Colonel Richard L. Menhart was commissioned in 1991 from California University of Pennsylvania ROTC and retired in November 2016 after 29 Years of combined enlisted and commissioned officer service. He served as an Infantry platoon leader in the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.  He transitioned to the Quartermaster Corps serving as the S-1 Officer, 530th Supply & Service Battalion. 

Colonel Menhart commanded Company A, 25th Forward Support Battalion, 25th ID (L), Fort Lewis, WA, then became an Observer Controller, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA where he trained the Quartermaster leaders in supply companies in Brigade Combat Team rotations. He then served as an Executive Officer and Support Operations Officer, US Army Special Operations Command, Special Mission Unit (SMU), and later Task Force J4, Joint Reconnaissance Task Force, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC. As J4, he lead logistics teams in three combat zones and numerous low visibility operations worldwide. In 2008, Colonel Menhart assumed command of 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division and led a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Despite having been severely wounded in an enemy ambush, he remained in command through the end of the tour and was awarded the Purple Heart. Colonel Menhart next served as the G4, US Army Special Operations Command, Army Compartmented Element (ACE). Colonel Menhart culminated his career of distinguished service as the Commander, 406th Army Field Support Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC.

Colonel Menhart’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Combat Action Badge, and numerous foreign decorations.