Mr. Platt was born in Torrington, Connecticut on June 30, 1939.  He was raised in Norfolk, Connecticut and graduated from Gilbert High School in Winsted, Connecticut in 1957.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 1957 and served on continuous active duty until his retirement in January 1985.  He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) and, during his long Air Force career he served in positions of Administrative Superintendent, First Sergeant, and enlisted advisor to senior commanders.

            Mr. Platt started his federal civil service career in October 1985 and retired in March 2001.  During his civil service, he served in positions of Lowry AFB Contingency Plans Officer, management analyst, and Chief of Administration and Logistics for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service – Denver Center. 

            Mr. Platt is a graduate of the Air Force Leadership School (Honor Graduate); the Non-commissioned Officer Academy (Honor Graduate); the Senior NCO Academy; the First Sergeant Academy; and the Administration Officers Course.  He has approximately 90 semester hours toward a degree in Business Administration.  

            In addition to his many military decorations, Mr. Platt’s biography appeared in the 1972 and 1974 volumes of “Outstanding Young Men of America.”  In 1974, he was selected as one of the USAF Outstanding Airmen of the Year.  In 1983, he was selected as Runner-up, International Member of the Year for the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA).

            Mr. Platt served as AFSA Division 11 President (Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado) for many years and is presently a Lifetime International Trustee of that organization.  For eight years, he served on the Board of Directors for the Lowry Federal Credit Union.  For another eight years, he served on the Executive Board of the Greater Denver Postal Customer Council.  He is presently serving on the board of his homeowners association.

            Mr. Platt is a lifetime member of AFSA, the Air Force Association, the Retired Enlisted Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.

            Mr. Platt resides in Corsicana, Texas with his wife of 44 years, Gayla.  The Platts have one son, Curtis, who resides in Sarasota, Florida with his wife Terry and their son, Richard C. Platt II.