Richard, born 26 October 1932 in Reading, Pennsylvania, enlisted into the Pennsylvania Air National Guard on 27 October 1949. He enlisted, with his parents’ consent, while still attending Reading Senior High School. He served in the 148th Fighter Squadron based at Spaatz Field, Reading, PA. A few months after high school graduation in June 1950, the fighter squadron was activated into federal service as a result of the Korean War. While on active duty with the U.S. Air Force from 20 January 1951 – 20 May 1952, he was stationed at Dover Air Force Base, DE under the U.S. Eastern Air Defense Command. There, he was placed into the armament section and progressed to a Senior Weapons Mechanic. Upon honorable discharge from active duty, Richard assume full time employment with the PA Air National Guard in January 1954. He was initially assigned as a Clerk Typist in the supply section then became an Inventory Management Specialist having completed Inventory Management School at Frances E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY.
In 1963, the squadron was relocated to Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown, PA. There, under full-time employment status, Richard remained in the supply section. Under Air National Guard status, he was assigned into the medical supply vacancy and attending Medical Supply School at Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL. By this time, Richard attained the rank of Master Sergeant.
In 1968, Richard was transferred to the 193rd Civil Engineering Squadron under both full time employment and Air National Guard status. As a Civil Engineering Assistant and 1st Sergeant in the Air National Guard. In 1970, Richard graduated from NCO Academy at McGee-Tyson, TN and returned to the 193rd Civil Engineering Squadron.
In September 1971, the 201st Red Horse Squadron was established and organized into the Air National Guard. The commanding officer was Lt. Colonel C.L. Withers. Richard was selected as the NCOIC of the Logistics and Supply Branch of this squadron. He advanced to Chief Master Sergeant. In 1986, he obtained an early release from his full time employment status. He continued on as NCOIC in the Air Guard until final honorable discharge in 1987.
