CWO Ricky L. Richardson Jr

CWO Ricky L. Richardson Jr., 33, of Sullivan, Mo., died June 10 while supporting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

SULLIVAN, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com) - The ravages of war hit home for the folks in Sullivan Missouri. Unofficial reports reveal a 33-year-old Marine was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan. He'll be buried in the small town where he grew up. Rick Richardson Jr. was serving his country when was killed. He's the son of a marine, he's a father, a husband. People living in Sullivan say its been many many years since anyone from the town was killed in battle. Now they must plan a funeral. Rick Richardson Jr. entered the United States Marine Corps in April 1996. He was an explosive ordance disposal technician. He graduated Sullivan high school in 1994. Relatives tell Fox 2 he was killed while dismantling bombs. There's no doubt about the roots of his patriotism. A memorial outside city hall honors the fallen from World War II, the Korean War, Viet Nam war and the Persian Gulf War. Now they will celebrate the life and the unwavering courage of Rick Richardson. Jr. The city's Mayor J.T. Hardy speaks for his Administration. "It's a close knit community where people know each other. People have served in the Marines just as Rick did. The Navy, the Army the Airforce, we all go away, we all serve, we all come back to make our community better, and we're going to miss him. And I just hope that everyone keeps his family in their prayers. "