Welcome to the Dragon Community: Aaron Krenz

Aaron Krenz is MSU Moorhead's new yellow ribbon advance director. Aaron, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, served many roles in his 33 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard, with most of his career in the Field Artillery. While in the MNARNG, he had three combat tours to Baghdad and Basrah, Iraq, and Kuwait, while also having trained in Norway and Germany and throughout the US. Aaron has a wife and two daughters (21 and 17).

Q: Tell me a little about you.
A: I grew up on the southern end of the Red River Valley on a farm near Wheaton, Minn. Before I graduated high school, I joined the Minnesota Army National Guard at 17 years old as a Cannon Crewmember. I also attended MSUM, majored in criminal justice and played football for the Dragons. I eventually transitioned to active-duty military in the Minnesota National Guard.

Q: What drew you to MSUM?
A: I was drawn to MSU Moorhead in the 90's when I was recruited to play football; it was an exciting opportunity to continue to play the game I loved. Many of my family members were also Dragons and I attended many sports camps, so I was familiar with campus already. It felt like a home away from home. When I graduated in 1996, I wanted to use my criminal justice degree to help serve the community.

So, quite a few things drew me to MSUM: connection, family ties, athletics, and academics.

Q: What does Military-Connected mean to you?
A: It means family to me. For 13 years I was geographically disconnected from my family. Military families may not raise their right hand to serve, but they are drafted in as well. They have to endure months, even years, with that service member away from home. My family endured a lot, which allowed me to fulfill my service commitment as a full-time officer in the Minnesota National Guard.

Q: What is something that people may not know about you?
A: In Baghdad, when I was serving as the company commander, my interpreter knew the Iraqi security guard who allowed me access to a tunnel leading to a narrow ladder. When I reached the top and looked out, I was in the hands of the cross sabers of Saddam Hussein's parade field, literally inside of the hands.

Q: How do you like to wind down after a long day?
A: During COVID my wife began working from home, and she decided she needed some furry companions - our goldendoodles, Stella and Luna. So, my wind down is walking the dogs, chatting with my wife, then time with my daughters. Aside from that, I ride my motorcycle with my friends, when the weather is nice.

Q: What do you hope to achieve one day?
A: To have a hunting property where I could host disabled Veterans and take them out on hunting expeditions.

Q: Who is your favorite Dragon and why? 
A: My favorite Dragon is my uncle, Joel Krenz. He played basketball for the Dragons and later became an assistant coach/scout for six seasons until his unexpected passing in 1995. Joel embodied MSUM's core values of grit, humility, and heart. He worked hard, never gave up, and after his day was done as an elementary school teacher, he would watch countless hours of basketball footage and take pages of notes for then Head Coach Dave Shellhase. Joel loved being a Dragon and was a big influence on me choosing MSUM.

Welcome to the Dragon Community, Aaron!