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Dietrich lived a life that was all too short, but he lived life to the fullest every day. People who were fortunate to know Dietrich were inspired by him to overcome difficult obstacles, to become better people, and, like him, to enjoy life fully. His positive influence on these people will continue. 

Dietrich excelled academically and participated in the Running Start Program, simultaneously earning a high school diploma from Hanford High School and an Associate of Arts degree from Columbia Basin College. He could have done anything at that point in his life. He chose military service. 

He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 2010. Dietrich’s first assignment as a Marine was to Third Recon on Okinawa, Japan. He completed training in military parachuting and diving. In January 2014 he was promoted to Sergeant and selected for Marine Corps Special Operations School, including training in Arabic language. 

Sergeant Schmieman was a member of 2D Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Special Operations Team 8232. He served as the Team’s Communications Marine and Joint Terminal Attack Controller. With the team, he executed more than 60 military freefall jumps. 

Much has been written about the close bonds formed by the brotherhood of warriors, especially among our nation’s elite special forces. As much as Dietrich felt close bonds with his MARSOC Team, his bonds to his childhood friends in Richland were just as close. Although some of his close friends moved to other locations for higher education or employment, they continued to communicate with each other often. They gathered and celebrated together every time Dietrich was home. Reunions usually included skiing, camping, and croquet matches. 

The love of Dietrich’s life was Morgan Zoufal of Atlanta, Georgia. Through their commuter romance between Atlanta and Camp Lejeune, they shared love, affection, laughter, travel, smiles, and each other. 

Dietrich’s behavior that made him loved by so many − such as always doing the right thing (with joy); treating all people fairly, with love, kindness, and a smile; helping and encouraging others; giving his best at everything he tried – these behaviors were developed at an early age by a Christian education at Christ the King elementary school and by the Children’s Ministry at Richland Lutheran Church. 

Dietrich was preceded in death almost exactly two years by his good friend Jake Mulkey.