Richard Arthur Rein

Colonel Richard A. Rein (Age 89) US Army (Ret.) Of Annandale, VA, passed away at home on May 27, 2015. Dick was born in Bucyrus, OH, and was drafted into the Army Air Corps one week after graduating from high school in June 1944. He served two years in the Army Air Corps stationed in the Azores. He received a Congressional appointment to West Point, graduating in 1950 when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Artillery. His graduation leave was cut short by the outbreak of the Korean War, where he served with the Second Division Artillery. After serving in Japan and at Camp Pickett in Virginia, he was promoted to Captain in April 1954, and five months later married his high school sweetheart, Treva. Dick and Treva had three sons: Rich (Sue), born in Anchorage, Alaska; Doug (Lisa), born in Cleveland, Ohio; and Mark (Kristine), born at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. His distinguished 36-year military career included service in Japan, Korea, Germany, and throughout the US. He had various assignments at the Pentagon and spent the last years of his career as Chief of Staff for the US Army Criminal Investigation Command. His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star with V Device. He retired as a Colonel in 1980. After retiring, Dick enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, friends and family, and spending wonderful times with his sons and their families, including six grandchildren. One of his routines involved his favorite activity, making and enjoying a mug of freshly brewed coffee…morning, noon, and night (and sometimes in between)! During the summer months, you could always find him working in his beloved and successful vegetable garden. In addition to the vegetable garden, his yard and many flower gardens were always flourishing. Many hours were spent relaxing on the backyard patio surrounded by overflowing flower planters, a soothing water fountain and birds chirping all around. Never far from his reach was that cherished cup of coffee! His grandkids truly adored him, and they are blessed to each have grown and matured, with his positive influences, into fine young adults…each one possessing and exhibiting some of his many great qualities. Dick lived life to the fullest, and brought a smile to everyone he met. Dear Husband, Dad, Boppa/Poppa…we love you and miss you so much!