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View a eulogy for Richard Allan Puckett, USMA '64, who passed away on February 4, 2017.

Richard Allan Puckett

West Point, 1964

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Howard Schue on February 5, 2017:

We are traveling in Mexico and just learned of Dick's death, so I had to take a moment to remember Dick and thank him for all he did for me, our class, and for the nation as well.

After graduation, both Dick and I joined the Air Force and worked in the intelligence business. I didn't know Dick during our active duty service, but after our service, Dick joined the CIA and became an expert intelligence analyst.

Later, as an Air Force Reserve officer, Dick joined a covert intelligence unit that I commanded. The unit had an intelligence analysis mission, and was made up of Reserve personnel who were expert in various areas of the world, but had limited analytical experience. Dick's expertise in analysis and tradecraft, and his writing skills were of enormous value to the unit and to me. I relied on him heavily to train the unit and sharpen their intelligence analysis skills. He pitched in and shared his skills willingly. He always supported the unit, the mission, and me. He was a natural leader who led by example. We became good friends.

Later, Dick became the Class Webkins. I'm not sure I know what all that means, but I do know that Dick has been instrumental in the communications that have drawn our class closer together.

At the weekly Brions gatherings, Dick and I often sat together and talked about our experiences. I looked forward to those conversations. I will miss him.

I very much want to acknowledge Audrey's incredible support for Dick as he struggled to overcome his illness.

Dick would have written this piece far more eloquently than I, but I do want to say to Dick: "Well done! Be Thou at Peace."

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