37th Training Wing and JBSA honors fallen squadron commander

  • Published
  • By Joint Base San Antonio Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, TEXAS --  

Members of the 37th Training Wing, Joint Base San Antonio and the surrounding community will honor the life of Lt. Col. William Schroeder, 342nd Training Squadron commander, during a memorial ceremony today at 1 p.m. at the JBSA-Lackland Gateway Chapel.

 

Brig. Gen. Trent Edwards, 37th Training Wing commander, reflected on the life and contributions Schroeder made to both his family and the entire Air Force.

 

“I worked closely with Lt. Col. Schroeder and my wife Vanessa and I knew his family,” Edwards said. “He was an amazing Airman, father and husband. Our focus at this time is to take care of his family who is here in the local area. He leaves behind a wife and two small children, who we will care for and comfort as best as we can.”

 

Schroeder’s wife also released a statement thanking the community for their thoughts and prayers for their loss.

 

“First and foremost, please understand that our family is mourning the loss of my loving husband and wonderful father to our two children,” the statement read. “We ask that you please respect our need to grieve privately during this extremely difficult time. Your thoughts, prayers and understanding are very much needed and appreciated.”

 

Edwards urges members of the community to be respectful to the families of those involved by not discussing specific details of the incident on social media venues, both private and public.

 

“Heartbreak of this type is felt by each and every member, but we will get through this very difficult time by supporting one another,” said Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta, 502d Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander. “All members of JBSA convey our thoughts and prayers to the families who were impacted by this tragedy and our entire focus is to ensure they have the support they need to persevere.”

 

Counseling services are available through the JBSA chaplains, the Military and Family Readiness Centers, or through the installation medical centers for those affected by the incident.