I had the distinct honor to serve with the man that talked me into going SF, I served with Richmond from 1991 to 1993 at SERE on the Evasion Team, I was a young sergeant and he took a liking to me and showed me many things, taught me a lot and introduced me to many SF legends.  I loved working with him down at Little Muddy teaching barriers and hand to hand.  He was an incredible mentor and teacher.  When he talked me into going SF I had to reenlist - I had Richmond stand with me when I said my Oath of enlistment, I asked him to come to my Q course graduation and he didn’t bat an eye he came proudly!  In 2006 at my retirement I asked him to come and be a VIP at my ceremony and again proudly he came and sent me on my way into the retirement world.  He used to take my 2 sons out on the trails with him and in Carthage and out to the training areas and he would show them how to do traps and snares, he taught them how to start a fire in the woods, and how to cook coffee can chicken in a survival situation.  He was a true warrior and legend giving so much for our nation and to his flag.  

My mentor, my Brother, and my friend will be missed my many and I will always remember him as a true Titan in SOF.  I will always love you Richmond and I promise you made a difference in my life forever.  DOL Warrior por Siempre 

I was in MacKall in the 70’s. One day SMG Nail came into our classroom (the only classroom there at that time) told those who had fallen asleep in class to stand up and pointed to his ‘bad eye’ and said, ‘I got my eye on you’! If you fall asleep again I’ll put you up in the rafters (yes the classroom had rafters)! Over the years I ran across him at MacKall now and then, later I had taken a commission, I was at MacKall and stuck my head in the med shed, I saw SGM Nail and he used colorful language to acknowledge I was an officer! He exuded deference. Even years later after college, grad school, 4 different SF organizations, OEF etc I found very few Soldiers were like SGM Nail. In my era Beckwith/Healy/Simons come to mind, He didn’t just lead from the front he took point. Going through MacKall was hard but when instructors rotated for the day, I appreciated when SGM Nail was there.  A serious man from the start, he new his craft and taught us well.  How do you replace the irreplaceable? We as a society have lost a true giant among men.

I was fortunate to serve with Richmond at the S.E.R.E. Committee  from the time Nick Rowe called us together to make it happen. He was an outstanding soldier and instructor, leading by example, and a mentor and friend. The las time I talked to him, Richmond said, "Squier, you're my favorite Native American." and he never hesitated to chow down on my fire cooked "roadkill" meats from the Preparation of Fish and Game class. Rooster Cogburn was the other "one-eyed old fat Man." But Nail was the real deal. I can still see him running around the top of the old WWII water tanks, daring the youngsters to follow him. Some did. Some just couldn't or wouldn't! Not enough space to talk about such a man and give him his due. Lead the way, Sergeant Major!

Although I had not seen Dick for some time I loved him like a father  The times that I was with and around Dick  he showed me and my family the love and compassion  that made him the hero and person that he was. He treated me as a son and I will always be grateful for t he love he showed me. In a time when we disrespect our nation. flag. military. and law enforcement SGTM Nail stood head and shoulders above the rest as a t r ue American hero. He was one of many that fought to preserve the rights of others to say and act the way they do. 
Dick always answered his nations call and I want to say THANK YOU! Dick I will truly miss you. May God keep you safe in His loving arms.  

OBITUARY

Richmond Junior Nail

May 3, 1935 – September 10, 2020

Reeves Funeral Home

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