Hero retiring from work, but will always remain an Airman and 'true American hero'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Staff Sgt. Kristoffer Schneider, a known hero among the Air Force community, was recognized during a special retirement ceremony held on Sept. 14.

Schneider came to Grand Forks AFB for continuing medical care after being wounded on March 2, 2011, in a terror attack at Frankfurt International Airport in Germany.

"When I got off the plane (in North Dakota) I didn't expect anything," said Schneider. "But it was great to see people there from different squadrons from Grand Forks Air Force Base waiting there to greet me."

Lt. Col. Frank Reyes, 319th Security Forces commander, called Schneider true American hero.

"We will not let this retirement end our support; this means the men and women of this wing will always be there for the Schneider family whenever they are needed," said Reyes.

Schneider and his family said they not only received a massive amount of support, but they also made many friends along the way.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Cantrell, 319th Security Forces Squadron manager, is one of those friends.

"The first time I met Schneider I tried to be funny. I said 'When are you coming to work for me?'" said Cantrell. "Schneider replied 'Whenever you will let me.'"

Not only did the Grand Forks AFB community support Schneider as an individual, his whole family has been being taken care of.

"Everyone here has been so supportive, we haven't had to ask for anything since we arrived, and it's amazing," said Schneider's wife, Amanda, who he publicly professed his appreciation for during the ceremony.

"I just want to thank my wife for being the true strength in this, I don't think I would have come this far without you," said Schneider.

Schneider said he is sad to be leaving active service, but his time here has helped him remain optimistic about his future.

"Sergeant Schneider may be retiring from the Air Force, but the Air Force will always be a part of him," said Cantrell. "He is a hero, a part of history and his story will not be forgotten."