John Richardson serves as the SVP, Head of Military Affairs at USAA. He leads a team of 50 passionate and dedicated Veterans stationed across the U.S. who promote the USAA Brand, protect the Association’s reputation, drive military advocacy, and support the lines of business in ensuring USAA is the #1 choice of the military community and their families. Serving with USAA is a continuation of his passion and life purpose: to serve and care for service members and their families.
Johnny graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1991. He retired after 33 years of service as a Major General. In the Army he was an Armored Cavalryman and commanded at every level from Tank Platoon (16 Soldiers) to Armored Division (23,000 Soldiers) culminating his military career as the Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas.
A decorated combat veteran, he served four combat tours in Iraq and a combat tour in Afghanistan. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with Combat device, the Legion of Merit with Combat device, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, and the Purple Heart.
He is an engaged leader with a bias for action, with a Cavalryman’s spirit for the offense.
John holds a bachelor’s degree in history from West Point, a master’s degree in Leader Development and Counseling from Long Island University and completed the Senior Service College fellowship where he attended Harvard University with a concentration in Leadership and Management.
He married his high school sweetheart Deanie. John and Deanie served the Army as a military family for three decades. They have two children, Mary Alex who is an attorney in Washington, DC and Johnny who serves as a Department of the Army Civilian, Logistics Manager at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia.
During his free time, he enjoys playing golf and polo. He is a member of the San Antonio Polo Club where he serves on their Advisory Council and is a member of the US Polo Association’s Armed Forces Committee where he helps coordinate international military-to-military polo exchanges.
