The AIG, Service Announcement Updates for Dennis Kraft

The AIG, Service Announcement Updates for Dennis Kraft - Mark Strombeck

Published: Fri, 07/08/22

"Once a PJ/CRO, Always a PJ/CRO"

Service Announcement CMSgt Dennis Kraft

Wednesday July 13th. The viewing will start at 10:30am. Porter Loring Mortuary 1101 McCollough Ave. San Antonio TX 78212
210.277.8221

Mary Ann Kraft

211 Hillwood Drive
San Antonio, TX 78213

Hotel recommendation:

Aloft, San Antonio airport
838 NE loop 410
San Antonio - 210.541.8881

Dennis James Kraft, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

Dennis was born in Rugby, ND on April 25, 1944 where he grew up until he enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 18. He valued his service highly and attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant during his 21 years of service. He retired from the Air Force and went on to yet another career and retirement with USAA in San Antonio, TX where he resided.

Dennis served as a Pararescueman, also known as a PJ, in the USAF Special Operations Command where he proudly wore the Maroon Beret, Master Air Crew Wings, Master Parachute Wings and the Scuba Badge. He proudly lived by the motto “THESE THINGS WE DO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE”. Dennis received 28 medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons during his career, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Outstanding Airman of the Year. During one of his many missions, all over the world, Dennis served on a Jolly Green Giant helicopter in Vietnam, where he was wounded while rescuing a downed pilot. Dennis’s selfless actions earned him the award of the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

He also served as an instructor at the Pararescue School. He loved climbing and he loved teaching the students mountain rescue techniques.

Dennis is survived by his Wife of 34 yrs., Mary Ann Kraft, his brother Bruce Balerud, his children, Corry Burns, Jamie Owen, Kim Robinson, Niki Robinson and David Robinson, his grandchildren, Matthew Burns, Taylor Murphy, Sydney Pigott and Jesse Pigott Jr. who all loved this proud, kind, loving and generous man dearly.

Dennis very much enjoyed attending his Pararescue Reunions with his fellow PJ’s and sharing a brotherhood that spans decades. He enjoyed playing golf. He loved BBQ’ing his famous ribs for family gatherings and spending time with the ones he loved.

He will be missed so very much.

Mary Ann Kraft

211 Hillwood Drive
San Antonio, TX 78213

Hotel recommendation:

Aloft, San Antonio airport
838 NE loop 410
San Antonio - 210.541.8881

Dearest friends and family of Mark, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that my sweet guy, my brave warrior, has fought his final battle and is resting in peace with Jesus. He was an amazing husband, a loyal father, a fun-loving prankster, and a lover of life and all things good. To all of you who knew of his battle with cancer and were so kind and generous throughout, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. He was aware of your love and was so grateful for it. Celebration of life services will be announced later. - Jessica Strombeck -

Services for Mark Strombeck will be held July 15th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Port Orchard Adventist Church. Light refreshments will be served after. Please come and bring your best memories of Mark. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in memoriam to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

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Pararescue Association Officers:

• President - Bill Watson

• Vice Pres. - Scott Fales

• Treasurer - Ryan Beckmann
• Recorder - Scott Gearen
Association Board Member

•   Ron Thompson
•   Joe Topel
•   L.D. Jeffries
•   Steve West
Past Association Presidents:
•   Roy Taylor
•   Randy Galloway