Robert Fletcher Named as
2003 "Dixon's Veteran of the Year"
At the 41st Annual "Citizen of the Year" Dinner Dance, World War II Veteran Army Veteran Robert Fletcher was named Dixon's "2003 Veteran of the Year".
"It is an honor to introduce the chamber's Veteran of the Year selection for 2003. This dedicated man is known for his many years of personal service in the interest of veterans," started Sandy Sanders, Dixon Chamber of Commerce President. "He was raised in Napa and served in the United States Army after high school. Following the atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima, Japan, he was among the American occupation forces sent to a town not too far from that obliterated city where the bomb dropped. He served from 1945 to 1946, then re-enlisted for one year. From there, he was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington."
He served as American Legion Post 208 Commander for four terms. During a stint away from Dixon Post 208, he participated in Vacaville's Legion Post 165. Continuing his American Legion affiliation, he served in the prestigious position as District Commander of the Legion's massive 5th District from 1996 to 1997. Prior to accepting the District Commander role, this veteran held all chairs in the 5th District starting with Sgt-At-Arms.
Along with the late World War II vet Bear Griffith and a couple of concerned other veterans who chipped in their own money, this man made sure funds were collected on short notice to pay critical insurance bills - an action that in effect saved Dixon Post 208 from shutting down.
Sanders continued, "And you may have heard of OPERATION VA. This veteran was instrumental in the push to gain VA clinics within reasonable distance and access from this area. And he and the late Bear Griffith purchased and donated pajamas for patients in a veterans wing at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base."
"Along with other dedicated area vets, our honoree helped raise THIRTY-EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS to list names of deceased Solano County veterans on the World War II memorial in front of the Solano County Courthouse in Fairfield. "
Then, Sanders named Bob Fletcher as Dixon’s 2003 Veteran of the Year. The surprised veteran was escorted to the stage by two Army Sergeants who serverd as color guards for the evening.
March 7, 2004
Photos courtesy of the Ed Bartosh and Kevin Kilkenny.
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