Obituary of Jason Paul Kreutter

> Lieutenant Jason Paul Kreutter, U.S. Navy, passed away suddenly in Frosinone, Italy. He was 30 years old. Jason was born in Rochester, NY, and graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of Asbury First’s youth group, participating in their mission trips every summer, most notably to Belize. He was a gifted athlete on the Brighton Rowing Club and the McQuaid swim team. Jason placed in the top ten at the 2003 C.R.A.S.H. –B. Sprints World Indoor Rowing Championships and was a founding captain of the McQuaid Crew team 2003. Recruited by many universities for their crew teams, he chose the Naval Academy because of his love and deep dedication to our country. Upon graduation from McQuaid Jesuit High School, he received an appointment to the Naval Academy where he majored in Information Technology and Political Science. He graduated in the Class of 2007 and was selected as a Naval Aviator. Jason started his flying career at initial flight training in Corpus Christi, TX, after which he was chosen to be a helicopter pilot. Upon completion of flight school, he received his Wings of Gold at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, FL. Jason then moved on to HSC-2 in Norfolk, VA, to train in the MH-60S Seahawk. He flew his first operational tour with the Chargers of HSC-26 and provided direct support to the fleet while flying rescue missions in response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and missions out of Bahrain. Upon reporting to his command in Naples, Italy, his talent and leadership skills were immediately recognized and in the autumn of 2013, he was hand selected to augment CTF-65 as the Assistant Air Operations Officer in support of urgent national tasking. Jason’s skills were called upon again in December 2013 when he was chosen to serve as the Operations Cell Leader and Air Operations Officer in CTF-64 embarked onboard the Motor Vessel Cape Ray as part of an international task force with the mission to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons agents. He spent eight months deployed to Rota, Spain, and underway in the central Mediterranean Sea in support of this unprecedented operation. Jason returned to the Africa Engagement Directorate in August 2014 and was an invaluable member of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) team. Jason’s efforts were crucial to facilitating training and exercise engagements between U.S. Naval Forces Africa and the navies of African Partners. A superb ambassador of the Navy and the United States, Jason maintained a professional rapport with African navy leaders that will allow for positive relations for years to come. Jason’s Naval awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and other unit and service awards. Beyond the Navy, Jason lived his life as a man for others. He loved whole-heartedly and would always come through for his friends and family – with a big hug, a joke, and a wonderful smile. Possessing a strong sense of justice and compassion, he relished opportunities to make positive changes locally and globally. He lived life to its fullest, most recently traveling through Europe with his friends and family, playing rugby, skiing, and tasting the local cuisine. He was ambitious: pursuing a master’s degree in Information Management from Syracuse University and working towards Joint Professional Military Education certification through the Naval War College. Throughout his busy professional and personal life, Jason’s conviction and purpose was driven by his love for his son, William. Jason was a devoted father and took every opportunity to visit William in the United States where he cherished every moment. The happy duo were often on adventures together – fishing, flying kites, hunting for Easter eggs, swimming in Wolfe Lake, playing with the dogs, Bubba and Joey, and so much more. Jason is survived by his son William Kreutter; parents Paul and Cheryl Kreutter; siblings Adam Kreutter and Jennifer Conrad; brother-in-law Matthew Conrad and niece Marie; and grandmother Eleanor Kreutter. We are holding him close in our hearts. May flights of angels sing him to his rest. Home Brighton, New York Donations THE FAMILY ASKS FOR THE COURTESY OF NO FLOWERS. In the spirit of Jason’s passion for serving others, a Memorial Education Fund is being established at McQuaid Jesuit High School. You may use this link to make a contribution online: https://www.mcquaid.org/alumni/support-mcquaid-jesuit/make-a-gift