Kevin Michael Kryst

Captain Kryst studied kinesiology at UW-Madison. He joined the Marine Corps while in his sophomore year at UW-Madison, completing the Officer Candidate Program upon graduation.

He attended two basic training sessions at Quantico, Va., during the summers following his sophomore and junior years before graduating with the UW-Madison class of 2001. Once commissioned as an officer, Capt. Kryst completed Officer Candidate School at Quantico, where he was awarded a pilot contract. After, he trained in Pensacola for his pilot’s license and earned the Commandant’s Award for Excellence, choosing to fly Cobra helicopters.

After additional trainings in San Diego and Miramar, he received the title of captain in October 2005 and deployed to Iraq twice. Capt. Kryst was very proud to serve his country in the Marine Corps, and worked diligently to protect his Marines while piloting his Cobra helicopter. During his second deployment, Capt. Kryst was killed Dec. 18, 2006, while serving in Iraq at Camp Korea, protecting his Marines. He left behind a fiancé, his parents, one sister and four brothers.

“Kevin was a wonderful child and overall generous and kind person,” Capt. Kryst’s mother, Liz Kryst, said. “Computers, piano, French horn, running marathons, taking care of his siblings, and good friend to all were some of his passions in life.”

Capt. Kryst was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, and his dedication and sacrifice to our country is why the Wisconsin Union takes part in the Gold Star Honor Roll.

Read more of Capt. Kryst's story here: https://terraceviews.org/a-gold-star-honor-roll-legacy-capt-kevin-micha….