Funeral Services for Richard B. Alford, age 82, will be Monday, December 20th at 2:00 P.M. at Birds Chapel Church in Truxno, LA. with Bro. Bugga Hoggatt and Bro. Bill Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Springhill Cemetery in Oakland, LA. Mr. Alford was born October 10th, 1928 in Truxno, LA. He was a member of Birds Chapel Church. Mr. Alford is a retired Command Sergeant Major with the U.S. Army. At the age of 18, Mr. Alford joined the Army and after completing basic training in Fort Ord, CA, he attended leadership school where he proved himself as both a leader and an instructor. After 5 years of service with the 12th Infantry Division he returned to civilian life. In 1955 he reenlisted in the Army as was assigned to Germany for 16 months with the 10th Infantry Division followed by a 2 1/2 year assignment to Germany under “Operation Gyroscope”. While in Europe, the career soldier was assigned to the 10th Infantry Division NCO Academy as an instructor. He helped several classes develop their leadership potentials as well as inventing ingenious instructional training aids. Probably his most outstanding invention was the device he employed in teaching the setting of headspace and timing of a .50-cal. machine gun. A highly trained combat infantryman of the 2nd Infantry Division, Alford was elected “Soldier of the Year” in 1960 and again in 1962. The Soldier of the Year was selected on the basis of record of service, conscientious pursuit of education, decorations and awards, personal appearance and military bearing, instructional ability, a knowledge of customs and traditions of the Army, general military subjects and the history of the 2nd Infantry Division. Alford went on to graduate as honor student fromt he Third U.S.Army NCO Academy in Fort Jackson, SC in 1959, after which he became an instructor. He set an all time record at the Academy by winning two of the three top honors given by the institution. With Fort Benning, GA being his home base, his leadership skills and respect for duty impelled him to Vietnam in 1963 and Korea in 1969. In 1970 he returned to Vietnam as an advisior with the Vietnam Advisory Campaign. After returning from Vietnam on his 2nd tour, he relocated to Fort Polk, LA. where he retired from the U.S. Army in 1974. Throughout his 25 year career, his knowledge of administrative procedures was exceptional and was constantly demonstrated. His performance of duty gained respect and admiration from his superiors and subordinates alike and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Out of his numerous badges and awards, the most prestigious award achieved by him was the combat infantryman badge. The luxuries we enjoy today, both materialistic and untouchable, do not come without a price. U.S. Military men and women encounter some of the most gruesome battles, triumphing over some of the biggest nations to maintain the very freedoms we have today. As U.S. Soldiers, they leave the soil of their own country to save the solid ground we walk on today, forever changing their lives and that of their families. Alford is preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Moss Alford, his parents, Ray & Elma Alford of Farmerville, LA and brother, Connie Ray Alford of Truxno, LA. Survivors include one son, Ricky Alford and wife Annie Faye of Marion, LA., 8 grandchildren, Rollin Cherub Alford of Crossett, AR., Ryan Ginger Alford of Marion, LA., Dusty Alford of Marion, LA., Brandie O'Brien of Farmerville, LA., Rachel, Patricia, Adam and Anita Lum of Arkansas., 5 great grandchildren, Ashton, Maggie, Morgan, Charley and Brody, one brother, Lee Royce Alford of Farmerville, LA., nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Rollin, Ryan and Dusty Alford, nephews, Jamie, Tracy, and Tim Alford. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Gulley, Bill Nelson Sr., Bill Nelson, Jr., Scotty Booth, and Jim Drummond. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.