The new PA VFW administrative year began on June 25 when all Department Officers were sworn in at the State Convention. Vietnam Veteran Larry N. Reece of Elizabethtown VFW Post 5667 accepted the State Commander’s gavel from outgoing Commander Ben Mastridge.

Reece joined the Army in 1966 and served two years in Germany and one year in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, Army Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Vietnam Ribbon and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He has served in many positions at the local, district, county council, Department and National, and was State Quartermaster for 17 years including two years as State Adjutant/Quartermaster.

He served two terms on the PA Veterans Commission and one term as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council. He is a Life Member of the VFW National Home and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

State Commander Reece appointed Vietnam Veteran John B. Getz, Jr., to serve as State Adjutant after Getz was elected as State Quartermaster. You can reach Commander Reece at commander@vfwpahq.org and Adjutant/Quartermaster Getz at quartermaster@vfwpahq.org or by calling (717) 234-7927.

To view the Department’s complete 2011-12 leadership visit the “About Us” section.