Posted by Bob Frank on May 6, 2022:

Dick was a marvelous guy and friend. He was serious at times, but that obscured his deep-felt affection for others. He was also one of those graduates who had a deep attachment to USMA and The Corps. When the Academy started a Professional Military Ethics Education program, one of the features of the program was to bring back members of the Affiliation Classes to participate and mentor the cadets. Feeling strongly about this approach, Dick made sure his judicial calendar was clear so that he could fly up from Panama City FL to be involved. He felt that it was important for the cadets to see that a federal judge would take time out to mentor cadets in this subject. Just being there conveyed to all of us, cadets and fellow graduates, that professional military ethics was of high importance. Dick came to the federal bench late in life. He was nominated by President George W. Bush even though Dick was not heavily involved in Florida nor Republican politics. His reputation was what brought him to the notice of the advisors to the president. Dick was proud of his judicial mark, and most especially of two cases. One was a freedom of speech (First Amendment) case. The other I cannot recall. But, both decisions were upheld upon appeal, with at least one making it to the US Supreme Court. Dick was proud of his service both in the Army and on the bench. But that pride was not the result of a desire for personal recognition. It stemmed from Dick's sense of duty. Dick was a proud member of the Class of 1965 and proud that he shared a commitment to service with so many fine Classmates. Well done! Be Thou At Peace.

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