Jeff Struecker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeff Struecker
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Struecker in 2009
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| Born | March 7, 1969 Fort Dodge, Iowa, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1987–2011 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Operation Just Cause Gulf War Operation Gothic Serpent Iraq War War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Silver Star Medal Bronze Star Medal (3) |
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Jeffery Dean Struecker (born March 7, 1969) is an American author, pastor, and former United States Army Ranger. He is known for his role in the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. He also took part in the 1989 invasion of Panama and the Gulf War in Kuwait.
Struecker has written several books. He was played by Brian Van Holt in the 2001 movie Black Hawk Down. In 2017, he was honored by being added to the Army Ranger Hall of Fame.
Contents
Jeff Struecker's Army Career
Joining the Army
Jeff Struecker joined the United States Army in September 1987 when he was 18 years old. He spent ten years in the 75th Ranger Regiment. During this time, he held different jobs. These included being a Ranger Reconnaissance specialist, which means he was trained to gather information. He also became a platoon sergeant, leading a small group of soldiers.
In 1996, Struecker won the Best Ranger Competition. This is a tough contest that tests the skills and endurance of Army Rangers. He won it with his partner, SPC Isaac Gmazel. In 1998, he was also named the United States Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
The Battle of Mogadishu
In 1993, when he was 24, Struecker was a sergeant in the Battle of Mogadishu. He was part of Task Force Ranger, a special group of soldiers. During the battle, he led a group of three vehicles. They drove through heavy gunfire to bring a wounded Ranger, Private Todd Blackburn, back to base.
For his brave actions in Mogadishu, Struecker received the Silver Star. This is a very important award for courage in battle. The movie Black Hawk Down shows the events of this battle. In the film, Brian Van Holt plays the role of Jeff Struecker.
Becoming an Army Chaplain
After his time as an enlisted soldier ended in April 2000, Struecker went to a special school called a seminary. He then became an Army chaplain. A chaplain is like a pastor or religious leader for soldiers. As a chaplain, Struecker served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
His last job in the military was as a chaplain for the Regimental Special Troops Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Struecker retired from the Army in January 2011.
Awards and Honors
Jeff Struecker received many awards for his service in the Army. These include the Silver Star Medal for his bravery in Mogadishu. He also earned the Bronze Star Medal three times. This medal is given for heroic actions or good service in a combat zone. He also earned various badges for his skills, such as the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Master Parachutist Badge.
Life After the Military
After leaving the Army, Struecker started working at Calvary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. He became the lead pastor there in April 2014 and left that role in May 2019. He then started a new church called 2 Cities Church in Columbus, Georgia, where he is currently the lead pastor.
Struecker also continues to write books. He often speaks to groups across the United States. He shares his experiences from the Army and talks about his Christian faith.
Returning to Mogadishu
In March 2013, Struecker went back to Mogadishu with a film crew. They made a short film called Return to Mogadishu: Remembering Black Hawk Down. This film was released in October 2013, which was 20 years after the battle. Struecker and another veteran, Keni Thomas, visited the places where the battle happened. They drove through the Bakaara Market in armored vehicles and saw the site where a helicopter crashed.
Education and Family Life
Jeff Struecker has a strong educational background. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also has a Master of Divinity Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before that, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and an Associate of Science Degree from Troy State University.
He is married to his wife, Dawn. They have five children together.
Books by Jeff Struecker
- The Road To Unafraid: How the Army's Top Ranger Faced Fear and Found Courage through Black Hawk Down and Beyond (2006)
- Certain Jeopardy (2009)
- Blaze of Glory: A Novel (2010)
- Fallen Angel: A Novel (2011)
- Hide and Seek: A Novel (2012)
- Start Here (2021)
