Col. Michael Krueger, vice commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell AFB, Kan., died March 3 on the base of unknown causes, Wichita’s KWCH TV News 12 reported yesterday. Krueger was found unconscious in his on-base home. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead, according to the news report. “He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend who epitomized the Air Force core values as a wingman, leader, and warrior, and he will be greatly missed by all the members of our Team McConnell family,” said Col. James Vechery, 22nd ARW commander. He added, “I’ve never known a finer person who wore the Air Force uniform.” Krueger’s Air Force biography states that he became the vice commander in May 2008. He joined the Air Force in 1985 and was a command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.