Bio: Karpinski, Chief M/Sgt Richard J. (Military Highlights - 2012)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Karpinski

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 9/19/2012

Karpinski, Chief Master Sergeant Richard J. (Military Highlights - 2012)

A native of Thorp, WI, Chief Karpinski first entered active service in the U. S. Air Force in June of 1982 with his first Assignment being with the 319 OMS in Grand Forks, ND. He became the primary crew chief on a B-52G aircraft. He was assigned to the 934 AW in May 1986. His background includes crew chief, expeditor, pro super, isochronal inspection supervisor, AMXS maintenance superintendent, and group maintenance superintendent. During his career he has been part of Operation Desert Shield, Operation Just Cause, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and several Coronet Oak operations.

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Karpinski is the superintendent for the 934th Maintenance Group, 934th Airlift Wing Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station MN. He is responsible for supporting a fleet of eight C-130H3 aircraft and their worldwide joint service mission and more than 175 maintenance personnel.

Awards and Decorations

Meritorious Service medal with an oak leaf cluster
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with an oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with an oak leaf cluster
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with an oak leaf cluster
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Longevity Service with six oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve medal with 2 ‘M’ Devices
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (rifle)
Air Force Training Ribbon