Colonel Richard J. Barnaby received his commission through the Purdue University ROTC program in 1965, was detailed to the Infantry, then transitioned into the Transportation Corps, and served the Army for 30 years.

He served in multiple overseas assignments, including two tours in Vietnam and in Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He commanded the 513th Transportation Company, 592nd Transportation Company, 6th Transportation Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Support Command, and Military Management Traffic Command-Europe. Other key assignments included Division Transportation Officer (DTO), 82nd Airborne Division; and Liaison Officer, U.S. Transportation Command.

His decorations include: Defense Superior Service medal, Legion of Merit (3rd Award), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal (4th Award). He is authorized to wear the Senior Parachutist Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and the Ranger Tab.