KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Pfc. Trenton Kreuger, an infantryman assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, serves in the same battalion and brigade his father, former Sgt. Michael Kreuger served. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield)
By Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield
2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Like many infantrymen, Pfc. Trenton Kreuger conducts route clearance, provides security and acts as part of the quick reaction force.
Assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, “Lethal Warriors,” 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Kreuger is unlike many of his peers, as his name was already part of the battalion’s history, even before his arrival to the unit.
“My father (former Sgt. Michael Kreuger) was assigned to the 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg., as an infantryman,” Trenton Kreuger said. “Being in the same battalion as my father feels like it has a deep meaning; it honestly feels like I was destined to be assigned (to this unit).”
Michael Kreuger spent his entire six years of service with the same battalion that his son is now serving.
“The (2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg.) can only be described as top-notch,” said Michael Kreuger. “It’s pretty surreal to know that my son is now a Lethal Warrior, but I couldn’t be prouder as a father to know he is in a great unit.”
During his time with the battalion, Michael Kreuger served one tour to Iraq in 2005 and one to Afghanistan in 2010 as a sergeant and squad leader.
While Michael Kreuger remembers assisting in the development of infrastructure and providing a leadership role during engagements with the Afghanistan National Army (ANA), the country has changed significantly in the past generation, he said.
The World Bank reports that since 2010 Afghanistan’s access to drinking water has increased from 46 to 65 percent, life expectancy has increased from an average of 60 to 63 years, and literacy has grown from 31 to 38 percent.
Now eight years later, Trenton Kreuger is witnessing a slightly different Afghanistan than his father.
As part of Train, Advise, Assist Command-South, which is comprised of Soldiers from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard and 2nd IBCT, 4th Inf. Div., Trenton Kreuger’s battalion is part of the “assist” portion of counter-terrorism operations.
“Before I got here, I imagined Afghanistan as a very poor country,” said Trenton Kreuger. “(However), I have seen a lot of nice and clean looking universities and (living quarters).”
Aside from the country’s economic change, the ANA has also experienced growth since Michael Kreuger’s tour.
In early 2010, the ANA was composed of approximately 130,000 soldiers, which has now expanded to almost 195,000.
“We are here to help train and assist the ANA in order to help the country of Afghanistan keep their people safe and get full control of (the) country,” said Trenton Kreuger. “I love my job and a lot of my motivation comes from wanting to continue making my Family proud.”
Although Trenton Kreuger’s military career just began, he plans to re-enlist, attain the rank of sergeant, and eventually attend the U.S. Army Ranger School.
“My plan is to do everything I can to be as good of a Soldier (as) my father was,” said Trenton Kreuger. “I don’t believe in quitting because my dad and (grandfather) were infantrymen, and I want to show them what their son and grandson is capable of doing.”