The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
09.03.2021 | Football
The retired Air Force lieutenant colonel will be honored when Texas Football hosts Louisiana-Lafayette.
Paul Kronbergs grew up in a family environment structured by faith and discipline. When he ventured off to college in New York, Kronbergs said he enjoyed the social freedom, but eventually found his way called back toward a life of selfless service.
He signed on with the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program, and following navigator training and officer school, Kronbergs was commissioned as a second lieutenant in November 1959. He retired as a lieutenant colonel with more than 20 years of service and more than 4,000 hours of flying time.
"The Air Force does a great job working with people, helping them become better, understanding how they can care more," Kronbergs said.
Kronbergs is a naturalized citizen. He and his family fled Latvia during World War II under oppression from Soviet occupation. They escaped to the United States, and his eventual military service was inspired because he appreciated the need for strong military protection.
During his career, Kronbergs served as navigator, commander and staff officer. He flew support missions for NATO alliances throughout the Middle East, Europe and north Africa. During his Vietnam combat tour from 1968-69, Kronbergs tallied 468 flying hours, and his combat decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal of three oak leaf clusters.
His skill as an instructor, special operator and leader came forth during his appointment at Squadron Officer School. The mixed cohort of navigators, pilots and supply officers helped him identify ways to communicate and see the big picture of operations.
"I realized there was so much going on. You learn to identify problems, fix things and pass on knowledge," Kronbergs said.
He grew into an action officer and wartime manpower planner, and his final assignment was at the Pentagon before his retirement in 1979.
Kronberg's ability to implement systems and focus a team toward solutions translated gracefully to the civilian sector. His professional service ranged from the motor car business to City of Austin services, where he was one of the leaders for the fleet services department and improved preparation for supervisors and managers.
He and his wife, Nancy, have lived in Austin since 1983. All three of their children, two sons and a daughter, attended The University of Texas, and both sons served in the Air Force.
Together, he and Nancy have enjoyed retirement by traveling and serving their local community in various roles.
"It's been a wonderful life," Kronbergs said.
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