Al Kramer
The Tiger Photo
Unfortunately, Al passed away in 2003. We will all remember him well.
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In the email Korinne sent, she asked the following of us:
Since Allan's disease has no known cause and there were other's in his squadron from Scott AFB that had similar neurological problems, I would like to ask that if any of the guys know of any other pilots who came down with neurological problems in their 40's, to contact me. The higher occurance rate of those stationed at Scott during the early 70's, has made me investigate what a common link might be. The men stricken were not in Vietnam but they came in contact with patients sent from Vietnam. I have been in contact with the VA but there are no answers.
Please email Bill Flanagan with your info, and I will put you in touch with Korinne.
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Al and Family
Korinne Kramer - Al's widow - sent the following email:
I have been working on this on and off for a while. I was trying to get a picture of Allan but I still have things packed away from my move and not many were found. The picture I found is one of the family taken 20 months before Allan died.
Since Allan's disease has no known cause and there were other's in his squadron from Scott AFB that had similar neurological problems, I would like to ask that if any of the guys know of any other pilots who came down with neurological problems in their 40's, to contact me. The higher occurance rate of those stationed at Scott during the early 70's, has made me investigate what a common link might be. The men stricken were not in Vietnam but they came in contact with patients sent from Vietnam. I have been in contact with the VA but there are no answers.
I appreciate all you are doing for the reunion. Have a wonderful time and I look forward to reading more of the bios.
Korinne provided the following Bio for Al:
Allan Kramer's first assignment after flight school was to the Military Airlift Command, Scott AFB, Il 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing, 11th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron flying the C-9A Aeromedical Airlift aircraft. In this assignment he flew into approximately 650 airfields throughout the CONUS and off shore stations, supporting the medical needs of DOD personnel, from 1972-76. In 1976 he was reassigned to the 435th Tactical Airlift Wing, 55th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron, Rhein Main AB, Germany. In this position he flew aeromedical airlift missions, but primarily he was assigned to the DV Flight (Distinguished Visitors) flying high level civilian and military personnel throughout Europe, the UK, Middle East, and Russia. In 1978 he was “hand picked” to be the pilot for SACEUR, General Al Haig, SHAPE, Mons, Belgium, flying from Chievres AB until his departure from the USAF in 1979.
He was active in the AF Reserves for 3 years flying the C-5.
Allan went on to be a commercial airline pilot for TWA, Air Florida and spent the majority of his carrer with Northwest Airlines. He took a medical retirement in 2001.
In 1998 he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease called Multiple Systems Atrophy. The obituary below outlines the rest of his life.
I currently live in Howard Lake MN, west of Minneapolis. The boys are grown and gone but we added one more granddaughter to the family. Even though I did not meet most of you, I remember the good times Allan wrote about in his letters to me. I still have his “Trucking down the Line” glass. Enjoy your time together again.
Korinne
I have been working on this on and off for a while. I was trying to get a picture of Allan but I still have things packed away from my move and not many were found. The picture I found is one of the family taken 20 months before Allan died.
Since Allan's disease has no known cause and there were other's in his squadron from Scott AFB that had similar neurological problems, I would like to ask that if any of the guys know of any other pilots who came down with neurological problems in their 40's, to contact me. The higher occurance rate of those stationed at Scott during the early 70's, has made me investigate what a common link might be. The men stricken were not in Vietnam but they came in contact with patients sent from Vietnam. I have been in contact with the VA but there are no answers.
I appreciate all you are doing for the reunion. Have a wonderful time and I look forward to reading more of the bios.
Korinne provided the following Bio for Al:
Allan Kramer's first assignment after flight school was to the Military Airlift Command, Scott AFB, Il 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing, 11th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron flying the C-9A Aeromedical Airlift aircraft. In this assignment he flew into approximately 650 airfields throughout the CONUS and off shore stations, supporting the medical needs of DOD personnel, from 1972-76. In 1976 he was reassigned to the 435th Tactical Airlift Wing, 55th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron, Rhein Main AB, Germany. In this position he flew aeromedical airlift missions, but primarily he was assigned to the DV Flight (Distinguished Visitors) flying high level civilian and military personnel throughout Europe, the UK, Middle East, and Russia. In 1978 he was “hand picked” to be the pilot for SACEUR, General Al Haig, SHAPE, Mons, Belgium, flying from Chievres AB until his departure from the USAF in 1979.
He was active in the AF Reserves for 3 years flying the C-5.
Allan went on to be a commercial airline pilot for TWA, Air Florida and spent the majority of his carrer with Northwest Airlines. He took a medical retirement in 2001.
In 1998 he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease called Multiple Systems Atrophy. The obituary below outlines the rest of his life.
I currently live in Howard Lake MN, west of Minneapolis. The boys are grown and gone but we added one more granddaughter to the family. Even though I did not meet most of you, I remember the good times Allan wrote about in his letters to me. I still have his “Trucking down the Line” glass. Enjoy your time together again.
Korinne
Below is an obituary posted some time back:
Allan C. Kramer
Allan C. Kramer, 54, of Mayer, passed away Monday, Sept. 22, 2003.
Allan was born Sept. 10, 1949, in Detroit, Mich. He was one of three children of Ed and Ora Kramer. Allan was baptized Oct. 16, 1949, at Hope Lutheran Church in Detroit by the Rev. Frank Madsen. After instruction in the Christian faith, Allan was confirmed April 7, 1963, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Farmington, Mich., by the Rev. Walter Rutkowski. His confirmation verse was Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
He spent his growing up years in the Detroit area. His love during those years was to spend the summers at his grandparent's farm in Kansas.
After graduating from Lutheran West High School in Detroit, Allan entered the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. He graduated in 1971, and then went on to pilot training. He spent his Air Force career flying medivac aircraft. In 1980 he became a commercial airline pilot, eventually working for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis.
Allan was united in marriage with Korinne Kluth at St. Paul Lutheran Church Aug. 12, 1971, in Livonia, Mich. They were blessed with three sons: Brian, Philip, and Stephen. After his Lord, his family came next. He spent many enjoyable hours watching and coaching his sons in sports. He also enjoyed camping, hiking, woodworking, and biking.
Spreading the gospel was a joy to him. He was actively engaged in mission projects such as LAMP and The Lutheran Hour Ministries. He also made two mission trips to the Philippines for Vernacular Video Mission International.
Allan was an active member of Zion and he was a past chairman of the Board for Evangelism. Christian education was another area of ministry that was important to Allan. He was a strong supporter of Mayer Lutheran High School.
Despite his illness, he was determined to stay active. He set a goal to ride across Minnesota for Focus on the Family, located in Colorado Springs, Colo. He met that goal in July 2001.
He was under care of Ridgeview Hospice for the last nine months of his life. He was blessed by all the wonderful people who cared for him, allowing him to remain at home until his death.
Allan is survived by his wife Korinne of Mayer, sons and daughter-in-law Brian and Maria of Eden Prairie, Philip and Stephen of Mayer, and grandchildren Kaitlin and Abigail Kramer. Allan is also survived by sister Carol Hendrix and family of Lapeer, Mich.; brother Michael Kramer and wife Lou of Livonia, Mich.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Kay and David Coons of Charleston, S.C.; Kristen and Leonard Funk of Brookfield, Wis.; and Gretchen and Richard Hudock of Slinger, Wis. Allan is further survived by father-in-law Roland Kluth of West Bend, Wis., and by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Memorial services were Sunday, Sept. 28, 2003 at Lutheran High School, Mayer, with the Rev. Peter Meier and the Rev. Jeff Harter officiating. Interment was at Junction City, Kan.
Arrangements were by Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia.