Major Anne Krizanauskas, USAF (Ret.) of Mesa , AZ passed away in Tucson on March 15, 2008. Anne was born August 11, 1913 to Lithuanian immigrants, Thomas and Anna Krizanauskas of Shenandoah , Pennsylvania . Her exposure to the various nationality groups of Shenandoah, and the influence of her father, who was one of the town's most respected men and a symbol of success, inculcated in Anne the spirit of service for others and taught her that only through hard work could she better herself. After graduation from high school Anne worked for the State of Pennsylvania . As soon as she reached the age of 21, she enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and trained at Ft. Des Moines , IA. She was commissioned a second lieutenant less than a year later. She served in the WAAC until it was disbanded and replaced with the Women's Army Corps. She was among the first women to be sworn in the WAC. In June of 1948 when the US Army Air Corps was divided, women were awarded Regular Army and Air Force status, making them a permanent part of the regular and reserve establishment in limited numbers, Anne was selected for integration in to the Air Force. As an administrative officer, her duties were varied and her tours of duty assignments included Augsburg , blockaded Berlin Rhein/Main and Hahn Air Base in Germany , as well as Etain , France and Morocco in North Africa . Awards and decorations include: The Meritorious Service and Air Force Commendation Medals, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupational Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Metal, Air Force Longevity Award with 4 bonze Oak Leaf Clusters, Medal for Humane Action Women's Army Corps Service Medal, The Berlin Airlift Device, The US Treasury Department Service Award and the National Red Cross Appreciation Award. Anne was also one of the first inductees into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame which honors veterans for their military service and their accomplishments throughout their lifetime. Since her retirement she had been active in various veterans' affairs to name only a few: the NAC Veterans Association, The Retired Officers Association, a member of the Military Officers of the World Wars, The Military Officers of America Association, the American Legion, Women's Army Corps Veterans Association and the Lithuanian American Community of Arizona. Anne's many contributions to women's issues have paved the way for the many opportunities women are offered today. Anne is survived by her nephews, John Kriz, William and Thomas Denchy and niece, Joanne Kriz-Murra. Funeral mass will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, March 19 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Mesa Arizona.

Locally friends may call 6 to 9 pm at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home Inc 318 East Center Street Shenandoah on Tuesday March 25th, 2008. Funeral Wednesday 9:30 at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home Inc. Mass of Christian burial 10 AM at Annunciation BVM Church Shenandoah. Burial will be in St. George's cemetery were a white dove will be released in her memory. Family prefers memorial donations to St George's memorial fund

St George Heritage
c/o Schuylkill Area Community Foundation
216 S. Centre Street
Pottsville, PA 17901