Permian Basin Honor Flight: Veteran shares story of law enforcement work in United States Air Force
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — If you ever get the chance to meet or speak to Craig Kleman about his time in the United States Air force, he’ll tell you he was only a cop. Not long after the end of the conversation you’ll learn he was so much more. Kleman enlisted in the United States Air Force in July of 1977 and spent 21 years in active duty.
“I felt that there was a need to participate in protecting our country and stuff because I did not know which way things were going in the world,” Kleman said.
He spent time in Okinawa, Japan working as an armorer and also in North Dakota where he was security in the missile field.
“Working the missile field you are out in farm land and you have to respond when the alarm goes off at one of the facilities…lots of fun a little dangerous in the winter with snow and all…”Kleman said.
Kleman was also sent to Naples, Italy where he worked as an investigator for NATO where he was involved in assisting several other countries. Another important chapter of Kleman’s story is one filled with heartache.
“My youngest was a girl… she joined the army…died in service seven or eight years ago…” Kleman said.
Second Warrant Officer Jennifer Hunter served three tours in Iraq and made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. Kleman and his wife have a non-profit in her honor called ‘Surviving Families of Fallen Warriors’ where they share the heartache of losing a loved one in service and offer resource and support. Craig Kleman has proven he is more than just a cop- he is a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of hope for others.
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