Richard II was a third (3rd) generation Army veteran.
His love for the military was sparked during his teen years when he attended a Christian summer camp that was based on a military regimen. Richard was so impressed with his summer experience that he began to search for military schools (academies) in the state of Alabama. His search led him to Lyman Ward Military Academy; where he was accepted. Upon his arrival, he stated, “Mom this is the best ever!”. So it was no surprise to his family when he later enlisted in the United States Army.
During his first year, he was stationed stateside, but in his second year of enlistment, he was deployed to Korea. After only a few months, Richard received word that his childhood “best friend” was tragically killed in an automobile crash. Richard was devastated by the loss.
In January 2005, Richard’s wife gave birth to their son Richard III (Tre), however, due to exhaustive and prolonged labor, Tre was born with multiple medical problems that were the result of a severe lack of oxygen during birth. Richard was again devastated, but remained hopeful for Tre’s future; even with his limitations.
Tre’s medical needs were such that he was brought to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC.
The coming weeks would prove agonizing for Richard, as Tre’s condition deteriorated, and Tre passed away at four (4) months old.
Richard and his wife would return to Germany for duty without their son, and the unit with which he trained with had already been deployed. The agony of his son's death, his failing marriage, and his unit deployment were too difficult for Richard to endure. Despite receiving counseling, Richard’s depression worsened and his marriage continued to crumble.
In addition to suffering through a mountain of grief and deep depression, Richard also received a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which was compounded by addiction.
Richard would not recover; but through his mother, his legacy of service would live forever.