An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Dec. 8, 2023

Couple Enlist Together in Wisconsin Air National Guard

By Isabella Jansen, 115th Fighter Wing

MADISON, Wis. - Husband and wife Steven Krueger and Paola Astudillo enlisted in the Wisconsin Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing in November, joining a wing that respects and promotes the bonds between Airmen and their families.

The couple’s interest in joining the armed forces began at a young age, as they grew up in military families. Astudillo’s father and uncle both served in the Ecuadorian Army, and Krueger’s father served as an active-duty infantry officer in the U.S. Army. Krueger also had additional family members who served in the U.S. Air Force at the 115th FW.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Krueger enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and the ANG before swearing in this year. During his prior enlistment as a munitions specialist at the 115th FW, both Krueger and Astudillo experienced the unit’s culture firsthand.

“I was amazed when I saw how family-oriented it is and how supportive they are, and it has been a dream of mine to join,” said Astudillo. “I’ve always had that calling to serve and put others before myself.”

While they both shared a respect for the military, the family-oriented nature of the Wisconsin ANG appealed to Krueger and Astudillo most of all.

“The family bonds run deep with a lot of members and families that are out here on base,” said Krueger. “I think that speaks to the true essence of the National Guard and especially Truax Field.”

While serving, Krueger was intrigued by the possibility of working alongside his wife, but Astudillo wasn’t ready to pursue her lifelong dream to enlist.

“It was just never the exact opportunity or perfect time for me. I went to college, got my bachelor’s degree and pursued my career, but the calling was still in me,” said Astudillo.

It wasn’t until after they got married that Astudillo took her first steps toward serving in the ANG.

“We agreed that if we’re going to start the process, we’re going to do it together. Then, lo and behold Nov. 22 became both of our enlistment dates,” said Krueger. “It’s my wife’s first enlistment and my third, but we’re both going to be stationed here together at Truax Field as traditional Airmen.”

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force leadership assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, exchange pleasantries and gifts with German Air Force officers during a meet and greet for the Military Reserve Exchange Program at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, June 9, 2025. The MREP offers an opportunity for professional development, allowing participants to train in a duty assignment similar to wartime conditions.
Wisconsin Air Guard Welcomed Two German Air Force Officers Through Exchange Program
By Fallon Riley, | July 22, 2025
MADISON, Wis. - Two German Air Force officers embedded in June with the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field, Madison, as part of the Military Reserve Exchange Program, or MREP.German Air Force...

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing flies Aug. 9, 2024, during the Northern Lightning exercise at Volk Field, Wisconsin. Training between fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft ensures the Air Force meets near-peer warfighting needs.
Northern Lightning Exercise Concludes at Volk Field
By Airman 1st Class Josh Kaeser, | Sept. 3, 2024
VOLK FIELD, Wis. - More than 1,000 service members from nearly 25 units nationwide conducted Northern Lightning, a two-week joint-training exercise held annually at the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center. This year’s...

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Maya Warren, an IT specialist with the 123d Air Control Squadron, troubleshoots a network Aug. 7, 2024, with Master Sgt. Jarno Maasing, Estonian Defence Forces, during Exercise Northern Lightning on Volk Field, Wisconsin. Northern Lightning strengthens allied interoperability and bolsters defense capabilities in the face of evolving threats.
Ohio Air Control Squadron, Estonian Support Northern Lightning
By Staff Sgt. Constantine Bambakidis, | Aug. 9, 2024
VOLK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Wis. - U.S. Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard 123rd Air Control Squadron participated in exercise Northern Lightning alongside a member of the Estonian Defence Forces Aug. 8.Master...