Colonel Richard Kaniss graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in June 1976 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Transportation Corps. After completing his initial training, he was assigned to Fort Carson, CO. At Fort Carson, he served as platoon leader, supply officer, battalion consolidated dining facility officer, battalion S4, company commander, and transportation officer. In 1980, he transitioned to the Army Reserve.
In January 1993, Colonel Kaniss was assigned to the US Army Japan. His duties of increased responsibility included G4 director of transportation, US Army Japan G4 and deputy commander, 10th area support command, Okinawa, Japan. While serving as the deputy commander, he assisted in the establishment of the Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines at Kadena Air Force Base. He concluded his military career in 2006 as the US Army detachment facilitator at the NATO school in Oberammergau, Germany.
Colonel Kaniss has continued to support the military since retirement. His serves as president of the Association of the US Army’s North Texas – Audie Murphy Chapter. The Audie Murphy Chapter earned the “best chapter” award from the national organization in 2016. He also serves as chairman of the Our Community Salutes Dallas-Fort Worth organization. They hold “thank you recognition” ceremonies in their local area. An entrepreneur, he has served as president of three corporations selling computer software.
Kaniss and his wife, Mary, reside in Richardson, TX.
