Michael Schroeder, 1997 graduate of North Scott High School, will retire in July from the U.S. Army after 25 years of service. He began his military career with a firefighting unit out of Creston, Iowa. During this time, he supported missions in both Bosnia and Iraq. In 2007, he graduated from the Army Special Forces Qualifications Course and served as an engineer attached to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., until retirement. While serving in 1st Group, he completed tours in Afghanistan, Thailand, and the Philippines. After retirement, he will relocate to Murfreesboro, Tenn., with his wife, Briony, and children, Knox and Liv. His family and friends are proud of his accomplishments and wish him the best in retirement. An open house will be held Saturday, July 8, from 1-4 p.m. at the Crystal Lake pavilion, 2634 250th St. DeWitt, to celebrate his accomplishments.