28 July 2011 CAPT (S) Kurt William JUENGLING, 46. Ashburn, VA


Kurt was born to a Navy family on July 9th, 1965. His parents, Bob and Anita Juengling, were a model Navy couple, and they raised a Great Navy Family. Kurt lived the life of a navy junior as he grew up, living in five countries, attending schools as Bob’s duty station permitted- in Naples, Italy, among many others. He played football and ran track with intensity and passion, just as he did everything in his life. Kurt joined the Navy in 1983 and attended the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, R.I.. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1988. Upon commissioning he initially served as a surface warfare officer and participated in the First Gulf War. He transitioned to the Family Business—Naval Intelligence– in the mid-1990s serving at JICPAC.

As a citizen sailor, he rose through the former Reserve Area 14 to command NAVCENT 0267 and NOSC, Colorado Springs. His record of achievement earned his selection to Captain on the FY-12 promotion list. While in Iraq for a second tour, he was presented with the Bronze Star by then Commanding General , GEN Ray Odierno, recently confirmed as Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.

Bob passed the following words this weekend that describe the indescribable: “Our wonderful son, Kurt took his own life Thursday, July 28. He was being treated at Bethesda Naval Hospital for PTSD/TBI (post traumatic stress disorder/traumatic brain injury) following a roadside bomb blast last year in Iraq. All the mental and physical therapy plus medication was not enough to erase the pain and memories. Prior to this tragic event, Kurt had a reserve command in Colorado Springs and was selected on the last 06 list.”

An outpouring of sadness and condolences followed the news of Kurt’s passing. ADM Bill Studeman commented: “I can only imagine the great pain this must cause your family, and our greatest possible sympathies and condolences go out to you, Anita, Jennifer and the kids. I am so sorry that circumstances conspired to produce this result, and we are all ever so much more mindful of how delicate the mind and body are as life instruments. I hope that understanding and peace will come with the passage of time…”

Kurt’s shipmates echo the sorrow. Sam Palmer, a shipmate from NAVCENT 0267 wrote that “I have had no finer mentor in the Navy. Fair winds and following seas, Skipper.” LT Dan Schumacher commented: “It was a pleasure meeting up with him in Baghdad during his second mobilization and at the end of my tour in 2009. The last time I saw him at the DFAC at the US Embassy while having lunch with CAPT Eileen Mackrell. He was truly one of the Navy’s finest and I hope I can be half the leader that he was.” CDR Laurance Boyd was another colleague in Baghdad as well, noting that “Kurt and I worked together in Baghdad and I was struck by how easily he became part of the Embassy team. More than once, we spoke of issues regarding reconciliation among the feuding parties of Iraqis. Many of his comments were used in our analysis and to help the Iraqi government make policy that continues to impact the people of that country today. He was a fine officer, a superb leader, and a good friend.”

In addition to his grieving parents Bob and Anita, Kurt is survived by his wife Jennifer, daughter Elizabeth (16) and son Robert (11).

CAPT (S) Kurt Juengling, a combat casualty, will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His untimely passing highlights the struggles our returning veterans confront, and the passion with which those of us who are left behind must support our wounded warriors. Details of the interment are undetermined but will be promulgated as they become available.

40 comments for “CAPT (S) Kurt William JUENGLING

  1. Usto Schulz
    August 3, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    I did not know Kurt, but do know we could have bonded–fellow brothers-in-arms both in Military Service and Company workmates.
    My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
    Please accept my condolences for your loss.
    With great respect for a fallen warrior
    Best regards,
    Very Respectfully

    Usto Schulz, AT&T GSI Colorado Springs
    Col USAF (ret)

  2. Bill Reese
    August 3, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Bob and Anita, Having worked with Kurt over the past few years here at AT&T, I knew him as an outstanding person and officer. He contributed greatly to tough problems and issues we were tying to solve for AT&T customers. He was a wonderful person to work with and to know. The world is a lesser place with his loss. We are all with a heavy heart with this news. Very Respectfully , Bill Reese, Colonel (Retired), US Army.

  3. Michael Ennis
    August 3, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Bob and Anita,

    As a father, I cannot imagine the grief and pain you must be feeling. I first met Kurt when I was the CO of JICPAC and was trying to integrate the 7 reserve detachments into the mainstream of JICPAC intelligence production. Your son was a great officer and a fine young man. I can only hope the passage of time will somehow dissipate the pain and allow all the wonderful things about Kurt to remain at the forefront. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

    Mike Ennis

  4. Beth Ahern
    August 3, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Fair winds and following seas. You will be missed.
    Very Respectfully,
    CAPT Beth Ahern, Baghdad ”09-’10

  5. August 3, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    This is another sad loss to enemy action and it is such a heartache. Our prayers are with Bob and Anita and family.

  6. Pancho Llenado
    August 3, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    I knew Kurt well enough as we shared an office before the year 2000. He was a great guy and we shared stories of our military lives. I told him my stories about the 1st gulf war, he told me stories about Mt Pinatubo, and beautiful stories about Hawaii and how his daugther loved the beach. I am proud to have known and worked with Kurt. I am so sad that he has left. Please accept my deepest condolences. God bless you and yours

  7. Barbara
    August 3, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    To his wife Jennifer, and kids Elizabeth Jane and Robert and family,
    RIP Kurt, forever young.. Your memory will live on and you will be honored for your amazing contributions to the USA. I hope you are at peace now and that your life and tragic death will somehow make a difference in the military and the government will recognize the pain and suffering our soldiers go thru when they return to civilian life. Jennifer, I wish you smooth sailing thru this sad time, my heart goes out to you and your kids. One day at a time, I am so thankful for all the support you are being given. Love and light to you dear friend, love you good buddy! If you need me I am here in the wings.

  8. Jo Gurnee-Hoffman
    August 3, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I worked with Kurt and always admired his devotion to the Navy (being a former Navy wife) his love of country and spirit of adventure. I loved talking with him about his exploits in the Middle East, where I had spent some of my youth. My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jo Gurnee

  9. Sherri Morris
    August 3, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    God Bless the family,friends and fellow Sailors and Soldiers of Kurt.

  10. Margaret Keller
    August 4, 2011 at 5:53 am

    I work at AT&T and as a team on several projects. I did not work with Kurt Directly. But he always had a smile and when we would talk he was very proud of his Family. My Sincere condolences to the family he will be missed by all.

  11. Ron Saenz
    August 4, 2011 at 7:07 am

    Bob and Anita,
    Nancy and I are heartbroken over the loss of your son. Our prayers and condolances are with you in your sorrow, and hope that the knowledge that Kurt is no longer in any pain and is at peace with our Lord and Savior will help you through this most difficult time. God bless, Ron and Nancy

  12. Holly Vaughn
    August 4, 2011 at 8:31 am

    Bob and Anita,

    I’m so sorry to hear about Kurt – he was a genuine and warm person, always willing to help others. You raised him well, and the world was richer for his presence. A tragic end – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Holly Vaughn
    CAPT, USN (Ret.)

  13. Captain Ed Ellis JAGC, USN (Ret)
    August 4, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Bob, I know what a blow this must be, I know how I would feel if I lost my son Chip. You have my sincere sympathy and prayers. Ed

  14. LCDR Ian R. Colle
    August 4, 2011 at 10:38 am

    For those in the Colorado region, there will be a memorial service on Fort Carson at the Provider Chapel (Building 1350, Barkley & Ellis) at 1400 on Sunday, 07 August 2011. All are welcome to attend.

    LCDR Ian R. Colle
    DIAHQ-0819 TO

  15. CAPT Mike VanBrocklin, USN
    August 4, 2011 at 10:41 am

    To the Juengling Family:

    My deepest sympathy to all of you in this most difficult time. As a USNA Grad, SELRES and AT&T Employee, Kurt was a Shipmate to me in so many ways. His professionalism and outgoing personality made an impact on all who worked with him. He will be truly missed.


    Mike VanBrocklin

  16. Diana Gosciniak
    August 4, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    To the Juengling family:

    I never worked directly with Kurt while I was in AT&T, but, he would come by to see other employees talking business.
    Kurt was very smart, witty and, always had a warm smile wherever you bumped into him. You could see Kurt was very proud of whom he was as a soldier; he loved his country and was a great human being. We are grateful he was here with us for a while. He will be in our prayers, as well as all the family. May you Rest in Peace Kurt, and thank you.

  17. Dorcas O. Cintron
    August 4, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Even though I did not serve with you very long, I respected everything you did, your military career, your enthusiasm in the Navy. I am so sorry life had to end this way. I only wish I’d had more time to learn from you. You will be missed.

    Very Respectfully,
    IS1 D Cintron
    DIAHQ 0819

  18. Robert Loefstedt
    August 4, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    To the Juengling Family,

    I had the pleasure of serving with Kurt during my tour in Hawaii where we served together on the watch. Kurt was a superb instructor and brilliant naval officer and I respected his knowledge, ability, determination. Kurt was a professional in every sense of the word, wholly dedicated to his family, his country and his Navy. What I remember most about Kurt – I think that he was that (Roosevelt’s) Man in the Arena – in every sense – he lived it. Where there was trouble or a problem that needed attention or puzzle that needed solving… he was there – in the mix. Always on call and never shy of action. He was a true professional and brillian naval officer. And it was my sincere honor and privelege of having served with him and known him as a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    To you Kurt, you are a true American Hero and I will hold you fast in heart and memory. You will be missed by many. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. I salute you sir.

    Most Sincerely,

    Robert Loefstedt
    CDR, USNR(Ret)

  19. Eileen MacKrell
    August 4, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    Bob and Anita,

    Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your son. Kurt was a fine officer and a courageous and proud American. His cheerful good humor was always on display – even in Baghdad! I am grateful to have known him. You and your family are in my prayers.

    Eileen MacKrell
    CAPT, USN (Ret.)

  20. ISCM (AW) Dave Mattingly USN ret
    August 5, 2011 at 3:46 am

    I served with CAPT Juengling at Centcom in 2002-2003. Our paths crossed again at my retirement ceremony and in Baghdad. A fine officer, shipmate and friend…but not such a great dodge ball player.

    May God watch over his family

    ISCM (AW) Dave Mattingly USN ret

  21. J. Michael Courtney, ISC (RET)
    August 5, 2011 at 5:23 am

    I had the honor of serving with CAPT(s) Juengling on two separate occasions, once when he was the XO of an ONI unit and then at his first command position at NAVCENT 0267 as his CMD SEL. CAPT(s) Juengling was one of the finest Naval Officer I have ever had the opportunity and pleasure to know. His care and compassion for his officers and sailor was unmatched by any other Commander. His dedication to the US, the Navy, and family were unmatched. I was never so honor to serve as when then CDR Juengling called me at home one evening shortly after being selected for his first command, saying “Chief, I need you to come to Atlanta with me, I have a big challenge and I need you there as my Command Chief.” The truth of the matter was it was no challenge at all for him, and I needed him, we all needed him, and he was an outstanding Commander.
    Jennifer and family, no words can describe the loss you have now, but rest assured your husband, father, and son was a true American hero, the kind that history remembers. Kathy and my prayers are with all of you.

  22. William Seaman
    August 5, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Bob, Anita, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Robert,

    Kurt and I were USNA classmates and I ran in to him when we were both SWOs once after graduation. While I didn’t know him closely, I salute him for his service to our country. I send my condolences, respects, and prayers to all of you on your loss and for your sacrifice to our country over Kurt’s years of service.

    CAPT Bill Seaman, USN
    Chief of Staff, GEORGE H. W. BUSH Carrier Strike Group

  23. Valerie & Ron Cramer
    August 5, 2011 at 7:11 am

    What a great person! I worked with Kurt several years at AT&T and purchased my nieces 1st car from him that lasted her 10 years. Jennifer, Elizabeth and Robert our heartfelt sympathy for your loss, may the blessing of God be with you and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
    Kurt, May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always be at your back.
    May the sun shine warm upon your face,
    and rains fall soft upon your fields.
    And until we meet again,
    May God hold you in the palm of His hand

  24. Larry and Giulia
    August 5, 2011 at 7:31 am

    Bob and Anita,

    Naturally, Giulia and I were shocked when we received the news this morning. Having lost Greg, we understand the grief you’ll are experiencing. I remember Kurt when we were in Berlin and you guys were in Munich. He was always pleasant and full of life. I had visited with him a few times at NIP meetings, but had lost touch with him and you guys. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that Kurt, his wife and children, and you both are in our prayers. God Bless!

    Larry and Giulia Askins

  25. Lee and Carolyn Harper
    August 5, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    We had the good fortune of being next-door-neighbors to Bob, Anita, Kurt and Lisa for more than 20 years intermittently between their overseas postings. During that time, we watched Kurt grow from a bright and confident elementary school student to a fine young Naval officer He and our son, Brian, were about the same age and became the best of friends while growing up together. Although college, careers and geography intruded upon their relationship, they kept in touch over the years and Brian was honored to be Kurt’s best man at his wedding. Brian was as devastated as we were to learn about Kurt’s tragic death. Kurt touched so many of our lives in so many was and he will be profoundly missed.

    Lee and Carolyn Harper

  26. Vickie Parsons
    August 5, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    You are a great man…your humor and laugh were infectious and you were a pleasure to be around. May God be with you my friend. Rest in peace.

  27. ernest eldridge
    August 5, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    Kurt you were one of the air defenders at centcom u were a brother in arms and will ne missed

  28. Gregory Hooker
    August 5, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    God Bless Kurt, and my deepest sympathy for his loved ones. I served with him at CENTCOM HQ, and heard from him over the years from some of this other assignments. Kurt was a great intelligence professional, and a real character. His intensity and drive were amazing, he had a special talent for staff work– which is rare, because it is difficult and frustrating and rather inglorious. But he did it with passion and a sense of humor. He’ll be missed.
    Greg Hooker

  29. Jared Jalbert
    August 7, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    I served with Kurt both in the states and in Iraq. Prior to his deployment, he served as our unit XO in DC. During that time, I saw an officer who led from the front and wanted to ensure his sailors were the best and brightest. In that short time he left a lasting impression.

    To my surprise, he was working in the same building as I in Iraq though in a different capacity. We spoke at least for a short time on most days. Through that experience, I saw a true leader who genuinely cared about the mission and the people who worked around him. Kurt will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and our great nation.

    Always faithful,

    Jared Jalbert

  30. Dave Parker
    August 10, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about Kurt. He and I attended Forrest Sherman H.S. in Naples, Italy, and were in German class together. I have fond memories of our field trip to Germany. This is for you, Kurt…Hey, Mon! Dave Parker

  31. Kevin Chau
    August 10, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Dear Juengling Family,
    I had known Kurt at AT&T since 2000 and I left AT&T in May this year. I am devastated to learn about Kurt this morning from an old colleague at AT&T. I had a great privilege to work under Kurt for over two years at AT&T. He is a great friend, supervisor and always provides great guidance. I had learned a lot from Kurt under his supervision. Kurt, Len Crain and I offend go out to lunch and he love spicy food.
    Please accept my deepest condolence and you and your family will be in my prayers.
    May you Rest in Peace Kurt, and THANK YOU!
    You will be greatly missed!
    Kevin Chau

  32. CAPT Bob Allen, C3F N2
    August 14, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    To the Juengling Family,

    My most sincere condolences on your personal, and the Navy’s professional loss. I had the fortune to serve with Kurt at JICPAC when we were LTs in the mid-90′s. We spent many memorable mid-watches together where he demonstrated his passion for intelligence and mentorship for our Sailors as well as his unique sense of humor. He and Jennifer were always the consummate hosts, looking after this single sailor. We lost contact over the years, but I was heartened to learn of his selection to O-6 for FY12, I know you all had to be very proud. Seeing this NIP posting absolutely stunned me, I had no idea what sacrifices Kurt had made for his nation. Having only met Elizabeth as a toddler with her dotting Dad, I can only hope that she and Robert can carry on their Dad’s proud legacy.
    God Bless
    Most Sincerely,
    Bob Allen

  33. Tom and Ann Wilson
    August 15, 2011 at 8:01 am

    Dear Bob and Anita,
    Ann and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Juengling family. We did not know Kurt personally and just learned of his death, but have read the many postings of his colleagues who knew him well and held him in such high esteem. He clearly was an outstanding naval officer and loved shipmate. As someone else posted, his death is in all senses a combat fatality in the war on terrorism and we all must remain mindful of those American heroes and families who are carrying the too heavy burden in this fight. We are keeping Kurt and your entire family in our prayers.
    God Bless, Tom and Ann Wilson

  34. Charlie Cook
    August 15, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Dear Bob and Anita,

    Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your family’s loss. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless.

    Charlie Cook

  35. Captain Vic Rollandi, USN Retired
    August 15, 2011 at 11:39 am

    To Kurt’s Family:

    Although we did not know each other, as NRIP members, we were shipmates nonetheless. The grief of his sad passing is one which we all share as brothers/sisters service. My family’s prayers are with all of the Juengling Family.


    Captain Vic Rollandi

  36. Rick Myllenbeck
    August 15, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I am absolutely stunned by this tragic news. Kurt was one of the finest! He served with pride and prowess and made a difference in the lives of so many. He will be missed but not forgotten. My prayers go out to the family and the community. Thank you Kurt for all you did.

    God bless.

    –Rick Myllenbeck–
    CAPT U.S. Navy (RC)

  37. Con and Pixie Xefteris
    August 15, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Pixie and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Juengling family on Kurt’s tragic passing. We remember and count our time with the Juengling family in Italy as the best assignment anyone could ask for, exactly because of families like yours. Words seem inadequate but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Con and Pixie Xefteris

  38. Michael W. Cox
    August 16, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I send my profound condolences to the entire Juengling family. His passing is another reminder we lose our best during times of armed conflict. As you endure the unendurable, my thoughts and prayers will be with you.

    Michael W. Cox

  39. Jeffrey Wells
    August 17, 2011 at 10:39 am

    It is said that wealth is not to be measured in our accounts and collections, but in those we can call friends. For that measure, each of us touched by Kurt are indeed wealthy beyond imagination. I offer my condolences to the whole Juengling family. Not all war wounds are visible, and Kurts passing offers us an opportunity to reach out to a veteran.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Juengling family.

    Jeffrey Wells

  40. August 17, 2011 at 10:58 am

    My condolences. Kurt was a patriot who wanted to serve and follow in the distinguished footsteps left by his father since day 1. Really sorry to see his name on the casualty list. He was a good soul.
    Max Grant
    NAPs 83-84
    USNA class of 88

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