John D. Kruzel - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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Vietnam War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Vietnam War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2025 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
United States Army Specialist Five (SP5) Vietnam War John Dennis Kruzel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 30, 1943. He graduated from Union High School in 1966 and was subsequently drafted into the Army. He reported for Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on July 7, 1966. After completing boot camp, Private Kruzel chose to re-enlist in the regular Army on September 1, 1966, and headed to advanced training. He was sent to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, for Radio Electrician Repair School. After completing 21 weeks of classroom and hands-on training, Private Kruzel graduated and received orders to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. On June 15, 1967, John reported to the Electrical Equipment Repair Shop at the Cam Ranh Bay combat base in South Vietnam. When he arrived, the team was operating from a basic setup: two trucks, a platform between them, and the radio tower. His first task was to build the permanent large communications building. John recalled that once the new structure was finished, conditions became much more comfortable, and he was then assigned to the 12-hour night shift. For recreation, he enjoyed snorkeling in the bay. Corporal (CPL) Kruzel finished his year in Vietnam on June 12, 1968, and was assigned to the 81st Maintenance Battalion at the Army Europe Command in Mannheim, Germany. Specialist Kruzel (SP5) served, for one year to fulfill his enlistment obligation. John Kruzel returned to the United States and was honorably discharged on August 11, 1969, after three years of active duty. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and one Overseas Service Bar.
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John D. Kruzel - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
United States Army Specialist Five (SP5) Vietnam War John Dennis Kruzel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 30, 1943. He graduated from Union High School in 1966 and was subsequently drafted into the Army. He reported for Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on July 7, 1966. After completing boot camp, Private Kruzel chose to re-enlist in the regular Army on September 1, 1966, and headed to advanced training. He was sent to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, for Radio Electrician Repair School. After completing 21 weeks of classroom and hands-on training, Private Kruzel graduated and received orders to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. On June 15, 1967, John reported to the Electrical Equipment Repair Shop at the Cam Ranh Bay combat base in South Vietnam. When he arrived, the team was operating from a basic setup: two trucks, a platform between them, and the radio tower. His first task was to build the permanent large communications building. John recalled that once the new structure was finished, conditions became much more comfortable, and he was then assigned to the 12-hour night shift. For recreation, he enjoyed snorkeling in the bay. Corporal (CPL) Kruzel finished his year in Vietnam on June 12, 1968, and was assigned to the 81st Maintenance Battalion at the Army Europe Command in Mannheim, Germany. Specialist Kruzel (SP5) served, for one year to fulfill his enlistment obligation. John Kruzel returned to the United States and was honorably discharged on August 11, 1969, after three years of active duty. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and one Overseas Service Bar.