Jim Kruse dedicates his life to uplifting troops, veterans and his community
Jim Kruse stands at the center of a bustling community hall, his hands steady as he folds a handwritten card into a care package. Around him, volunteers laugh and chat, but his focus never wavers.
“This isn’t just about the packages,” he said. “It’s about showing someone they’re remembered.”
For more than two decades, Kruse has dedicated himself to supporting service members, veterans, and his community. From founding Kruse’s Krew to hosting a talk show amplifying veterans’ voices, his work is a testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering sense of duty. Yet, at the heart of his journey is a man deeply shaped by his family and faith.
Kruse was born in Gary, Indiana, the eldest of three children raised by Michael and Sophie Kruse. His father, a World War II veteran who served as a B-29 gunner, rarely spoke about his service but carried the weight of it, battling alcoholism and the ghosts of war.
“My father rarely spoke about his service, and he struggled with alcoholism,” Kruse said. “Those challenges forced me to grow up fast.”
Despite his father’s anti-war stance, Kruse felt an early pull toward military service. At 18, he volunteered for the draft—a decision that surprised his family.
“My mother cried when she found out,” he said. “I never told my father until later because he was so against the idea.”
Shortly before leaving for basic training, Kruse proposed to his first wife.
“I was 18 and had just finished basic when I came home on leave and asked her to marry me,” he said. “She said yes.”
The two began their life together while Kruse embarked on his military journey in 1967, training as a teletype and cryptographic repairman. Stationed in Korea during the USS Pueblo crisis, Kruse experienced the tension of near-conflict firsthand.
“We were issued live ammunition,” he said. “They told us if the North Koreans crossed the border, it would take them 20 minutes to reach us. Cooler heads prevailed, thankfully.”
Despite the tense moments, he remembers Korea fondly.
“The people treated us wonderfully,” he said. “They appreciated our presence, especially during the Vietnam War.”
Returning to the U.S., Kruse faced the societal rejection that many Vietnam-era veterans experienced.
“I was spat on in San Francisco,” he said. “That moment fueled a promise in me: no one who serves will ever feel abandoned again.”
He and his wife started a family, welcoming a son, Kevin, and a daughter, Kim. One of Kruse’s most memorable moments as a father came when his wife unexpectedly went into labor at home.
“She told me the baby was coming, and I thought, ‘Well, here we go,’” he said. “I had read an emergency medical procedures manual in the Army, and that knowledge came in handy.”
At just 1 pound, 15 ounces, Kevin arrived safely under his father’s steady hands.
Kruse built a career in telecommunications while raising his children and eventually became a grandfather of nine and a great-grandfather of three. One of his grandchildren, Grace, often joins him at Kruse’s Krew packing events.
“My family keeps me going,” he said. “Seeing them grow reminds me that everything I do is about leaving something better behind.”
In 2001, Kruse founded Kruse’s Krew, a nonprofit dedicated to sending care packages to troops stationed overseas. What began as a modest operation in his basement grew into a community-wide effort.
“We send 40 to 41 packages a month, filled with cookies, socks, decorations, and notes,” he said. “Some of these soldiers don’t have families to send them anything. We want them to feel a little piece of home.”
One memorable shipment included Hanukkah bags, which arrived just in time for a chaplain whose menorah had been stolen.
“They thought they wouldn’t be able to celebrate,” Kruse said. “Our package saved the day.”
His work has inspired a diverse group of volunteers, including longtime friends like Diane Starr, and earned praise from local leaders.
“Jim is a true patriot,” Starr said. “His dedication goes beyond service—it’s who he is every day.”
Kruse’s commitment to veterans extends beyond care packages. He hosts a monthly talk show on PHTV 4, where veterans share their stories.
“Only 3% of Americans have served,” he said. “I want people to understand what it’s really like—the good and the bad.”
One guest, a Vietnam medic, shared a harrowing story that deeply resonated with viewers. Tragically, the veteran passed away shortly after the episode aired.
“His family used the show at his funeral,” Kruse said. “That’s one of the reasons I do this—to preserve their stories.”
He is also a familiar presence at Veterans Day ceremonies in Hickory Hills, Palos Hills, and Palos Heights. His heartfelt speeches, blending gratitude and reflection, unite the community in honoring those who serve. For the past four years, he has also joined fellow veterans for lunch at Les Brothers restaurant in Palos Heights. What began as a small gathering has grown into a cherished tradition, bringing together veterans from various eras.
“It’s more than a meal,” said Wayne, a newer member of the group. “It’s family.”
Kruse’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In recent years, he has endured a kidney transplant, open-heart surgery, and numerous health trials.
“I’ve had 19 surgeries in the past three years,” he said. “But every time, I wake up knowing I still have work to do.”
His resilience is rooted in faith and community.
“When I was at my lowest, 64 people from church told me they were praying for me,” he said. “That kind of support lifts you up.”
Despite these obstacles, his optimism remains unshaken.
“Helping others is what we’re here for,” he said. “When you do good for someone, it spreads—it’s contagious.”
Today, Kruse continues to lead Kruse’s Krew, mentor young volunteers, and advocate for veterans. Reflecting on his journey, he remains humble.
“This is the best thing I’ve ever done,” he said.
Vietnam veteran Gregory Grigas summed it up best:
“Jim is a role model for us all—a man whose heart for service extends far beyond his time in uniform.”
Jim is an amazing man, and I am honored to volunteered with him and Kruse’s Krew for the last five years. He exemplifies the Army’s core values, Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. I look forward to serving our fellow servicemembers and reminding them of the support and love they have from home.
As a young Teen I was witness to the rejection our Viet Nam Vets experienced upon returning home. I witnessed the protests against the war. Even at a young age I understood what it all meant. I wanted to be a part of the protests. I visited the Wall as an adult and again was overcome with emotion, saddened by the useless loss of so many young lives. I vowed to thank all vets for their service.