RICHARD DINKEL

I am proud to call Rich a longtime friend. We attended grade school and high school in New Jersey way back when..........So sorry to know of his passing.
Through the many years, I have thought about 'Dink' many times and wondered how he was doing and where he was....As each March 3rd rolled around I always hoped he was having a great birthday party with loved ones.

Rich was a tentmate of mine in the jungle of Thailand during the Vietnam war. We were both F4J Phantom pilots in VMFA-232. He was always "up" and his humor made our uncomfortable living conditions bearable. Rich was always a remarkably capable man; smart, kind and a complete professional with an uncanny ability to interject humor in even the toughest of situations. We will miss you, Magic. Semper Fi.

I worked with Rich on an oral history project at JSC. We had some fun times and he had great stories.
Best times were at Don Pico's!
Paul Rollins

My condolences to the Dinkel family. I first met Rich as a NASA JSC Mission Assurance Leader while discussing NASA SMA policy and status from my Office at NASA Headquarters and soon learned we had many military friends in common.Conversations were weekly and most often daily. Rich was one of the "Band of Brothers,"a true Patriot and Friend and a man of humor. He loved his family, his Red BMW which he gave proudly to his daughter, and service to the Nation. I know Rich is in" Heaven in High...

A truly great American and Marine. He will live in our hearts and minds forever. God Bless you Magic. Semper Fidelis

He will always be Magic, aka Dink...and I was blessed to fly with him: the Consummate Fighter Pilot...and Friend. Love Ya LaDonna, Chuck and Jean Hoelle Send

So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Had the privilege of flying with Rich in the 70's in Trip Trey. He was a friend, a mentor and no one could brighten the room like Rich, a smile you could never forget. Semper Fi Magic ! Love and condolences to LaDonna and the family.

Magic....my pilot, my mentor, my partner in crime....but, most of all, my friend. I'm more than saddened to hear of his passing. We have lost a true Patriot, a Marine in every sense of the name, and a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. The world will be a lot less fun without Rich around to talk with and hear all the latest updates, and just have fun laughing about things. Ladonna....love to you and family. With much sympathy.... Simple