Sister Linda “Sister Sarge” McClenahan, a Vietnam War veteran
RACINE, Wis. — A Racine woman who served in Vietnam and later dedicated decades of her life to helping fellow veterans cope with trauma has been named the First Congressional District’s 2025 Veteran of the Year.
U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil announced that Sister Linda “Sister Sarge” McClenahan, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime advocate for veterans’ mental health, received the honor following a nomination and review process by the district’s Veterans Advisory Board.
McClenahan’s path to military service began in an unexpected way. Growing up in California, she originally planned to enter a convent after graduating high school in 1967. However, after her brother was drafted into the U.S. Marines, she chose a different calling and enlisted in the U.S. Army instead.
She joined the Women’s Army Corps and was deployed to Vietnam as a communications operator, where she served with the 1st Signal Brigade in Long Binh. During her service, she rose to the rank of sergeant before returning to the United States in 1970.
After her time overseas, McClenahan continued serving in the Army Reserves for six years. More than two decades later, in 1992, she followed through on her earlier aspirations and joined the Racine Dominican Sisters.
Her work with veterans did not end with her military service. After seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder herself, McClenahan recognized the growing need for support among returning service members. She went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and has spent nearly 20 years organizing and leading retreats focused on PTSD recovery for veterans.
Steil praised McClenahan’s lifelong commitment to service.
“We are grateful to the brave men and women who have served our country and protected our liberties and freedoms,” Steil said. “It is my honor to present Sergeant McClenahan with the Veteran of the Year Award. Her dedication to her country and community truly exemplifies what it means to serve.”
The Veteran of the Year Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, excellence, and dedication to supporting fellow veterans and strengthening ties within the community. Nominees must reside in Wisconsin’s First Congressional District and have served in one of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Reserves or National Guard.
McClenahan’s recognition highlights not only her military service, but also her continued efforts to help veterans navigate the long-term effects of war and reintegrate into civilian life.
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2 Responses
Thank you! What an amazing life of pure willingness to do anything in an effort to help other individuals in need! Thank you Ma’am!!!!!
Thank you for volunteering, “young lady”. The army had to draft me, kicking and screaming.
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