JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- (April 14, 2016) A 412th Contracting Support Brigade Soldier is serving as one of 10 military ambassadors during the 125th Fiesta San Antonio.
Sgt. 1st Class Rich Richardson was selected in December to serve as an ambassador for the Army during Fiesta, which runs April 14-24. He is representing the service along with his fellow ambassadors from each of the military services at multiple Fiesta events showcasing San Antonio's rich, multicultural heritage.
"It's quite special. We're the face of the military for the community," the South Boston, Virginia, native said. "It's important that we keep that bond with the citizens who support the armed forces."
Richardson, who has been with the brigade a little more than a year, admits that at first, he was not too familiar with what the selection entailed, but quickly discovered it would be a fast-paced few months ahead.
"I started doing some research and was excited. It's been a great experience so far," he said, having already attended about one and a half dozen events leading up to the official kickoff this week. "We have some great military supporters backing us. It's important the citizens in San Antonio hear our stories and learn about the military lifestyle. They also want to tell us their stories."
Richardson, 40, serves as the 412th CSB operations noncommissioned officer, responsible for running operations for the brigade's six subordinate units throughout the country. He is a graduate of Trident University International, earning magna cum laude honors with a Bachelor of Business Administration and concentration in contract management. He holds a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Level III certification in contracting.
Richardson enlisted in the Army in November 2000 in the Motor Transport Operator military occupational specialty before transition to the 51C MOS as a contracting Soldier.
Fiesta began in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. Today it consists of more than 100 events. Fiesta features parades, festivals, exhibits, athletic activities, music and dancing and several other activities throughout greater San Antonio.
Events are sponsored by local nonprofit organizations each year, raising funds that go back into the community for charitable causes. Officials from the Fiesta San Antonio Commission Inc. estimate that the citywide celebration, which is supported by more than 75,000 volunteers, generates about $284 million for the local economy and attracts almost 3.5 million people.
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