Prior to his education, Richard recieved a Bacholars Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Radio/TV/Film.  Post university saw Richard enter the Army National Guard, where he served as a Forward Observer (13F) for 7 years. He achieved the rank of Staff Seargent (E-6) and deployed to Iraq in 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.