Richard W Kucksdorf

Colonel Kucksdorf enlisted in the Army on active duty on April 3, 1972, and was honorably discharged under hardship conditions in May 1975.

In February 1984, Col. Kucksdorf enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard and attended the Wisconsin Military Academy “Class 27.” The class motto was “Class 27 Sent from Heaven.” Col. Kucksdorf was commissioned a 2LT in December 1985.

Col. Kucksdorf served in numerous field artillery positions of ever-increasing importance and responsibility. He transferred to the United States Army Reserves in October 2002 and was mobilized in June 2004.

In May 2005, Col. Kucksdorf went to Iraq and served as the J2/3 advisor for an Iraqi Special Police Division. In October, he assumed command of the 3rd Public Order Brigade Advisory Team and later assumed command of the first Corps Advisory Team in March 2006. He returned from Iraq in May 2006.

In September 2006, he assumed duties as the first G3 for the 1st Army Division East located at Ft. Meade, Maryland, with responsibilities for mobilizing forces at 10 different military posts east of the Mississippi River. He completed his master’s degree while serving as a Brigade Commander and working full time at the United States Post Office.

Col. Kucksdorf’s final military position was G3 for the 86th Training Division at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin. He retired in December 2013.

“What I Know…”

“I know that because of the oath I took, my allegiance was always to the nation and the United States Constitution. I know that there are very competent troops that serve on active duty, in the National Guard, and in the United States Army Reserve. The uniform and the color of the blood spilled does not distinguish between Active Duty, National Guard, or the United States Army Reserve. The uniform says, U.S. Army.”

“I had the privilege of having U.S. Air Force, Marines, and Navy personnel serve on my embedded teams in Iraq. All are very special, well-trained, and competent. I still remember my drill sergeants’ names, Lovelace and Barnes. I still remember my first sergeant from 1973 in Korea. His name is 1SG Roger B. Kampson, an extremely organized and wonderful Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). NCOs are the backbone of the military and are responsible for training the next generation.”

“Thoughts…”

“Gentlemen, an order that can be misunderstood will be misunderstood.” — Moltke

“We have good corporals and sergeants and some good lieutenants and captains, and those are far more important than good generals.” — Sherman

“If you desire peace, prepare for war.” — Roman maxim

“You get what you inspect, not what you expect.” — Col. Kucksdorf

Col. Kucksdorf’s military awards include the Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (4), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2), Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara.

His unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for gallantry, determination, esprit de corps, and extraordinary heroism under extremely difficult conditions.

Civilian Life

Col. Kucksdorf worked for the United States Post Office in many different offices throughout Wisconsin and retired as the Postmaster of the Kaukauna office.

Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Bonduel Bank. He also owns and operates a gun repair and sharpening service and has been writing a book about his team’s experiences in Iraq titled Between Bullets, Ballots and Democracy – A Soldier’s Story from Iraq’s Constitutional Moment.

He also had the privilege of assistant coaching the Bonduel St. Paul girls’ “A” team for five years. During that time, the team was invited to the National Tournament four years in a row. He remains active in his church, St. Paul Bonduel, where he served on the Board of Education and twice as Chairman.

In 2026, he and his wife Connie celebrated 48 years of marriage. Together they have two grown children, Amber and Mike, along with a son-in-law, Brady. On December 17, 2019, they were blessed with their first grandchild, Eliana Rose, whom he described as “a true blessing from God.”

When people thank him for his service, his response is:

“It has been my honor to serve, and I can never give back as much as this country has given me.”