By PK Knor | AFRH-W Resident

Richard Heinrich was born on September 24, 1938 and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. His family consisted of his parents, one brother and two sisters. Along with school activities, his early years included the Boy Scouts and during high school he was a golf caddy. He graduated from Avon High School in 1956 and joined the U.S. Air Force in January of 1957.

After basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas he was sent to Lowry AFB,Colorado, where he trained to be a tail gunner mechanic on a B-66 bomber. He was then stationed in England where he also worked part time in the squadron mailroom. When his enlistment was up, he left the Air Force for three months and then re-enlisted at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. This time he learned to fix radios which he did for 16 years.

During his military career, Richard was stationed at numerous bases to include Sculthorpe and Alconbury Bases in England, March AFB, California, Iwo Jima, Larson AFB, Washington, Turner AFB, Georgia, Otis AFB, Cape Cod, Moron AFB, Spain, Thailand, and Beale AFB, California. 

He retired in California in 1978 as a tech sergeant (20yrs and 20 days)!  After retirement, he worked for nine years for a manufacturer making gyros for airplanes.

Rich was married for 19 years to Donna and they had four children - Charles, Donald, Cindy and Debbie. Most of his family, including his brother and sister, live in warm states which is lucky for Rich, who is a warm weather person!  Even when he traveled on leave, his favorite place was Morocco. That is why he retired in California.

While in California and elsewhere, Rich became involved with two organizations; the Barber Shop Harmony Society (34 years/bass singer) and square dancing (36 years). He tried to start a square dancing program at AFRH-W but couldn’t get enough participants!

Rich has lived at AFRH several times! He left for various reasons, and returned for ‘we hope the last time’ in 2006. He has had numerous jobs and volunteer situations here. He was a huge help during the pandemic. (Thanks!) He also helps with bingo and is a projectionist at the theater.

Rich has enjoyed various activities at AFRH to include bowling, dancing, and golf along with bingo. Two of his favorite reasons for living here are no cooking and no dishes!! (mine too!)