John Getz. Jr. served as State Commander of the Department of Pennsylvania VFW during 2007-08. He now serves as the State Quartermaster, elected to that position at the 2009 State Convention, in 2011 John was appointed Department Adjutant. John also serves in several capacities within the Department including as Co-Chairman of the Internal Affairs Committee and as Co-Chairman of the Legislative Committee.

To show the troops that the VFW supports the newest generation of combat veterans from the Global War on Terror, John spent two weeks as State Commander in Iraq and Kuwait visiting with troops from Pennsylvania Guard and Reserve units. Commander Getz shared his experience with VFW members through a web site journal, and with the media and general public.  As he toured the combat zone, he presented troops with free phone cards, thanked them for their service and personally welcomed many troops as new VFW members.

A life member of Post 3376 and previously Post 6759, John has served honorably at all levels of VFW leadership and he earned status as an All-State Post Commander in 1992-93. Comrade Getz served honorably in the chairs in Lancaster County Council and was County Council Commander in 1995.

In District 9 he has worked on numerous committees. He was District Commander in 1998-1999. He was Hospital Equipment Chairman and Assistant Quartermaster. Comrade Getz has served on the Department level as Drug Abuse Chairman, Internal Affairs and Scotland School Chairman. He has served on the Department Service Resolution Committee and the Employment Resolution Committee. He served as Operation Uplink Chairman under several state commanders. He was appointed to Southeastern Veterans Center by Governor Ed Randal in 2009. John also received the Chapel of Four Chaplains Award in 2008.

Comrade Getz served honorably in the United Stated Army. John served in Vietnam in 1967-1968. His service medals include:  National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Emblem with one oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device (1960) and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm unit citation badge. John served with the 178th Replacement Company, 90th Replacement Battalion as an Engineer.

John was employed by C-N-H Global, a farm implement manufacturer. He retired in 2006. John is married to the former Mary Weaver who is a life member at Ephrata VFW Post Auxiliary. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Comrade Getz is a member of the Military Order of Cooties, a Life Member of the AMVETS in Ephrata, member of the American Legion in New Holland, and a Life Member of Northern Lancaster County Sportsmen Club. John and Mary reside in Reinholds. Their son Jason served tours in the War on Terror.