JOHN W. FRITZ
DEPARTMENT COMMANDER
2024-2025
John was born in Phillipsburg PA in 1956 and raised in DuBois Pa along with his brother Jeffrey. After graduation in 1974 John enlisted in the US Army Reserves in June 1974 with the 629th Transportation Company, In February 1976 he enlisted into the US Air Force as a Security Policeman, assignments included Hahn AB GE and Tyndall AFB FL, he reenlisted in August 1981, assignments included Kirtland AFB NM, Sembach AB GE and KI Sawyer AFB MI, duties include Response Teams, Entry Controller, Alarm Monitor, Communicator Plotter and Flight Chief, in 1988 John retrained into the Command and Control career field as an Emergency Actions Controller, assignments included Kirtland AFB NM and Dal Molin IAFB IT, John then retired from active service on August 1st 1997 at the rank of Master Sergeant while assigned to the Air Force Operations Center as the Superintendent of the Air Force Operations Center, Pentagon Washington DC, his decorations include Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct (5 devices), Joint Service Achievement Award, AF Achievement Award, AF Commendation Award (2 devices), Defense Meritorious Service Award, and several NCO of the Quarter and Month Awards.
John’s employment after service included nine years as an Automotive Technician and finally four years working for Pennsylvania Labor and Industry in the Career Link where he found himself assisting Veterans with obtaining employment in the local area. John then retired in 2019.
John has always been active in the community when it comes to the Veterans which led him to The American Legion.
John joined The American Legion in 1999 shortly after his Military retirement, some of his accomplishments include:
Past Post Commander Post 17 - 2011-2012 (100% and Commander of the Year)
23rd District Deputy Commander – 2014-2015
23rd District Commander – 2015-2017 (100% Commander 2015/2016)
Western Section Adjutant (2017-2018)
Western Section Vice Commander (2018-2019)
Department Membership Chairman (2021-2024)
National Security Committee Member
Numerous Department Committee Positions
26 Year member of The American Legion
John has been married to wife Lori for 45 years and they have two sons John and Cory along with two Grandsons - Jaxon and Jordan
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