Colonel Peter J. Gryzen

Colonel Peter J. Gryzen - Class of 1993

2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee

Career Achievements 

Colonel Peter Gryzen was only the third Hudsonville High School graduate in 1993 to attend the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He subsequently earned a Master of Science, Military Operational Art and Science, from the Air Command and Staff College from Maxwell Air Force Base, and a Master of Science, National Security Strategy from the National War College. He is an Aircraft Maintenance Officer with operational and test and development experience. He has served in a variety of positions at the squadron, group, numbered air force, direct reporting unit, MAJCOM, and Headquarters US Air Force levels.  He deployed in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM. He previously commanded the 345th Maintenance Group at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

Among many assignments since 1997, Peter has served as the Associate Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection, at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.  He was the primary military advisor to the Director, leading a team of 300 people across twelve divisions, executing a $5.5 billion annual budget. He also provided oversight and support to 42,000 personnel in thirty-four wings at nineteen bases and seventy operating locations worldwide to organize, train, and equip forces to support combatant commander warfighting requirements.  

Colonel Gryzen is currently the Vice Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. As Vice Commandant he assists the Commandant in overseeing the 4,000-member cadet wing and more than 200 Air Force and civilian support personnel. He holds many major awards and decorations.

While a student at Hudsonville High School, Peter earned a combined nine varsity letters in wrestling, track and football. He was Class President during three of his high school years, Student Council President during his senior year and he participated in the Hudsonville Summer Science Institute program. He was one of nine attendees selected to interview for Boys’ Nation, a National American Legion event where young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of the federal government.

Colonel Gryzen married his high school sweetheart, Heidi (Bolhuis), in 1997 after he graduated from the Air Force Academy and Heidi earned her degree from Cornerstone University. Heidi has dutifully fulfilled her role as a military spouse, dedicating her life to service volunteering and ministering to fellow military spouses and airmen. Together they have raised two children on nine different Air Force bases. Their son Will has chosen to serve his country and is currently a sophomore at the Air Force Academy and their daughter Abby is a senior in high school and plans to attend college after graduation.