CO's Family Album

The Commander of the USS Jefferson City Submarine, Dean Richter, is a "native son" of Jefferson City, which means that he has lots of family and friends in the Jefferson City area. We are pleased to provide a "family album" for the Commander so he can share these photos with you. Thanks to some helpful Richter family members, we have access to some information that only the "insiders" would know. Thanks to those contributors for their input!

Dean (Commander) has two sisters and one brother, an identical twin. They grew up in a single parent home from the time the boys were in the sixth grade. They learned independence and self-reliance early due to the family situation. They also learned that there were no free lunches; they had to work for everything they ever desired. They mowed lawns, did odd jobs, and worked at the local grocery stores to buy everything from bicycles to cars. Donna, the oldest and in charge while Mom worked, is 14 months older than her sister Linda. Dean and Dale were the youngest being 18 months younger than Linda was. All four were very active athletically, which created a huge transportation issue for Mom. There were many days when the boys bicycled four miles into town for a baseball practice while Mom worked. But somehow it all worked out and they played volleyball, softball, track, football, basketball, baseball, and twirled batons! Dean was quite competitive (no surprise to those who know him!) and so was Dale. Having an identical twin with similar athletic ability trying out and competing for the same positions in the same sports led to quite the rivalry but it also made both of them better. They not only learned competitiveness but learned teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Dale was captain of the high school football team while Dean was MVP of the baseball team.

Although there were no previous family members with college degrees, all four children worked hard to save their money and put themselves through college despite the fact that family financial assistance was nearly non-existent. Donna took care of a family of four, worked full-time, and received her Associates degree in Computer Science. Linda always wanted to work in the medical field and received her Associates degree in Medical Technology. Dale and Dean graduated Cum Laude from University of Missouri - Rolla with Bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering funded largely by state grants, a General Motors Scholarship for Dale, and a paycheck from the Navy for Dean. But neither stopped there. Dean continued his education in the Navy and received a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Naval Post Graduate School and completed the program for Phase I of the Joint Professional Military Education at the U.S. Army’s Command & General Staff College. Dale received a General Motors Fellowship and received a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from Purdue University.

Dean’s family is so very proud of him. He’s worked hard and sacrificed greatly for the honor of commanding the USS Jefferson City and therefore they are proud to present these few photos of some of his closest family members. We hope to grow this "album" in the future.

Above: Commander Richter's twin brother Dale and
sister-in-law LuAnn, cousin Linda Richter, and
aunt Jannette German

Above: Commander Richter's nephews (Dale's
boys) Blake, 10 (left) and Tyler, 11,
visit the Capitol with Blake's 4th grade class

Above: Linda (sister) and Ronnie (cousin)
Richter

Below: Commander Richter with Melody Green
of the USSJC Submarine Committee.

Below: With mother, Florence Lawson, in front of USSJC display
case in Capitol Bldg.

With step-father, Dean Lawson, at Capitol Bldg. USSJC display

The Commander at State Capitol Building's USSJC display

L to R: Herman Smith (President, Muddy Mo Squadron WWII Submarint Veterans),
Commander Richter, George Arnold (Commander, Topeka-Jefferson City Base,
United States Submarine Veterans), and local military veteran Skip Rich

Herman Smith and George Arnold with Commander

The Commander and Herman Smith

Commander Richter with George Arnold

Owensville Elementary School's enthusiastic welcome for Commander Richter

Answering the eager questions posed
by school children

In front of USSJC display case at City Hall
Jefferson City

With American Legion Post #5 Commander Tom Goodin, and
George Arnold

Mrs. Tom Goodin, Al Davis, Pres. of JC Vet's Council, the Cdr., Tom Goodin,
and George Arnold