Richard Gruetzner

Richard Gruetzner was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He studied aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University. He then began a long career of public service as a deputy sheriff with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Richard retired in 2012 as a Lieutenant, after 39+ years with the agency, and now devotes his time to various non-profit organizations. In addition to being a life member and serving on the Board of Directors of the German Texan Heritage Society, Richard has been a longtime volunteer with the Texas Military Forces Museum located at Camp Mabry in Austin. He is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the museum’s supporting foundation, the Texas Military Forces Historical Foundation. Richard also serves as President on the Board of Directors of the Texas Wendish Heritage Society and volunteers at their museum in Serbin. He has recently joined the Board of Directors of the Austin Genealogical Society. Married in 1987 to Cathleen, Richard has joined several veteran service organizations of which Cathleen, a veteran of the US Marine Corps, is a member. He is a Director on the National Board of Directors of the LEGGS, the auxiliary of the Women Marines Association. Richard is also the Chairman of the congregation at Hope Lutheran Church of Marble Falls. Richard and Cathleen currently live in Burnet, Texas. 

In his free time, Richard enjoys researching his German and Wendish family history and participating in living history reenactments for the time periods ranging from the War Between the States to Viet Nam. He has translated several German military manuals for the museum at Camp Mabry and maintains and operates various German (armored and non-armored) vehicles for the museum.