Richard Leiter Johnston III

Richard L. Johnston III died on April 19, 2026 while serving his country abroad. Born on November 30, 1990, in Washington, DC. Richard graduated from the University of Virginia in 2013 with a degree in History and Mandarin Chinese. He was 35 years old.

Richard’s distinguished military career began with his commission as an officer in the United States Army, where he was ultimately promoted to the rank of Captain. Rick served as a platoon leader in the 25th Infantry, where he led soldiers in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan in 2016, conducting counterterrorism operations and training Afghan Security Forces. Richard went on to apply for Special Forces Assessment and Selection, later passing the grueling Special Forces Qualification Course (Q-Course), earning him the coveted Green Beret.

As a Special Forces Detachment commander, Richard led SFOD-A 1333 on numerous Joint Combined Training Exchanges throughout Southeast Asia and deployed to the Philippines, where he worked with local security forces to counter terrorist organizations and enhance regional security. Richard completed many of the most rigorous schools in the US military, graduating from US Army Ranger School, US Army Air Assault School, Basic Airborne School, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course and the aforementioned Q-Course.

After leaving the Army, Richard continued to serve his country with the United States Government, being chosen to work in some of the most challenging regions around the world, including the Middle East, Africa, East Asia and the Western Hemisphere. His skills were instrumental in advancing critical initiatives that increased our national and global security. Throughout his career, Richard used his incredible language capability speaking fluent Mandarin Chinese and teaching himself Spanish to enhance his ability to work in these regions. He received numerous awards recognizing his outstanding leadership, contributions to security and impact to the overall mission.

Richard’s life was tragically cut short in a vehicle accident while he was on duty, supporting our country’s priorities. It is a testament to Richard’s dedicated life that he was working tirelessly to advance the mission until the very end. He was conducting work that he truly believed in, utilizing the skills he had honed over his entire career. His passion for service was evident throughout his life and will be remembered by his colleagues as a courageous soldier and servant who consistently put the safety of others before his own.

Those who knew Richard remember his sense of humor and his impressive karaoke skills, never shying to entertain his friends and colleagues who, in times away from home, became a second family for Richard. With an easy smile and relaxed demeanor, he became a quick friend and a source of comfort to those around him. Richard graciously accepted nicknames given to him by his colleagues and embraced them in a way that made them office lore.

Richard’s leadership began at a young age when he led his Gonzaga College High School crew team to its first national championship. At the University of Virginia, Richard helped found a charity basketball tournament called HOOp Dreams that supported the local Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville. HOOp Dreams stands today as the longest-running philanthropy event in the UVA chapter of Phi Delta Theta’s history.

Richard’s family remembers him as the best son, the best little brother, the best Uncle, and everybody’s favorite. He loved 80s movies and music, surfing, motorcycling, and reading books of the hero’s journey. Richard (aka Rick, Dick, Rich, Uncle Rico, Ricardo) is survived by his loving and inspirational family: his parents Diane and Rick Johnston, his two sisters, Nathalie and Diane-Marie (Di) and their families.

Richard was taught by the Jesuits to be a man for others. He was.