Somehow, a letter written by Richard made it's way into Russia, which you can find in UC. Here's the letter:

I understand your concerns about me
taking up this dangerous line of work.
As a member of S.T.A.R.S., I will always
be in the line of fire. I figured this
was as good a time as any to try and
explain my actions.

Bridgette, I know I’ve talked about her
before, but the memory of my little
sister eats at me from the inside.
I couldn’t save her from that criminal.

I know you tried to console me,
telling me that there was nothing I
could do being so young. But I was so
paralyzed by fear and doubt that I
couldn’t do anything.

My baby sister was killed right in front
of my very eyes and I couldn’t move
an inch. I couldn’t protect her.
I was so helpless. It feels like I
should have died in her place and I
just can’t shake that feeling.

All I can do is try to bury that feeling
and protect the people that need it
most, so they don’t have to go
through what I did. I’m not giving up
this job, and I will continue to protect
who I can.

S.T.A.R.S. is the only way I can live
with myself.
I don’t want to die in vain. I never
want to hesitate when that moment
comes again.

Don’t worry; I’m not that little kid
anymore and I’ll come back alive.

I promise.
You’re the most important thing in my
life, and I always want to be there for
you when you need me.

Love
Richard

This letter makes me feel more for Richard. He wasn't just some lame, really weak character. In UC, it showed him to be a very courageous and encouraging person, shown from the the missions he's in. This letter also shows that he does have somewhat of a sad backstory, with his sister being killed right in front of him. I also feel bad for the lover he had to leave behind in the selfless sacrifice that he had to make.

Truly, this guy had some morals.

Or something. All I'm saying is is that Richard should be appreciated more. I'm not a huge fan or anything, I'm just saying he's a character that should be remembered.

I mean Chris would not even be alive if it wasn't for him.

I hope to someday play as him in Deadly Silence, if it's even possible anymore.

I absolutely agree. I thought he was portrayed the best in The Umbrella Chronicles.

Why wouldn't it be possible to play as him in DS?

Didn't know about the letter. It's always nice to have some backstory to a lesser known character. I want to hear more about Joseph

You get to know Joseph a little bit more in the novel. He's still my second favorite RE character.

I remember that letter. I never thought of Richard as a weak character though. His sacrifice is probably the most heroic thing done by any of the STARS members, not to be rivaled until Jill's sacrifice in Europe.