Commander—Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center
Richard (Rick) Weaver enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard 23 April 1987 as an Interior Electrician. He received his commission from Officer Candidate School at the Mississippi Military Academy as a Corps of Engineer Officer on 8 August 1992.
His career began as a platoon leader with the 223rd Engineer Battalion. After serving in numerous positions, he transferred to the 890th Engineer Battalion were he filled numerous position including Battalion Commander. In February 2003 he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, assigned Commander- Company A 890th EN BN. Upon returning, he was assigned as the Engineer Equipment Officer with the 168th Engineer Group and promoted to Major. In March 2008, he deployed as the S3 with the 890th EN BN. In March 2010, he was assigned as the Design Engineer with the 168th Engineer Brigade, being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in July of 2010. In February 2012, he was assigned as the Operations Officer with the 168th Engineer Brigade. He was selected as the 890th EN BN Commander in December. In December 2015. He was then assigned to Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center as the Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. On August 1, 2018 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and selected as the Commander of Camp McCain Training Site. On July 1, 2020, he assumes Command of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal w/ 2 Campaign Stars, Global War or Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, GWOT Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ “M” device and silver hourglass, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (4th award), Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge. He has numerous state awards, which include the Mississippi Magnolia Medal, Mississippi Medal of Efficiency, Mississippi War w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Medal Mississippi Emergency Service Medal, Mississippi Longevity Medal (8th award).
He holds a Bachelor of Public Administration Degree from the University of Mississippi and has completed a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Columbia Southern University. He holds a Master of Business Administration from William Carey University and a Masters of Strategic Studies from The US Army War College. His professional education consist of being a graduate of the US Army War College, Dual Status Commanders Course, Joint Task Force Commanders Course, Air Force Commander’s Development Course, the Reserve Component National Security Course, Advanced Operations and War Fighter Course, Intermediate Level Education (CGSC), Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Engineer Captains Career Course, and the US Army Engineer Officer Basic Course, along with several other warfighter courses.
Colonel Weaver has two daughters: Kaley and Kameron.