Veteran Spotlight - Roger Kneeland

Honoring Service: The Story of Air Force Veteran Roger Kneeland

Roger Kneeland began his military journey immediately after completing his United States Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) program in college—stepping into his first assignment during the Vietnam War.

“I served in the Air Force from 1968, right after graduating ROTC, until 1974,” Kneeland explained. “My first post after pilot training was flying the C-7A in Vietnam.”

Learning to Fly in a New Environment

Once deployed, Kneeland underwent specialized training designed for Vietnam’s challenging terrain and mission demands.

“There was some local training we had to complete. The C-7A required two pilots, so you were always paired with another aviator,” he said.

Continuing His Service

After a year overseas, Kneeland returned to the United States to fulfill the remaining four years of his service commitment, this time piloting the B-52 bomber.

It was during this period, while stationed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, that he met his future wife, Gail. Following his military career, Kneeland continued flying—building a long and respected career in corporate and charter aviation. He spent two decades flying for Inland Steel and another fifteen years with NiSource.

“My flying career after the Air Force wasn’t with the airlines,” he noted. “It was all in charter and corporate aviation.”

Life After Aviation

Kneeland retired about a decade ago and has since devoted his time to family and community service. He and Gail have two sons—one living in Valparaiso and the other in California—and have welcomed two granddaughters into the family.

Bonds Forged in War

Though he rarely reconnects with the men he served alongside in Vietnam, Kneeland remembers the strong camaraderie that defined his unit.

“Unless you end up somewhere you know a buddy is and make a point to find them, you’re not likely to cross paths,” he said. “But I became very close with those guys during my year there.”

Courage in the Face of the Unknown

Kneeland credits his resolve in Vietnam to staying focused on doing his job well—even when decisions meant life or death.

“I wasn’t particularly scared or worried before going over,” he recalled.

Today, that same steady courage is reflected in the way he approaches life, family, and service to others. From his time in uniform to his years in aviation and now community involvement, Roger Kneeland continues to embody resilience, commitment, and optimism.