Ouachita Stories

Brad Richardson, a junior Christian studies/Christian ministries major from Lonoke, Ark., grew up in a family with a tradition of military service. The Richardson family can trace their military history all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Because of this rich history, Richardson had a great example of what service looked like while he was growing up, and he started his journey with the military during his freshman year of high school.

“I always knew that one day I would want to serve, but I didn’t know exactly how,” said Richardson. “However, after learning about the Army values, and truly learning what service was, I embraced it and continued to rise through the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) program at my high school.”

Richardson dedicated countless hours to this service and was awarded the cadet battalion commander position. This meant that he was the highest-ranking cadet and that he would be responsible for leading the entire program during his senior year. This led him to enlist in the Arkansas National Guard and pursue ROTC at Ouachita where he will graduate as a Second Lieutenant. Not only did Richardson feel strongly about serving his country, but he also felt called to ministry.

“The Lord called me to ministry in high school, and God made it clear to me that all I needed to do was commit my life to serve Him,” Richardson said. “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do, I just knew I was supposed to trust Him.”

Richardson has spent his time at Ouachita preparing for this calling to vocational ministry. He has led his social club, Beta Beta, as the chaplain, led Campus Ministries life groups and worked as a youth intern at a local church. Ouachita has equipped him for a job in the ministry after college as well as a career in the military.

“My dream job is ultimately to serve God in all that I do,” said Richardson.

Richardson plans to combine his two callings to service by becoming a military chaplain, and later working as a youth pastor while he is enlisted in the National Guard.

“If things go according to plan, the things that I have learned in my Christian studies classes and in my experiences as a spiritual leader will most definitely set me up for success as a youth pastor and chaplain. Not only this, but my time in ROTC has prepared me for a life of service in the National Guard,” said Richardson.

Lead photo by Abigail Blankenship

• Tags:
• Ouachitonian Content
• ROTC