Schreder returns from second tour in Afghanistan

Pictured are four generations of the Schreder family Monday night at Waterloo City Hall, from left, David Schreder (holding grandson Edward), Sgt. Michael Schreder and his grandfather Michael Schreder, a Korean War veteran. (Corey Saathoff photo)

Sgt. Michael E. Schreder of Waterloo was honored at Monday night’s Waterloo City Council meeting upon his return from Afghanistan with the U.S. Army.

Schreder has served two different tours in Afghanistan with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division out of New York. The division is trained in unique mountain warfare.

“We thank you for your service,” Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith said as he presented a military commendation to Schreder on behalf of the city council.

During his last deployment, Schreder served as part of a security force team.

“There were Afghan adviser teams that would advise the Afghan army, and we served as a security force for them,” Schreder said. “We didn’t do a lot of patrols, because things are really slowing down over there.”

He called his past tour “a piece of cake” compared to his first tour, where he served on patrols every day.

“We were always being shot at,” he said of the first deployment.

Schreder’s first tour was for 12 months, and his second one was for 10 months.

He returned to the United States on July 15.

Until Sept. 15, Schreder is on a vacation and is spending time with his family, which includes his wife, Joan, and their young son, Edward. Michael is the son of David and Cathy Schreder.

When his vacation is up in mid-September, Schreder will return to Fort Drum, N.Y., where he’s stationed.

“For now, I’m just taking it easy and enjoying time with my family,” he said.

Schreder said he initially enlisted in the military because he wanted to serve his country.

“I thought it would be exciting, and I knew it would be a good way to pay off my student loans,” he said.

In 2013, Schreder was named to the Commandant’s List for exemplary service.

Locals may recognize Schreder’s name because of his

grandfather, Michael Schreder, who is a Purple Heart recipient.

“I’m actually named after him,” the younger Schreder said. “He served in Korea.”

The elder Schreder, of Wartburg, served from 1950-53 in the Korean War.

He was recognized during a special “Purple Heart Day” ceremony on the courthouse lawn in 2012.

The elder Schreder’s four brothers also served in the military — Edgar in World War II, Albert in Germany, Roy in Hawaii and Francis in Alaska.

Another of his grandsons, Chris Heimrich, also served a tour in Afghanistan in 2012.

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Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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