Jim Fletcher stands in front of a cannon at the American Legion in Jefferson Township. Fletcher is a veteran of Vietnam, where he was stationed in Germany working on communications.

Army veteran Jim Fletcher remembers the day the Vietnam War ended.

Stationed near Nuremberg, Germany, he worked in communications. Word came down from the top brass that the war was over.

Although Fletcher verified the news was true, some of those serving overseas still couldn't believe it.

“The lieutenant asked me to reverify it,” said Fletcher of Oakland Township.

Fletcher, who was among the last group of men drafted for the war, recalls life in Europe. “For a young person, it was culture shock,” he said.

Fletcher particularly noticed differences during holiday celebrations. In lieu of the American Santa Claus, Germany had his counterpart, Kris Kringle.

But the AK Steel employee said his tour of duty was a good learning experience.

While serving in Germany, the Akron, Ohio, native was surprised to hear from his neighbors. The couple was visiting Europe, so they met Fletcher in Nuremberg.

“I just couldn't get over the fact the world was so small,” he said.

After the war ended, Fletcher attended Slippery Rock University. He never left the county.

“The best thing about Butler County is the people,” Fletcher said. “It's still a place where you shake hands with someone and it means something.”

He also kept ties to his military background by joining the American Legion.

In addition to belonging to the Saxonburg post, Fletcher is the county commander.

“I act as a conduit to the individual posts,” he said, referring to information disseminated from the state and national Legion offices.

Fletcher also does community outreach work and public relations for the American Legion.

He said the Legion was prominent in the 1950s, when World War II veterans wanted to remain in contact with each other.

Now, Fletcher said, the biggest challenge for the organization is maintaining its membership.

“Unfortunately, fraternal organizations are drying up at the vine,” he said.

Fletcher said the Legion never attracted many veterans of the Vietnam War.

One of the organization's main goals now is to bring in younger members. It works with families of those currently enlisted.

The Saxonburg post operates under a unique distinction.

“They are one of the few not associated with a bar,” Fletcher said of the post that relies on bingos and dinners to raise money.

Before his time was consumed with multiple Legion duties, he served as a board member for the United Way of Butler County.

<B>Age:</B> 58<B>Residence: </B>Oakland Township<B>Family:</B> Wife, Debbie<B>Employment: </B>AK Steel<B>Interest:</B> Butler County commander of the American Legion posts.<B>Quote: </B>“The best thing about Butler County is the people. It's still a place where you shake hands with someone and it means something.”

Jim Fletcher