Rich Oliva 

Hello,

 

I'm Rich, a Navy veteran who proudly served in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. During my time in the Navy, I launched fighter jets off aircraft carriers and held the position of Master at Arms. I vividly recall the adrenaline that surged through me as I faced the harrowing realities of deployment. The gut-wrenching feeling of losing brothers in arms, the ache of being away from family for extended periods, and the pressure of operating under high alert—these experiences shaped me in ways that words can barely capture.

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Coming home was a challenge. Many didn’t understand the sacrifices we made or the intensity of our experiences. They couldn't grasp the constant state of readiness, the weight of knowing every decision could be critical. I found myself yearning for a sense of purpose, battling feelings of frustration when others saw my sense of urgency as a flaw or even labeled it PTSD.

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My journey didn’t end after seven years of service. Transitioning to civilian life meant diving into an entirely different world. I became a firefighter and then an EMT, ultimately stepping into a senior leadership role in emergency management at a hospital. I’ve served on boards for EMS, veterans’ affairs, and local government initiatives, advocating for those who share our unique struggles.

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Academically, I was part of the Navy’s Top Gun Fall Class of 1989, earning certifications as an Aircraft Mechanic and Master-at-Arms along the way. 

Today, as a 100% Disabled Veteran and an active member of the DAV, I understand the weight of leadership, the isolation that so many veterans feel, and the frustration tied to disability. I know what it’s like to fight for purpose and integration into society. I’ve had to reconcile my long deployments with my family, fathering my children from a distance, and facing the unique hurdles that come with being part of the veteran community. 

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I want you to know that I’ve walked this path, and I’m here to help others find their way through it.