Posted by Michael Harris Posner, LTC, MC, USA (RET) on December 15, 2012:

I have had the unique pleasure to have been assigned to Keller Army Community Hospital at The US Military Academy from 1976-1984 serving as Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology. During those cherished years, Dick was Chief of Pediatrics, serving the West Point families for 5+ years. Other writers have a more detailed time-line of Dick's career from a Cadet to his service during Vietnam, up to his medical school education. He was one of the greatest pediatricians & humanitarians I have met in over 40 years of practice. His dedication & devotion to his family, the Academy & Army, and loyality to his friends, attests to the person that Dick exemplfied. He has my undying respect & gratitude just in knowing him for as long as I have. Working closely with Dick, was both an honor and a privilege, and having the Eckert family living a few houses from our family, enhanced the years of friendship we cherished. The most impressive traits that Dick exhibited were evident in the way he presented himself. He was very reserved, respectful of others & always giving of himself, benefitting others. Above all, he had been blessed with a loving wife & 6 wonderful children. My wife, our 7 children & I are also blessed to have had the Eckert family as close friends. Following his transfer from WP, Dick served as Chair, Department of Pediatrics at Eisenhower Medical Center. He retired with exemplary awards and, as humble as I've known him, accepted them, dedicating his career to his loving family. Unfortunately, my dear friend, colleague & loving husband, father & grandfather, passed on to GOD's Heaven much too early in a life that was filled with kindness, love & dedication to all. Although we had not seen each other in his latter years, I will always remember Dick as a truly great American. The Army Medical Department has lost one of their finest physicians, that we may never see again. May GOD bless my friend & his family. Respectfully & Fondly, Mike

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