Melycher named Veteran of the Month

WINSTED — State Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-8) named Arthur W. Melycher the December 2014 state’s Veteran of the Month. 

Chief Petty Officer Melycher, a Winsted resident, is being recognized for his 22-year military career and his continued service to the local veteran community and volunteer work with the American Legion.

“Arthur is such a selfless and strong role model for us all,” Witkos said. “He dedicated his entire life to military service and protecting our great nation and the veterans who have fought for our freedoms. Not only has he sacrificed, but he has also given back so fully and completely. He has saved lives and he has touched lives. This month, we applaud him for all he has done and continues to do for the entire veteran community.”

Arthur Melycher was born on Nov. 5, 1948, in Danbury. He joined the military in 1967, right out of high school during the Vietnam War. As a graduate of Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury, Melycher wanted to take his experience learning to be a machinist to the Navy. While he never ended up working as a Machinery Repairman, he did rise in the ranks in a job he loved.

Melycher first went to boot camp in Great Lakes, Ill., and was then assigned to an aviation squadron at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. For nine months he made flights to Vietnam for deliveries to soldiers. He was then transferred to a destroyer ship in Boston. While stationed on various destroyers, Melycher worked in administration and escorted three squadrons across the Atlantic Ocean, once even making a trip through a hurricane. In his role, he worked directly with the captain and others in command, which kept him “in the know” at all times.

After the war Melycher continued serving. He worked with POWs for six months and then became active in recruiting, specifically for the medical field. 

After retirement in 1989, it was important to Melycher to stay involved. He found his way to military honors and began performing military funerals, which he continues to do to this day. He has also been a commander of his American Legion Post since 1990 and is the Winsted town volunteer for the Soldiers and Sailors Marine’s Fund.

Melycher says the highlight of his career has and always will be helping other veterans.

“Military makes a person grow up fast,” Melycher said. “It gives you good life experiences.”

Melycher has received numerous decorations, including the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Pistol and Rifle decorations, National Defense Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Today, he continues to serve the American Legion Soldiers and Sailors Marine’s Fund where he helps military families in need with temporary living assistance. For more information about these services, visit: www.alctssmf.org.

Melycher’s full story and a video interview can be found on senatorwitkos.com and at the following direct link: www.ctsenaterepublicans.com/2014/12/veteran-of-the-month-e-7-chief-petty-officer-arthur-w-melycher/

Witkos’s “Veteran of the Month” program features the stories of local veterans each month through text and video. Each story highlights the veteran’s unique experiences and acts of service. To nominate a local veteran to be a “Veteran of the Month,” contact Peggy Tibbals at peggy.tibbals@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8884.