LTC Richard E. Dunning was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He first served as an Arabic Interrogator in the 24th Infantry Division (M) and 525th MI Bde (ABN) attaining the rank of SSG. He was also a Drill Sergeant in the 84th Division (IT) and an S2 NCOIC in the 32nd Separate Infantry Brigade. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2000 earning his commission as a distinguished military graduate through ROTC. He attended flight school, the AH-64A, and AH-64D qualification courses at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
During his 30 years of service, LTC Dunning was assigned to TRADOC, FORSCOM, CENTCOM, USAR, WIARNG and USFK serving in 11 states, 8 years in the Republic of Korea and five deployments (including 3 to Iraq). LTC Dunning has commanded B Co, 1-2 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion and the United Nations Command Honor Guard Company. He has also served as an Attack Reconnaissance Platoon Leader, Stability Transition Team (STT) Deputy Chief, and USFK Deputy Chief of Plans. He has held several staff positions to include battalion S2, assistant battalion S3, brigade plans officer, brigade S3, brigade XO and USFK strategist. He is a senior aviator, pilot in command and unit trainer with 1400+ hours of flight experience.
LTC Dunning’s professional military education includes AVOBC, AVCCC, ILE (CGSC), SAMS, JPME II (JCWS) and PCC. His civilian education includes a BSME (UW-Madison), MSEngr (UW-Platteville), MMAS (SAMS) and MSSE (Southern Methodist University). Prior to being selected to command the 2-48th Infantry Battalion, LTC Dunning was a PhD fellow studying at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as part of the Army’s Advanced Strategic Planning and Policy Program (ASP3).
LTC Dunning’s awards and qualifications include Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (2), Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge and Driver and Mechanic Badge. He is an Eagle Scout, recipient of the Bronze Order of Saint Michael and a Joint Qualified Officer.
