A few minutes after 8 am on August 8, 2003, he left the gate along with 3 others. They were new to the area and had asked Ron (Staff Sergeant Ronald Richardson) to ride along with them one more day. Ron didn't have to go with them that day. Technically, he was done.
Our military police company had transitioned all of our duties and responsibilities to our replacement unit. We would be leaving that hell-hole of Somalia in a few days. Our unit's mission was complete. But the new soldiers who Ron had been training up for their new duties had asked if he could do one more day of patrols with them - to help them feel a bit more comfortable. The answer from Ron was of course yes. He was that kind of a guy.
In fact, Ron was a great Chirstian young man known for his cheerfulness and willingness to help others. Ron lead a small Bible study for other soldiers in the unit. He had told me a few days before this dreadful day that he had decided not re-enlist in the Army. Of course i was dissappointed. Ron was a great troop with a bright future in the Army. But when he told me why he elected not to stay in the Army, i completely understood. He was answering a higher calling. Ron felt the Lord calling him to be a missionary. And to my suprise - back here in Somalia.
But, for reason I still do not understand this wonderful young leader of men, father of two small boys, husband to a young wife, and son to proud parents was killed shortly after 8 am on the streets of Mogadishu when the Humvee he was riding in was blown to bits by a command detonated bomb. Ron, along with 3 other soldiers in the vehilce died that day for their country in a far off land were the people would rather kill each other than work together for a common good.
So, today I pray for Ron's wife and two boys. I salute him as a soldier -he was a good one. But I praise the Lord for Ron and the Christian example he dispalyed every day in spite of the challenges of combat and the stresses of being away from his loved ones. I am a better man for knowing him in life and death.
God Bless Staff Sergeant Ronald Richardson and the family he left behind.
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