Master Sergeant Richard P. Mettke was born 13 February 1958 in Akron, Ohio. He has given over 30 years in support of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps while in the Army and in industry serving in various positions from senior line management to program management and execution of many CBRN programs. He served in many key assignments in the Army including Combat Development Analyst and Operations Manager for the U.S. Army Engineer School, Operations Manager, 197th Ordnance Battalion, 59th Ordnance Brigade.

When Master Sergeant Mettke served as the Chief, Chemical Basic NCO course, he supervised the daily professional development and conduct instructors and students and supervised classes. He was also responsible for the development of course content, class lesson plan and examinations in preparation for course accreditation. As Chief, Program Management Office, Directorate of Combat Developments, U.S. Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, he served as the principal advisor and manager to the Director for resource management, manpower, personnel, administration, security and logistics/maintenance.

Master Sergeant Mettke’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal 3rd Award, the Army Commendation Medal 3rd Award and the Army Achievement Medal 3rd Award.

Since his retirement, he has progressed in the CBRN community by dedicating himself to the improvement and sustainment of the equipment and programs that support Chemical Warfighters in today’s Army; including holding a patent letter for an online communication terminal/apparatus.

Master Sergeant Mettke is a member of the Association of the U.S. Army and a lifetime member of the Chemical Corps Regimental Association. He currently serves as Vice President and Manager, CBRNE Defense Group Mission Support Services, Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio.