Hangin’ with the Heroes Welcomes Home Ryan Krebiehl
(C. Proxmire, Ferndale 115 News, Feb 15, 2012 ed)
On Jan. 28, 2012, Hangin’ with the Heroes Welcomed home Master At Arms, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Krebiehl. The 22 year old served his first tour of duty with the Naval Security Force in Bahain from Jan. 2010 to Jan. 2012. He will be starting another tour at the Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay Cuba later this year. He joined the Navy in Aug. 209 and graduated Master at Arms on Dec. 17, 2009.
He lived in West Branch his entire life, where he was active in pursuing a criminal justice path.
“During high school I was enrolled in a Navy Jr. ROTC unit learning basic military knowledge, leadership and citizenship until my senior year, when I was promoted to unit CO. I’m also involved with the local volunteer fire department where I live from 2008 until now. I still respond to calls while I’m home on leave. I attended Kirtland Community College studying law enforcement, corrections, and basic criminal law. During that time I job shadowed the Ogemaw County Sheriffs Dept getting a more hands on and real world experience,” Krebiehl said.
In March 2011 he married his high school sweetheart Margaret. “God has blessed me with countless great people in my life who have all helped me, taught me and pushed me to keep me motivated. I continue to meet great new people every day who I will always be blessed to call close friends. My dream in live is to have a small town life in Northern Michigan and raise a family with Wife,” he said.
Krebiehl was surrounded with friends and family at the event held at the Ferndale Elks Club. Hangin’ with the Heroes provides service men and women from throughout SE Michigan a send-off and a welcome home when they are coming or going from being deployed.
Ron Gilmour started Hangin’ with the Heroes a little over two years ago when he found out that two Marines he knew were being deployed to Iraq. In a previous interview, Gilmour said “I was tired of hearing athletes and performers being referred to falsely as being ‘heroes’,” he said. “I talked to a couple of fellow Elks, and we decided to teach others the TRUE meaning of the word and at the same time, honor the brave men & women serving our country. Look up the word “hero” in the dictionary. That will tell you all you really need to know.”
Keep up with Hangin’ with the Heroes on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hangin-With-the-Heroes/119283661505248.
Thanks to Sherry Kruzman Photography for these lovely pictures! Check out her work at http://www.sherrykruzmanphoto.com.
