State Command Sgt. Maj. Bobby Richards is from Inman, SC. He graduated from Chapman High School in July 1993 and Enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1993 as an Infantryman assigned to Schofield Barrack, HI. He transitioned from Active Duty as a member of Bravo Battery, 1-128^th FA Battalion in May of 1997. He held the key positions of Battery Fire Direction Control NCO and Battalion Fire Direction Control Chief for the 128^th FA BN prior to transitioning to a Military Police Platoon Sergeant in 2003.
 
Sgt. Maj. Richards holds numerous Military Occupational Specialties including 11B-Infantryman, 13 C/D/E Artillery Fire Direction and 31B- Military Policeman. Sgt. Maj. Richards has held serval assignments and currently serves as the Missouri Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major. He has also served as the J3 Directorate Sergeant Major at JFHQ in Jefferson City, MO, Command Sergeant Major for the 35^th Military Police Brigade in Jefferson Barracks, MO; Command Sergeant Major for the 205^th Military Police Battalion in Poplar Bluff, MO; Chief Operations Sergeant for the 110^th Maneuver Brigade in Kansas City, MO; Sergeant Major for the 175^th Military Police Battalion in Columbia, MO; First Sergeant for the 2175^th Military Police Company in Hannibal, MO; Operations Sergeant for the 1139^th Military Police Company in Harrisonville, MO
 
Sgt. Maj. Richards has deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.
 
Sgt. Maj. Richards military education includes the Joint Senior Leader Course, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, First Sergeants Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, and Primary Leadership Development Course.
 
Sgt. Maj. Richards awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3^rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (5^th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3^rd Award), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Air Assault Badge, Drivers Badge, and various campaign, unit, and service awards.