Metropolitan State College of Denver, 1986
Hometown: Northglenn, CO
Inducted May 2012
Brigadier General Laura J. Richardson graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Upon commissioning as an active duty Second Lieutenant, Brigadier General Richardson began her career as an Aviation Officer. Her military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Rotary Wing Course, UH-60 Blackhawk Course, Air Assault School, and Airborne School. In addition, she is a 1997 graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, a 2007 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and holds a Masters Degree in National Resource Strategy.
Brigadier General Richardson has commanded at the company, battalion, brigade, and general officer levels, serving with the 17th Aviation Brigade in Korea; 6th Cavalry Brigade at Fort Hood, TX; 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY; and United States Army Garrison at Fort Myer, VA. She deployed as the Battalion Commander of 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004.
She formerly served as the Military Aide to Vice President Al Gore; Deputy Director and then Director of the Army’s Transformation Office at the Pentagon; and the Army’s Liaison Officer to the United States Senate. Brigadier General Richardson currently serves as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Operational Test Command at Fort Hood, TX. In March 2012, the Army Chief of Staff announced that Brigadier General Richardson will be the first woman Deputy Division Commander with assignment to1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.
Brigadier General Richardson’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Brigadier General Laura Richardson is married to Brigadier General James Richardson, and they have one daughter.