Willow Glen Resident
News
Photograph by Vicki Thompson
Randall W. Richmond has reached the rank of great senior sagamore for the Improved Order of Red Men, the oldest American fraternity and nonprofit organization devoted to promoting patriotism in America. He devotes countless hours to helping veterans improve their lives.
One vet's efforts make positive difference
By Emilie Crofton
Randall W. Richmond of Willow Glen says volunteering his time to honor the lives of war veterans, feeding the homeless and recruiting countless new members to veterans organizations is nothing special.
Those that know Richmond think differently.
"Randy is the ultimate volunteer," says Frank Jewett, a naval reserve veteran and friend. "He lives by the value of service above self."
For the past 25 years, Randall has donated his time to various organizations, including Vietnam Veterans of America, The American Legion, AMVETS and The Improved Order of Red Men.
"Randy believes strongly that making a difference in the community comes through volunteerism," says Jewett, who was recruited into the American Legion by Richmond.
Richmond makes good on his word. He spends hours working with mentally and physically disabled veterans, performing flag ceremonies for deceased veterans and recruiting new members for various veteran organizations.
"He's always doing something," says Lionel Faunce of AMVETS, an organization that provides support to veterans. "There's nothing too big or too small. He does more in this post than any other member."
Friends say Richmond, 53, is best known for his charisma and persuasiveness and he uses those attributes to encourage others to make a difference.
He's credited with bringing in more members than any other volunteer, says Charlotte York of the Degree of Pocahontas, the women's auxiliary of the Improved Order of Red Men.
Recently, Richmond reached the rank of great senior sagamore for the Improved Order of Red Men, the oldest American fraternity and nonprofit organization devoted to promoting patriotism in America.
One of Richmond's main goals is to encourage more veterans to become involved in society by volunteering.
"It's the spirit of America to help fellow Americans. We need to look out for one another," Richmond says.
He notes that it's difficult for veterans to ask for assistance when they return from combat. Often, they just want to forget.
"We need to be humble enough to rely on others," says Richmond, who served in the Army in the early 1970s.
Born into a Marine Corps family, Richmond grew up with family hardships and tragedy, including the death of his father, who returned safely after serving as a Marine in Vietnam, only to die 12 days later in an auto accident.
Richmond says was his "mentor and savior." His father was also the reason he enlisted in the military. But when he returned from his duties overseas, Richmond says, veterans in Santa Clara County were not acknowledged and there were insufficient services such as outreach programs or medical and psychiatric clinics.
"I wanted to help change that and fight for the betterment of veterans," Richmond says. "I figured I could stay at home and sulk or get out there and do something positive."
His gung-ho attitude leaves a lasting impression on everyone he comes into contact with.
"Randy has challenged residents to serve their community in a positive way," Jewett says. "He's constantly focused on making our community a better place."
His efforts have not gone unnoticed.
In September, Randall was honored by U.S. Rep. Mike Honda, Assemblyman Jim Beall, Santa Clara County Supervisor Pete McHugh and San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed for his achievements.
"I just try to lead by example," Richmond says. "Do as I do, not as I say."
Those who know Richmond say he has never sought recognition for his work and that he's just doing what he thinks is right.
"He has never asked for acknowledgement. He's just hoping his contributions will make a difference," Jewett says. "
To which Jewett adds, "His efforts have shown me that being involved in the community is the right thing to be doing."
