~ Penny Dieryck ~

Now enjoying retirement, Dieryck took some time to reminisce about serving her country. In addition to a distinguished military career, her accomplishments include raising a family and achieving a high level of post-secondary education.

Early years

Dieryck grew up in Gary-New Duluth, and graduated from Morgan Park High School. She was one of five daughters born to Kenneth and Jeanette Turnboom. Her dad was a truck driver and her mom worked at US Bank.

Growing up, Dieryck was incredibly active in sports; she played basketball, broomball, softball and ran track.

While Dieryck’s father served in the Marines in the 1950s, her decision to join the military came after learning more about the Air National Guard from other acquaintances.

“I used to babysit for two families, and both fathers were in the Guard,” she noted. “I noticed that they could serve their country and stay in Duluth, and I also saw all the travel they did, and said to myself, ‘I want to do that.’”

On April 12, 1980, Dieryck enlisted, without telling anyone; not even her high school sweetheart, Dennis Dieryck, who would eventually become her husband.

“I didn’t want anyone to try to talk me out of it,” she said.

Basic training

Dieryck graduated from high school on June 6, and left for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas on June 8. After that, she transferred to Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, where she received technical training in the field of nondestructive inspections.

Dennis also decided to enlist, which he did in February 1981. The couple served concurrently for 35 years, ultimately retiring on the same date: December 31, 2015.

Back to Duluth

After technical training, Dieryck returned to Duluth, and enrolled in college at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She moved back home with her parents, and opted to serve as a traditional, part-time member of the Air National Guard, where she would serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year. Penny and Dennis were married a few years later, in 1985.

Dieryck worked seasonally for the city of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Department throughout college, and earned a bachelor’s degree in recreational administration, in order to continue that trajectory. She had a change of heart, however, and ultimately decided to work at the 148th Fighter Wing base full time, starting in 1988.

Promotions and highlights

Dieryck was selected to attend Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) in the 1995-1996 timeframe, for which she earned a certification that allowed future promotions. She also later earned a Master’s of Business Administration from the

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University of Minnesota Duluth.

Over the years, Dieryck worked her way up the chain of command with the Air National Guard. Some of her titles included first lieutenant, captain, major, and ultimately, colonel.

She shared several highlights from her military career. For instance, in 1984, she was stationed in Panama, Curacao, and Aruba, helping to prevent drugs from entering America.

In 1986, while working as a second lieutenant, Dieryck was the maintenance officer in charge of airplanes. “I had the opportunity to participate in a Zulu alert in Germany, to protect against the Russians,” she noted.

In 1987, she was on alert at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, where she helped intercept Russians trying to fly to Cuba. And, in 2005, when working as aircraft generations squadron commander, she helped other service members prepare to go to Iraq. She was deployed to Iraq herself twice – in 2005 and 2007.

She was also assigned to help defend and protect New York City, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, and President George W. Bush at his ranch in Texas, in the aftermath of 9/11.

Family

The Dierycks have two children – Spenser (32), and Ally (28). In addition to many of their other family members, Spenser also served eight years in the 148th Fighter Wing. Ally’s husband, Grant, also served.

Dieryck shared that military life was a great situation in which to raise a family.

“I took my kids with me a lot of times,” she said. “When I attended ACSC, I brought our kids and my mom to Alabama for a year. My kids have gotten to see a lot of the world.”

The Dierycks were also able to share their GI Bill benefits with their daughter, Ally, to cover college expenses.

Retirement

As previously noted, both Penny and Dennis retired in 2015; however, they maintain a very active life. Dieryck volunteers with the American Red Cross, is an active member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, and was recently elected to the Canosia Town Board.

The couple have two American quarter horses, Buddy and Moonie. Additionally, they enjoy watching UMD hockey games, and Dieryck also reads in her spare time.

Accolades

During her time in the military, Dieryck earned two special recognitions: a Minnesota State Recruiting ribbon, which she earned for her recruiting efforts on behalf of the Air National Guard. And, in 2016, she was named Woman Veteran of the Year by the Women Veterans Initiative, based in St. Paul.

Advice

Dieryck is immensely proud of her 35-year military career, and would advise others (particularly women) to consider joining the military, too.

“I think, especially for local women, joining the Air National Guard is a great opportunity,” she said. “Not only do you learn a trade, but you qualify for the state GI Bill, the federal GI Bill, TRICARE medical insurance, and life insurance through the Servicemembers Group. And, once you’ve served, employers want to hire you. They know you’ll have manners, show respect, and will be drug-free.”

Dieryck finds it vital to acknowledge all the service members who came before her, saying, “I really want to thank all the veterans out there. We wouldn’t have the great country we do without them.” D