PULLMAN, Wash. Retired Major General Paul J. Fletcher (’72) received the Washington State University Alumni Association (WSUAA) Alumni Achievement Award Tuesday at the Rotary Club of Spokane Valley. Fletcher, who served as Vice Commander, Third Air Force Base, Ramstein, Germany, at the time of his retirement, was honored for his distinguished military leadership, outstanding accomplishments in aviation, and significant community service.Following his graduation from East Valley High School of Spokane Valley in 1968, Fletcher attended Washington State University on an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, earning a degree in civil engineering in 1972. He later earned a master’s degree in logistics management from Central Michigan University.
Shortly after graduating from WSU, Fletcher was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and began training to pilot large airplanes, specifically the C-130. After completing pilot training in 1974, he went on to fly more than 3,500 hours during the course of his career. Fletcher’s advanced technical abilities and managerial expertise fueled his ascent through a number of promotions, including Captain in 1977, Colonel in 1993, Brigadier General in 2000, and Major General in 2003. From 2005 to 2007, he served the United States European Command (EUCOM) as the senior military representative to the British government, representing U.S. military forces based in the United Kingdom.
Fletcher’s numerous military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
Since his retirement in 2007, Fletcher donates his time as a local community leader, serving on the boards of the Rotary Club of Spokane Valley, Greater Spokane Incorporated, and his neighborhood association. He lives with his wife Kathy near Spokane Valley.
The Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the WSUAA. Since 1970, more than 495 WSU alumni have received this prestigious award. For more information, please contact Christina Parrish, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, at 509-335-6907 or parrishc@wsu.edu.