MSgt Richard T. Sandoval
MSgt Richard Tomas Sandoval is the First Sergeant for the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. As the First Sergeant, he advises the Commander on all matters concerning the health, morale, welfare, professional development, and readiness of assigned military, and civilian personnel. He provides guidance and leadership to personnel with an emphasis on core values, mentorship, counseling, customs and courtesies, and dress and appearance. His duties include offering professional guidance and oversight on administrative actions, performance reports, awards, decorations, promotions, and professional military education.
MSgt Sandoval enlisted into the Air Force in August 2005 from Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from the Dental Laboratory Training School at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas in June 2006. Over his 19 years of service, he has held various positions, including noncommissioned officer in charge, enlisted accessions recruiter, officer accessions recruiter, and flight chief. Additionally, he has served overseas at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq and Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to his current position, the master sergeant was the First Sergeant for the Global Exploitations Intelligence Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
EDUCATION
2005 Basic Military Training, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2009 Associate, Dental Laboratory Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base (AFB), Ala.
2009 Airman Leadership School, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz
2012 Air Force Recruiting School, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2014 Associate, Human Resources Management, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.
2016 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education, Joint Knowledge Online Division, Va, by correspondence
2017 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2021 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Two, Joint Knowledge Online Division, Va, by correspondence
2022 Air Force First Sergeant Academy, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.
2025 Bachelor of Arts, Human Resources Management, American Military University, Charles Town, W.Va.
ASSIGNMENTS
- October 2005–May 2006, Student, 381st Training Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB), Texas
- June 2006–June 2008, Dental Laboratory Technician, 18th Dental Squadron, Kadena Air Base (AB), Japan (October 2006–March 2007, Force Protection Escort, 332d Air Expeditionary Security Forces Group, Balad AB, Iraq)
- July 2008–September 2012, Fixed Section Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, 355th Dental Squadron, Davis -Monthan AFB, Arizona (June 2010–Oct 2010, Third Country National Escort, 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, Al-Udied AB, Qatar)
- October 2012–September 2016, Enlisted Accessions Recruiter, 344th Recruiting Squadron, Arlington, Texas
- October 2016–February 2020, Base Dental Laboratory Flight Chief, 59th Dental Support Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
- March 2020–July 2022, Dental Laboratory Flight Chief, 633d Dental Squadron, Joint Base Langley- Eustis, Virginia
- August 2022–September 2023, First Sergeant, Forces & Technologies Intelligence Group, Wright- Patterson AFB, Ohio
- October 2023-September 2024, First Sergeant, Global Exploitations Intelligence Group, Wright- Patterson AFB, Ohio
- October 2024-Present, First Sergeant, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2009 Real Pro Award, Air Combat Command
2015 Production Superintendent Award, 344th Recruiting Squadron
2015 Silver Badge Recipient, Air Force Recruiting Service
2016 Silver Badge Recipient, Air Force Recruiting Service
2017 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, 59th Dental Support Squadron
2023 First Sergeant of the Year, Global Exploitations Intelligence Group
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic August 23, 2005
Airman 23 February, 2006
Airman First Class 23 December, 2006
Senior Airman August 23, 2008
Staff Sergeant June 1, 2010
Technical Sergeant July 1, 2014
Master Sergeant Jan 1, 2019
(Current as of August 22, 2025)