Richard Bingham served in the United States Army and the Army Reserve and achieved the rank of First Sergeant.

Mr. Bingham’s unwavering dedication to his country began on April 23, 1968, when he answered the call to serve and was drafted into the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a Motorpool Sergeant with the 1st Aviation Brigade, he spent a year and a half in the heart of the conflict before returning home in December 1969. Even after completing his military obligation in 1974, his commitment to service never wavered.

In 1977, Mr. Bingham joined the 414th Civil Affairs Company in Utica, New York, marking the beginning of his long and distinguished career in the Army Reserve. When life took him to California, he continued his service with the 426th Civil Affairs Company in Upland, California, where he took on the role of Military Police Supervisor (MOS 95B5M). Upon returning to New York, Mr. Bingham dedicated seven years as a Basic Training First Sergeant with the 1165th Training Unit, shaping the next generation of soldiers during annual training.

Over nearly four decades in uniform, Mr. Bingham’s leadership, dedication, and service earned him numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. His commitment in the Reserve was further recognized with the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and many other honors.

In 2007, Mr. Bingham retired as a First Sergeant (1SG) with an Honorable Discharge, closing a chapter of service that defined much of his life. Yet, his devotion to his fellow soldiers and his country remains steadfast. For Mr. Bingham, wearing the uniform was more than duty – it was an honor, a privilege, and a lifelong commitment. He takes immense pride in having served alongside so many courageous men and women, and his legacy of service continues to inspire all who know him.