Hailing from Pittsford, New York, Rear Admiral Rick Williams possesses a long and distinguished career of military service, including posts as commander of the Navy Region Hawaii and Carrier Strike Group 15. Outside of his career, Rear Admiral Rick Williams is a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross.There were six major disasters that struck the United States in 2017, and the American Red Cross was on hand to help with relief efforts for each of them. These tragedies included four devastating hurricanes, the worst mass shooting in American history, and a set of wildfires in California more destructive than any that have come before. In the midst of these events, the Red Cross handed out more food, relief supplies, and temporary shelter accommodations in 2017 than over the previous four years combined. The organization is able to do this through generous financial contributions and an army of volunteers. To learn more about its efforts, visit redcross.org.
As a rear admiral in the United States Navy, Rick Williams led various command assignments and has been awarded the Legion of Merit award on five different occasions. No longer a rear admiral, Rick Williams continues to serve others, supporting several nonprofit organizations, including his local chapter of the American Red Cross. In an effort to raise awareness and funds for its work helping those affected by disasters, the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter coordinates several events throughout the year. Recently, the organization wrapped up its 2017 Shelter of Hope campaign, which brings community leaders and volunteers together for several days of fundraising.With a goal of raising $500,000 for the chapter’s disaster-recovery programs, Regional Red Cross CEO Bill Earley and local Shelter of Hope partners stayed for individual nights in a simulated disaster shelter. During the campaign, the mock shelter traveled throughout San Diego County and made stops at local organizations to raise funds and awareness for the Red Cross. At each stop, community members had the opportunity to visit the shelter and take part in themed activities. Although the campaign was originally scheduled to last May 1-8, it fell short of its $500,000 goal and entered an “overtime” phase. Bill Earley stayed in the shelter until the goal was met on May 15.
