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Air Force loses valuable member, previous Fairchild vice commander

  • Published
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Air Mobility Command lost one of its top members March 3; Col. Michael Krueger, vice commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., at the time of his passing, and former commander of the 97th ARW, Fairchild. 

The 47-year-old commander died in his home of unknown causes after honorably serving the Air Force since 1985. 

"His impact was widespread," said Col. James Vechery, 22nd ARW commander. "The e-mails I am getting from all corners of the globe offering condolences and sympathy illustrate how many lives Colonel Krueger has touched over the years." 

Colonel Krueger was a command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours, more than 180 of which were combat-support hours. He served at McConnell leading the world's largest KC-135 base, as McConnell provided all-weather, in-flight aerial refueling for the United States and allied military aircraft, as well as Global Reach airlift for the rapid and precise projection of troops, equipment and supplies worldwide. 

His major awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with valor device and seven oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star device, Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star device, Global War or Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Air and Space Campaign Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border and oak leaf cluster and Kuwait Liberation Medal. 

He is survived by his wife and two children. 

"Colonel Krueger was a wonderful human being who was an extremely devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend," Colonel Vechery said. "While we will definitely miss his bright and cheerful smile, we are all better for having known him and served alongside his amazing life and long-lasting impact. Please continue to keep his wife Lisa, sons Drake and Reed, and his entire family in your prayers."