Colonel John Richard Alvarado was commissioned as a Transportation Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 19-77, New Mexico Army National Guard Military Academy on 12 June 1977 in Roswell, New Mexico. His first duty assignment was as a Transportation Truck Company Platoon Leader, 720th Transportation Heavy Truck Company at Camp Luna, Las Vegas, New Mexico.

His subsequent duty assignments include: Commander, 720th Transportation Company Heavy Truck; Chief of Movements Branch, Transportation Division G4, HHC Berlin Brigade; Maintenance Staff Officer, HQ STARC, New Mexico Army National Guard; Commander, 3631st Maintenance Company Heavy (GS); Maintenance Staff Officer, HHD 111th Air Defense Brigade; Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics G-4, HQ STARC, New Mexico Army National Guard; Commander, 7-200th Air Defense Battalion; Exercise Coordination Cell Chief, 1st BDE, 91st Division BCST; Chief Logistics Operations Office, HQ USCENTCOM, J4 MacDill, Air Force Base, Florida; Simulations Exercise Branch Chief, 5th Brigade, 75th Division (TS) US Army Reserve.

His military education and training consist of: New Mexico National Guard Officer Candidate School, Transportation Officer Basic and Advanced Course, Ordnance Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff Officer Course, Installation Logistics Course, and Army Logistics Executive Development Course.

COL Alvarado's military awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (w/2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (10 year device and “M” device), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Training Ribbon (“IV” device) New Mexico Good Conduct Medal, New Mexico Long Service Medal, New Mexico 100% Drill Attendance Medal, and the Military Order of St. Christopher Medal.