Leading Seaman Connor Kruger off to the US on exchange programme

Kruger was chosen after he took part in the boot camp in Simonstown in December last year.

“We lived on a Navy base for 10 days and it was so hard, it was rough,” says Kruger.

“After we came back, in January, Lieutenant Commander Cooper told me I was one of five cadets chosen to go to the US.

“It’s kind of cool to be chosen.

“It’s exciting. It’s going to be my first time going overseas and I hope to make new friends and meet new people,” says Kruger.

The exchange programme in the City of Providence, Rhode Island will include 39 cadets and 16 officers from eight different countries.

Activities include a trip to New York for dinner, kayaking and a lot of walking.

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Cadets will arrive on Rhode Island on June 26 and leave July 7.

For Kruger, the exchange programme is a reward for all his hard work and sacrifice.

He has been part of the TS Springs cadets since he was in Grade Five and they meet every Friday night.

On top of his cadet activities, Kruger is also an avid swimmer and he completed the Midmar Mile twice this year.

“I want to achieve my SA colours for swimming next year.

“I missed it by two seconds this year,” says Kruger.

Kruger who has achieved the rank of Leading Seaman juggles all his activities with his school work which he admits comes easily to him.

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“The only thing I’m bad with is time. I’m pro-procrastination,” says Kruger.

His mother is very proud of what her son has achieved.

“He has always loved the water.

“We’re very proud of him. Whatever he has tackled, he always makes a success of it, in all spheres of his life,” says his mother Chriszel Kruger-Steynberg.

The only thing putting a damper on Kruger’s excitement is the lack of funds.

“I’m still a bit short to help with my expenses for the trip,” says Kruger.

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