“Having spent well over 40 years in the military, eight as a flag officer in Washington, D.C., I know a lot about leaders and leadership. That’s why I’m eager to endorse Jessi Ebben for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. Our district needs someone new, someone young, someone strong, yet tenderhearted. Jessi is that and more. She’s a delight — a remarkably positive and uplifting person who blends to perfection the academic, social, emotional and spiritual sides of a balanced life. I can personally attest to her enthusiasm, work ethic, leadership skill and undaunted commitment to serving the men and women of Wisconsin.

“With sincere enthusiasm, I support Jessi Ebben as our representative in the United States Congress. She’s just what we need!”

Chaplain, Major General Cecil R. Richardson
U.S. Air Force, Retired

“To be endorsed for Congress by Chaplain Richardson, is an absolute honor. He has committed his life’s work to God and country. I am grateful for his support of our campaign to represent the people of western and central Wisconsin and to do so with care, passion, commitment and leadership.”

Jessi Ebben
Candidate for U.S. Congress, WI-03

Chaplain (Major General) Cecil Richardson, of Richland Center, served 41½ years in the military. Shortly after graduating from high school in Richland Center, he received a Vietnam-era draft notice and enlisted in the Air Force. His first assignment was at Syracuse University, where he received a degree in the Russian language. He was subsequently assigned to monitor Russian missile launches along the Black Sea in Turkey. After a year and a half in Turkey, he was reassigned to the National Security Agency (NSA) in Washington, D.C. Two years later he separated from the military to prepare for a life of Christian ministry.

Cecil attended Central Bible College, the University of Wisconsin, Evangel University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Wesley Seminary. Upon ordination, he pastored a church briefly and re-entered the Air Force, this time as a chaplain.

He retired in 2012 as the Chief of Chaplains, Chairman of the Armed Forced Chaplains Board, and Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff on religious, ethical, and quality-of-life concerns.

Although Cecil and his wife, Dr. Jan Richardson, an author and literacy consultant, have logged millions of miles in around the world traveling in service to God and country, their hearts have always been in the woodlands of southwest Wisconsin. They love fishing, hunting, clearing trails, pruning trees on their tree farm, volunteering in various community board positions and operating a forest playground for their six grandchildren.

Jan and Cecil Richardson of Richland Center endorsed Jessi Ebben for Congress this week.
Chaplain Richardson’s wife, Jan Richardson, educational pioneer and inventor of the Guided Reading program, endorsed Jessi Ebben for Congress earlier this week. Read the full endorsement announcement from Jan Richardson here.
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