We’re taking some time this holiday season to say ‘Thank you’ and recognize some Swiss-Tech employees who have served or have family members serving in our armed forces. We’re thankful that they sacrifice their time with their families around the holidays so our country can stay safe.
Kraft Family
Cheryl Kraft has been working at Swiss-Tech for four years. She works in our quality inspection department. Cheryl’s 27-year-old son Kyle is a Staff Sergeant in the United States Airforce.
Kyle has been serving for eight years and is part of the security forces team in Colorado Springs at Cheyenne Mountain, which is commonly known as NORAD. This is Kyle’s first year at NORAD, but he’s been serving in Wyoming for four years. Before that, Kyle was stationed in Portugal, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
“It means a lot to me that Kyle is willing to give up his life to protect other people,” Cheryl said.
Cheryl said Kyle might not be able to make it home for the holidays, but they got to spend some time together in October.
Frank Frederick
Frank Frederick, Swiss-Tech Supplier Quality Engineer, has been at Swiss-Tech for about five years, but before that he served in the United States Air Force and Army Guard for about 10 years – from 1985-1995.
Frank served during the Iraq War, and was at a permanent duty station at Scott Airforce Base in Illinois. Frank was also deployed to Egypt before the Iraqi War. He served a short tour there, but was away from his family, wife and kids for 6 months – including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
“For me, I’m thankful that I had the ability and honor to serve our country,” Frank said. “I would do it again if they asked me tomorrow. I’m thankful for everyone I served with. We all took that oath and it never really expires.”
Frank said he’s made some very close, long-term friends that he still keeps in touch with.
“I’m thankful for my family. I was in the military, but my family wasn’t there with me. They were left alone. They sacrificed just as much as I did. They don’t get the credit they deserve,” Frank said.
Steve Eichorst
Steve Eichorst has been with Swiss-Tech for more than five years. He works in our CNCX Department. Steve was a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy for 23 years. He was stationed on the Assault Craft Unit 1, MSRON 12, IBU 22, USS Tattnall (DDG-19), USS Doyle (FFG-39) and USS Saratoga (CV-60). During his time with the Navy, he was stationed in Mayport, Florida; Coronado, California; and Milwaukee.
“It was always in my heart to serve,” Steve said. “My grandfather was also in the Navy.”
Steve said after spending so much time away from home and missing so many holidays it was a bit odd being able to be home, and it was also an adjustment for his wife.
“Now for me, it’s so nice being home for the holidays,” Steve said.
We’d like to thank Cheryl, Frank and Steve for their service and their family member’s service. We’d also like to thank all of our employees who make sure everyone in the Swiss-Tech family is supported and feels appreciated, and also works hard every day to produce quality products for our customers.