When people hear of someone shipping out to Iraq, they usually envision a youthful, uniformed solider. However, that’s not the case for St. Thomas freshman, Becky Krueger.
Becky’s father, Gary Krueger, is part of an ever-increasing civilian work force in Iraq. On Sunday, Dec. 14, Becky and her family said goodbye to her dad as he left for Iraq. Becky remembers her dad explaining his reason for leaving by saying, “I know that there are many other troops over there (in Iraq) with children who they have never seen or who are much younger than you and your brother. If I can do anything to bring them home to their families sooner, I will.”
As Becky’s family prepared to drive her dad to the Minneapolis airport, they heard the news that Saddam Hussein had been captured. “The news of Saddam’s capture couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Becky. “I felt like I didn’t have to worry about my dad’s safety as much.”
Krueger’s task in Iraq will be nothing like his job in Springfield, MN, where he is an insurance agent. He will be driving heavy equipment for Halliburton Co. hauling ammunition, food, water, jet fuel, mail and laundry to American, British, Spanish, Polish, and Australian troops stationed in Iraq. When he is traveling on the road with fuel and ammunition, Black Hawk helicopters will hover above him, providing protection from pro-Saddam forces. In addition, he will be stationed at a coalition base in Kuwait, where attacks on coalition forces are almost nonexistent, which puts Becky’s mind at ease.
“He used to be a semi driver for Halliburton and the Military called and asked for people who had previous experience driving heavy machinery. They tracked him down and asked him to participate,” said Becky. When the Military finally got in touch with Krueger, he was honored to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq; he felt that establishing a new, stable government for the Iraqi citizens was essential to their prosperity and success as a newly freed people.
During Vietnam, Krueger’s draft number had never been chosen. “I have always had a desire to do something for our country, but have never been called on until now. I am glad that I can finally help out,” he said.
“It was very hard to say goodbye, but it’s something that he really wants to do,” Becky said. “When you love someone you have to let them do what they want. I’m very proud of what he is a part of.”
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