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IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2021 DEARBORN, MICHIGAN VETERAN OF THE YEAR
STEPHEN FLETCHER
_____
HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 5, 2021
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen Fletcher of Dearborn Heights, Michigan on the occasion of being named Veteran of the Year by the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council. His contributions to our community and to our nation are worthy of commendation.
Raised in Michigan, Mr. Fletcher's interest in serving his country was sparked by his family's legacy of service. His great-grandfather served during World War I, his father served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and his older brother served in the Army and Marines. In high school, he decided to take courses with the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and went to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, then military occupational specialty training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he graduated top of his class. He served overseas in Okinawa, Japan and at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, retiring from the Marines at the rank of corporal. He served from 1981 to 1986.
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Mr. Fletcher once again felt the call to serve his country. Though he couldn't rejoin the Marines, in July 2014 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he remains today. A familiar face in active military and veteran groups in Metro Detroit, he served as commander of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council in 2017. Additionally, Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Marine Corps League 152 and the American Legion Post 364.
Despite his numerous commitments, he still finds time in his busy schedule to give back. Mr. Fletcher is most proud of his work with the Missing in America Project that helps give forgotten remains of veterans a proper burial. Three days a week he volunteers at the Freedom Center at Detroit Airport and assists in creating online memorial profiles for those killed in action on Together We Served. Each year, he helps at various local events including at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light Up the Night walk that he attends in honor of his father who had leukemia. He is someone who knows the true meaning of public service.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stephen Fletcher on this well-deserved commendation. He has honorably served this country throughout his exemplary military career. I join with Stephen's family, friends, and colleagues in thanking him for his continued service to our community and our Nation.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 195
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