Dick Chegar was born in Kokomo, Indiana and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1962.  An infantry officer, he is a graduate of the Infantry School, Airborne School, Ranger School, Armor School, Command & General Staff College and the Army War College.

He joined the 2nd Battle Group, 503rd Infantry on Okinawa and was assigned as the Platoon Leader for the Group’s Davy Crockett Platoon, a nuclear weapon system. After the Battle Group was redesignated as the 173rdAirborne Brigade, Dick served as the CG’s Aide de Camp and as a platoon leader in Charlie Company, 1stBattalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry.

In 1965, Dick was trained as a military advisor at Fort Bragg and Monterey for a future assignment advising the RVN Infantry.  In the meantime, the 173rd had deployed to Vietnam and he was reassigned back to the Brigade, returning to 1st Battalion.  His assignments included Executive Officer of Alpha Company, Battalion Adjutant (S1) and CO of Alpha Company.

During his military career Dick was decorated for valor and distinguished service.  He is a recipient of the Noble Patron of Armor award from the United States Armor Association for his leadership of the Patton Museum Foundation, where he was the CEO for 10 years. He was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame with the Class of 2021.

Most of his civilian career was spent in the financial services industry, retiring from Merrill Lynch in 2017.   There, he advised both institutional and high net worth clients.

In retirement, Dick is a frequent speaker and author on leadership and subjects of interest from his military career.  He is a strong supporter of veteran’s organizations and America’s veterans.

Dick and his wife, Anne, live in Carmel, Indiana and have a beautiful, blended family of five married children and ten grandchildren.  They are active members of their church and frequent travelers enjoying healthy activities and adventures.