Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame - CMSGT A. Duane Zerger

Chief Master Sergeant Duane Zerger was born on 16 May 1934 in Selkirk, Kansas. His military career began when he enlisted in the Kansas Air National Guard on 20 May 1957. He first served as an Administrative Clerk, and then later became a Maintenance Analyst for the 190th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. His expertise in this field made him one of the most effective in the Air National Guard community relating to summarization of aircraft schedules, performance data and maintenance trend analysis. He was later assigned as First Sergeant of the Maintenance Squadron. Chief Zerger retired on 16 May 1994 as the Chief of Administration of the 190th Air Refueling Wing, ending another highly successful segment of his long career.

Chief Zerger probably came to be recognized for his true passion and legacy, that of an organizer. His organizational and motivation abilities brought many innovations to the Air Guard, most of which still benefit Guardsmen and their families today. He started, organized, nurtured and maintenance such entities as the Credit Union, the family Support Newsletter, the Welcome Home Pageant for the 190th after Desert Shield/Storm, computer training programs, physical fitness programs and facilities and Air Guard membership in the Adjutant General’s Ceremonial Platoon. He established classes, workshops and training programs that put the 190th on the leading edge of the tide into computers. He has organized recognition programs for the retired community, placed emphasis on the entire team, not just segments and generally enhanced the morale and well being of airmen and their families through his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for the military members. An accomplished artist, Chief Zerger used his talent to design the 190th Air Refueling Wing’s official emblem and the “Wylie Coyote” distinctive patch which can be observed all over the world due to various unit deployments.





			CMSGT A. DUANE ZERGER
	Chief Master Sergeant Duane Zerger was born on 16 May 1934 in Selkirk, Kansas. His military career began when he enlisted in the Kansas Air National Guard on 20 May 1957. He first served as an Administrative Clerk, and then later became a Maintenance Analyst for the 190th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. His expertise in this field made him one of the most effective in the Air National Guard community relating to summarization of aircraft schedules, performance data and maintenance trend analysis. He was later assigned as First Sergeant of the Maintenance Squadron. Chief Zerger retired on 16 May 1994 as the Chief of Administration of the 190th Air Refueling Wing, ending another highly successful segment of his long career. Chief Zerger probably came to be recognized for his true passion and legacy, that of an organizer. His organizational and motivation abilities brought many innovations to the Air Guard, most of which still benefit Guardsmen and their families today. He started, organized, nurtured and maintenance such entities as the Credit Union, the family Support Newsletter, the Welcome Home Pageant for the 190th after Desert Shield/Storm, computer training programs, physical fitness programs and facilities and Air Guard membership in the Adjutant General’s Ceremonial Platoon. He established classes, workshops and training programs that put the 190th on the leading edge of the tide into computers. He has organized recognition programs for the retired community, placed emphasis on the entire team, not just segments and generally enhanced the morale and well being of airmen and their families through his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for the military members. An accomplished artist, Chief Zerger used his talent to design the 190th Air Refueling Wing’s official emblem and the “Wylie Coyote” distinctive patch which can be observed all over the world due to various unit deployments. His mentorship talents and loyalty served not only his fellow Airmen, but also commanders and staff members alike. Always available for counsel from all facets of the organization, he quickly offered advice, counsel and leadership where it counted; for the betterment of the total organization. Outside his National Guard duties, Chief Zerger was active in the community. He was a Boy Scout Leader, promoted YMCA Baseball and Basketball programs as well as the Junior Achievement Program. Chief Zerger is a Life Member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas, served as Chair of the Nominations and Selection Committees and President of the Board of Governors of the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame. He is a supporter of the Museum of the Kansas National Guard. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Ribbon with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Hourglass Devices, the Air Force Training Ribbon, the Kansas Air National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, the Kansas Air National Guard Service Ribbon, the Kansas Air National Guard Recruiting Ribbon, the Master Information Managers Badge, the Master Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance Badge and the Adjutant General’s Ceremonial Platoon Badge. Chief Zerger was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame, 5 November 2000.