Pine View JROTC instructor, former aviator Don Richardson left his mark as mentor, role model

Maj. Don Richardson and some JROTC Air Force cadets, St. George, Utah, April 6, 2022 | Photo provided by Thomas Brown, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Don Richardson was many things in life.

Major in the US Air Force. Navigator in an AC-130 gunship for over 18 years. Pilot on 385 combat missions over the course of 35 different deployments worldwide.

Longtime husband. Devoted father. Missionary. Teacher. Leader. Educator at Pine View High School. 

After Richardson passed away March 31 due to complications from pneumonia, friends and colleagues remembered a committed instructor who connected easily and well with students.

“He taught at Pine View; we knew him through JROTC,” Crimson Cliffs Principal Rusty Taylor told St. George News. “He coached a lot of Little League teams and junior football.

Maj. Don Richardson at a camp for youth, St. George, Utah, April 6, 2022 | Photo provided by Thomas Brown, St. George News

“He would come and supervise when we had the flag corps do the national anthem. He would be there every time watching, coaching, smiling, being friendly. He loved the kids, loved his country.”

Pine View Principal Mike Mees said Richardson ended up being at Pine View for about three years. He was an instructor in the JROTC program.

“I think the thing we remember most was his love of his military experience,” Mees said. “He was very proud of that, and he was very proud to extend the military experience and the opportunity for leadership to the students and cadets in our program.” 

Mees went on to explain that Richardson taught about leadership and service in ways that students could easily understand.

“He did so by example,” Mees said. “The other thing that stands out was his interest in his cadets’ future. He wanted them to have successful and productive opportunities running through their lives.”

The JROTC program at Pine View is unique for a couple of different reasons. It includes students from Pine View, Crimson Cliffs and Hurricane high schools.

Mees said Richardson was one of a handful of dedicated instructors who went to the various schools for promotional opportunities, flag ceremonies and to instruct students about the military experience and what options are available in military life.

“He did so with enthusiasm,” Mees said. “With his experience and positive attitude, Don had this ability to share passion about the program that definitely reached a lot of kids.”  

US Air Force (Ret.) Col. Thomas Brown commands the JROTC program at Pine View. He told St. George News that Richardson was directly responsible for unprecedented growth in enrollment.

Maj. Don Richardson and his marksmanship class, St. George, Utah, April 6, 2022 | Photo provided by Thomas Brown, St. George News

“We went from about 120 to 150 kids when he came on to this year — we’ve got 403 registered in the program,” Brown said. “Don was a huge part of that, and why we have such a high retention rate. He made an all-around humongous difference in the program.”

Brown talked about how Richardson’s ability to relate with students led to a successful program.

“When he came on he was extremely humble,” Brown said. “This was important. We were trying to establish an environment. He was a sponge, he learned so quickly.”

“He was able to create an atmosphere where they felt safe developing as citizens of character that go on to serve their nation and community,” Brown added. “He was humble and approachable. The kids were drawn to him.”

A memorial service conducted by members of the Pine View JROTC will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the high school.

US Air Force (Ret.) Chief Master Sgt. Todd Cole, one of Richardson’s colleagues and

an instructor in the program, wrote in an email to St. George News that the ceremony will feature a display of full military honors.

“Many people today have lost faith in the youth of America,” Cole wrote. “Watching our cadets pay respects and honor Major Richardson can change those perceptions.”

After the memorial service at the high school, internment will take place Saturday at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George.

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