Joseph Rick
Era: Global War on Terror
Military Branch: Navy
My name is Joseph Rick and I was born in October of 1981 in Duluth, Minnesota to local store owner Adrian and his wife Kathleen, an educational assistant. The oldest of three boys, my brother Andrew is two years younger and my brother Steven is three years younger than me.
Growing up I was involved in power boating, played soccer and baseball, participated in karate, and on occasion, went deer and bird hunting with my dad. I was also very active in scouting, DeMolay and a local police explorers program.
An average student, it wasn’t until I was exposed to a Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC) program that I began to develop as a dedicated scholar. While in NJROTC I began to see my grades improve, rose to the rank of Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer, was put in charge of the supply office, and lead many class activities.
After completion of high school, I enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard as a construction equipment operator and took it upon myself to expand upon my military training by attending a civilian construction equipment operator school.
Two years later (shortly after 9/11/2001), I found myself feeling like I wasn’t working to my full potential to help our country so I transitioned to active duty and switched to the Navy as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handler (ABH).
My first duty station in the Navy was in Souda Bay, Greece. While in Souda Bay I also cross trained with the base public works department, was on the Command Auxiliary Security Force, and volunteered to work in both the Air Terminal Operations Center and Air Cargo divisions.
Within my first two years there I held the position of assistant shift supervisor, managed our airfield access program, was twice named the Operations Department Blue Jacket of the Quarter and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (NAM).
As I progressed in my military career, I continued to work much above my normal job. I managed a supply office, was a member of a Command Ceremonial Detail, assisted in the improvement base security, and volunteered for a special task force to work in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where I was instrumental in the development of a new Standard Operating Procedure.
In addition to the NAM, I was awarded several other medals including 2 Good Conduct Medals, a Joint Services Achievement Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and a Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Medal.
After being in the military for 8 years and gaining further interest in law enforcement and terrorism, I focused on my new desire to pursue a career in criminal justice. By January of 2010, after honorably leaving the Navy, I moved back to Minnesota to work towards a future in law enforcement.
By the summer of 2012, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Criminal Justice, participated in a study abroad trip to Croatia, and attended a conference through the National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC) in which I obtained several certifications. By Spring of 2014 I will have completed my Master's of Science in Public Safety Executive Leadership.
My intentions are to gain employment in a federal law enforcement capacity where I can continue to serve my country and help combat terrorism.
Outside of school, I am currently working as an Armed Patrol Officer for a private security company, serve on the Board of Directors for the Tri-County Crime Stoppers, and helped plan and coordinate the 2012 Can-Am Police-Fire Games.
I also enjoy hunting, camping, scuba diving, spending time with friends and family, traveling, working with computers and reading.
