Fred Strauss

Fred was born in Florida, raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and graduated colleges with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, and a Masters degree in Psychology, Counseling, and Guidance from the University of Northern Colorado.  

Fred’s active duty military career since 1967’s entering USAFA ensued after Pilot Training in Chandler AFB, Arizona, and then as a Flight instructor at Craig AFB in Selma, Alabama, (both bases currently budget cut/closed militarily), and assigned in 1976 to Nellie AFB until 1979 in Las Vegas Nevada, as the Chief Engineer of the (1of only 2 worldwide) special forces Nevada based RED HORSE squadron, after a Udorn, Thailand brief Foreign War Campaign.

Fred was a pilot Lieutenant Colonel in both the State of Michigan and Illinois Air National Guard, the Forward Air Controlling A-37 aircraft, while also Commercially as an FAA Airline Transport Pilot. Coincidentally as a Boeing Captain and 1st Officer in all B-707’s and above models. Fred retired from American Airlines as an International Wide Body Captain dual type rated in the B-757 and 767 flying to all major commercial airports in Europe, South America, Russia, and most domestic destinations in America for 32 years.

Several Oak Leaf Clustered High Achievement Medals for Military Service include: Vietnam Service Campaign, Distinguished Units, Meritorious Service, and Marksmanship.

Fred is currently retired and enjoy skiing both water and snow downhilling, guitar/singing performing, serving as an Elder at Woodstock, IL’s 1st Presbyterian Church, Commander and Honor Guard member of local VFW Post #5040, and father of 4 nearby children (1 a current 7 year Delta Airline Airbus Captain, also Nationally ranked water skiier and Commander of the Peoria, IL  C-130 Squadron), and All kids successful with children, generally also skiers including the total of 11 grandchildren as the love of their activity driven life following their sports events, music performances, and time with as much as possible for a grandparent!