Sergeant Major Jimmy F. Richard Jr. was born in Fontana, CA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2001 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA.
In May 2001, Sergeant Major Richard reported to Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School (MCCES) 29 Palms, CA. Upon completion of Basic Electronics and Tactical Data Systems Repair courses, he reported to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 (MTACS-18), Okinawa, Japan to serve as a Tactical Data Systems (TDS) Repairman. While serving with MTACS-18, he deployed to the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand.
In September 2003, Sergeant Major Richard reported to Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA), Camp Pendleton, CA where he served as a TDS Repairman and Unit Training Chief. In October 2005, Sergeant Major Richard reported to MCCES, for the TDS Technician’s Course.
In May 2006, Sergeant Major Richard reported to MTACS-18 where he served as the Communications-Electronics Section Platoon Sergeant and TDS Technician. He deployed to the Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Philippines.
In September 2008, Sergeant Major Richard reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego, CA. Sergeant Major Richard completed 8 training cycles, served as the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion Drill Master, and was recognized as the 2011 Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Drill Instructor of the Year.
In January 2012, Sergeant Major Richard reported to MCTSSA where he served as TDS Maintenance Chief. In July 2012, Sergeant Major Richard deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12.1 and 12.2.
In April 2014, Sergeant Major Richard reported to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD to serve as an Assistant Marine Officer Instructor and Officer Candidate School augment for Officers Candidate Course 214.
In August 2015, Sergeant Major Richard reported to 8th & I, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Company A. In November 2017, Sergeant Major Richard reported to 2D Battalion, 3D Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kaneohe Bay. He served as the Company E and Headquarters and Service Company First Sergeant. He deployed to Okinawa in support of the Unit Deployment Program.
In November 2019, Sergeant Major Richard reported to Headquarters Battalion, MCBH to serve as the Headquarters Company First Sergeant.
In April 2020, Sergeant Major Richard reported to 3D Radio Battalion where he served as the Battalion Sergeant Major until June 2022. Upon requesting orders to Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Sergeant Major Richard was assigned to Recruiting Station Jacksonville, Florida where he served from July 2022 to January 2024.
In January 2024, Sergeant Major Richard reported to 8th & I, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. where he currently serves.
Sergeant Major Richard’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with (2) gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with (3) gold stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with (2) gold stars. He has a B.A. in Management from American Military University.