________________________________________________________________________Richard S. Kem
A:
Well, like hot cakes.
Q:
Yes. Well, that's interesting. That pretty much goes through my questions.
A:
Yes. I've checked off every one on my list.
Q:
Well, were you ready to go, ready to come back to the States in the summer of '89? Two
pretty intense years in Germany. Did you feel that it was time to come back?
A:
Yes and no. I really liked USAREUR. I spent three tours over there, and I enjoyed all of it. I
enjoyed the activities there and would have been happy to stay over there.
At the same time, it was obvious that I was not going to be selected to be the next Deputy
Commander in Chief of Europe, the job that I would be most happy to stay in, so it seemed
like time to look for something else.
I knew the Deputy Chief of Engineers position would be open, and I was in the twilight of
my career--two possible years left on active duty. So, I thought that it was time, even though
I'd really enjoyed my job as Chief of Staff, USAREUR, and I enjoyed working for General
Saint, it was time to begin the transition back. To go back and work at another place I liked
to work, that is, USACE, as the deputy supporting Hank Hatch, and that would put me in
place for the final transition: that is, back to retirement in civilian life.
Deputy Chief of Engineers3
Q:
In August of 1989 you became Deputy Chief of Engineers. I wonder if you could say
something about your feelings at the time of the selection, and how that came about.
A:
To be selected as the deputy?
Q:
Yes.
A:
I was serving as Chief of Staff in USAREUR, and was asked by the Commander in Chief,
Butch Saint, whether I would like to stay on as Chief of Staff another year. I said, "No, I
think I ought to return to the United States." He said, "What would you like to do?" I said, "I
would like to be the Deputy Chief of Engineers."
So, he says, "Okay. I'll be going back in a few weeks. I'll probably see Hank Hatch back
there." I said, "Well, I'm going to call him and tell him the same thing."
3
Interview conducted by Dr. Paul K. Walker on 19 October 1990 at Washington, D.C.
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