Chief Master Sergeant Richard D. Pearson has retired after 30 years with the U.S. Air Force, having most recently served as director of operations for the United States Air Force Band, Bolling Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C.
Prior to being selected for this position, he served as the manager of the Singing Sergeants, the official chorus of the U.S. Air Force.
Pearson, son of Charles and Vernice Pearson of Carrollton, began his 30-year Air Force career in 1980 as a choral and solo vocalist with the Singing Sergeants. Over the years, he has served as the Singing Sergeants' superintendent, operations director, tour manager, assistant finance manager, recording production coordinator, tenor section leader, and head librarian.
He also served two years as a member of the USAF Band Production staff for the Band's Guest Artist Series.
Pearson attended Kent State University where he pursued a course of study in vocal performance. While at Kent State, he was a winner of the Musicana Foundation Scholarship of Florida, and the 1979 Ohio Division of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Student Division.
Prior to joining the Singing Sergeants, he performed with the National Light Opera in Fort Lauderdale and the Ohio Light Opera Company.
Pearson's former teachers include Dr. James F. Stuart of Kent State University and former New York City Opera tenor; Martha Randall of the University of Maryland, and Marilyn Cotlow, former Metropolitan Opera soprano.
Pearson's military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak-leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement medal with two oak-leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with nine devices, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Honor Graduate Ribbon, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
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