State Representative  E. Richard “Dickie” Drake was sworn into office by State Representative Jim Hill on Sunday, Jan. 6 at the First Baptist Church in Leeds.

Refreshments followed in the fellowship hall. There was a large crowd in attendance.  

Drake shared, “I am overwhelmed by the support and love shown.  The Drake Family would like to thank everyone for their presence, support and love.  The grandchildren say they are so proud of their Pop.  The entire family feels that way and are so proud to be a part of Alabama history.” 

Drake has served in the Alabama House of Representatives from the 45^th district since 2011. He was elected in a special election after the passing of his brother, Owen.

Drake served 42 years in the military and is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. He has served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Representative Drake flew 102 combat sorties with over 500 hours of combat time.  He has 31 military awards including: Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with 4 devices; Aerial Achievement Medal with 2 devices; Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 devices; Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 devices; Southwest Asia Service Medal with star; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; and Iraqi Campaign Medal. Among his awards are the coveted Colonel Leo Thorsness Veteran Award and the National Patrick Henry Award.

Representative Drake is the Chairman of Military and Veterans Affairs, Vice-Chairman of the Military Stability Commission, Member of the Jefferson County Delegation and the Shelby County Delegation, Member of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, and the Judiciary Committee.

Representative Drake also participates in various charitable and philanthropic community groups, coached youth baseball 17 years, and serves on the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee. He is past president and current board member of the Leeds Historical Society as well as a current board member of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce. He is also past vice-president of the Leeds Jaycees; past president of Leeds Youth Baseball where he served two terms; charter member of Leeds Exchange Club; member of the Chief’s Council, 117 ARW, and a member of the E-9 Association of the State of Alabama.  He serves as a member of the advisory board for Lehigh Hanson as well as Three Hots and a Cot, an organization for homeless veterans.  He is also a Deacon of the Leeds First Baptist Church.

He has been married to Anita Smith Drake for 47 years and they have two sons; Heath (Ashley) and Jared (Paige); seven grandchildren: Lexi, Jackson, Colin, Colton, Addye, Brody and Owen.  Both of his sons serve in the military as officers; Heath as a Battalion Plans Officer USAR, and Jared as an Aircraft Commander and Chief of Operations Group Training, USAF.