Richard Wyrick: Working Security With a K-9

By Melanie Jakus, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

Richard Wyrick was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago (Go White Sox!).  He graduated from Calumet High School in 1962 and went on to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where he pursued studies in biological sciences.  He interrupted his education and chose to enlist in the Air Force in 1963 to avoid being drafted.  He later returned to U of W under the G.I. Bill to receive his bachelor’s degree.

After attending Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, Rich went to K.I. Sawyer AFB in Marquette, Michigan, where he began his Military Police duties in 1964.  

In December of 1965, Rich went to Vietnam where his responsibilities included providing security protection for visiting dignitaries, such as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture at the time.  He also escorted convoys bringing equipment and supplies to and from Cam Ranh Bay to ensure their safe arrival.  

Rich became involved with the Air Force MP K-9 unit where highly-trained dogs were used to secure key locations such as Phan Ranh Air Base used by the USAF.  After receiving a promotion to E4 Sergeant, he was assigned to a K-9 platoon consisting of 26 dog handlers and their dogs.  One of their main responsibilities was to patrol Da Lat radar station that controlled sorties of war planes going to northern South Vietnam and North Vietnam.  His K-9 platoon provided tarmac security with dog patrols trained to sniff out Viet Cong and to ensure protection against mortar attacks.

As part of his duties at Phan Ranh, he had the opportunity to work with the 101st Army Airborne Division utilizing his K-9 team.   As the Army did not have K-9 units at that time, this was a unique and memorable collaboration of the two branches.     

After being honorably discharged in 1966, Richard returned to Boone, Iowa, attending Iowa State University where he received his Master’s in Biological Sciences.  Rich then spent the majority of the 70’s teaching biology courses at Iowa State.  

When life took a different path for Rich, he relocated back to Illinois.  Inspired by a disabled friend in Iowa who could no longer navigate his home, he and a long-time friend delved into earth-sheltered homes for the disabled.  They were instrumental in building a community of these unique homes for the disabled in Iowa.  This venture into real estate ultimately led to his career as a mortgage banker.   Rich continued in mortgage banking for the next 35 years until his retirement in 2010.  

Richard and his wife, Patricia, enjoy spending their retirement years with their children who have blessed them with 13 grandchildren. Because they are scattered in four states, Rich and Pattricia take time for travel and fun family times!

Thank you, Rich, for your years of service to our country. Enjoy your day of honor in Washington D.C. May your time viewing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial provide you with a proud reflection of your service time.