Sherwood Andrew Richers

SHERWOOD ANDREW "ANDY" RICHERS
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: CS-07
Highest Rank: Major (O-4)
Years of Service: 25

Sherwood Andrew "Andy" Richers was raised on a ranch in Bay City, Texas. Earning a congressional appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, he joined the pioneer Class of 1959 as a cadet in Cadet Squadron 07 (CS-07).

During his four years at the Academy, Andy was an active student leader. He served as Chairman of the Cadet Escort Committee, worked on the staff of the cadet publication Base Leg, and competed as a standout player and team captain on the basketball team.

MILITARY CAREER & FLIGHT SERVICE

Following graduation and commissioning in June 1959, Andy entered primary and basic pilot training at Moore Air Base and Vance Air Force Base. After earning his command pilot wings in 1960, he was assigned as a B-52 pilot with the 334th Bombardment Squadron at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas.

In 1964, Andy transitioned to command support duties, serving as an Aide Commander at United States Strike Command (USSTRICOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. He then served as a pilot with the 3541st Navigator Training Squadron at Mather Air Force Base, California from 1965 to 1966.

During the Vietnam War, Andy was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, serving as an Operations Officer with Seventh Air Force (7AF). Returning stateside, he became a B-52H Aircraft Commander with the 23rd Bombardment Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, while also deploying overseas to perform combat support missions out of U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand.

In 1970, he shifted focus toward flight safety, serving as a Safety Officer for the 5th Bombardment Wing at Minot Air Force Base. Recognizing his technical expertise, the Air Force selected him to attend the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in 1972. Following his studies, he served at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, working with the Air Force Weapons Laboratory (AFWL) in TRSST LEPO/Safety. Major Richers concluded a distinguished 25-year Air Force career at the rank of Major (O-4).

POST-MILITARY CAREER & PERSONAL LIFE

Following his Air Force retirement, Andy settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with his wife, Judith "Judy" Richers. In 1980, he transitioned into private industry as Comptroller for H&R Ltd in Albuquerque.

EDUCATION

• B.S., United States Air Force Academy (Class of 1959)
• AFIT Student, Air Force Institute of Technology (1972)

MEDALS & KEY AWARDS

• Air Medal (4)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (1)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1959–1960 Pilot Training Moore AB / Vance AFB
1960–1964 B-52 Pilot 334th Bomb Squadron, Biggs AFB
1964–1965 Aide Commander USSTRICOM, MacDill AFB
1965–1966 Pilot 3541st Navigator Training Squadron, Mather AFB
1966–1967 Operations Officer 7th Air Force, Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam
1967–1970 Aircraft Commander (B-52H) 23rd Bomb Squadron, Minot AFB / U-Tapao AB, Thailand
1970–1972 Safety Officer 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB
1972 AFIT Student Air Force Institute of Technology (RS)
1974 TRSST LEPO / AFWL Safety Kirtland AFB
1980 Comptroller H&R Ltd, Albuquerque, NM