Richard W. Bonnell, Sr. dedicated his life to serving God, his community, his country, and his fellow man. Born October 31, 1945, Rick served his country for 30 years in the United States Air Force.  He held Transportation Staff Officer positions at all levels of responsibility, including tours in Vietnam and the Pentagon.  He culminated a distinguished career as the Chief of the Transportation Division, Directorate of Logistics, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, retiring in 2000 with the rank of Colonel. His many citations and awards included the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. 

Rick was a dedicated transportation professional, as was evident in his lifework and professional associations.  He served on committees with the San Antonio Transportation Association.  He was a past president and, for many years, served on the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and was the NDTA Southwest Regional President. Rick made a significant and positive impact on the NDTA locally, regionally, and nationally and, in 2000, he received the National Defense Transportation Association Distinguished Service Award for his life work.  His endeavors included membership drives, fund-raisers, national scholarship funds, humanitarian aid efforts and annual treks to the NDTA Transportation and Logistics Forum and Exposition to further the aims and objectives of the association. 

Learning was Rick’s passion and sharing this passion was his way of giving back to those who really mattered to him. After completing a successful Air Force career, he became a fulltime educator.  He was the resident expert on Logistics and Transportation curriculum at Palo Alto College where he improved and instructed the only undergraduate degree program of its kind in the city of San Antonio, Texas.  In addition, Rick’s faith allowed him to serve his First Baptist Church family through two financial campaigns that resulted in construction of a new auditorium and nursery.  He also traveled to Peru teaching Christian business principles to local Indians and native Peruvians.  Further, Rick’s life pursuit of growing through education was evident as he was a student working on completing his Doctorate Degree in Business.  

The Rick Bonnell Memorial NDTA Scholarship is dedicated to recognizing excellence in academic achievement and demonstrated desire to serve mankind. Recipients of this scholarship are entrusted with the legacy of Rick Bonnell’s lifework in serving God, loving family and country and giving back to the community to the very best of their abilities.

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