wisconsin native Colonel Darrel D. "AJ" Feucht commanded the 58 Army and Air National Guard members of the 82nd ADT as they provided agricultural development planning and support activities in northeastern Afghanistan.

Col. Feucht had been in command of the 64th Troop Command when he was first brought on to lead the 82nd ADT in 2010, the first unit of its kind for the Wisconsin National Guard. Subsequent preparation for the 82nd ADT included training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences during the summer of 2011. While the unit was ultimately remissioned in May 2012, its members remained in country serving in other capacities. Col. Feucht returned stateside in September 2012 and retired the following year after nearly 30 years of service.

Photo courtesy of Otto Caldwell and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

Charles Hubbard, a Red Cedar, Wisconsin native, was working on the family farm in Dunn County when he was drafted into the US Army in May 1918.

After training stateside, he deployed to Europe two months later. He served with Veterinary Hospital No. 9, located near St. Nazaire, France. Horses and mules were vital to the war effort during World War I, and Veterinary Hospitals treated them for wounds, injuries, diseases, illness, parasites, exposure to gas attacks, and more. Hubbard returned to the States in June 1919 and eventually settled near Durand, Wisconsin, where he operated a farm.

He maintained a lifelong interest in horses. WVM proudly preserves the story of his service through letters he wrote home, papers, and photographs.