Graduate Promoted to Major General, Named Air Force Chief of Chaplains

June 26, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, director of public relations and publications (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — Chaplain Cecil R. Richardson, a 1973 graduate of Evangel University, was promoted to Major General and named Air Force Chief of Chaplains on May 28, 2008.

He was nominated by President George W. Bush for the promotion last December.

Prior to this appointment, Chaplain Richardson served as Deputy Chief of Chaplains. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Evangel University and a master’s of divinity degree in Hebrew studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill.

As a member of the special staff of the Air Force Chief of Staff, he advises on all matters pertaining to the religious and moral welfare of Air Force personnel. He is responsible for establishing an effective total chaplain program to meet the religious needs of all members of the Air Force.

As Chief of Chaplains, he is the senior pastor for more than 800,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. He leads an Air Force Chaplain Service of approximately 2,200 chaplains and chaplain assistants from the active and Air Reserve components. As a member of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board, he and other members advise the Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff on religious, ethical and quality-of-life concerns.

Chaplain Richardson began his career as an enlisted intercept operator and Russian interpreter. He has served two assignments as a senior Protestant chaplain and two as a wing chaplain. He has also served as the Chaplain Assignments Officer and a major command division chief. His senior leadership positions include Executive Director, Armed Forces Chaplain Board; Command Chaplain for U.S. Central Command and Air Combat Command; and Director, USAF Chaplain Service Institute. www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7806

Evangel University is the national Assemblies of God college of arts, sciences and professions. It is a private, coeducational university that offers more than 100 undergraduate academic programs and eight master’s programs. Evangel University draws nearly 2,000 students from all 50 states and abroad.

For additional information, contact Paul K. Logsdon at (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292.