The United States Air Force Celebrates its 77th Birthday: Reflections with Rich Anderson
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the United States Air Force (USAF) celebrated its 77th birthday. Established in 1947 under the National Security Act, the Air Force was born from the U.S. Army Air Forces, evolving into a separate and independent branch of the military. This historic milestone not only marks the achievements of the USAF but also highlights the role of the Air Force as a vital element of America's nuclear deterrent strategy. Throughout its history, the USAF has been defined by innovation, leadership, and its unwavering commitment to national security.
To help us commemorate this special occasion, we spoke with former Delegate Richard L.(Rich) Anderson, a retired USAF colonel and current treasurer of the Virginia Aviation Business Association (VABA). With 30 years of service in the USAF, Anderson’s experiences and insights offer a unique perspective on the Air Force’s legacy and the enduring importance of its mission.
Anderson’s love of aviation started young. At age 13, he joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the civilian auxiliary branch of the Air Force. While in the CAP, he piloted his first solo flight at 16, earned his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot’s license at 17, and received his FAA commercial pilot certificate at 18. “Unfortunately, I didn’t qualify to be a military pilot because you needed 20/20 vision on the first day of pilot training” Anderson laughs.
The vision requirement didn’t deter him in the slightest from a career in the Air Force. “I just loved hanging out with guys who flew airplanes,” he reflects. After graduating high school in Roanoke, Anderson made a quick pit stop at Virginia Tech for a B.A. in political science, and after graduation, was commissioned into the USAF.
Anderson spent the first half of his career in missile and space operations career field. He commanded Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launch centers and combat crews, led and operated a Minuteman II ICBM squadron, missiles, and launch crews, and served as a senior leader at SAC Headquarters, U.S. Atlantic Command Headquarters, U.S. Pacific Command Headquarters, and the Pentagon. While serving as one of two missile launch officers in the 308th Strategic Missile Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, Anderson ensured the crew, maintenance, and security functions were prepared around the clock to receive and act on presidential orders to launch missiles.
Over the course of his career in public service, Anderson has carried the weight and importance of his role in missile operations. “I meticulously plan before meetings, events, and activities. I also approach [issues] with an analytical and thoughtful mindset,” he points out when discussing how his military experience prepared him for politics. “Turns out, that approach works out well when you’re running a campaign or serving as a member of the General Assembly,” Anderson chuckled.
The last half of his military career was spent in Air Force international affairs, overseeing military relationships in Asia and the Pacific Theater. “I learned how to work across cultures,” which ultimately, “prepared me to work across the aisle,” explains Anderson.
After retiring from the USAF, Anderson was recruited to run for public office. A career in politics, “wasn’t really on my radar,” he explains. But as a USAF veteran and Hokie alumna, public service was baked into the fiber of his being. As a Hokie, Anderson abides by the University’s motto: Ut Prosim, translating to - That I May Serve. “I wanted to serve,” he reflects.
Committed to the calling of public service, Anderson accepted the invitation to run for the Virginia House of Delegates. After winning Prince William County’s 51st House District seat, he found the transition to public service as a civilian rather easy. “I discovered the structure of the Virginia General Assembly was a lot like the military. Both have uniforms, organizational structure, and a chain of command,” he tells me.
During his tenure in the General Assembly, he chaired the House Science and Technology Committee, as well as the Joint House-Senate Military and Veterans Caucus, advocating for Virginia Veterans. He also chaired the Virginia General Assembly Aviation Caucus. “I understood firsthand the needs of veterans,” Anderson said. “Whether you served four or twenty years, you’re still a veteran and should have access to the resources you need.”
When his time in the General Assembly was finished, he was again asked to run for office - this time as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. “But, if the Air Force called me today and said, ‘there’s a national emergency’, I’d say – ‘give me twenty minutes to put on my uniform, and I’ll be on my way to the Pentagon.”
Throughout his 30-year career, Anderson’s time in the Air Force deeply shaped his approach to both leadership and service. Reflecting on his years in missile operations and international affairs, he emphasizes the weight of responsibility that comes with such roles. The Air Force provided him with the challenges, discipline, and leadership opportunities he still relies on to navigate his 14-year tenure in public office.
As the Air Force celebrates its 77th birthday, Anderson offers a message to potential, current, and future generations of Airmen: “Go for it. Whether you serve for four years or for a whole career, go for it. I cannot think of a more challenging discipline or career field to hone your leadership skills in,” he argues. Serving in the Air Force, “allows you to sink your teeth into some big responsibilities” Anderson continues.
Even after a distinguished career in the Air Force and public service, Anderson’s passion for aviation remains as strong as ever, a testament to the deep connection forged in his early years—one that continues to fuel his drive for service and adventure. “I plan to get back out and fly again,” he states. “I just need a few more hours to feel comfortable again, and I’ll be flying all over Virginia.”
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