Born and raised in Central Wisconsin, Wayne grew up in a family centered around military service with one of Wayne’s grandfathers serving in the US Army during the Korean War, and another grandfather serving in the US Navy during WWII. Wayne followed in the footsteps of his grandparent’s service, joining the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 2007-2011, where he earned the rank of Sergeant, serving as an Ammunition Specialist in the Ordnance Corps and as a Military Police Officer in detainee operations.

Wayne earned his eligibility for the VFW during his deployment to Camp Bucca, Iraq, from 2009-2010. Wayne joined the VFW in 2019, when he signed up at his hometown Post 1916 in Reedsburg, WI. He served three terms as Post commander from 2021-2024, ultimately leading his Post to earn All-State recognition for the 2023-2024 command year. In addition to his Post duties, Wayne is active in his District. Currently serving as the District 11 Sr. Vice Commander, after serving as the District 11 Jr Vice Commander from 2023-2024.

In addition to currently serving the VFW at the Post, District, and Department levels, Wayne is very active in his community serving on several community boards and is a trustee of the Sauk County Veterans Trust Fund, a committee dedicated to working with veterans in need to provide them food, shelter, and necessities. Wayne and his wife Jamie, currently own and operate a Health Insurance Agency in Reedsburg, WI, where they proudly help Wisconsin residents and businesses navigate the healthcare field.

Prior to becoming a business owner, Wayne had the privilege of serving as a government official for 11 years with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, serving as the State Commercial Driver License Coordinator, Wisconsin Driver Training School Coordinator, and Lead Commercial Driver License Auditor. In these roles, Wayne was proudly involved at multiple levels of crafting, interpreting, and enforcing the CDL rules and regulations at both state and federal levels.  

He is a public servant at heart and continues to serve every day, now as Department Surgeon for the 2024-2025 Command Year. As Surgeon, he is dedicated to the mental and physical health of veterans and will continue with Mary Ann’s mission of providing support and guidance to all veterans.