Posted by Chauncy Nash, USMA '90 on May 26, 2016:

Robert "Bob" Kruger May 1, 1958 - May 8, 2016 Mr. Robert Kruger, Jr., age 58, of Villa Rica, Georgia passed away peacefully on May 8, 2016 after a brief illness. Bob was born in Albany, New York on May 1, 1958, the oldest son of the late Robert Kruger, Sr. and Margaret Alex Kruger. The family relocated to Cape Elizabeth, Maine in 1968, where Bob distinguished himself as a scholar and athlete, becoming the Cross-Country State Champion of Maine in 1976. He also developed good work ethics as he would deliver papers in the morning in all weather conditions, as well as train for maximum effort for his running events, all before the start of school. Bob was a 1981 graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point. While attending West Point he was a member of the Corps Squad in indoor and outdoor track as well as cross-country. He was commissioned as a 2LT of Infantry in the United States Army on May 27, 1981. Bob served proudly as a platoon leader, executive officer, and supply officer in the 101st Airborne Division. Following the career course at Ft. Benning, GA, Bob served in the 82nd Airborne Division, commanded two companies, and led his men into combat during Operation Just Cause in Panama, as well as Operation Golden Pheasant in Honduras. He also deployed to the Middle East as a member of the Multi-National Peacekeeping Force. Among his many awards and decorations, he was most proud to have earned the Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist badge with combat star, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. After attaining the rank of major, Bob left active service and began working for Michelin as the plant engineer in Opelika, AL; however, as world conditions changed, he returned to work for the Department of the Army in the "Battle Lab" at Ft. Benning, GA, where he continued to work until he became ill. Bob had a sharp wit and a keen affinity for details. Putting the two traits together, Bob provided information with levity which kept listeners engaged and well entertained. Though he was stubborn to a fault, his dogged determination coupled with his deep knowledge of history ensured that the end results of his projects accomplished his main resolve -- taking care of soldiers now and in the future. Among his wide interests, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, target practice, flying model airplanes, history, and service academy football. He also enjoyed baking homemade bread on his stone hearth, as well as tinkering, fixing, and restoring his BMW vehicles. Bob and his wife, Cindy, attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Carrollton, Georgia. Bob leaves behind a large and loving family as well as a wide circle of friends, all of whom will miss his gregarious personality and his fierce loyalty. Survivors include his wife, Cindy Hardegree Kruger, daughter, Abigail Kruger of Columbus, Georgia; his goddaughter, Beth Hardegree Shaw, her husband, Major(P) Derrick Shaw, U.S. Army and "The Grands" Lilly, Anna and Liam; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Barry Basten (Karen), Chicago, Illinois; Mr. and Mrs. Brian Rivotto (Amy), North Reading, Massachusetts; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Eric Kruger (Maureen), Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Kruger (Erin), Kennesaw, Georgia; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Rollins (Becky), Villa Rica, Georgia. Nieces and nephews, Tim, Brad, and Ali Rivotto, North Reading, Massachusetts, Casey and Conner Kruger, Kennesaw, Georgia, Ian and Liam Kruger, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Will and Samantha Rollins, Villa Rica, Georgia; In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his godson, SGT Michael Hardegree. With Bob's extensive knowledge of military history as well as his participation in making it, it is only fitting that his inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.

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