THOMAS RICHARDS Obituary

Meredyth...I just learned tonight of Tom's passing. You both were always the most gracious friends to Dixie and me, in good times and bad. Please know what a big part of my heart will always include wonderful and precious memories of our times together, your generosity to us and, of course, our little church. Tom blessed me with his wisdom, confidence, courage, generosity, and humility. You blessed us with all that and more. Your friend always, Pastor Tom Lanier

Meredyth, I saw Tom's obituary in the Colorado Springs Gazette and wanted to send my condolences to you and your family. It's been a long time since Okinawa but I still have fond memories of that special time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara White [email protected]

Meredyth

So sad to hear of General Richards passing. He was such a positive influence on my life as cadet and an officer. I will always remember him as the poster card for an Air Force pilot and officer - a real live Steve Canyon

Dear Meredyth, did your husband ever live in Florence, Oregon? If he did, I am related to his best friend, Willy. I heard that Thomas wrote a book named the Sandpiper. Did it ever get published? Looking forward to your response.
Hugs and smiles,
Sharon (Scharen) Teyler
[email protected]

General Tom Richards was our real life Steve Canyon. He and his bride were a "Class Act". General Richards was a true hero for all the people he met and certainly one of mine. General (R) J. B. Davis USAF

Meredyth and Family: I want to add our condolences to you and family on your loss with the passing of Gen Richards. My association with you both spanned our 4 yrs on staff at the USAFA when I served as DCS MWR and was active with Denny Weddle in Protocol...and enjoyed his thoughts and recommendations on the OOM and many other morale programs. I frequently tried to find time to stop by the Club in mornings and share a cup of coffee with you as you had breakfast. Later when I had frequent trips to Keesler AFB, I could always count on an office visit and a cup of coffee. He sure cleaned up that situation there! Later, I headed up the DOD Comptroller Course at Maxwell AFB when General Richsrds was AU/CC. The General was a consummate leader, motivator, and real Americsn success story going from leaving HS and moving up to 4-star rank with so many wartime and key roles....but he had a superb "wingman" at his side for 50 years. In reading his obituary I learned the he was a Hampton HS "crabber" like our two children! Carol and I send our thoughts and prayers to you during this time of loss. Warmest regards, Chuck & Carol Martin

Meredyth - I was saddened to hear of the General’s passing. What a great role model and inspiration. I had the privilege of serving as a cadet squadron commander and cadet group commander with General Richards as my group AOC. We spent considerable time together talking about leadership and the challenges of command. We also had the opportunity to work on some issues when he was the Commandant and I was on the law faculty at the Academy. He is one of the top two leaders I served with in the Air Force. A one of a kind gentleman and true inspiration. He will be missed. You have my sincere sympathy.

My deepest condolences. He is at the center of many of my USAFA cadet memories. Years later I am only partially understanding what an incredible human being, Air Force officer, hero, and family man he was. Thank you, Gen Richards, for being a shining star and example for us.

Meredyth, our sincere condolences in Tom's passing recently. He was a true gentleman, classmate and teammate on the football field. I will remember him fondly.
Roger W. Simmons, Class of '56

What an outstanding military career. This man was the "real deal". I have a few friends who were RAVEN pilots. As a former US Army O-1 pilot with most of my missions in Laos and Cambodia, I am very familiar with the RAVEN mission. My condolences to the family. Slow hand salute......

Served on General Richards Security detail at EUCOM. General Richards and his wife were wonderful to work for. General Richards did not speak much but when he did it was direct and to the point. Very gracious man. He did not have to tell you he appreciated your service and duty. It was expected. Mrs Richards we called Mom as she treated us like her children. We all enjoyed her shopping trips and just being around her was a joy. My condolences to Mrs Richards and your family. General Richards was a great man. I am honored to have served with him and serve on his security team. He made working a tough job easy. We all admired him. Rest In Peace General Richards!

Dear Meredyth, we were so sorry to hear General Richards' passing. We love you and miss you.

My dear Meredyth,

We just received Tom’s obituary and were sad to hear of his passing. When Lee returned from Vietnam in 1970 and checked in to be his Executive Officer at USAFA he was delighted upon meeting his new boss, Major Tom Richards. The both of you were our mentors through Lee’s entire Air Force career. Through the many assignments we worked together: USAFA 1, BMTS at Lackland, the Reserve Personnel Center in Denver, back to USAFA 2 and Maxwell in Montgomery, Alabama; we had nothing but admiration for his leadership and friendship.

Through the 50+ years we have known you, we truly count you as two of our favorite people. For me, you were the role model of what an Air Force wife should be. You never wore your husband’s rank, and always were a worker supporting the many causes to help our Air Force family. I can say without question, the happiest times of Lee’s career were when he was working with Tom.

Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you at this time.
Love,
Dolores Golden

General Richards obit,

Meredyth it was very sad to learn of Tom’s passing. For me the General was my mentor and friend but always my boss. He is without question the finest leader I have ever met. The five different times (USAFA, Lackland, Lowry, USAFA, Air University) we served together and the nine different jobs I held were the highlights of my career. I had the unique opportunity to observe first hand his great leadership in action and listen to his analyses of the problems and challenges and the unique way he had of getting the very best out of his people. He often said to me that we hire the best people and then figure out what we are going to have them do. His astute ability to find the strengths of each person and motivate them in a personal and unique way not only enhanced their strengths but his acute understanding of how to build a team and place his people in the role to maximize their contributions was unparalleled.

The General excelled at every step of his career from a combat infantry man in Korea, to football in college, as a young SAC aviator, the first commander of the “Ravens” in Laos, and the many command positions he held after Southeast Asia. He was one of the finest Academy Commandants and he integrated military training into the academic curriculum.

The General is an American hero whose contributions are in part not well known. However the hundreds of people who served under him know and we have garnered great lessons in leadership which have been put to use in our careers. I cannot count the many, many officers, enlisted, and cadets who have told me how they admired and praised the General for his leadership and personal example. His contributions to our country are significant because of the hundreds, likely thousands, who are serving today that have benefited and are stronger leaders because we are applying his lessons on patriotism and leadership.

I still remember vividly the day I first met you. I had just returned from Vietnam and when I reported to the Academy, I was told to go down to the Athletic Ticket Office and order my season tickets with 3rd Group. You were the ticket agent who sold me my tickets and you said “Oh you are in 3rd Group so you will be working with my husband.” I replied you must be Mrs. Richardson!”. You replied it is “Richards”. You have been affectionately Richardson ever since.

You and the General have always been a team. Your strong support has always been exemplary and you both are role models for Dolores and me. We are deeply saddened by Tom’s passing but for me the lessons learned are still being applied and his service and dedication to our country emboldens me each day.

Dear Meredyth, The obituary and stunning photo of General Richards brought back a flood of memories of the time I served as an AOC and a member of his staff at the Academy. He was a superb leader and role model for all who served under him. Gail and I are praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Meredyth,
So sorry--great person, officer and friend. He will be missed by a great many.( Academy, Kessler and Maxwell). May you stay strong and safe in these times.
Much love to you,
Glen Kendrick
Col, USAF, Retired.

Dear Meredyth,

Words fail to express the depth of my sorrow. I remember vividly the first moment I met, then Colonel, Tom Richards. As I served under him he won my my unbounded respect and deepest admiration. The General was truly one of my heroes.

Vance Forepaugh

Joe and I are deeply saddened by General Richard's death. He was more than a personal mentor to Joe at the Air Force Academy as an officer and gentlemen ; his military record enabled all to identify with his outstanding service. Our sympathy to Meredith, the most beautiful first lady of USAFA and the family. We were blessed to know the General. Joe and Linda Coates

Meredith,our hearts go out to you with the passing of dearly beloved Tom. He had such a full life, and gave so much to our country. You had a mighty full 50 years, with so many wonderful memories.
All Our Love To You.