The Solanco Historical Society will hold a program on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1:30 p.m. at its archives building, 1932 Robert Fulton Highway (Route 222), Quarryville. Charles M. Bechtel will present "Sent to War, Returning for Peace: My Reconciliation With the Vietnam War."

Col. Bechtel is a decorated Army Ranger and Vietnam War veteran who served 35 years in uniform. He led a rifle platoon in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division, commanded soldiers during Desert Storm, and helped stand up the 56th Stryker Brigade at the National Guard Bureau. He is a graduate of the Army War College with a Master of Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University and is a published military writer and recipient of numerous honors, including the Bronze Star with Valor and the Legion of Merit.

Col. Bechtel's memoir, "Sent to War, Returning for Peace," recounts his combat experience and return to Vietnam in 2022. He donates 10% of book royalties to Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, where he serves as a volunteer ambassador supporting homeless veterans. He lives in Hershey with his wife, Joan, and is active in several veterans organizations.

The program is free and open to the public.