Freddie Rick's Military Service
After he graduated from high school, Freddie Rick made a decision that would affect the rest of his life. Rather than stay home and join his father's welding and metal building business, he decided to make a commitment to serve the United States military by enlisting in the Marine Corps. Freddie liked the idea of the structure that comes from spending time in the military and believed the exposure would open many potential doors for him.
Freddie began at the bottom of the Marines, just like every enlisted man. But his ability to accept orders and carry them out enabled him to rapidly move up the ranks. Because of his accomplishments, Freddie Rick was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
He showed great physical dexterity and proved to be an excellent marksman. His hand-eye coordination helped Freddie Rick become a crack shot. Because of his accuracy as a sharp shooter, he was trained to be a sniper.
Because of his unique set of skills, Freddie Rick was offered an opportunity to attend leadership school if he would re-enlist. He would be able to complete his college degree in exchange for continued military service. He would become an officer with the additional training and would likely be shipped off the Far East for the rest of his commitment.
Freddie Rick saw other things in his future and didn't feel it was fair to extend his commitment to the Marine Corp if he couldn't put his whole heart into the task.
Freddie opted out of the chance to attend the leadership school. It was a difficult choice to make, because Freddie believes in honoring a commitment. But Freddie doesn't believe in giving less than complete effort and didn't want to shortchange the Marines.
He stepped away, but still relishes those days as a Marine. "Once a Marine, always a Marine," Freddie says. "That will never change. I wouldn't be where I am today without those years I spent with the Marines."
About Freddie Rick
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