[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 195 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1208-E1209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   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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