USS Columbia (SSN-771)

Rich joined the Navy at 18 and served 20 years on submarines as a culinary specialist, retiring as a chief petty officer.

He served as supply department chief aboard the USS Key West and the USS Columbia, and as staff chief, he was responsible for food service on six submarines in Submarine Squadron 11.

He was accountable for a $400,000 food service budget and a $1.5 million maintenance budget and earned the Navy Commendation Medal and seven Navy Achievement Medals.

After the Navy, Rich earned an Associate of Arts degree from Moverly Area Community College.