Serving the Fort Benning, Georgia community as a Department of the Army (DA) Firefighter/EMT/Hazmat Technician. "Protecting those who defend our nation." Getting here was a long road for Rich who began his life-long journey answering the call of service as a Soldier in the US Army from 1989-2005. In 1999, after being injured in Hungary and on a long road to recovery, he was temporarily medically retired in 2001 and later discharged in 2005. In 2001, Rich once again answered the call to duty by becoming a Volunteer Fire Fighter in New Lanio, LA and serving simultaneously as a Fire Fighter at Fort Polk, LA. In 2003 he transferred to Fort Benning, Ga, where he currently serves as firefighter, HAZMAT Tech/EMT.

Dedicated to the First Responder values, mission and dedicated to his profession he strives to be a role model in the community. Rich works hard but Volunteers harder. He also Volunteers as a Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB) Fort Benning/Columbus, Ga Chapter Captain, one of the Largest and Fastest growing chapters in the nation. His shared mission is to enrich the lives of Americas Veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activities. With his help, Team RWB is transforming the way America supports its veterans as they transition from service member to civilian!

When asked to define leadership Rich replied with "Leadership to me is the relationship of those willing to lead and those who follow. Actions are more important than words. Leaders must set the example and inspire a common vision to accomplish goals. Leading by example is more effective than leading by command. Commitment can’t be commanded, it must be inspired and appealing to those who follow".

Here is Rich Leading by example representing his Team RWB chapter wearing his turnout gear at the Columbus Georgia Fight the Fire 5K, raising funds for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (FCCLA). Their mission is to partner with the fire service and burn care community to provide fire safety and prevention education, support medical facilities and assist burn survivors in their recovery.