Richard Appleby appointed as the Warrior for Life Fund Chairman of the Board of Directors

Dear Supporters, 

We are thrilled to announce that Richard Appleby has been appointed as the Warrior for Life Fund Chairman of the Board of Directors. Richard has been involved in youth volunteer activities since moving to Virginia Beach in 1988 from Michigan. His educational background was in a double major is Psychology and Sociology and his business background in the automobile business began in 1973. Richard has been involved as Operating Partner in three Automotive groups as well as partner in two major Consulting firms specializing in the Service and Parts operations since 1984. 

Richard’s volunteer involvement in youth hockey began in 1974 as a founding member of a youth hockey association in Michigan as a Board member and coach. After moving to Virginia Beach, Richard volunteered as a coach for Hampton Roads Youth Hockey (HRYHA), later becoming a board member as Business Operations, Director of Hockey Operations and currently President of the association. Richard was also Board member and President of the Blue Ridge College Hockey and is a current board member of the Carolina Hockey League. A unique aspect of the HRYHA association is the heavy impact from military members within the group comprising approximately 60% of the youth players and coaches. 

During this time with HRYHA, Richard was introduced to Ryan Croley who started the original Virginia Beach Hockey Club dedicated to military members. Along the way both Richard and Ryan got involved with the Old Dominion University Hockey Club as coaches. 

The Virginia Hockey Club developed into the Warrior for Life program and Richard has assisted with the development of the program by supporting ice activities with the Sled team and the Development Hockey program for military members who want to learn to play hockey. 

Richard’s support of the Warrior for Life Program includes offering ice facilities and training as needed for military members and their children including goodwill support for youth players from military families. Richard also is actively involved in organizing events and fundraising efforts that benefit military nonprofits. His work helps address the challenges faced by military families, such as long deployments and combat related issues by providing a supportive environment for the youth members of the military families. 

As a Board member of Warrior for Life, Richard offers support and advice based on his extensive experience in running businesses. 

We are confident that Richards vision and leadership will continue to drive the Warrior for Life Fund forward, ensuring that we can reach an even larger portion of the military and Gold Star community. 

Please join us in congratulating Rich on his new role as Chairman of the Board! 

Warm regards, 

Warrior for Life Fund Team