Candlelight tribute for Amy Krueger to be held tonight

Gannett Wisconsin Media

KIEL — A candlelight tribute service for Staff Sgt. Amy Krueger, killed Thursday at Fort Hood, Texas, will begin at 7 p.m. today at Veterans Memorial Park, 28 Water St. in Kiel.

Friends of Krueger and those wishing to honor her service to the country are invited to gather at 6 p.m. at the Gravel Pit Sports Bar & Grill, 23203 Wisconsin 57, before walking the three blocks to the park.

Kristin Thayer, a friend and veteran, said individuals are invited to share memories of Krueger, 29, who had reported to Fort Hood for final training before active duty deployment to Afghanistan next month.

Krueger, 29, and 11 other soldiers and a civilian were among those killed by the accused shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan.

The shooting also left 30 people injured, including Pfc. Amber Bahr of Random Lake who had been shot in the back.

Lisa Pfund, Bahr's mother, said Friday her daughter has so far not needed surgery for the wound, which consists of a bullet that entered and exited her back, leaving fragments behind. An officer in Bahr's unit, the 187th Medical Battalion, has offered to let her stay in a residence on base after being released, and Bahr will eventually be allowed to come back to the family's home in the Town of Sherman just north of Random Lake, her mother said.

Bob Werdeo Jr., mayor of Kiel, said Saturday city police and the Wisconsin Freedom Riders would lead walkers from the tavern to the park for the ceremony.

"There was nothing halfway about Amy," Werdeo, an Army veteran, said of the high-energy soldier he knew from treks to the Country USA music festival, pool tournaments and other activities with Krueger and his own nieces and nephews and their mutual friends.

Werdeo said Kiel is a close-knit community with relationships and friendships developing between those with common interests and experiences, including military service.

For Werdeo, a treasured memory of Krueger will be her enthusiasm for life and big smile.