Richard Zilmer

Former Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Headquarters Marine Corps and a 1970 graduate of Milton Hershey School. Zilmer has served the Marine Corps around the world throughout his 36-year military career, from a Series Commander for recruits at Parris Island to the Commanding General of a Multi-National Force in Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 to 2007, Zilmer was responsible for the operations of more than 30,000 U.S. service members in Iraq. He has earned numerous honors, including the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device and the Distinguished Service Medal. He was Milton Hershey School Alumnus of the Year in 2004.