Chief Master Sergeant RICHARD J. SCHUMACHER

Chief Master Sgt. Richard J. Schumacher, is the Command Chief of the 133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul Minn. As the Wing Command Chief, he is responsible for advising the Wing Commander on all aspects of the enlisted force regarding health, morale, readiness, and professional development.
 
Chief Schumacher began his military career in 1989 with the Minnesota Air National Guard as a traditional guard member in the 133rd Civil Engineering Squadron where he served as an Electrical Specialist until October 1991. Chief Schumacher cross-trained into the Loadmaster career field in December 1992 and joined the 109th Airlift Squadron (AS). He excelled as a Loadmaster Technician, demonstrating his leadership skills,  and was chosen to attend Instructor and Joint Airdrop Inspector schools in 1994. As a Loadmaster he deployed in support of Operations JOINT FORGE, CORONET OAK, NOBLE EAGLE, and ENDURING FREEDOM. In November 2003, he transitioned into Aircrew Life Support as a Technician, and played an integral role in the improved rating from Marginal to Excellent in the Unit Compliance Inspection. He was the Contingency Response Flight lead planner for exercises such as GLOBAL PATRIOT, VIGILANT GUARD, and MOBILITY GAURDIAN. Additionally, Chief Schumacher distinguished himself by deploying on four desert deployments in diverse and critical roles to include Loadmaster, Communications Security Responsible Officer, Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician, and C17 Stage Manager. Prior to his current position, Chief Schumacher served as the 133rd Operations Group Senior Enlisted Leader and the Airlift Control Flight Superintendent. Chief Master Sergeant Richard J. Schumacher prior to being named as the next Wing Command Chief was the Maintenance Group Senior Enlisted Leader at the 133rd Airlift Wing (AW), Saint Paul, Minn. As the Maintenance Group Chief, and senior enlisted advisor, he is responsible for advising the Maintenance Group Commanders on all aspects of the organization effectiveness regarding health, morale, readiness, training, promotion, and ongoing professional development of the enlisted Airmen.
 
As a technician in the Airlift Control Flight, Chief Schumacher fulfilled vital roles within his unit including, Wing Inspection Team member, Communications Security Resource Officer, Resource Advisor, Unit Deployment Manager, Status of Resources and Training System Monitor, Unit Training Manager, Safety Representative, Equipment Manager, Security Manager and Vehicle Control Officer.  A passionate developer of people, his strong communication skills have made him a central point of contact within his unit as well as the Air National Guard Contingency Response community.
 
EDUCATION
2000   Noncommissioned Officer Preparatory Course, by correspondence
2006  Noncommissioned Officer Academy, by correspondence
2007   Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, by correspondence
2017   Associates Degree in Aviation Management, Community College of the Air Force
 
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 1989–November 1992, Electrical Specialist, 133rd Civil Engineer Squadron, St. Paul, Minn.
2. December 1992–October 2003, C-130 Loadmaster Instructor, 109th Airlift Squadron, St. Paul, Minn.
3. November 2003–May 2005, Aircrew Life Support Technician, 109th Airlift Squadron, St. Paul, Minn.
4. June 2005–May 2016, Airfield Management, 133rd Airlift Control Fight Superintendent, St. Paul, Minn.
5. June 2016 – December 2022, Operations Group Chief, 133rd Operations Group, St. Paul, Minn.
6. December 2022 - September 2023, Maintenance Group Senior Enlisted Leader, St Paul, Minn.
7. September 2023 - Present, Command Chief, 133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul, Minn.
 
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Loadmaster Instructor
Flight Hours: More than 2,800 
Aircraft Flown: C-130H3, C-130H1, C130E
 
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with seven oak leaf clusters
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Medal with ten oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal with two stars
Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Air Force Longevity Service with two oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass
Air Force Training Ribbon
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal
 
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
1992 Honor Graduate, Loadmaster Technical Course
2003 Honor Graduate, Aircrew Life Support Technical Course
2005 Honor Graduate, Command and Control Technical Course
 
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Minnesota National Guard Enlisted Association
Veterans of Foreign Wars Life Member
 
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Oct. 1, 1989
Airman First Class May 1, 1990
Senior Airman Jul. 1, 1991
Staff Sergeant Apr. 1, 2000
Technical Sergeant Apr. 1, 2002
Master Sergeant Mar. 1, 2006
Senior Master Sergeant Mar. 1, 2009
Chief Master Sergeant 1 Jun. 2017
 
(Current as of October 2023)