ADA, Okla. – Lt. Col. Rod Richardson has been named the recipient of the 2025 Milam Award at ECU.
ECU Athletics will honor Richardson at the 2025 Homecoming football game against Oklahoma Baptist University at the ECU Koi Ishto Stadium Oct. 18 at 3 p.m.
The Milam Award is traditionally presented annually by ECU to a former Tiger football player who not only excelled in the classroom and on the gridiron, but also distinguished themselves in their chosen career. The award is named in honor of Joe Milam, a former educator and coach for ECU.
Richardson, born on Oct. 3, 1952 in Lamar, Colorado to Gene and Rita (Fisher) Richardson, was raised and educated in Kansas and Oklahoma as one of five children alongside his brother Mike and three sisters, Deb, Pam and Sandy. He graduated from Boise City High School in 1970.
Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam before returning to Oklahoma, where he attended ECU.
It was at ECU that Richardson met Rita Aleene Wiley, who he would later marry on July 2, 1977 in Shawnee.
It was also at ECU that he played football on a conference championship team in 1975 under legendary head coach Pat O’Neal. Richardson then earned his degree from ECU in 1976.
After receiving his degree, Richardson re-entered the Marines and pursued a military career. He attended Officers Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant.
Richardson held ever-increasing assignments and responsibilities with the Fleet and in the Far East, mixed with shore duty and Marine Schools in the United States. He was also chosen to serve a two-year duty with the British Royal Marines in England.
In 1994, Richardson retired from the Marine Corps and returned to Nevada with Rita, where he became involved with “Rite of Passage,” a program to assist troubled youth and a place where he could make an impact on the next generation. At the same time, he completed his master of business administration from Chapman University.
In 2001, Richardson began working as a civilian contractor providing VIP security services throughout the Middle East, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
On Oct. 4, 2006 near Baghdad, Iraq, Richardson was killed as a result of injuries received from an improvised explosive device.
Richardson was known for honoring service and discipline. He is remembered as a leader who led from the front and cared for his men, never expecting them to do anything he could not do himself.
In 2018, Richardson was honored by ECU Athletics with a special monument dedicated on the north end of Norris Field at the Koi Ishto Stadium.
Richardson’s family, including his wife Rita and his siblings, Mike Richardson, Deb Crabtree, Pam Thrall, Sandy Wells and their spouses, plan to be in attendance during the presentation of the 2025 Milam Award.
For more information about ECU Athletics, visit ecutigers.com.
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