RICHIEYOW

About RICHIE

Richie Yow was born and reared in charming, historic Cheraw, South Carolina. He grew up in the shadow of his granddaddy's store, Lloyd Jones’ Grocery. His family, Reverend Wade Miles and the people of his community helped instill in him a love of God, country and the knowledge that OUR GREATEST TREASURE AS AMERICANS, IS OUR FREEDOM.

Richie’s dad, Ricky Yow, passed on his love of nature and the outdoors to Richie. He made sure that he understood how to be a good steward of our God-given resources. Richie continues to be active with the National Wild Turkey Federation and is also a member of the National Rifle Association.

When Richie was in the 6th grade, he went to work at Pee Dee Farm supply and worked there until he graduated from Cheraw High School. While working there under the tutelage of his grandma, Louise Jones, and Mr. Jimmie Funderburk, he learned firsthand about work ethic, the value of a dollar and a commitment to doing the right thing. During his formative years, Richie enjoyed the advantage of learning lifelong lessons from staunch, conservative South Carolinians.

At the age of 17, Richie joined the United States Air Force. He is now an Air Force Veteran and a current full-time member of the Air National Guard. As an expert in the installation and operation of Aircraft Arresting Systems, Richie has participated in the largest air shows in the country featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels.

Richie's educational opportunities were also extended via his Air Force and Air National Guard assignments. Richie has completed curriculums offered by The War College (SEJPME), the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the U.S. OSHA Safety School. He also received a degree in Engineering Infrastructure from the Community College of the Air Force. Richie is a lifetime member of the National Guard Association.

Richie has served with distinction throughout his military career. His numerous deployments include Qatar/Oman, Kuwait/Saudi Arabia, Bahrain/Saudi Arabia/, Antiqua, Canada, St. Croix and Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. His many awards and commendations include 6 Air Force Achievement medals, 2 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with the Valor Device, 6 Air Force Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, 2 Southwest Asia Service Medals, an Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, 2 Air Force Longevity Service Medals, 2 Armed Forces Reserve Medals, the Louisiana Emergency Service Medal, the North Carolina National Guard Achievement Medal, the South Carolina Meritorious Service Medal, the South Carolina Palmetto Service Medal and the coveted Air Force Commendation Medal.

Richie is married to the former Crystal Wallace of Cheraw and they have one son, RJ, who is 15. Crystal and RJ, always supportive of Richie’s endeavors, have been especially so concerning Richie’s civic undertakings. When Richie decided it was time to help conservative Republicans seek and attain public office, with his family firmly behind him, he totally committed his time and energy to making a difference. He became the first resident of Chesterfield County to represent the 5th Congressional District as it’s GOP Chairman. As chairman, Richie was not only very instrumental in getting Mick Mulvaney to run for Congress, he also played an important role in his being elected. Mick was the first Republican Congressional candidate in our district to win Chesterfield County. Now, Richie Yow intends to win State House Seat 53 and again make history by becoming the first Republican to do so.