Command Sergeant Major Ricardo M. Saunders is currently the Command Sergeant Major of the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command. He previously served as the CSM of the 335th Signal Command (Theater) (Provisional); CSM of the 77th Sustainment Brigade; CSM 475th Quartermaster Group; and CSM 436th Transportation Battalion.
CSM Saunders enlisted in the United States Army in 1989 as an Administrative Specialist. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at FT Jackson, SC, and later attended the Automated Logistical Specialist Course at FT. Lee, VA. His previous assignments include Korea; Germany; FT Polk, LA; FT Wadsworth, NY; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ; Farrell, PA; Coraopolis, PA; and East Point GA. CSM Saunders has served in every leadership position from Team Leader to Command Sergeant Major. CSM Saunders other key positions include G1 Plans and Operations Sergeant; SPO Operations Sergeant; First Sergeant; G1 Sergeant Major.
Command Sergeant Major Saunders attended all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development System, culminating with the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 6-13.
During CSM Saunders of over 30 Years of distinguished military service, he has served in eight (8) overseas deployments including Panama; Operation Joint Endeavor (Germany); Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan); twice in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom (Kuwait); Operation Inherit Resolve (Iraq), and Operations Spartan Shield (Kuwait).
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2nd Award); Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award); Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award); Army Commendation Medal (4th Award); Army Achievement Medal (8th Award); Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9th Award); National Defense Service Medal with Campaign Star; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star; Iraq Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars; Inherit Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal (silver hour glass, M device, numeral 2); Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 5); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 7); Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon (numeral 8); Combat Action Badge; Meritorious Unit Commendation (3rd Award); Army Superior Unit Award; Quartermaster Corps Distinguished Order of Saint Martin.
Command Sergeant Major Saunders is married to Tara Lynn Saunders. He and his wife have a daughter, R’ccia, and son, Ricardo Jr.