Staff report

Suffolk native Sgt. First Class Gregory L. Richardson retired from the U.S. Army last month after 21 years of service.

Richardson was honored during a retirement ceremony at the NCO Club at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Calif. on March 11.

Born in Suffolk, Richardson is the youngest of five boys born to the late Arthur Richardson Jr. and Mrs. Ruth Richardson. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia State University.

After graduation, SFC Richardson wanted to serve his country so he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a food inspector. His basic training began at Fort Jackson Training Center in South Carolina. His first assignment was at the Naval Multinational Force and Observers located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.

In May 1991, he reported to the Presidio of San Francisco and was assigned to Alameda Naval Air Station as the Supply Point Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge. He was later assigned to the 72nd Medical Detachment, Giebelstadt, Germany, as Operations NCO.

SFC Richardson deployed to Bosnia as the NCOIC of the forward detachment. He then reported to Camp Pendleton, Calif., to serve as the NCOIC of the West Coast Branch Veterinary Services, followed by an assignment to Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego’s Navy Food Management Team.

Some of Richardson’s awards and decorations earned throughout his career include Meritorious Service Medal, two; Army Commendation Medal, six; Army Achievement Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Multinational Forces and Observers Medal, two; NATO Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, three; Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, six; and Expert Marksmanship (Rifle & Pistol).

SFC Richardson is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Lynn Staton. They have two sons, Jamal, a senior at Murrieta Valley High School and Juwan, a fifth-grade honor student.

SFC Richardson plans to enjoy retirement by finishing his master of divinity degree from Bethel University, managing the family business and carrying out the Lord’s plan for his life.