General Biography

T. A. Richards or more specifically Terry Allen Richards II, was born in Hartford, CT and graduated from Rockville High School of Vernon, CT. Recently retired from the US Army, Terry is a permanently disabled veteran and very proud to be an American. He meets his physical challenges head on and uses the sport of disabled bodybuilding to stay out of a wheelchair. In 2003 Terry graduated from Southern California Seminary and has used this education as both a private educator and a US Army Chaplain. His writing career began in high school with a multitude of short stories and has since grown to include graphic novels, reflective and inspirational articles and almost a dozen novels. Ultimately his goal is to start his own production company where the world will see his many creative visions come to life on the 'big screen.'

Army Life

After high school T.A. enlisted in the United States Army. He served with various units as an infantry grunt turned medic. The next ten years in the Reserves flew by as he volunteered to go on active duty as often as possible. This time included missions that would become the influential background of his books, including the fictitious series, "A Fools' Babel." He also volunteered during both drilling and non-drilling weekends to train other medics and soldiers basic combat lifesaving skills. To say that T.A. loved the military is an understatement. In fact he loved it just as much as he loved working with young people as an educator. So, in the year 2000 he realized it was time to put the two together and become an Army Chaplain. At Southern California Seminary he became an Army Chaplain Candidate and excelled in his studies. Three years later he graduated with distinction, two masters degrees and a GPA of 3.99. Immediately T.A. joined the Army's Chaplain Corps. He claims it was some of the best ministry he ever experienced. A glimpse of his journey as an Army Chaplain is documented in the graphic novel, The Chaplain's Journal. Click on the link to catch a glimpse of this unique and very rewarding career.

Disabled Bodybuilder

My love for the Army didn't prevent me from getting injured and hurt. Fourteen surgeries later I remain out of a wheelchair but my broken body is wracked with pain. Thus, I use the sport of Disabled Bodybuilding to not only keep me out of a wheelchair but also focused on what I can do and not on what I cannot do. And even though I may walk funny, I am still very grateful that I still have my left leg because so many of my brothers cannot say the same. Bodybuilding has saved me in so many ways and my desire to share what I have learned with others. A book is under way for those of use with physical challenges. It will be training guide and a motivational push that we all need to make it in this thing called life. Click on the link, Disabled Bodybuilding to find inspirational quotes and pictures.