SFC TYWAYNE L. RICHARDSON (U.S. ARMY), a native of Louisville, Kentucky joined the military on the 28^th November 1995. He conducted One Station Unit Training at Ft Sill, Oklahoma as a 13 Bravo Field Artilleryman. Upon graduating he was assigned to 3^rd Battalion 16^th Field Artillery Ft Hood, Texas where he served in numerous duty positions as a Paladin Howitzer Crewmember. He then was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion 17^th Field Artillery in the Republic of South Korea for a period of one year where he served as a Paladin Howitzer gunner, Ammunition Team Chief, and a Paladin Howitzer Section Chief. He then was assigned to 4^th Infantry Division Artillery Ft Hood, Texas where he served as the Division Commander’s Driver in support of three Division Capstone Exercises, and five Division Artillery Training cycles at the National Training Center at Ft Irwin, Californina from June 2000- March 2002.

In April 2002 SFC Richardson was assigned to Alpha Battery 3^rd Battalion 16^th Field Artillery Ft Hood, Texas as a Howitzer Section Chief. In May 2003 He was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was attached to 2^nd Battalion 8^th Infantry Regiment. He and his section fired multiple counter-battery missions to combat enemy force attacks on and around FOB Normandy, in support of numerous convoy attacks against Allied and Coalition forces totaling over 800 rounds safely and accurately in support of Task Force 2-8 Infantry.

In 2004 SFC Richardson was assigned to 2^nd Battalion 80^th Field Artillery Ft Sill, Oklahoma where he served as a United States Army Drill Sergeant. He instructed One Station Unit Training to all 13 series trainees. In 2005 he was assigned to Echo Battery 1^st Battalion 40^th Field Artillery Ft Sill, Oklahoma as a Platoon Sergeant and Senior Drill Sergeant. During his time as a Drill Sergeant SFC Richardson was awarded the esteemed Drill Sergeant of the Cycle Award an unparalleled three times. Among his many accolades as a Drill Sergeant, his platoon achieved honor platoon four of ten cycles and five of his Soldiers were recognized as Distinguished Honor Graduates for their classes, resulting in three commendations and five coins of excellence from the Brigade and Battalion Commanders. In Feb 2008 SFC Richardson was inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara for his career contributions to the Field Artillery.

In June 2008 SFC Richardson was assigned to the 1^st Infantry Division Ft Riley, Kansas in support of Iraqi Freedom. He served as the Convoy Commander in over 200 Mounted Combat Patrols throughout Multi-National Division Baghdad. SFC Richardson also served as a Combat Advisor to the 9^th Iraqi Army Division, advising and assisting the 9^th Iraqi Army Division Command Sergeant Major in developing and professionalizing the Iraqi Army Non Commissioned Officer Corps.

SFC Richardson is currently serving at Michigan Technological University Reserve Officer Training Corp where he acts performs as the Operations Non Commissioned Officer and the Assistant Professor of Military Science.

SFC Richardson’s Military training includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic Non Commissioned Officer’s Course, Advanced Non Commissioned Officer’s Course, Drill Sergeant School, Advanced/Military Transition Team Training, Combat Leaders Course Training, Combatives Level 1 & 2 Instructor Course, Field Sanitation Team Training, and Small Unit Armor Course Training.

SFC Richardson’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (1), Meritorious Service Medal (1), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement  Medal (9), Valorous Unit Award (1), Army Good Conduct Medal (4^th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2), Korean Defense Service Medal (1), Iraqi Campaign  Medal ( 2 Bronze Star), Global War on Terrorism (1), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (1), Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon (1 Bronze Star), Overseas Ribbon (1), Drill Sergeant Badge(1), Combat Action Badge (1), and Driver’s Badge Wheel (1), Track (1).

SFC Richardson is married to the former Christina Alexander of Copperas Cove, Texas and currently resides in Houghton, Michigan.