Lt Col Richard J Berrettini Died in San Antonio Texas of wounds suffered on Jan. 2, 2008 in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Medical Detachment, Erie Clinic, Erie, Pa. .Rich was a friend I grew to know as a Physicians Assistant working with Dr. Mark Shelley MD in private practice in Prot Allegany Pennsylvania. Rich was helping others in service to this country using his medical skills and leadership abilities. I will miss him. Rich's Sons are also in service graduates of the Air Force and Military Academy. His wife Jane works for the US Postal service and delivered mail to my home until she changed routes about a year ago. His son came over to talk about Armor Branch assignments and ask about my service in the Armored Cavalry with M1 Abrams Tanks.
I am truly grateful for Rich's service to preserve my freedom from Islamic Terrorists. Rich was the kind of person when you met him, you felt better just by knowing him. I will cry often when I think of him and as I salute the flag, I will see his eyes, and remember him. Rich was always helping people. He had and eagerness to learn and share that you could see in his eyes, hear in his voice, and feel in his hand shake. When the bugle up in heaven calls formation for those who lived their lives always helping others, in civilian life and as an officer most deserving of honor, Lt Col Richard J Berrettini will be on the top of the list as one who lived his life healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and giving the thirsty a drink of pure water. He gave his life serving freedom and encouragement to others in a land far from his home. He volunteered for this duty. He didn't have to go, he choose to go, and his example will live on in my memory all the days of my life. Cpt. Dan Merrick, USA, Ret, DAV.
