Life on the Line

By Beth Butala ’11

Service has always been a part of Gustavus’s mission. It is common for students to participate in service projects or classes. But how many students are willing to put their life on the line for this core value?

Freshman Oren Struck is.

Oren is in the United States Army Reserve. In December, Oren put his education on hold to train in North Carolina before flying out to Kuwait on Feb. 2 where he is training for another 10 to 14 days for active duty in Iraq.

The St. Peter native played football, basketball, and baseball growing up. During his senior year at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm, Minn., he enlisted in the army. Upon graduation, he spent a year in basic training before pursuing his education at Gustavus.

Oren has been connected with Gustavus for much of his life, primarily through his mother’s employment at the Book Mark. Two of his longtime ambitions were to attend Gustavus and serve in the military. Three prior generations of his family have served in the U.S. armed forces.

As a member of the Army, Oren knew when he started college he may get called to serve in Iraq, but didn’t know when. Unlike the members of ROTC at Gustavus, who cannot be called to serve until their schooling is over, Oren could have been called at anytime and would have to respond.

After being called, Oren’s first challenge was finishing his classes a month ahead of schedule during the fall semester to be ready to leave for training. Even through the extra school work and physical training he took part in on the weekends in Minneapolis, Oren was able to achieve a high GPA.

In Iraq, Struck will be with a civil affairs unit, focusing on relationships with the civilian population. This unit is especially dangerous because of the extensive travel required to carry out its missions. Members of the unit meet with village leaders and other important people to find out what their problems are and how they can help. Other duties will include providing medical care, helping plan water treatment/purification plants, power sources for the people, and anything else that may affect a civilian’s daily life.

Oren wrote in a recent e-mail during his training in North Carolina:

“This will surely be an experience that I will never forget and I feel I can make a difference in the lives of many people I would have never interacted with otherwise.”

Oren’s friend and Gustavus Collegiate Fellow Kevin Matuseski describes him as laid-back, humble, dedicated, and ambitious. “Oren doesn’t have to talk himself up. He is doing the most extreme thing you can do, giving the most someone can for your country,” he said. “You can tell… he has a significant and meaningful purpose even if he doesn’t show it,” Matuseski said.

Oren is expected to serve for at least eight months and plans to return to Gustavus for January Interim Experience 2009. He has the following message for the Gustavus community:

“Even if you don’t support the war, please support your troops and keep them in your prayers. They are literally laying their lives on the line each and every day so that you don’t have to and so that you can enjoy the every-day luxuries that we have come to take for granted.”

Oren welcomes questions or comments while he is away. “Look me up on Facebook or shoot me an e-mail; I would love to hear from you guys back home.” Oren can be reached at ostruck@gustavus.edu.