A dedicated father, Airman laid to rest

Lt Col Schroeder was the commander that was killed during the active shooter event at JBSA-Lackland on 8 April 2016. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetary on 16June 2016. RIP SIr.

Two months after the tragic and sudden passing of Lt. Col. William “Bill” Schroeder, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard laid him to rest with full military honors June 16, at the Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.

More than 100 family members, teammates and service members attended the service to honor Schroeder, who was the commander of the 342nd Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

“As a professional, his calm demeanor, patience and genuine concern for everyone he came in contact with was unparalleled. He taught me how important it was to take care of my men, to be there for them when they needed someone, and to stick to your morals and ethics no matter what the situation,” said Maj. Jay Syc, who served with Schroeder at the 10th Combat Weather Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and is a godfather to one of his sons.

But Schroeder was more than an Airman, a Special Operations Weather Officer and a commander. He was a dedicated father. According to those close to him, Schroeder, 39, a native of Ames, Iowa, and his wife, Abby, had two boys, whom he was deeply devoted to.

“Bill was the finest example of commander, leader, husband, father, and friend. He was amazing in all those roles. Bill always did the right thing the right way—especially when it was a tough decision,” Maj. Jonathan Sawtelle said, who served as his director of operations at 10th CWS. “Bill was patient, never vindictive, slow to anger.”