Originally featured in our November 2023 Legacy Ledger in honor of Veterans Day, this alumni spotlight shares the story of Jim Dexter, New Albany High School Class of 1968.
After graduating from NAHS, Jim enlisted in the Marines and served in Vietnam. His commitment to service continued long after his years of active duty through decades of leadership with the VFW Hobart Beach Post #1693 and the American Legion Bonnie Sloan Post #28.
From supporting fellow veterans to helping with programs like Toys for Tots, military honors, scholarships, and community events, Jim’s service has made a lasting impact in New Albany and beyond.
We are proud to share Jim’s story again and recognize his dedication to veterans, community, and service.
Rex Bickers (FCHS ‘70)
Jim Dexter
NAHS 1968
Jim Dexter is a seasoned leader in both the American Legion… at its Bonnie Sloan Post (#28) on McDonald Lane… and at the Hobart Beach Post (#1693) of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) on Grant Line Road. He’s always happy to explain the differences between the two. The distinction is in the charter of each organization. For the VFW, it’s right in the name. It’s open only to veterans who served outside the US, in a military conflict or expedition. (Learn more about the history of the American Legion and VFW.)
Jim’s foreign war was in Vietnam. He enlisted in the Marines right after high school (graduating at mid-term in February 1968). His tenure in the VFW has lasted six times longer than his three years of active duty. But his experiences in that faraway place… and those of his fellow Marines… shaped his commitment to serve. It’s been very tangible over the past twenty years.
Like many veterans, Jim had a good career in civilian life for nearly forty years. He worked in the wholesale and retail lumber business, initially in sales, and later in management. He brought those capabilities to his VFW post, helping to secure a much-needed, sound financial footing. He has occupied a leadership role for 20 years, serving as quartermaster, adjutant… and for 15 of the past 17 years, post commander (a position elected annually by the membership). Additionally, he currently chairs the Voice of Democracy committee and the scholarship committee. He also devotes additional time and energy to programs, specific to the Marines, such as Toys for Tots (founded in 1947 by veteran Marines).
Jim’s priorities are almost identical to the mission and vision of the VFW: camaraderie among veterans in good times and help with specific problems when needed. It includes promoting public service to the community by veterans, along with recognizing and honoring those who served. At the national level, advocacy and legislative lobbying have yielded so much of what we now take for granted: the very creation of the VA, the GI Bill, battling the consequences of toxic exposures and much, much more.
Do you want to know where you’ll find Jim and the VFW? They’re hiding in plain sight. They’re at the funerals of veterans who request military honors, at Harvest Homecoming and New Albany’s VA Plaza on Veteran’s Day. Be proud, New Albany… of Jim, along with all the men and women of the VFW everywhere.
Read the entire November 2023 Legacy Ledger (Issue 39) edition.