Lonnie's Van Applications media release: Wisconsin VFW application deadline for Lonnieâs Van is May 31. The VFW Department of Wisconsin will honor Lonnie Grauâs legacy of service by selecting a disabled Wisconsin Veteran best suited for this van and present the keys on June 25th at the Wisconsin VFWâs 100 th State Convention in Green Bay. State Commander Jason Johns states, âVery soon after I became State Commander for Wisconsinâs VFW, I was approached by Marilyn Grau from my hometown in Oregon, Wisconsin. Her Army Veteran husband Lonnie passed away in March of 2020 from cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. As Lonnieâs ailments worsened, he eventually became wheelchair bound. They had purchased a new mini-van and had all necessary accommodations made so Lonnie could drive it without assistance and regain his independence. After Lonnieâs death, Marilyn wanted to be able to have another disabled veteran experience the sense of joy and freedom that Lonnie gained with the van and donated Lonnieâs 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with less than 1300 miles on it, to the Wisconsin VFW Foundation.