Todd Kruder

Captain Kruder accumulated over 25 years of faithful and dedicated service to our Nation.

He graduated from Lewis University and commissioned in 1988. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1989. He completed two tours of duty within the Fleet Air Reconnaissance community accumulating over 2000 hours flying numerous sorties in support of Fleet and National Reconnaissance Operations. In 1993, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School where he earned his Master of Science. In 1999, he transitioned to the Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer community where served over 15 years conducting engineering, acquisition, and test.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Achievement Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards).

In the fall of 2009, diagnosed with severe depression, he found himself in and out of various behavioral health therapeutic treatments during a five-year period. Each time he removed himself from therapy, the event was proceeded by a more devastating impact on his life.