Military Matters, Honoring Ret. MSgt Richard Cerka

MSgt . Richard Cerka (Ret.), Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Range Management, Conservation Law Enforcement Officer Supervisor.

Years in Service: 23 years

1982 – 2005

MSgt Richard Cerka (ret.) originally joined the Marine Corps as a dog handler in 1982 for travel and excitement. He served faithfully for 23 years and retired in Yuma in 2005. During his time in service, Cerka was stationed at MCLB Barstow, CA., Camp Foster, Okinawa, MCLB Albany, GA., and MCAS Yuma, AZ. He also served as a recruiter in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

MSgt Cerka deployed once in 2003, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his tour, he returned to MCAS Yuma, where he retired in 2005.

Richard Cerka then became a Conservation Law Enforcement Officer Supervisor with the Range Management Department on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. One of his duties includes helping with the management of the Barry M. Goldwater range ( BMGR ). The BMGR doubles as a training area for Marine Corps flight operations and a recreational area for the public to enjoy. Cerka’s job is to ensure that both parties can use and enjoy the natural and cultural resources that the BMGR has to offer.

In his free time, Cerka enjoys being a member of the Yuma Gem and Mineral Society, hiking, giving tours, and education people about the Sonoran Desert.