Col. (Ret.) Paul Kirchhoff
Executive Director, Missouri Veterans Commission

Executive Director Col (Ret.) Paul Kirchhoff is a highly-experienced leader with an extensive background in resource management with an emphasis in public service. He formerly served as the Director of Missouri Emergency Response Commission. He also formerly served as the Director of the Missouri National Guard’s Warrior Support Program as well as Director of the Guard’s Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program.

He served 33 years of combined enlisted and commissioned military service, serving both on active duty with the U.S. Army and with the Missouri Army National Guard. Kirchhoff served on combat tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Duty assignments included: Brigade Administrative Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, Battalion Commander and Regimental Commander. Kirchhoff earned M.S. degrees in Management from Webster University and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Col. (Ret.) Ryon Richmond
Deputy Director, Missouri Veterans Commission

Colonel (Retired) Ryon Richmond is the Deputy Executive Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission.  He has a multitude of leadership experience.  He served as Training and Exercise Manager at the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) before coming to the Missouri Veterans Commission.  COL Richmond previously served 31 years with the Missouri National Guard where he retired from the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program. 

He was commissioned and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.  Colonel Richmond also has a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

Colonel Richmond's military education includes:  Several leadership courses, beginning with the Field Artillery Basic Course leading up to Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College.

During his career Colonel Richmond served in various key leadership positions to include:  Deputy United States Property and Fiscal Officer, Joint Force Headquarters; Regiment Commander, 140th Regiment (MO-RTI), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Director of Military Support, Office of Plans, Operations, and Training, Joint Force Headquarters; Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 140th Regiment (MO-RTI). COL Richmond deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Jump Start.

Colonel Richmond's awards and citations include:  Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (1 Silver Leaf Cluster), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Order of Saint Barbara Award (United States Field Artillery Association).

Colonel Richmond and his wife currently live in Columbia, Missouri. 

Executive Director Extended Information