Richard “Doc” Harris

Richard “Doc” Harris’s life has been shaped by his dedication to the medical field and his extensive service in the United States Air Force. Born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, he left home at 17 after graduating high school and started his journey in healthcare, working as an orderly at St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin. During this time, he also began studying premed at La Crosse State College, balancing his job and education while earning just 25 cents an hour with room and board. 

The Korean War was raging at the time, and with the draft looming, Richard and a close friend made the decision to volunteer for the Air Force Medical Corps in 1948. They were determined to avoid being drafted into the Army and saw the Air Force as an opportunity to continue working in the medical field. His time in the Air Force from 1948 to 1952 would shape the rest of his career. Initially, he served as an assistant to the flight surgeons, and later as a technician in the altitude chambers. His role quickly evolved, and he soon found himself as part of a medical evacuation unit, transporting wounded GIs from Korea back to the United States.

Although Richard never went to Korea, he spent time in Japan, where he and his unit brought back hundreds of wounded soldiers. Working long hours, sometimes up to 72 hours straight, his dedication earned him the rank of Staff Sergeant. After completing his service, Richard returned to Wisconsin, where he resumed his premed studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It was during his time in medical school that he met his future wife, a nurse, and they soon fell in love and got married.

After his time in medical school, Richard rejoined the Air Force, this time as a First Lieutenant, eventually reaching the rank of Captain. His new military career allowed him to continue his medical education, completing a residency in general surgery and later specializing in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. His career took him to various military hospitals, including Scott Air Force Base and Lakenheath Air Force Hospital in England, where he performed complex surgeries and trained other medical professionals.

One memorable moment in his career occurred when he arrived at Lakenheath. Upon stepping off the plane, he was rushed to the operating room to assist a young surgeon with a complicated case involving a possible esophageal rupture. Richard’s expertise and quick actions helped save the patient and showcased his calm under pressure. His career continued at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he became chairman of the surgical department and earned numerous honors, including the rank of Full Colonel, symbolized by the “full bird” on his uniform.

In 1975, Richard retired from the Air Force after decades of service, but his medical career was far from over. He joined a group of surgeons in Oregon, where he was the sole cardiovascular surgeon for a time. His passion for surgery remained strong, but by 1989, arthritis and shoulder surgeries forced him to retire from active practice. He and his wife moved to Florida, where they settled into retirement in Safety Harbor.

Richard’s wife, a nurse, was his constant companion and caretaker during their 63 years of marriage. She managed their household, supported his career, and took care of him when he began to face health challenges of his own. Sadly, she passed away after a battle with ovarian cancer, leaving a void in Richard’s life. He now resides in an assisted living facility, reflecting on their many years together and the life they built.

In addition to his surgical career, Richard also developed a passion for art, particularly miniature art. After taking some art courses and practicing at the Dunedin Art Gallery, Richard excelled at creating intricate, small-scale pieces. His work was exhibited at national and international shows, including one in St. Petersburg, Russia. His skill in art mirrored his precision in surgery, a talent he honed during his years of performing delicate vascular procedures.

Richard’s only child, a son, followed in his father’s footsteps of service, becoming a respiratory therapist and later a missionary. Richard is immensely proud of his son, who now works with his wife in Ecuador after being expelled from Colombia due to political unrest. 

As Richard reflects on his life, he attributes much of his discipline and success to his military career. His time in the Air Force taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and service to others. Even in his retirement, he remains active in his community, sharing his experiences and artwork with those around him. Known affectionately as “Doc” by his friends, Richard continues to embody the dedication and resilience that defined his career in the Air Force and beyond.

y upbringing to a 22-year distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, and later, entrepreneurship, reflects a life of resilience, adaptability, and service. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1967, Anthony moved to Florida at a young age and completed his high school education in 1986. His early work as a mechanic left him seeking greater purpose, prompting him to explore the military with a friend. Initially, they considered joining the Marines, but Anthony ultimately chose the Air Force, embarking on a career that would span over two decades.

His Air Force journey began in 1989, stationed at various locations, including Sheppard Air Force Base and Travis Air Force Base in California. As a C-5 crew chief, he handled some of the largest aircraft in the U.S. military, which required technical expertise and unwavering attention to detail. A transfer to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii followed, and his role evolved over time. Despite a fulfilling position as a crew chief, Anthony sought more. He decided to retrain as a flight engineer, a challenging process that took two years, involving water survival and survival evasion resistance and escape (SERE) training. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and eventually accumulated over 5,000 flying hours, participating in multiple major military operations such as Iraqi Freedom.

Anthony’s Air Force career exposed him to high-stress, dangerous situations, particularly during international conflicts. He recalls one notable mission shortly after the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, where his aircraft’s landing was delayed due to unrest on the runway. They eventually landed but had to take cover when unrest flared up again. On another occasion, a landing gear malfunction in Kuwait put his crew at risk, forcing them to stay airborne until they could safely land. These incidents tested his mettle, but they were pivotal experiences that shaped his career.

After retiring from the Air Force in 2011, Anthony transitioned into law enforcement, joining the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in California. For the next decade, he worked as a deputy, balancing the demands of public service with the challenges of life outside the military. His time in law enforcement further honed his leadership and decision-making skills, though it came with its own difficulties. After ten years in this role, he retired from law enforcement and returned to Florida, reuniting with his roots.

It was in Florida that Anthony embraced a new challenge: entrepreneurship. Along with his wife, who is a doctor of nursing, Anthony launched a franchise of Game Day Men’s Health, a clinic focused on testosterone replacement, weight loss, and men’s health services. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to help men over 40, who often face health challenges yet lack dedicated resources. They aimed to create a space where veterans and first responders, in particular, would find the care and support they deserve. Anthony’s involvement in veteran advocacy didn’t stop with his business; he also became actively involved with the Pinellas County Veterans Association, working to bridge the gap between veterans and the resources available to them.

Anthony’s life story is one of commitment to service—whether in the military, law enforcement, or as an advocate for men’s health and veterans’ rights. Through each chapter of his life, Anthony has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of purpose, making him a role model for veterans and civilians alike. His journey showcases how military service can serve as a foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment, even as it transitions into civilian ventures.