NEW CITY, NY – Senator Bill Weber proudly presented Richie Jarcho of Sloatsburg the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree, with an official plaque and poster board bio in recognition of his exemplary United States Army service and unparalleled support for Rockland County veterans. Accompanied by his wife, Linda, the ceremony was graced with the presence of Congressman Mike Lawler and Supervisor George Hoehmann.

Richie’s full bio:

Richie Jarcho, a man with a deep sense of duty and compassion, embarked on his military journey by proactively moving up in the draft to serve his country. In 1958, he underwent basic training at Fort Dix before being stationed as a cook at Fort Benning, Georgia. However, destiny had other plans as he was deployed to Korea on General Mann’s troop ship alongside 5,000 others. Assigned to a signal outfit, Richie’s adaptability and quick learning led him to take care of generators despite having no prior experience.

Upon returning home, Richie’s commitment to service remained undiminished. When President Kennedy recalled troops due to the Berlin Crisis, Richie willingly rejoined and served at Fort Eustis, Virginia, until his honorable discharge in 1961. Following his military career, he began selling marble and glass tables for his cousin.

Richie’s journey of charity began around twenty-three years ago, triggered by a heart-rending story about a disabled veteran who lost his limbs in the war. His compassion and determination drove him to help veterans in need. Despite initial challenges, Richie persisted and established a tradition of distributing turkeys during major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. His efforts continued to grow, and he reached out to various organizations to expand his impact.

In addition to his turkey distributions, Richie recognized equine therapy’s potential for veterans who have PTSD. He adopted horses and partnered with sponsors like Interstate Toyota to regularly provide life-changing treatment to veterans.

Richie’s dedication did not go unnoticed, and he received numerous awards from various Rockland County municipalities for his selfless volunteer work for veterans and their families. As a testament to his extraordinary contributions, Richie is being honored as the 2023 Veterans Hall of Fame inductee for Rockland.

Richie Jarcho’s life has been a testament to the power of volunteerism, empathy, and generosity. From his military service to his communal endeavors, he has left an indelible mark on the lives of veterans and the Rockland community, showing that a single individual’s compassion can bring about profound positive change.