Colonel Richardson enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1996 and was commissioned in August 2001. Colonel Richardson reported to The Basic School in August of 2001 and the Field Artillery Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK in June 2002.
Upon completion of initial training, Colonel Richardson reported to 2d Battalion 10th Marines where he served in numerous billets. During this tour Colonel Richardson deployed with 2d Battalion 6th Marines for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 6th Marines in support of Landing Force Sixth Fleet and subsequently to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.
In May of 2005, Colonel Richardson reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC where he served as in leadership billets within 2d Recruit Training Battalion. In July 2008, Colonel Richardson reported to the Expeditionary Warfare School Resident Course at Quantico, VA. After graduating in the May of 2009, Colonel Richardson reported to Officer Candidate School where he served as a Staff Platoon Commander, Company C.
In September 2009, Colonel Richardson reported to 10th Marines where he served as the Fire Support Officer for 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion / Special Operations Task Force 81. In November of 2009, Colonel Richardson deployed to Afghanistan to support the Afghanistan National Army Commandos and regular forces from the 207th / 209th Corps. Upon returning from this deployment, Colonel Richardson assumed command of Battery F, 2nd Battalion 10th Marines. After relinquishing command, Colonel Richardson assumed the responsibilities as the Battalion Operations Officer and deployed to Afghanistan where the battalion provided fires to the 1st Marine Division (FWD). Colonel Richardson then served as the Battalion Executive Officer before reporting to the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Quantico, VA.
Upon completion of Command and Staff College in May of 2014, Colonel Richardson reported to a joint billet with the United States Military Observer Group-Washington (USMOG-W). While serving at USMOG-W, he was assigned as the Operations and Training Officer supervising the pre-deployment training program and all force protection initiatives for the supported missions.
In July of 2017, Colonel Richardson reported to 2d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company where he served as a Brigade Platoon Commander and the Company Operations Officer. From August 2018 to June 2019, Colonel Richardson was assigned to Task Force Southwest where he served as a Brigade Advisor Team Leader supporting all four brigades of the 215th Corps, Afghan National Army.
In June of 2019, Colonel Richardson reported to 3rd Battalion 14th Marines to serve as the Inspector-Instructor. After successfully completing command, Colonel Richardson was selected to be the Commandant's Fellow to the US Institute of Peace as his Top Level School assignment. Upon completion of Top Level School, Colonel Richardson was assigned to 12th Marine Regiment as the Executive Officer. After completing his tour in Okinawa, Colonel Richardson reported to Marine Corps Base Quantico to serve as the Chief of Staff.
Colonel Richardson's personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of third award, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars in lieu of third award, Combat Action Ribbon gold star in lieu of second award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, and ISAF NATO Medal and Resolute Support Mission NATO Ribbon.