David Kruse

Chaplain, Major (USAF Retired) David Kruse served as an Air Force Catholic Priest for over 22 years with 8 different assignments with three of them overseas, 5 combat tours after 9/11 and 2 tours at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO). He is a highly decorated disabled veteran with PTSD, yet regardless of this, he continues to serve his local community as a backup Priest for the Arch Diocese where he lives and providing support and advice to current military members. Dave is the epitome of a leader, caretaker, and friend.

Chaplain Kruse started his career in 1998 as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (a USAF Reserve position) at AFMAO Dover AFB, DE. In 2001, he moved to work as the Catholic Chaplain at Moody AFB, GA. During this timeframe, Dave deployed to Pakistan for 6-months to serve as a Chaplain. His next assignment was in 2004 as the Catholic Chaplain at Charleston AFB, SC. During this assignment, Dave deployed for 6-months to Iraq. His next assignment was in 2005 where he served as the Catholic Chaplain at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. During this assignment, Dave deployed for 6-months to United Arab Emirates. His next assignment was in 2008 again as the Catholic Chaplain for Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Dave’s following assignment was in 2010 as the Branch Chief and Catholic Chaplain at Kadena Air Base, Japan. His next assignment was in 2012 as the Deputy Wing Chaplain and Catholic Chaplain at Sheppard AFB, TX. During this assignment Dave deployed twice; once for 2-months to Oman and once for 6-months to Qatar. His last assignment before retirement was from 2017 to 2020; where his career started; as the Senior Chaplain at AFMAO, Dover AFB, DE. His career achieved many accolades and his top decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster and Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster.

Many do not know all the roles a Chaplain in the military can fill. Dave was on the front lines providing direct support to special operators (which includes flying on helicopters for missions) and then filled the position of providing pastoral care to military families who lost loved ones during multiple named Operations. This is not an easy task for anyone to shoulder, but Dave humbly served and cared and showed love to these families during some of their toughest life experiences. But, most importantly, he mentored, guided and pastored countless Airman experiencing all sorts of trauma, family and life issues, work and relationship struggles, and being a listening ear to vents before and after work hours. I can attest firsthand he shoulders many burdens, but does with a smile on his face and a kind heart. Needless to say his value and merit is absolute I could not think of a better person to nominate for this than Chaplain, Major (USAF Retired) David Kruse!