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.
Embedded Files
Leadership Team
Leadership Team
Commanding Officer
Acting Commanding Officer/Founder – COL Brian A. Blahnik - email
Commanding Officer - Deployed: CPT Chris Lauerman - email
Executive Officer
Acting Executive Officer - Vacant
Executive Officer - Deployed: 1LT Hunter Plamann - email
1st Platoon Leader
Acting Platoon Leader: 2LT Darius Olsen - email
Platoon Leader - Deployed: 2LT Luke Durnford - email
Unit Administrator Senior Civilian Instructor - Terri Verhagen - email
Medical Officer 2LT Darius Olsen - email
Supply Officer 2LT Gabriel Maurer - email
Administrative Officer - Vacant
Military Instructor SGT(P) Maggie Hanson - email
Mess Section Leader & Security Civilian Instructor I - Mr. Matt Gereau - email
Administration & Public Affairs Support Civilian Instructor I - Mrs Tracy Blahnik - email
Technology Manager Dr. Jenna Linskens - email
Leadership Team Bios
Leadership Team Bios
COL Brian A Blahnik
In 1992, COL Blahnik founded the Wisconsin Army Cadets in 1992, forming the first unit at the 1/128 Infantry Unit in Eau Claire. “The 128th Infantry came to me and asked if I could help form a Cadet program to help educate youth about military career options, that’s how it all began”. COL Blahnik enlisted as a 75B Personnel Administrator with the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1997 and served six years in the Guard and two more years on active duty in counter-drug operations. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in 1994 and attended the Wisconsin Military Academy from 1997 to 1998. He is currently a business owner and national service consultant.
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 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.
2LT Gabe Maurer – Logistics Officer
2LT Maurer, Gabriel was a 68W Combat Medic/Healthcare Specialist. He enlisted into the United States Army in the summer of 2021, shortly after his graduation from high school and having served in the Wisconsin Army Cadets for several years. He shipped off to Fort Sill, OK, for Basic Combat Training. Then onto Fort Sam Houston for medic training. His first duty station was Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. shortly after arriving to his duty station, he got orders to South Korea and was attached to 1AD, 1ABCT, 501st BSB, Charlie Co. Evac PLT. where he spent seven months training Korean nationals in basic combat medicine. One of the last armored units to be stationed in South Korea. Upon arriving back to the United States 2LT Maurer spent the remaining part of his contract as a Specialist, teaching, working in the clinic and providing care for all. We are fortunate to have him back with the Cadets.
SGT Maggie Hanson (WIARNG) - Military Instructor
Maggie Hanson joined the WI Army National Guard in April of 2019 completing Basic Training in the summer of 2019 with Advanced Individual Training for 31B, Military Police training, during the summer of 2020. Maggie is a member of the 32nd MP Company, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and serves as the Retention NCO for the brigade. One of SGT Hansons goals has always been to become a Drill Sergeant. Although she is no longer eligible, she looks forward to the opportunity to shape, train, and teach future Soldiers through the Wisconsin Army Cadets.
Jenna Linskens – Civilian Instructor – Technology Manager
"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.
Matt Gereau – Civilian Instructor – Mess Section & Security
Matt Gereau joined the program in May of 2025 as a Civilian Instructor, overseeing the mess section and security. His first major experience was at the EAA AirVenture in July 2025, where he served nearly 50 meals per day for nine consecutive days. Although medically disqualified from joining the Army, Matt Gereau found other ways to serve the community, becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator at a young age and working for the family business until its closure. He later earned a criminal justice degree and currently works as an RV Technician, helping a small business owner grow.
In his free time, Matt Gereau co-owns a production company that manages lights and sound for local bands and festivals. Drawn to the military but unable to enlist, he sees his role with the program as a way to contribute and help youth pursue their dreams of service.
Tracy Blahnik – Civilian Instructor – Administration & Public Affairs
Tracy officially joined the program in 2025; however, she has been supporting its programming and community outreach for over 25 years as the wife of the Founder, Brian Blahnik. Tracy is an Instructor with the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, an avid reader and traveler. Tracy enjoys taking students on international educational trips including travelling to Belize, Italy and more! Tracy enjoys working with the Cadets and staff, focusing on administrative issues and public affairs.
CPT Chris Lauerman – Company Commander (Deployed)
“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 – Executive Officer (Deployed)
“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.
Luke Durnford – Training Officer (Deployed)
Unavailable
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