Back row from left to right; SPC Perez, PFC Bunčić, SPC Guzeh, PV2 Bošnjak, SPC Hackbarth, PFC Vrbančić
Middle row; 2ndLt Šimunović, SSG Lueck, CPL Maršić, SGT Podgornik, 1LT Velasquez, MAJ Đurin
Bottom row; PV2 Puljiz, SGT Xiong, PV2 Pavin, SPC Yang, SSG Parlić, SSG Baratto
(Deerwood, MN) — September 27th, 2024 — In December 2023, Staff Sergeant James Lueck of Deerwood joined a 10-day international training exercise in Divulje, Croatia. Alongside seven other American soldiers and 10 Croatian soldiers, the team set up and operated water purification equipment on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, transforming salt water into potable drinking water.
Since declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Croatia has been rebuilding its country and military capabilities. Joining NATO in 2009, Croatia has engaged in numerous international peacekeeping missions. As part of NATO membership requirements, Croatia must maintain certain military capabilities, including the ability to produce potable drinking water.
SSG Lueck’s involvement in these missions is no coincidence. In 2013, then-SGT Lueck was first sent to Croatia with a delegation of two Army soldiers, a Navy officer, and an Air Force officer to educate high-ranking Croatian officers on U.S. military water purification equipment.
Lueck’s expertise in water purification is well-founded. After graduating from C-I in 2009, he completed Basic Combat Training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, followed by 16 weeks of water purification training at Ft. Lee, Virginia. He then attended college, earning a degree in water treatment. Lueck worked for several cities across Minnesota before returning to his hometown of Crosby in 2012 to run its water department.
In 2021, duty called Lueck to the Middle East for Operation Spartan Shield, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. After nearly a year-long deployment, he returned home and assumed the role of Public Works Working Foreman for the City of Crosby.
Lueck’s dedication and expertise continue to serve both his local community and international allies, exemplifying the spirit of cooperation and resilience.
