Langlade County has a new County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). John Zenkovich was introduced to the Langlade County Board at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Dec. 16.

Zenkovich takes over for Dale Oatman, who held the position for 7 years before announcing his retirement earlier this year.

Oatman announced at the meeting that he will be throwing his hat in the ring to become the next Sate Commander for the American Legion.
“Thank you for the support year after year,” Oatman said. “I especially want to thank the local veterans clubs for their support.”

Over the last few months Oatman has made his goodbye rounds in his hometown of White Lake and Elcho.

There is a a retirement party planned for Oatman on Jan. 10.

As for Zenkovich, his first year as CVSO will be what board members called a “probation period.” He will serve the county as the CVSO for the entirety of 2015, then in January of 2016 there will be final election to permanently fill the position.

Zenkovich is a 30-year military veteran. 27 of those years he served as a Commission Officer. He recently returned from Afghanistan. He is currently a member of the reserves.

“Thank you for voting for me,” Zenkovich said. “You’ll get my very best effort, I promise you.”

Zenkovich will officially take over on Jan. 1.