BIOGRAPHY

Let me first say that I am the proud father of two, Donielle and Richard and a grandfather of three, Austin, Davey and Lindsey.



I was born in Champaign, Illinois and raised in a family with six brothers and sisters. At the age of 17, I joined the U.S. Marine Corps and in1966, at the age of 18, I was sent to Viet Nam where I served in Da Nang, Phu Bai and Dong Ha, conducting 11 combat operations before my 19th birthday.



Subsequent to being discharged from the Marines in 1969, I attended Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA and California State University at Northridge where in 1974, I earned a BA in Political Science with a Pre-Law minor. In 1976, I was hired as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), U.S. Treasury Department, in Chicago, IL. As a Special Agent I worked many successful criminal investigations pertaining to Arson, to include Arson with a death, Weapons and Explosive violations and Organized Crime.

In 1982, I transferred to the U.S. Customs, Office of Investigations, U.S. Treasury Department, in San Diego, CA. In 1984, as a Special Agent, I was one of the original agents assigned to the OCDETF (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force), where in cooperation with DEA and IRS CID, I worked Narcotics Smuggling and Money Laundering investigations. From 1986 thru 1999, as a Supervisory Special Agent in San Diego and later in Los Angeles, I conducted and Supervised Strategic Investigations related to the smuggling of Arms, Missile and other High Technologies, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Counter Terrorism. I retired from Federal Law Enforcement in 1999.





During the above time period, I continued in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1978 and then transferred to the U.S. Army Special Forces (A) Reserves. I commanded a reserve Special Forces Group in the San Diego area, a Military Intelligence Battalion in the Los Angeles area and was the Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO) for the 5th Army assigned to Southern California. During my last four years of service, I served as the Commanding Officer of a U.S. Army Brigade located on Camp Pendleton, California.

In 2002, during my last four years of military service, the call of Duty sounded once again and my Brigade was mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom and in 2003, we were deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. Following my return from Combat and the completion of my command time, I retired from Military service as a full COLONEL in 2004.

I am a graduate of the Combined Arms Service Staff School and the Army Command and General Staff Course.

My awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Naval Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (3rd award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6th award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (3rd award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/palm, Unit Citation Medal (Gallantry Cross Color), Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/device), Vietnam Service Medal (w/2 devices), Iraq Campaign Medal, War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Parachute Badge (U.S.), Parachute Badge (Republic of Korea), Scuba Badge and the Special Forces Tab, Expert Marksmanship badge rifle M-16, Expert marksmanship qualification badge w/pistol bar. Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (2OLC)

Although never a politician or being involved in politics, I am frustrated by the lack of response from our government to the will of the people and in putting the interest of America first. I, like most Americans, feel that those in Congress consider themselves removed from the true needs of the people whom they claim to represent. I am tired of the seeming lack of common sense in the handling of critical issues like Taxes, Social Security, Immigration, Crime, Corruption, undo influence of lobbyist, the liberal interpretation of the courts, and wasteful spending which includes the giving of Billions of our dollars to foreign countries with little or no accountability, especially to those who are consumed with hatred for everything we stand for. I am tired of our Governments lack of resolve in standing against those who assault our way of life, our culture, our values, the flag and "In God we Trust".

I planned for my retirement and I was prepared to happily enjoy life. But, once again, I cannot deny the call of Duty. I feel that nothing will change unless we, who care deeply about our country, do something. I have decided to do that something by running for Congress.

I don't know if you would call me a Reagan "soldier" but I admired the gentleman and was fortunate enough to be on his Secret Service Detail when he was elected President in Nov. 1980. So, with your blessing I give you one of his quotes.

"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first." Ronald Reagan

With your support, we can make a difference, one vote at a time!

WWW.RICKPOWELLFORCONGRESS.COM

RICKPOWELLFORCONGRESS@gmail.com


RICK POWELL IS AN OFF-ROADER! KEEP OFFROAD AREAS OPEN!

I have owned and ridden dirt bikes, quads and dune buggys since 1970, participating in motocross and desert riding. I raised my son and daughter in offroad areas like Ocotillo Wells, Glamis and Buttercup. Sharing campfires and riding trails that will forever be in our fondest memories and now I share the riding experience of the desert with my grandchildren. The desert and other offroad riding areas provide a wonderful atmosphere for bonding and lifetime memories. I will lead the way in keeping offroad riding areas available for future generations.



Another desert!






RETIRED FEDERAL AGENT

Links

http://www.smartvoter.org

Respectfully Yours,
Rick Powell

Website: http://www.RickPowellForCongress.com

Email: RickPowellForCongress@gmail.com