Richard A. Galvan is a native of San Antonio, TX. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA on July 28, 2006. He was selected as an honor graduate and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class.
PFC Galvan attended Marine Combat Training aboard Camp Pendleton, CA. PFC Galvan then attended Basic Electrician Course at Courthouse Bay aboard Camp Lejeune, NC obtaining the MOS of 1141.
On January 4, 2008, PFC Galvan reported to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18, located aboard Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Senior Electrician and Platoon Sergeant for Motor Transportation/Utilities Platoon. During his tour with MTACS-18, he was the Marine of the Quarter on 2 occasions, Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter on 2 occasions, and was meritoriously promoted to the ranks of Lance Corporal and Corporal.
On April 20, 2009, Cpl Galvan executed orders to 1st Marine Logistics Group, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Maintenance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA. During this tour, he served as the Battalion Ground Safety Manager and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Sgt Galvan was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion on September 2, 2009 and completed a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt Galvan served as the Electrical Section Head until his end of active service on August 31, 2010.
On May 14, 2012, Sgt Galvan reenlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee and reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force, I Marine Headquarters Group, Engineer Section aboard Camp Pendleton, CA. Sgt Galvan served as the Senior Electrician for the Engineer Section.
On June 1, 2013, Sgt Galvan reported to Marine Forces Special Operations Command, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion aboard Camp Pendleton, CA. Sgt Galvan served as the Engineer Section Chief.
In October 2013, Sgt Galvan was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Special Operations Task Force West where he served as the Engineer Operations Chief. Sgt Galvan completed a deployment in support of Operation Enduring freedom and completed active orders on September 30, 2014. During his tour with 1st MSOB, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In January 2018, SSgt Galvan reenlisted in the reserve component and reported to 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Air Control Group 48, Marine Air Control Squadron 24, Air Traffic Control Detachment A aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, TX. SSgt Galvan served as Utilities Chief. SSgt Galvan was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in October 2019.
In October 2019, GySgt Galvan received orders to Wounded Warrior Regiment, Wounded Warrior Battalion East, Detachment San Antonio and served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor.
In March 2023 GySgt Galvan was selected to the rank of First Sergeant and currently serves as the United Senior Enlisted Leader for Battery Oscar, 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment aboard Seal Beach, CA.
First Sergeant Galvan's awards consist of: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ bronze star, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 3 bronze stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Nato Medal-ISAF, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ 2 bronze stars, (4) Certificates of Commendation, (11) Certificates of Appreciation, and (16) Letters of Appreciation.
First Sergeant Galvan attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and a Master of Science in Health and Kinesiology.