Chaplain (Major General) Cecil Roland Richardson, USAF (born c. 1947), retired as the 16th Chief of Chaplains of the United States Air Force, effective June 1, 2012,[2] with an official retirement ceremony on May 30, 2012.

[2][4] Richardson, a member of the Assemblies of God, was the first Pentecostal minister to be promoted to flag officer rank in the U.S. Air Force.

"[6] Before ordination, Richardson served in the Air Force as an enlisted man, working as a Russian interpreter and intercept operator.

[2] Richardson's educational background includes:[2] Richardson served as Deputy Air Force Chief of Chaplains from April 2004-May 2008, and began serving as Chief of Chaplains May 2008.

Prior to these positions, his assignments included:[2] Among Richardson's numerous military awards and decorations are:[2]