I am Dick’s widow. Married only 6 mos. and gave birth to his daughter who is one special gal who never knew her wonderful Daddy. I did remarry. I carry Dick in my heart and prayers always.
My life changed in a moment. Dick had taken instructions and became Catholic as a great surprise to me before we were married. A very fond memory for me was he would state to me “I love you” but more importantly “I like you”. What wisdom Dick displayed as a young man. My family loved him and his memory lives on.
God blessed me with Dick being in my life, along with his wonderful family who are still “my family”. Too short a life, but what an impact he made on my family.
My nieces and nephews still talk about him and loved him so much. They were small children when they knew him. Children sense goodness, kindness, and fun. They saw and embraced that in Dick in a very short time as he and I had a very short courtship, and most of that time he was finishing up pilot school.
Thank you for your time you spend honoring the men of Charlie Company. God must have spoken to you and congratulations on the mission you have undertaken.
Warmest wishes to you,
Judy
Richard was assigned to Charlie Troop on March 27, 1966 and was Killed in Action on June 27, 1966. Richard was a Pilot of an UH-1B Helicopter. Richard was awarded the Air Medal, Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Aviator Wings and a set of Jump Wings.
Charlie Troop 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment 
Dorothy
June 25, 2010
I came across your blog, and am interested in what you are looking for. Dick was my brother, and he truly was an extrodinary individual who’s life was cut too short. Where did you git the picture, and what is your motive for this search?
Dorothy
patrickbieneman
June 26, 2010
Dorothy,
I served in the same unit as did Richard only at a different time. I have a DVD that I make to honor all of the men who served in Charlie Troop. One section is called “Our Fallen Comrades”. A friend told me how I could start a blog. I want the world to know what Charlie Troop is, who we are and to get to know the men that “Gave All” as real human beings not just a name on the wall or a statistic. To this end, I encourage family members to write a story about their loved one as the knew him. Not as a soldier but as a brother, husband, father, son and so on. Every man that gave his life for our country is very special. Send me an story about Richard at pcbnamin@earthlink.net and I will post it for all to read. I don’t know if you read any of the stories already posted but if not, look at John Jelich, David Kink and you will see what I am talking about. If you have other pictures of Richard especially one of him and family I would appreciate it if you could scan it and send me a copy. The photo I have I believe I got off another website. I will check that out and let you know for sure. If you have any questions call me at 859-745-1924 and I will be more than happy to talk to you. If you would like a copy of the DVD give me an address that I can send it to and I will send you a copy. I try to send one to every family member I make contact with. If you would like I can put you in contact with our Gold Star representative please let me know. The Gold Star is an association for the families of the men that Gave All. Our represetative’s brother was killed in Vietnam. He was 19. There is a certificate along with a Gold Star that is given to every member. Let me know if you may be interested.
God Bless. Pat
Judy Johnson
July 1, 2010
I am Dick’s widow. Married only 6 mos. and gave birth to his daughter who is one special gal who never knew her wonderful Daddy. I did remarry. I carry Dick in my heart and prayers always.
My life changed in a moment. Dick had taken instructions and became Catholic as a great surprise to me before we were married. A very fond memory for me was he would state to me “I love you” but more importanley “I like you”. What wisdom Dick displayed as a young man. My family loved him and his memory lives on.
God blessed me with Dick being in my life, along with his wonderful family who are still “my family”. Too short a life, but what an impact he made on my family.
My nieces and nephews still talk about him and loved him so much. They were small children when they knew him. Children sense goodness, kindness, and fun. They saw and embraced that in Dick in a very short time as he and I had a very short courtship, and most of that time he was finishing up pilot school.
Thank you for your time you spend honoring the men of Charlie Company. God must have spoken to you and congratulations on the mission you have undertaken.
Warmest wishes to you,
Judy
patrickbieneman
July 1, 2010
Judy,
I thank you for your words about Richard. I did not know him as I was there at a different time. If you or your daughter would like to email someone who knew him, I will see what I can do.
Would you happen to have a picture of you and Dick that I could use on this site? If so, if you would just scan it and forward it to me.
Did you read the piece on the Gold Star Family? Both you and your daughter are eligible to be members and recieve a certificate and a Gold Star in his memory. If you would like more information I can have Julie Kink contact you.
Thank you once again for the comments on Dick because now the world will know him as a man. If anyone else wants to add something just add another comment. I take the comments and add them to the site for all to see and read.
God Blee,
Pat