Posted by Harry Joyner on July 11, 2018:

I was so saddened to hear of Rich Boerckel's death. Rich and I were plebe year roommates in L-2. I was from Texas, and a long way from home; Rich was from Feasterville, PA. Since he was much closer to home, his parents visited often, and soon made me an adopted member of their family. I visited their home several times and grew to love his parents. Rich was a member of the gymnastics team; I remember his events were the rings, and free floor exercise. We had a great year together, but subsequently lost track of each other. After I had left the Army, comleted dental school, and joined the Air Force, I was stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. I somehow found out that Rich was stationed at Ft Sam Houston. We managed to get together, and had a great evening catching up on what each other had been doing - it was as though we were back in plebe year. Rich and his family made my plebe year so much better; I will be forever grateful for the friendship. In my experience as a dentist I am well aware of the pain and agony associated with throat cancer. Therefore, my fervent prayer for Rich is that he knew Christ, and that he is now in a much better place!

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