Quilts of Valor presented to Jane Melby and Chaplain (Col.) Alan Spitler

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Chaplain (COL) R. Alan Spitler, Retired

Chaplain (COL) R. Alan Spitler retired from the Army Reserves on Jan. 31, 2014 after a total of 40 years of military service.

Chaplain Spitler began his military career in the U.S. Naval Reserve in January 1974. He is a graduate of Basic Electronic and Electricity School, Electrician’s Mate A. School, and became an instructor in the Electrician’s Mate/Internal Communications C-7 School at Great Lakes, IL. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserves in September 1991 by direct commission. Chaplain Spitler continued his military education by completing numerous courses including the Chaplain Officer Basic Course, the Chaplain Career Course, and the Command and General Staff College.

 

Chaplain (COL) R. Spitler’s final military role prior to retirement was serving as Division Chaplain of the Great Lakes Division, 75th Training Command, beginning in June 2011. Prior to this he served as the Deputy Command Chaplain with the 416th TEC, under whose authority he served in Iraq as the 126th Chaplain detachment from 2008-2009.

Other assignments include a Western Pacific Deployment aboard the USS Chicago (CG 11), multiple iterations in support of Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, and several other shipboard assignments. While in the U.S. Army Reserves, he served as the Deputy Command Chaplain for the 84th Training Command, Milwaukee; Brigade Chaplain of the 181st IN BDE (formerly the 2nd Brigade, 85th Division (TS) in Ft. McCoy; and the Deputy Brigade Chaplain of the 2nd Brigade, 84th Division, in Beaver Dam.

Decorations, Service Medals and Badges include: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, USAR Achievement Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), National Defense Service Medal (3 Bronze Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Good Conduct Medal (with “M” Device), Overseas Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.

 

Chaplain Spitler is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL and a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. In his civilian capacity, CH (COL) Spitler has served as the Senior Pastor of the Waushara Community Church in Wautoma from 1990 until present. He is married to Deborah Spitler originally of Mentor, OH. They have two adult sons who also live in Wisconsin--Adam who is married to Jennifer Spitler, and Caleb who is married to Shelly Spitler. Adam and Jenny have four children, while Caleb and Shelly have two and are expecting a third in late 2020.

 

Jane Melby

Jane Melby served her country with active duty in Operation Desert Storm. She was a communications operator, driver and M-16 shooter. Some of her medals earned include spearhead of logistics, driver, rifle, marksmanship, national defense, serviamus, Southwest Asia service, amongst others. Jane was injured in Iraq, coming home suffering from depression, anxiety and P.T.S.D.

She is a lifetime member of VFW and has been a member of the American Legion for 25 plus years. She is presently the Adjutant of Post 317 here in Wautoma and also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Jane and her husband, Mark, have lived in Neshkoro for 14 years. Jane keeps busy with her Legion responsitibilities, which she loves, creating many crafts, painting, greeting card design, flower gardens and serving on boards locally.

 

Jane is very happy and proud to call Waushara County home.

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  • Presenting the Quilt of Valor to Chaplain Alan Spitler was Cindy Malnory and Lisa Schilling.
    Presenting the Quilt of Valor to Chaplain Alan Spitler was Cindy Malnory and Lisa Schilling.
  • On Veterans Day, Nov. 11th, 2020, the Pine Tree Needlers presented Quilts of Valor to Jane Melby, who served in Operation Desert Storm and Chaplain Retired Colonel Alan Spitler.  Presenting the quilt to Melby was Pam Pierce and Karen Pica.  The presentation was held during the Veteran’s Day ceremony at the WWII Memorial Building, Wautoma.
    On Veterans Day, Nov. 11th, 2020, the Pine Tree Needlers presented Quilts of Valor to Jane Melby, who served in Operation Desert Storm and Chaplain Retired Colonel Alan Spitler. Presenting the quilt to Melby was Pam Pierce and Karen Pica. The presentation was held during the Veteran’s Day ceremony at the WWII Memorial Building, Wautoma.