SGM (ret) Colin Rich is a person who can never be forgotten- for his resilience, courage, humor, and humility. He was injured in Afghanistan in 2002. His injury was severe (penetrating brain injury) and he could easily have been medically discharged from the Army. Colin is a highly decorated and trained senior enlisted soldier (Special Forces/ Ranger) with multiple deployments to "hot" spots throughout his career. He did not want to leave the Army as he strongly believed he had not finished his mission, his "boys" /unit needed him and he could contribute. He recovered sufficiently [although he does have a significant visual field loss due to the injury] and was able to REDEPLOY when his unit went to Iraq (for about 9 months) then AGAIN when his unit was sent back to Afghanistan. Since his injury, he has received numerous awards to include a Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, 3 bronze stars, meritorious service medal and the global war on terrorism award.
After 22+ years in the Army, he decided to retire and received a medical retirement (full disability) in 2007 - 4 years after his injury. Since his injury there have been multiple challenges for Colin (and his family) but he has always tried to be positive, to compensate for his disability, and "to do his job". It is an honor and privilege to know and work with him. He is an inspiration for many- if you Google his name you will find some articles that have been written about him over the past few years. He has been active both formally and informally in the Wounded Warrior Program being a mentor, the guide dog foundation [he has a guide dog primarily for visual impairment], and involved in some working groups with AW2/VA. He is in training for a 300 mile walk of the Appalachian Trail [by himself] this summer.
SGM Rich's combat deployments include Panama, the Gulf War, three tours the Balkans, two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Iraq. (OEF-II and OEF-VI) to name a few. SGM Rich has received copious awards and decorations:
LOM, 3 BSM, 1 PH, 2 MSM, 2 JSCM, 2 ARCOM, 1 JSAM, 2 AAM, 6 AGCM, 2 NDSM, 2 AFEM, 2 SWABS, 1 AFSM, 3 NOPDR, 1 ASR, 1 KULIBM, 1 NATOMDL, 1 GWOTEM, 1 GWOTSM, Ranger Tab, CIB 2nd AWARD, EIB, PATHFINDER BADGE, MASTER PARACHUTIST BADGE, MASTER FREE FALL PARACHUTIST BADGE, and the PARACHUTIST BADGE.
Videos (1)
Colin Rich is associated with the following videos.
