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 on March 7, 1969, is an American author, pastor, and former U.S. Army Ranger. He is well-known for his bravery during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. He also served in other important military operations, including the 1989 invasion of Panama and the Gulf War in Kuwait.
After his military career, Struecker became a pastor and has written several books. His story was even featured in the 2001 movie Black Hawk Down. In 2017, he was honored by being added to the Army Ranger Hall of Fame.
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Joining the Army
Jeff Struecker joined the United States Army in September 1987 when he was 18 years old. He spent ten years serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment. During this time, he held different roles, from a reconnaissance specialist to a platoon sergeant.
In 1996, Struecker won the challenging Best Ranger Competition alongside his partner, SPC Isaac Gmazel. This competition tests the skills and endurance of the Army's best Rangers. In 1998, he was also recognized as the United States Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
The Battle of Mogadishu
In 1993, when he was 24, Sergeant Jeff Struecker was part of Task Force Ranger. This group was involved in the intense Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. During the battle, he bravely led a three-vehicle convoy.
His mission was to bring a wounded Ranger, Private Todd Blackburn, back to base. They faced very heavy gunfire, but Struecker successfully completed the mission. For his courageous actions in Mogadishu, he received the Silver Star, a very high military award.
Later, the 2001 movie Black Hawk Down was made about this battle. In the film, Jeff Struecker's character was played by actor Brian Van Holt.
Becoming an Officer
After his time as an enlisted soldier ended in April 2000, Struecker continued his education. He graduated from a seminary, which is a school for religious studies. He then became an officer, serving as a chaplain in the Army.
As a chaplain, Struecker served multiple times in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). His final assignment was as a chaplain with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Jeff Struecker retired from active military service in January 2011.
Life After the Military
Right after leaving the military, Jeff Struecker joined the staff at Calvary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. He became the lead pastor there in April 2014 and served until May 2019.
After that, Struecker started a new church called 2 Cities Church, also in Columbus, Georgia, where he is currently the lead pastor. He also continues to write books and travels across the United States. He often shares his experiences from the military and talks about his Christian faith.
Returning to Mogadishu
In March 2013, Jeff Struecker went back to Mogadishu, Somalia. He was with a film crew to make a short movie called Return to Mogadishu: Remembering Black Hawk Down. This film was released in October 2013, marking 20 years since the battle.
In the film, Struecker and another veteran, country singer Keni Thomas, revisited the battle sites. They drove through the Bakaara Market in armored vehicles and visited the crash site of the Black Hawk helicopter.
Education and Family Life
Jeff Struecker has a strong educational background. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He also has a Master of Divinity Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Before that, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and an Associate of Science Degree from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. Jeff Struecker is married to his wife, Dawn, and they have five children.
Books by Jeff Struecker
Jeff Struecker has written several books, often sharing his experiences and insights.
- The Road To Unafraid: How the Army's Top Ranger Faced Fear and Found Courage through Black Hawk Down and Beyond (2006) ISBN: 0-8499-0060-3
- Certain Jeopardy (2009) ISBN: 0-8054-4853-5
- Blaze of Glory: A Novel (2010) ISBN: 0-8054-4854-3
- Fallen Angel: A Novel (2011) ISBN: 1-4336-7140-9
- Hide and Seek: A Novel (2012) ISBN: 1-4336-7142-5
- Start Here (2021) ISBN 978-1736799109
Images for kids
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SPC Isaac Gmazel and SSG Jeff Struecker after winning the 1996 Best Ranger Competition.
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Combat Infantryman Badge
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Combat Action Badge
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Master Parachutist Badge
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Ranger Tab
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Pathfinder Badge
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Master Military Freefall Parachutist Badge
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Silver Star Medal ribbon
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Bronze Star Medal ribbon
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Meritorious Service Medal ribbon
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Joint Service Commendation Medal ribbon
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Army Commendation Medal ribbon
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Joint Service Achievement Medal ribbon
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Army Achievement Medal ribbon
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Army Good Conduct Medal ribbon
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National Defense Service Medal ribbon
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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon
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Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon
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Afghanistan Campaign Medal ribbon
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Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal ribbon
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal ribbon
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NCO Professional Development Ribbon
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Army Service Ribbon
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Army Overseas Service Ribbon
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Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) ribbon
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Joint Meritorious Unit Award ribbon
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Valorous Unit Award ribbon
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Bronze German Parachutist Badge
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British Parachutist Badge
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3rd Ranger Battalion Combat Service Identification Badge
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Expert Marksmanship Badge
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