Bruce J. Sienknecht passed away on 2/29/24 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Clayton and Bernice Sienknecht of Gladbrook IA, his beloved daughter Robin of Gladbrook IA, and his wife Gina of Huntsville AL.
Bruce is survived by his son Randy Sienknecht & his wife Melissa, and their three children Adelyn (18), Alaney (12), and Ashton (10) of Gladbrook, IA; his step-daughter Vickie Dion of Huntsville, AL, and a sister Regina Burt and brother Douglas Sienknecht of IA; his step-niece Katie Dion of Lynn, MA many other nieces and nephews; as well as a fur baby Russett Tater Tots.
Bruce was born into a farming family, working with his siblings on his parents’ farm in Lincoln, IA. He graduated high school from Gladbrook High in May of 1965. Shortly after graduation, Bruce enlisted in the United States Airforce (USAF) where he trained for duties as Crew Chief on C-130 Hercules Aircraft stationed at Sewart Airforce Base (AFB), Smyrna, TN.
In January 1966 his squadron deployed with the Tactical Air Command in Taiwan in support of providing medical evacuation of wounded troops and logistical supply support throughout the Theater of Combat Operations in South Vietnam. Senior Airman Sienknecht completed a tour of duty in support of combat operations and was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Star, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and the United States National Defense Ribbon. He achieved the rank of Sergeant during his service.
Returning to civilian life with a background and knowledge of logistical support, Bruce entered the Civil Service with the Department of the Army, Aviation Systems Command, Director of Maintenance, Readiness Division, as a Logistics Management Specialist. Assigned to support the Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter, he provided critically needed combat supply support for Operation Prime Chance, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm, both theaters of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Through hundreds of transactions, he ensured the Army fleet of helicopters remained ready and capable of providing protection and life-saving support to our Army Soldiers and fellow service members operating in the war zone during the Global War on Terrorism.
In appreciation for his outstanding combat support, the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 277th Aviation Support Battalion presented him with an encased American Flag that was flown in Combat over Samarra Iraq. He was also presented with an encased American Flag from C Company, 3-159th Attack Recon Battalion that was flown in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received many other commendations for his support of our troops.
Throughout his twenty-five-year career, he maintained a personnel relationship with every Unit Maintenance Officer, Supply Clerk, Maintenance NCO’s, and Armament personnel. He served as the primary focal point for all Unit Maintenance Officers in support of three hundred sixty-plus aircraft. Due to his dedication and support of OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Units, the entire fleet maintained the highest readiness rate of any aircraft platform in the United States Army throughout the aircraft’s service life.
Bruce’s professional effort, dedication, and kindness during the war resulted in him making many friends across the globe and locally and garnering the respect of leaders throughout the Army Aviation Command. The U S Army owes him a great deal of gratitude for his service.
He prided himself on his garden and maintaining his lawn. He loved and was loved by his many pet dogs. He was a member of the American Legion Post #227, the Eagles Fraternity, an avid fisherman, and hunter. He was dubbed “TRACKER” by his deer hunting buddies for never leaving a shot deer behind.
When asked how he was doing, he would always respond with a smile “more hunky than dory”. Bruce never met a stranger. He treated the people he met, even those in passing, as friends and greeted them all with a smile and joke. He enjoyed ice cream every day including his last. We should all be a bit more like Bruce. He is also survived by a host of friends and loved ones including Mike Sammis, Rick & Susie Brock, Julie & Joe Crocitto, Doug White, Ray Wathan, and Randy Lawson among many others.
Visitation will be Monday, March 11th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home from in Huntsville AL.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to A New Lease on Life, Huntsville, AL. (http://www.newleash.org)
