This article features Richard T. Dorsey

Richard T. Dorsey, Jr. has an unwavering dedication to service, resilience in overcoming challenges, and commitment to supporting fellow veterans. His journey from military service to civilian life exemplifies perseverance, growth, and a deep passion for helping others navigate the same path he once walked.

Military Service & Background
Richard proudly served in the United States Army as a 31P – Microwave Systems Operator – Maintainer, responsible for supervising and maintaining strategic microwave communications systems. He served for 3 years, 6 months and achieved the rank of Private First Class. His service included a tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His decision to join the military was driven by the need to provide for his growing family. Engaged and ready to start a family, Richard sought a stable career and a trade that would support them. His enlistment on September 6, 2001—just five days before the 9/11 attacks—gave his service an even greater sense of purpose. Coming from a family with a deep-rooted military background, particularly his grandfather, William L. Smith Sr., a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, service was always a strong part of his identity.

When reflecting on his most memorable experiences, Richard highlights the deep bonds formed with his battle buddies and the camaraderie built through shared experiences. His deployment for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Louisiana was a significant moment, reinforcing his dedication to service beyond the battlefield.

Transition to Civilian Life
Like many veterans, Richard’s transition to civilian life was extremely challenging. He describes it as tumultuous and an epic failure at first. Without the proper tools to navigate life beyond the military, he struggled to trust anyone outside of his service relationships, even family. Isolation and difficulty coping led to reliance on substances as an escape, further hindering his adjustment. Communication was another major obstacle, as the structured world of the military did not fully prepare him for the complexities of civilian interactions.

Despite these struggles, Richard gained strength from his deepened appreciation for life, his understanding of diversity and unity, and the connections he built through networking and relationships. He realized that many fellow veterans faced similar challenges, which inspired him to become a peer support specialist. His military experience profoundly shaped his personal and professional life, helping him develop tools to not only survive but thrive—and to support others along the way.

For veterans currently transitioning, Richard offers valuable advice: “Take it gradually, build a support network, find a purpose greater than yourself, and do not go it alone.”

Community Involvement & Advocacy
Richard remains deeply connected to the veteran community through his career at CHEP, where he works as a peer support specialist at Perry Point, helping veterans rebuild their lives through connection, listening, and encouragement. He also maintains lifelong bonds with his former service members, ensuring that no one feels alone in their post-service journey.

Additionally, Richard is involved with organizations such as:

  • CHEP (Chesapeake Health Education Program)
  • Voices of Hope
  • Recovery Centers of America

Through these groups, he continues his mission of outreach, recovery, and support for veterans navigating difficult transitions.

Personal Reflections & Legacy
Being the Male Veteran of the Quarter is a humbling and unexpected honor for Richard. Having been trained to go above and beyond without expecting recognition, he sees this acknowledgment as reaffirmation that he is exactly where he is meant to be, doing the work he loves.

The core values instilled in him during his military service—commitment, loyalty, dedication, trust, and respect—remain an integral part of his identity. His grandfather’s guidance and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping his character, teaching him about discipline, honesty, and unconditional love, and most importantly introducing him to God.

Looking back, he would advise his younger self: “Close your mouth, open your ears and your mind. Soak it all in—knowledge is power.”

As for the next generation of veterans, Richard hopes to inspire them to understand that the military experience is a process of breaking down and rebuilding—a journey of transformation that prepares them for life’s mission.

Closing Thoughts
Reflecting on his journey, Richard sees this opportunity as Male Veteran of the Quarter as a blessing—a moment to acknowledge how far he has come and to continue his mission of lifting up fellow veterans.

His story serves as a powerful reminder that while the transition from military to civilian life is often filled with challenges, it is through resilience, connection, and purpose that veterans can find new ways to serve—both themselves and their communities.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine