You’ll possibly remember Richard Hock who was the medic who stood in as Godfather for little baby Kathleen in the 3rd Field Hospital and was a key part of “In the Shadow of the Blade” and the reunion between Kathleen and those who saved her life 34 years before. A DUSTOFF crew (the pilot was David Alderson and he died one week before filming took place – COL (R) Bob Romines stood in for his buddy and flew the mission in his honor – later giving a stirring speech about heroes and helicopters to a packed auditorium full of basic and advance course students at the AMEDD C&S).
You’ll see in their tribute to Richard a part of that reunion mentioned. It is when Richard gave Kathleen his Combat Medic Badge – his most prized possession from his three tours in Vietnam. I’m sure there’s a story in there somewhere that will touch the hearts of many. While Richard was not a DUSTOFF medic – he was / and is a “Soldier Medic” and DUSTOFF medics are Soldier Medics first.
Rest in Peace Doc!