Our Biggest Event of the Year:
The 50 Mile Paddle
Join us on Friday, May 10th, as our dedicated paddlers embark on an incredible journey: a 50-mile open ocean voyage from St Augustine to Mayport. This challenging paddle isn't just about conquering the waves; it's about making a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedom.
How You Can Help: Our paddlers are striving to raise $750 each to support this cause. Your generous donation will enable us to continue providing essential water-based activities such as surfing, outrigger paddling, wake boarding, paddle boarding and surfboard shaping that promote healing and resilience among our Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
By contributing to this fundraiser, you're not just supporting a paddler; you're investing in the well-being of those who have selflessly served our nation.
Thank you for your generosity, your compassion, and your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those who have served and protected us. With your support, we can continue to make waves of change and spread the message that #watersaveslives
2nd Annual Grand Luau
Join us on May 11th to celebrate the completion of Task Force Hydro1's 2nd Annual Long Distance (50 miles) Open Ocean Fund Raising Paddle from St Augustine to Mayport Florida!
Wear your best Hawaii Five-O Aloha casual attire, and enjoy the amazing Hawaiian Cuisine, Luau Dancers, DJ, and Silent Auction. Plus hear from guest keynote speaker, Delta Force Plank Owner, CSM (Ret) Rich Rice!
About our Guest Speaker:
Rich Rice
Richard Rice retired from the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Senior Non-Commissioned Officer after 30 years of service. During the last 25 years, he served on various Special Operations Forces assignments, including: Republic of Vietnam (two tours); Operation Eagle Claw (Iran); Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada); Operation Just Cause (Panama); Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Iraq); and Operation Gothic Serpent (Mogadishu).
Richard holds a Masters in Business Administration with Honors and Bachelors of Science in Business Administration (Concentration in Management) Suma Cum Laude from Campbell University. In 1968, he was assigned his first tour of duty with the 82nd Airborne Division. Following the successful completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course, Richard was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the Republic of Viet Nam (RVN).
During his two tours in the RVN as a Reconnaissance Team Leader and Detachment Operations and Intelligence Sergeant, Richard participated in reconnaissance, direct action missions and recovery operations of personnel wounded or killed during combat operations in the RVN and other contiguous areas. In 1972, he was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) on Okinawa and participated in Foreign Internal Defense training and Disaster Assistance Recovery Teams. Later he served tours as an instructor at the United States Army Special Warfare School, teaching in the SF Basic Enlisted, Officer, Reconnaissance, and Underwater Operations Courses.
In 1976, Richard was selected for the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta where he served as an Assistant Operations Sergeant assisting in planning and establishing the unit.
Prior to being assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg in 1983, Richard helped establish selection and assessment at another Army Special Missions Unit. White at Fort Bragg, Richard served as a Team Sergeant and Battalion Operations Sergeant Major. During this period, he deployed to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Somalia, Kenya, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in support of operations with host nation forces.
In 1988, Richard completed the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy with superior ratings and returned to Fort Bragg where he was selected as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major. While there, he helped plan, develop and standup the newly designated U.S. Army Special Forces Command which had the responsibility to oversee eleven Brigade size organizations. During this assignment, Richard was the Senior Enlisted Advisor to The Commanding General.
Upon completion of his Army career in 1994, Richard went to work for the North Carolina Community College System for 20 years. One of his biggest accomplishments during this time was developing a competency-based program for awarding college credits for military education and training.Richard continues to participate in developing leaders by speaking to leadership conferences and post graduate program audiences. He currently serves on the GORUCK Board of Advisors and as Senior Advisor to the company.
