Flagler County Veteran of the Week: Susanne Kerper

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Branch of Military: U.S. Air Force
Dates of Service: 1968-1972
Rank / Occupation: Sergeant / Administration Specialist
Hometown: Norristown, Pennsylvania

Susanne Kerper lives in Bunnell. Courtesy photo

Susanne Kerper enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an administrative specialist. She was assigned to Shepard Air Force Base, Texas; Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan; and Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, where she supervised the administrative staff for the commander of the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron, Strategic Air Command.

While in the Air Force, she met and married her late husband Julius, who everyone, including her, called “Abe”, due to his renowned honesty. Kerper received an honorable discharge and earned the National Defense Service Medal. She is past vice commander of American Legion Post 248 in Pennsylvania. While living in Pennsylvania she helped establish a foster grandparents program. Kerper and her husband moved to Florida and raised two daughters and a son in St. Augustine, while she worked as an accountant and office manager for the largest real estate company in the region.

When the kids were grown Kerper and her husband relocated to the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina, where she worked as a government contractor for the Internal Revenue Service. Kerper’s husband Abe passed away three years ago, and she then moved to Bunnell to be nearer to her children. She spends her time making quilts and caring for her two beloved cats.

Need help with Veterans Services?

For information about support organizations and resources available to veterans, call 386-313-4014.