HELPING OTHERS FIND REDEMPTION 

Alcoholics Anonymous, founded in 1935, counts over 2 million members and is active in 180 countries. In the United States, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 10 percent of the population has alcohol use disorder. 

“These programs work best — and sometimes only work — when you’re willing to get out there and help get the next (person) going (on their sobriety journey),” Krieg says. “In short, how we save our own butts is by helping the next one get their life back.” He recalls a few years ago the magnitude of gathering in the same room eight generations of sponsors and sponsees — Krieg’s sponsor, Krieg’s sponsee, and the sponsees of each person after that. 

Outside of one-on-one mentorship, Krieg also facilitates group sessions in Missouri Department of Corrections facilities. In addition, he visits those in mental health facilities and treatment centers and recently became a Certified Peer Specialist to better support those with substance use challenges. His support has gone beyond meetings. Krieg, a professional painting contractor, estimates he has hired more than 50 individuals participating in AA or Narcotics Anonymous to help him on jobs. 

“For a while, (AA) was something I didn’t want to do. And now, it’s become who I am,” he says. “It’s funny how over time that transition can take place.” 

Krieg’s service is rooted in the idea that everyone deserves a chance at redemption, a key component of the 12-step program. “The power of what goes on in and around these programs is mind blowing,” he says. “To be able to put that message (of redemption) in front of folks who are beat up, broke, homeless and lost — and get some hope in front of them — is incredible.” 

A SERVANT LEADER 

Krieg maintains a close friendship with many of his pledge brothers, and his busy schedule does not go unnoticed by them. 

“Sometimes I call Mike and leave two, three or four messages without a response. I’ll call (fellow pledge brother) Rob Thornhill, MISSOURI STATE 1981, and ask if Mike’s OK. Rob says, “Oh, he’ll call you back later. He’s just mentoring at some prison hospital,’” says pledge brother Chris Myers, MISSOURI STATE 1981. “As a volunteer, Mike has devoted so many years to working within Missouri’s correctional facilities, county jails and federal prisons/hospitals on behalf of AA that if he were a state employee, he’d be eligible for a pension. And he shows no signs of slowing down.” 

Myers adds that Krieg also motivates him in service to others. As a cancer survivor, Myers often fundraises for research and awareness with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Whenever I reach a (fundraising) goal and think I’ve done my part, I think of Mike — and realize I have more capacity than I knew,” he says. “He stretches me, and others too, without even knowing it. That’s servant leadership.”