In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, I am pleased to present the January, 2003 Veteran of the Month – Richard MacDonald.

Richard originally is from Massachusetts, coming to Rapid City in 1985. He retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. He is currently employed by the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Richard has been associated with the American Legion for the past nine years, a Charter Member of Post 320 and has served as Post Commander for two years. Richard is serving as South Dakota District 13 Commander to the National American Legion Americanism Committee and is working his way through the ranks of the American Legion with the plan to be the South Dakota State Commander within the next six years.

Richard has been involved with the local Boy Scout Council for the past ten years, Cubmaster to Pack 53 for five years and Boy Scout Troop 53 where he served as Scoutmaster for four years. Richard has spent countless hours within the community working on a variety of projects for the Boy Scouts, and spearheaded the Blue Star Banner Program in Rapid City. His efforts have resulted in over 700 people in Rapid City and the outlaying communities, having a Blue Star in their window in support of the family members in the service. He is also an active member of the Board of Directors of the Black Hills Area Council of the Boy Scouts.

Richard is a very active member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club where he serves as Treasurer. He is an extremely community service orientated individual and is always looking for ways to do more for this community. He is married and he and his wife have three children.