Richard F. Machamer Jr., age 68, passed on October 31, 2021 at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center in Williamsburg, Virginia after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1953 to Louise and Richard F. Machamer. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York where he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science & Engineering and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1975.
Rick went on to lead a distinguished military career as an armor officer and later a public affairs officer, government contractor, and published author. In 1990, he achieved a Master of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from Kansas State University. Rick held multiple leadership roles throughout his military career including Director of Public Affairs at the United States Military Academy at West Point, deployment as Chief of Public Information with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Forces in Bosnia serving directly under General Eric Shinseki, and Special Assistant for International Media at the State Department. He received multiple awards and medals including 7 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 Army Commendation Medals, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Office of the Secretary of the Army Badge. After his military retirement, Rick served as a strategic communications project manager for multiple government contractors including BAE Systems, Axiom-RM, and Engility Corporation.
He is survived by his wife, Denise Roxanne (neé Roane), their dog Maisie, son Richard F. Machamer III, daughter Rebecca DuPuy (Kevin), stepdaughter Alexandra Tess Davis, sister Sally Heydel (Rick), brother Joseph Biddle (Sharon), and grandchildren Desmond and Delaney DuPuy.
Rick was an active member of Newtown United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, VA and served two terms on the Leadership Board and as Treasurer. He volunteered with Kairos Prison Ministry in multiple leadership roles for 10 years at Greensville Correctional Facility and served in various other community outreach programs serving the homeless and underserved populations. He has been described by family and friends as honorable, courageous, and man of strong faith.
A memorial service will be held at Newtown United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, VA at 2pm on November 6, 2021. Burial with full military honors to be held at Arlington National Cemetery on a later date.
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