The Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis (always faithful) attests to the character of this man. And the three core values of the Marine Corps: Honor, Courage, and Commitment exemplify his life.

HONOR: Discipline at an early age set the stage for his accomplishments. Obeying and honoring his parents were paramount.

"Please Mom. I won't do it again!" he pleaded.
"That's the purpose of this whipping!" she affirmed.
"How dare you give your mother THE LOOK!" his dad fumed. "You're going to the basement with me!"

COURAGE: Richard's first step in this direction occurred when he defied his mother.

"Well, I've been thinking about joining the Navy."
"Listen hear young man! I've told you several times that you are going to college!"
"No Mom, I've made up my mind!"

COMMITMENT: Richard was committed to his military service and his family.

In the summer of 1970, he took his family westward from Florida on an educational tour to visit the Western States' Capitals.