Rick Beech - U.S. Air Force 1972-93

USAF Master Sergeant Rick Beech retired in 1993 after serving his county for over 20 years. Early in his career Rick was stationed at Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas where he trained Iranian T-37 pilots. After he was stationed in Germany in tactical environmental control (tactical air conditioning for communications and equipment).

For the remainder of his time in the Air Force Rick worked in Civil Engineering, Public Affairs & Entertainment. While in Air Force Entertainment Rick was technical director for Tops in Blue a touring performance ensemble made up of active-duty members of the United States Air Force formed in 1953. While with Tops in Blue Rick participated in the 1985 Super Bowl Halftime show.

After retiring from the Air Force Rick worked for the State Department where he worked in China , Bahamas and Africa and was responsible for embassy infrastructure and operations maintenance. In 2004 he helped construct a new U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Rick had Multiple Afghanistan deployments including work at Kabul “Blackhorse” training area and FOB Shank. “At FOB Shank, in two years I was there, we lost 135 people and when the incoming alarm would go off, all you could do is get under your desk, put your gear on, wait for it to clear. In my tent, right next to my bed, I had a sarcophagus made out of sandbags.” - Rick Beech

After his time at the State Department and inspired by the deaths of two pilots at FOB Shank (Captain Aaron Blanchard and Lieutenant R.G. Hess) Rick started the Remembering Our Heroes project. Remembering our Heroes is a Traveling memorial to our (KIA) killed in action military of operations in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. This 1957 Chevy pickup with artwork by Dale Nemeth includes 7,030 flags representing fallen from 2001 to present, organized by branch and including 11 Medal of Honor recipients.

For more information go to Rick’s Facebook page “Remembering our Heroes Tour” or Instagram @remembering_our_heroues_tour