Colonel Richard Haggerty (Past Speaker)

COL Richard Haggerty is a native of San Diego, California. He is currently the ninth Project Manager for Instrumentation, Targets, Threat Simulators and SOF Training Systems (PM ITTS) at PEO STRI, Orlando, Florida. In support of its dynamic mission, PM ITTS manages five activities: the Instrumentation Management Office (IMO), the Product Manager for Special Operations Forces Training Systems (PM STS), and the product Lead for Cyber Resiliency and Training (PL CRT) located in Orlando, Florida; and the Targets Management Office (TMO) and the Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) located in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

He is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of San Diego. Assignments after Rotary Wing Flight School include Aeroscout Platoon Leader, Support Platoon Leader, Troop Executive Officer, Assistant Training Officer (S3), and Adjutant (S1) in the 1st Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. In the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, COL Haggerty commanded an attack helicopter company (Ghostriders), a Headquarters company (Headhunters), and served as the Battalion Logistics Officer (S4). He additionally served as the Training Officer (S3) and an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Instructor Pilot in the 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

In 2005 he transitioned to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Tampa, Florida, where he served as an Assistant Program Manager for the A/MH-6 Littlebird, MH-47 Chinook, and Rotary Wing Weapons programs. COL Haggerty was a centrally-selected Product Manager for Special Operations Forces Training Systems, and later the Chief of Acquisition Operations for Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L). COL Haggerty additionally managed a classified portfolio in the Pentagon, Washington, DC.

COL Haggerty is a Senior Army Aviator qualified in the UH-1H, OH-6, OH-58A/C and D(R), and an Instructor Pilot in the OH-58D(R). His decorations include the Bronze Star, Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), the Army Staff Badge, both U.S. and Spanish Parachutist Badges, the Air Assault Badge, the Orders of St. Michael (Bronze) and St. Barbara. He has multiple operational and combat deployments, including Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan with conventional and special operations units.

COL Haggerty graduated with honors from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and honors from the U.S. Naval War College. He has Masters Degrees in Procurement Management and National Security and Strategic Studies, as well as a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. He is married to the former Kimberly Way of New Jersey, and they have two sons: Nicholas and Maverick.