Rising Stars: Meet William Krieger of East Lansing

Today we’d like to introduce you to William Krieger

Hi William, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Bill Krieger, and I am currently enjoying retirement after a lifetime dedicated to serving both my country and my community. I spent 28 years at Consumers Energy, where I had the honor of working as the Veterans Program Manager. My journey with Consumers started as an Electric Lines Dispatcher, and over the years, I worked in various roles across engineering, planning, and scheduling. I eventually became a manager for both gas and electric utilities. Every position I held there allowed me to make a difference, especially in the lives of veterans and their families, which has always been a passion of mine.

Before my career at Consumers Energy, I served 10 years in the United States Navy as a Guided Missile Computer Technician. During that time, I achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Badge. After my time in the Navy, I joined the Michigan Army National Guard and received my commission as an officer in the Military Police Corps. I served one combat tour in Mosul, Iraq, before retiring from the military in 2010. I was proud to achieve the rank of Captain and to be awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge over my 21 years of military service.

One of the most important aspects of my life has been supporting veterans. As a suicide survivor, I know firsthand the challenges that many of us face. Storytelling has been a crucial part of my healing process, and it’s something I am passionate about sharing with others. In 2022, I started Veterans Archives as a way to help veterans tell their stories, providing them with a platform to share their experiences and connect with others. It’s my way of continuing to serve those who have served our country, offering a space for healing, connection, and honor.

Throughout my life, whether in the military or in my civilian career, I’ve always believed in the power of service and community. Retirement hasn’t changed that; in fact, it’s allowed me to focus even more on supporting veterans and their families. I’m proud of the path I’ve walked and am grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to make a difference.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting Veterans Archives was no small feat. Like any non-profit, we faced a number of challenges—especially navigating the paperwork to achieve 501(c)(3) status. It was a daunting process, but in 2022, we officially became a recognized non-profit organization, and that milestone marked just the beginning of our journey. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of recording and archiving the stories of nearly 60 of our nation’s heroes, preserving their legacy for future generations.

The past two years have been full of learning and growth. We’ve certainly faced our share of technical hurdles and had to adapt through trial and error. Yet, every challenge we overcame made us stronger and better equipped to provide this vital service to veterans. Today, Veterans Archives stands as a testament to resilience, and we’re proud to continue offering a platform where veterans can share their stories, knowing they will be honored and remembered.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Since retiring from Consumers Energy, my focus has shifted entirely to recording and archiving the stories of veterans through Veterans Archives, the non-profit I founded. What I do is deeply personal and rooted in a desire to preserve the legacy of our nation’s heroes. I am incredibly proud of how this small non-profit has been able to grow, thanks to partnerships with both large organizations and individual donors. These relationships have been key in ensuring that the stories of veterans are not lost, but instead, preserved for future generations.

One of the things that makes my work so fulfilling is the impact it has on the veterans themselves. I learned early on, during my time in the corporate world when I started a small podcast, that I have a knack for connecting with people and making them feel comfortable enough to share their stories. That podcast, which started with just ten listeners, eventually grew to over 150 episodes and 3,000 listeners a month. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about building trust and creating a space where people felt seen and heard.

What sets me apart is that I offer this platform for veterans completely free of charge. Veterans Archives is about more than just recording history—it’s about providing a space for healing. There’s something incredibly powerful about giving someone the opportunity to share their story, especially when they’ve experienced things that are often difficult to talk about. It’s through these stories that veterans can heal, and in turn, their stories can inspire and educate others. That’s what I’m most proud of—being able to give back in a way that makes a real difference in the lives of those who have served.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about our city is the deep sense of home it gives me. Having grown up in Lansing, attending the same schools as my parents and uncles, this place is filled with memories for me. I can drive down just about any street and be reminded of something that makes me smile. There’s a unique blend here—the charm of old, historic buildings alongside newer developments that give the city a fresh look. It feels like the biggest small town in the world, where everyone is connected in some way.

One of the things that truly impresses me about Lansing is the dedication of our teachers. As a substitute teacher myself, I’ve seen firsthand the love and commitment our educators have for their students and their families. That level of care comes from the deep-rooted traditions that have been a part of Michigan for generations, and I think it’s something really special.

What I like least, though, is seeing parts of our history disappear. We’ve lost many historic buildings and landmarks over the years, and with them, pieces of our shared past. That’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about preserving the stories of our veterans. Their stories are a vital part of our history, and it’s important that we keep them alive for future generations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.veteransarchives.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransarchives/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/109614515371949
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Veterans-Archives
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@veteransarchives?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc