The West Bend Current

By Mia Herdeman, Current Staff

Christmas is often associated with red and green, but for one local veteran, Christmas is red, white and blue.

National Guard veteran Chris Bagwell was honored by Swimming Pool Services, a Waukesha-based business, with a surprise gift that included his West Bend home being decorated for the holidays. The exterior lights were installed on Dec. 8.

Swimming Pool Services provides an annual opportunity for veteran nominees to win gifts and accolades. Bagwell’s sister-in-law found the opportunity on Facebook, signed him up, and the family became one of two families that tied for first place. Bagwell did not know about the twinkling donation until he came home on the day of the event.

Inspired by his father and grandfather, Bagwell enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard in 2006. He specialized in Military Occupational Skills (MOS) and joined the Department of Military Affairs in the subgroup for technicians. He was also deployed overseas. Similar to an engineer, Bagwell worked to fix and test some of the materials that were supplied to the Forces. Some of these items included rocket launchers and guns.

One of Bagwell’s favorite memories from his service is meeting former President George W. Bush in 2007.

After having issues with his discharge paperwork, Bagwell ended up going home after two and a half years spent at Camp Navistar, located on the border of Iraq and Kuwait.

Arriving home for Christmas in 2008, Bagwell was expected to return to his civilian lifestyle. With the support of his family, including his wife Anita, he adjusted smoothly and calmly. However, he didn’t receive a full homecoming, and one heartbreak he experienced after he returned home was his daughter being unable to recognize him.

“She was three when I came back and she wasn’t sure how to warm up to me,” Bagwell said. “And I all of a sudden had a son.”

After returning home, Bagwell became a truck driver for 12 years. He felt distant from his family during this time, and it was not until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that he realized he needed to restore some family ties.

“Our daughter Madeline said, ‘Dad, take care of yourself first so that you can take care and love us,’” Anita said.

After a few years of working smaller jobs and attempting to continue college, he found an amazing job opportunity. His wife, being a special education paraprofessional at Jackson Elementary School, inspired Chris to seek a similar opportunity in the West Bend School District. Currently Bagwell serves as a van driver transporting students to and from school every day. Sometimes he tells stories from his combat experience, and he acknowledges that talking with the students is part of his healing process.

One piece of advice he would give to those who wish to support veterans, is to let veterans know that you are there for them, but be sure not to rush their important journey.

“Show gratitude (and) respect the fact that healing is their own journey,” Bagwell said.

---

(Top image: The Bagwell home after Swimming Pool Services completed light installation on Dec. 8. Photo courtesy of Anita Bagwell.)