FORT LEE, Va.— Family, friends, Soldiers, Army civilians and community partners gathered July 31 to honor Col. Richard J. Bendelewski as he retired from the U.S. Army following a career of leadership and service that culminated with two years as commander of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee.
Held immediately following the garrison change of command ceremony, the retirement ceremony celebrated Bendelewski’s contributions to the Army and the Fort Lee community while recognizing the Soldiers, teammates and family members who supported him throughout his career.
Although his final assignment brought him to Fort Lee in July 2024, Bendelewski’s Army career began more than two decades earlier after graduating from Xavier University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program in May 2002.
Commissioned as a combat engineer, he completed the Engineer Officer Basic Course before reporting to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, at Fort Riley, Kansas. There, he served as a sapper platoon leader and company executive officer during the brigade’s deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 and 2.
His career later transitioned into military intelligence after completing the Military Intelligence Transition Course, Military Intelligence Career Course and Counterintelligence Special Agent Course.
He served as the battalion S-2 for the 525th Military Police Battalion supporting Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Cuba, before assuming command of Alpha Company, 308th Military Intelligence Battalion, where he oversaw counterintelligence programs throughout the northeastern United States.
From 2012 to 2016, Bendelewski served as the battalion S-3 and executive officer for the U.S. Army Operations Security Detachment, providing tailored counterintelligence support to strategic organizations conducting global missions. He later became deputy commanding officer of the 902nd Military Intelligence Group, where he helped lead the Army’s only strategic counterintelligence formation.
In September 2018, he assumed command of the 310th Military Intelligence Battalion, directing the Army’s Technical Counterintelligence Services mission, managing its air and ground discrete surveillance capabilities and overseeing Army counterintelligence cyber initiatives.
Following battalion command, Bendelewski served as chief of the U.S. Special Operations Command Counterintelligence Branch, where he helped develop and implement combatant command counterintelligence policies and initiatives supporting SOCOM’s global mission.
His military education reflects the breadth of his career. Bendelewski earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University, a master’s degree in justice administration from Norwich University, a Master of Science degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College. He is also a graduate of Session 244 of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Joint Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Military Intelligence Knowlton Award.
While assigned to Fort Lee, Bendelewski emphasized strengthening partnerships across the installation and surrounding communities while improving the quality of life for Soldiers, Army civilians and families. His tenure included continued investment in infrastructure, housing and installation services while supporting Fort Lee’s mission as one of the Army’s premier training installations.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on his commitment to developing leaders, building strong teams and fostering relationships across the installation and throughout the Tri-Cities community.
The ceremony also recognized the sacrifices made by military families. Bendelewski thanked his wife, Ashley, and their two sons, Caden and Noah, for their steadfast support throughout years of Army service.
As Fort Lee welcomed new leadership, the retirement ceremony marked the close of one chapter while celebrating a career defined by service to Soldiers, the Army and the nation.