
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 6, 1990                   TAG: 9004250030
SECTION: FOUNDERS DAY '90                    PAGE: VT4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                 LENGTH: Medium

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO BE GIVEN RICHARDS

When Air Force General Thomas Carl Richards decided to retire after 41 years, he told his wife, Meredyth, that he planned to take two months off before deciding what to do in the next phase of his life.

It was, perhaps, the shortest retirement on record. Just two weeks after ending his military career, Richards found himself on the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism to improve security for American travelers overseas. He makes his report to the White House next month.

Appropriately, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors has selected Richards to receive the University Distinguished Achievement Award. The award recognizes and honors nationally significant achievement of enduring significance to our society, and is among the highest awards bestowed by the university.

A 1956 Virginia Tech graduate who received a bachelor's degree in business administration and played on the undefeated 1954 football team, Richards is the first member of the Corps of Cadets to achieve the rank of four-star general.

"General Richards personifies the best that our country has to offer as a military professional and as a citizen," said Stanton R. Musser, commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. "The University Distinguished Achievement Award solidly confirms him as a great alumnus, native Virginian, and American."

Richards' military career began with the Army infantry in 1948. His position at retirement was as Deputy Commander in Chief of the U.S. European Command, second in command of all U.S. military forces in Europe, including about 326,000 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps service members.

Overseeing the $8 billion program, Richards was responsible for the security of 55 countries during a period of increased terrorist activity. The European Command not only provided training for the defense of those countries, but also was responsible for crisis management and intelligence activities.

His career included tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. His talent for motivating and training others led him to head the corps' efforts at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. He later commanded the USAF Recruiting Service and directed the Air University operations in Alabama, where more than 10,000 people are involved annually in its programs. Among its many missions, the Air University oversees the continuing military education of all Air Force personnel.

Richards was cited for bravery throughout his career in a number of decorations and service awards. He has been awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Medal. He has received the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross, both for single acts of heroism and gallantry in action.

"A lot of very successful people have graduated from Virginia Tech, and I'm happy to be counted among them," said Richards. "I think it's one of the great honors in life for your school to recognize you for your achievements in your chosen field."

Richards, who lives in San Angelo, Texas, says when his report to the White House is complete, he may consider "doing something in business."

by CNB