Richard Wasserman was born in New Jersey and grew up in Missouri. He joined the Army Reserve in 1974 at 17 years old. He served in the Army Reserve and National Guard with 10 years as an Enlisted Soldier/NCO and 28+ years as an officer. He completed six combat tours, serving in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and two tours each in Iraq and Afghanistan. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Combat Action Badge. He graduated from Middlesex County College, University of Washington with a BA in Economics, Masters Degree from The New School, and received a Doctorate from Drew University. Wasserman is married and has one daughter.