Yellowhammer Times

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has named U.S. Coast Guard Captain George Krietemeyer of Opelika as the August “Veteran of the Month.” The recognition comes as the United States Coast Guard marks its 235th anniversary.

“When natural disasters strike, you can always count on the United States Coast Guard. This month, the Guard celebrates 235 years of excellence and life-saving emergency missions. And that’s because of heroes like Captain George Krietemeyer of Opelika.

Growing up in the post-World War II era, Krietemeyer said his favorite pastime was watching John Wayne save the day in war movies. Like John Wayne, George wanted to be that hero for fellow Americans in times of need. He dreamed of attending the Naval Academy, but through a series of events found himself attending the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut. This experience would launch him into an over 30-year career in the Guard. He decided to attend flight school after a few years in duty where he trained to fly both airplanes and helicopters. Through his extensive training, Captain Krietemeyer established himself as a leader among the ranks.

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As John Wayne always said, ‘Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.’ Captain Krietemeyer truly embodies this type of courage. And it is my honor to recognize him as the ‘August Veteran of the Month.’”

Senator Tuberville honors an Alabama veteran each month for their service and contributions to their community. Residents can nominate veterans by submitting information to Senator Tuberville’s office via email at press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.

Senator Tuberville serves Alabama in the U.S. Senate and sits on several committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging.