Col. Rick White

MEET COL. RICK WHITE! A devoted man always seeking to serve “on the line” with America’s noble Soldiers. A retired United States Army, he is now the Director and Chairman of the Board of Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame (GMVHOF). While a native of Norcross, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Private and volunteered for the Airborne Infantry, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Reconnaissance Platoon Leader. Colonel White’s greatest honor was being the commander of two brigades, two battalions, six companies, and three platoons, ranging in size from 40 to 2,200 soldiers. He is a loving husband to his wife Pamela Anicich; they have twin daughters, a son, two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and four grandsons and reside in Johns Creek, GA. You cannot help but be inspired listening and learning from Col. Rick White!

 

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Johns Creek?      

A: 27 years, since August 1992

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Johns Creek, and what do you love there?  

A: My wife, Pamela, and I always want to faithfully support the businesses in Johns Creek. We enjoy all of the delicious food and the great, fast service at LongHorn Steakhouse (10845 Medlock Bridge Road).

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Johns Creek?     

A: My Pastor, Rev. Leonard Gibbs of Clear Springs Baptist Church on Jones Bridge Road. The best pastor that I have had in my life, a humble and decent man.

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?      

A: Prayer! My Sunday School Teacher, Mr. Thomas Johnson (a WWII Marine), at Norcross First Baptist Church, told his class of 10-year old boys to begin praying, each day, for God to guide us and prepare us for our “life’s work”. I did and HE did! Soon after I turned 19, I joined the US Army and had a very happy and fulfilling career, in both peace and war, as a Soldier & Army Officer for the next 31 years. The answer to that 10-year old boy’s prayer continues today as I am extremely blessed to be the Director & Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame and trying to do my part to rightfully honoring our selfless, “Defenders of Freedom”.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?    

A: The Holy Land, to visit where HE walked and lived.

Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?

A: My favorite: Forest Gump. The first that I remember: The Ten Commandments.

Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?

A: Experience the great joy in humbly helping others without expecting a material reward or public praise.

Q: Aside from travel, what is something on your bucket list?   

A: Continuing to read inspirational books.

Q: What is your favorite music/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?       

A: The 5th Dimension. By late 1968, during my first of two combat tours in Vietnam, I had been in the jungle for many months and had not heard any current music for almost a year. Upon returning to “The World”, hearing their music was so pleasant to me then as it is today. That once young Soldier would like to sincerely thank all of them, and especially Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, for happy memories.

Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Johns  Creek?   A: It’s not really a “business” but for nostalgic reasons, the old schoolhouse and Veteran’s Memorial Walk at Newtown Park.

Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Johns Creek would you have lunch?       

A: Tommy Clack, a triple amputee from the Vietnam War, now living in Johns Creek.  He is 100% positive, an inspiration, an exemplary role model for how to handle great adversity. We would have lunch at  Reveille Café.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Johns Creek?        

A: It’s demonstrated Patriotism by the fact that it is a Purple Heart City and that the half- scale replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C., “The Wall That Heals”, is being erected in the Veteran’s Memorial Walk at Newtown Park.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?   

A: Continuing to enjoy my family and the life that we have been so richly blessed with.

Q: What is something interesting that most people (including family and friends) don’t know about you?

A: Wow! You’re talking to an “open book” but, here’s one: I enjoy reading about, seeing photos of, and being around farm animals like cattle, mules, horses, hogs, and chickens.

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?           

A: How about six words … Love, Warmth, Quiet, Safety, Peace, Food.

Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?           

A: My beautiful and loving wife of 45 years, Pamela.

Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose?

      Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?    

A: A Physical Fitness Trainer.

 

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