National Guard: Command Sergeant in National Guard killed in motor vehicle crash

A member of the Army National Guard has died after a car crash that took place this week.

According to the National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Richard Winkelman, of Westerly, Rhode Island, passed away following a single motor vehicle crash on Route 102 in Exeter, RI on February 8.

Winkelman served as the full time Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island National Guard.

“Today, we mourn the sudden loss of Command Sergeant Major Richard Winkelman,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Callahan, the Rhode Island National Guard Adjutant General. “He was a dear friend and quiet professional who served his country and state with honor. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and we hold them in our thoughts.”

“Richard leaves behind a deep loss,” said Callahan. “He was a consummate leader as both a commissioned and non-commissioned officer. He joined the RING in 2003 and lead an influential two decades, here. Those who knew him respected him for his humility, quite professionalism and tireless dedication to his soldiers.”

During this time, Winkelman served on numerous deployments with the 1-126th and the 2-245th Aviation Battalion and the 1-133d Infantry Battalion. He has also held various assignments in the RING to include readiness NCO, battalion operations and training NCO, chief instructor for the 243d Regional Training Institute, NCOIC for the Joint Operations Center, and most recently the Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. for the 56th Troop Command.

Resources and support have been provided to his family and members of the RING grieving this tragic loss.