American Legion South Carolina Department Commander Walt Richardson received a big welcome at Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr. Post 214 held at Lee Road Methodist Church.
South Carolina Department Adjutant Nick Diener also received a big welcome from members of Post 214.
American Legion Department of South Carolin Commander Walt Richardson addressing the members of Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr. Post 214 at their monthly meeting in November.- Photo by Stuart McClure
Walt has been married to his wife, Anne, for forty years. They have lived in Chapin for thirty-five years. They have two children, Cindy and Mikie, and four grandchildren. They attend Shady Grove United Methodist Church.
He served in The United States Marine Corps with the 2nd Marine Division and the 1st Marine Air Wing. He was honorably discharged in 1973 with the rank of Corporal.
His educational degrees are as follows: an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. A Masters Degree in Guidance with a minor in Administration.
Walt is a retired schoolteacher with thirty-six years in the classroom teaching Biology, Science, and Physical Education. He has served on several educational committees and coached football, weightlifting, and soccer.
A twenty-year member of The American Legion, Walt is a founding member of Chapin Post 193, where he has served as the Commander for three terms. He was a 100% Commander for all three years. In addition to being the founder of American Legion Riders Chapter 193, he served as Chapter Director for three years and American Legion Riders of South Carolina State Director.
He has earned the Silver Star Certificate for Membership and Post Commander of the Year. In 2012, he initiated The ALRSC 1st Annual Legacy Fund Ride. This was the first statewide ride for the Legacy fund in the nation.
In June 2013, Walt was elected Commander of District 1 where he served for two years. In 2015, he was elected 4th Vice Commander for The Department of South Carolina and has served in all four Vice Commander positions. As Third Vice Commander, Walt organized the Rifle Raffle. It was an extremely successful fundraiser that raised over $220,000 for The Department and the Posts. He has served on the National Veterans Employment and Education Commission since 2015.
Walt was elected Commander of the American Legion Department of South Carolina on June 1, 2019. He has since been appointed to Governor McMaster’s Advisory Panel for South Carolina Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Search.