SSGT. RICK

About RICHARD DIETRICH...

I first joined the Army in 1964 I had broken my left femor 3 years before, during basic training I developed Ostomelitus my bone had got down ti the size of a pencil so I was given a medical discharge. In 1970 I wavered the medical discharge and reinlisted in the Army. In 1971 I was delivering some papers that was delivered to our base but were addressed to the Navy at China Lake.half way to China Lake I went off the road and fell over 100 feet it put me in the hospital for over 6 months with multiple injuries. When I was released from the hospital I went to the recruiting office and reinlisted. I reinlisted 3 more times.I stayed in until my sister tried to get my parents to get custody of my son and if I didn't show up in court I would lose all paternal rights. I had planned on staying in for at least 20 years but sh_t happens. I had to get out to fight for my son. I was given the title SSGT. RICK by a Major over in Korea, the name stuck because of the way I treated my men.