Rich joined the VFW at Post 3767 in his hometown of Hubbard, Ohio in 2009 as a life member. After retiring from the US Navy after 23 years, he upgraded to Bronze Legacy VFW Life Membership and transferred to the Greater Beaches VFW Post 3270 in Jacksonville Beach, FL, where he served as Post Commander for 2 years, earning All-American and All-State Post Recognition, and is currently serving as a Post Trustee and Judge Advocate. Rich has been recognized as a VFW National Chief of Staff twice and as a VFW National Aide-de-Camp, and has served as the VFW Dept. of Florida Membership Director for the 2021-22 year. 

He served in the US Navy (1994-2017) and retired as a Fire Controlman Chief Petty Officer. He earned his VFW eligibility by earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Kosovo Liberation Medal while deployed on USS RAMAGE (DDG 61), and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal while deployed on USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20) with Commander, Second Fleet Staff and USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99). He served on five Guided Missile Destroyers, a Fleet Commander Staff, and two Afloat Training Groups.

He lives with his wife Kristy, step-daughter Baylee (both VFW Auxiliary Members) and daughter Reyanne in Jacksonville, FL and is a licensed Realtor and Military Relocation Professional serving Northeast Florida. He is also a life member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and is serving as the Chairman of the Veterans Council of Duval County.