Veteran Spotlight - Roger Kneeland

Roger Kneeland’s first military assignment after completing United States Air Force ROTC in college took him to serve in the Vietnam War.

“I served in the Air Force from 1968, after graduating from ROTC, until 1974—a total of six years,” Kneeland said. “Following pilot training, my first assignment was flying the C-7A aircraft in Vietnam.”

Once in Vietnam, Kneeland underwent additional training tailored to the region’s terrain and operational conditions.

“We went through specialized local training,” he explained. “It was a two-pilot aircraft, so you were always paired with another pilot as part of the crew.”

After completing a year overseas, Kneeland returned to the United States and fulfilled the remaining four years of his service commitment flying B-52 bombers.

While stationed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he met his wife, Gail. After leaving the military, Kneeland continued working in aviation, spending 20 years flying for Inland Steel and another 15 years with NiSource.

“My post-Air Force flying career wasn’t in commercial airlines—it was in charter and corporate aviation,” he said.

Kneeland retired roughly a decade ago and now focuses on family life and volunteer work. He and Gail have two sons—one living locally in Valparaiso and the other in California—both married, with one son raising two daughters.

“One of our sons lives here in Valparaiso,” Kneeland said. “Our other son is in California. They’re both married, and one has two wonderful daughters.”

Although Kneeland has had little contact with fellow service members from Vietnam over the years, the bonds formed during that time were strong and meaningful.

“Unless you happen to know where someone ended up and make the effort to reconnect, it’s unlikely you’ll cross paths again,” he said. “But during that year, we became very close.”

Kneeland stayed focused during his time in Vietnam by recognizing that performing his duties well in life-or-death situations could ultimately save his life. He demonstrated courage throughout his service, including during his initial deployment.

“I wasn’t especially worried or afraid before going over there,” Kneeland said.

From his bravery in uniform to his commitment to family and community, Kneeland continues to make the most of every chapter of his life.