Wisconsin Army Cadets - Leadership Team

The Wisconsin Army Cadet Leadership Team consists of adult volunteers who are either currently serving in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, are prior service, former Cadets, or other vetted adults. Our Officer Staff is carefully screened and commissioned through a process that includes criminal background checks, military screening and required training.

Leadership Team

Commanding Officer: CPT Chris Lauerman chris.lauerman@gocadets.org

Executive Officer: 1LT Hunter Plamann hunter.plamann@gocadets.org

1st Platoon Leader 2LT Luke Durnford luke.durnford@gocadets.org

Unit Administrator: Senior Civilian Instructor Terri Verhagen terri.verhagen@gocadets.org

Medical Officer: 2LT Darius Olsen darius.olsen@gocadets.org

Technology Manager: Dr. Jenna Linskens admin@gocadets.org

Founder and Senior Military Advisor: COL Brian Blahnik brian.blahnik@gocadets.org

Leadership Team Bios

CPT Chris Lauerman

“I was a Cadet all through high school, starting as a Private in 1999 and working my way up to a Squad Leader, Supply Sergeant, First Sergeant, and finally the Training Sergeant Major. During my first deployment with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, I received letters, packages, and emails from Cadets still in the program. They mentioned the impact I had on them during my time in Cadet leadership positions, and it was rewarding to know that I had such a lasting impact on them. After returning home to Wisconsin, I wanted to give back to the program that had such a profound influence on my life and become a member of the staff, serving as the S3 Training Officer and now as the Unit Commander.”

CPT Lauerman enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard as an 11B Infantryman in 2002, and is currently working full time as the Admin NCO for B Co. 2-127th IN in Green Bay. His deployments include Iraq in 2005-6, 2009-10, and Afghanistan in 2019.

1LT Hunter Plamann

“I always wanted to join the military as a kid, so in 2011 when one of my friends told me about the Wisconsin Army Cadet program, I checked it out. I was a Squad Leader, Supply NCO, First Sergeant, Training NCO and now a Platoon Leader. I continued on helping with the program after I graduated because the Cadet program gave me so much knowledge and skills that I use not only in the Army but my civilian life as well, and I wanted to give new Cadets that same knowledge and skills.

1LT Plamann enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard as an 12B Combat Engineer in 2015, and is currently serving as a 11B Infantryman in C Co. 2-127th IN. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2019.

Senior Civilian Instructor Terri Verhagen

“In 2010 my daughter joined the Wisconsin Army Cadets. At the time she was the only female. I started to help out as the sole female adult leader, moved into the FRG Coordinator role and now serve as the Unit Administrator. My daughter remained in the program for 9 years as a Cadet and moved into an Officer role before leaving the program, and during that time I stayed on as something to do with her. I choose to stay and be a part of this program as I enjoy watching the Cadets grow and mature into wonderful young men and women and move on with their lives as better people because of their participation in the program. I love getting the letters from them after they are in boot camp or college. It has just been a true pleasure to continue to work with these Cadets."

2LT Darius Olsen

“I joined the Wisconsin Army Cadets in 2018 because an Army recruiter suggested that I get involved with the program. As a former Cadet I held the positions of Assistant Squad Leader, Color Guard Team Member and Medic. Because I enjoy and believe in the program, I continued on into a staff position as the Medical Officer.”

2LT Olsen is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic student.

Dr. Jenna Linskens

"In 2015 I started out as a parent volunteer when my son was in the program, then became the FRG Coordinator and Technology Manager. I enjoyed working with the youth and watching them grow in their skills, challenge themselves to overcome fears, and become amazing young adults.”

Since moving out of state, Dr. Linskens continues to volunteer from afar as our Technology Manager.

COL Brian A Blahnik

“In 1992 the local Army National Guard Commander was looking for someone to start a Cadet program at the 1/128 Infantry Unit in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I stepped up along with one other individual and formed the first Wisconsin Army Cadet Unit.”

COL Blahnik enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard as 75B Personnel Administration. He served six years in the National Guard and two additional years on active duty as a Battle Captain in the 2/127th IN TOC. He attended the Wisconsin Military Academy 1997-1998.

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