by June Portnoy
Colonel (Ret.) Rick Kiernan has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and mentoring. With an impressive military career spanning 26 years and a post-retirement journey filled with impactful contributions, he has truly become a hometown hero in Warwick Township where has resided for the past 13 years.
Rick’s journey began with his enrollment in the ROTC program in college, which led to a career in the U.S. Army. His assignments took him across ten different states and five countries, exposing him to diverse cultures and experiences. His first deployment to Germany during the Cold War era set the stage for a lifetime of service in dynamic and often challenging environments.
One of his most defining experiences was serving as a military advisor in Vietnam, where he lived with a Vietnamese family, learned the language, and experienced the war firsthand. With over 100 hours of combat flight time, he earned two Bronze Stars and an Air Medal for his courageous service.
Upon returning from Vietnam, Rick continued his military journey by training young soldiers, teaching ROTC in Missouri, and contributing to military publications. His background as an English major led him to roles in military journalism, where he edited weekly newspapers and the esteemed “Infantry Journal”, ensuring that valuable lessons learned in the field were passed on to future generations of soldiers.
Rick’s expertise in communications led him to serve as the Pentagon spokesperson during a crucial period, working closely with high-profile journalists like Wolf Blitzer, David Martin, and Katie Couric. “This was by far the most important job I ever had,” he noted, “with 27,000 people coming to work at the Pentagon every morning at that largest building in the world, and I worked with 32 of the correspondents.”
During the Gulf War, Rick was dispatched to Saudi Arabia to coordinate media operations, working directly with military leadership and international press outlets to manage information flow. His experiences in the Pentagon and the Gulf War further cemented his legacy as a leader in military communications.
After retiring from the Army, Rick’s leadership skills and expertise in media relations made him an invaluable asset in civilian roles. From 1993 to 1996, he played a crucial role in planning the Olympic Games being held in Atlanta where he oversaw press operations for 5,000 journalists from nearly 140 countries speaking 28 languages. His work ensured smooth coordination between media professionals and event organizers on a global stage.
Rick then joined a private sector initiative dedicated to training foreign militaries in emerging democracies, working with countries like Croatia, Ukraine, and Nigeria. As the program’s spokesperson, he played a key role in promoting stability and democratic values worldwide. “This was such a rewarding experience because I was helping nations that had been ruled by a Communist Party transition into democracies,” he describes.
Rick’s passion for mentorship became a defining theme of his post-military career. At this point he was moving toward the Bucks County area. He frequently spoke at local universities, such as Temple, Drexel, and Bloomsburg, sharing his experiences with students pursuing careers in mass communications, journalism, and leadership. His hands-on approach included mentoring interns, guiding them in professional skills while also learning from them about evolving digital media trends.
“I learned so much from all my experiences, so now it’s time to pass the torch to others,” Rick explains. ”I try to pass along the lessons I learned to the next generation. There’s only so much you can learn from a textbook, so the lessons I experienced bring these textbook lessons to life.”
As a proud resident of Warwick Township, Rick has worked hard to give back to his community. He played a pivotal role in establishing a Vietnam War memorial in Hulmeville, honoring the 91 service members from Lower Bucks County who lost their lives in Vietnam. Currently, he is leading efforts to establish a Desert Shield/Desert Storm memorial in Washington, D.C., ensuring that the sacrifices of Gulf War veterans are recognized and remembered.
Beyond his work in memorial projects, Rick remains an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and participates in veteran events across the region. He collaborates with former PA Representative Patrick Murphy, a fellow veteran and former Assistant Secretary of the Army, to honor fallen soldiers during commemorative events at Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery.
Rick’s dedication to preserving military history and promoting public understanding extends to his work as an author. His book, “Headlines from the Frontline,” explores the intricate relationship between the military and the media, offering invaluable insights from his years as a Pentagon spokesperson. He is currently working on an updated version, titled “From the News Hole to the Foxhole”.
His expertise in military affairs also makes him a sought-after contributor for publications like “Reader’s Digest” and a trusted military analyst for NBC Channel 10, where he volunteers his time educating the public on military-related topics.
Rick now lives in Warwick Township with his wife of over 20 years. For Rick, this township is more than just a place to live; it’s a true home. “When I look around at this area, the word that comes to mind is family,” he describes, “whether it’s my neighbors, a local club or organization or a school, public or private, I think we’re all family. I think we need to look out for each other and take care of each other. We each have our own expertise and experiences, but what I love about Warwick and the neighbors and friends that we have here is that we’re always helping each other. It’s a very symbiotic relationship.”
The close-knit community, friendly neighbors, and strong educational institutions have made it the perfect place for Rick and his wife. Their grandchildren attend the same schools that their parents once did, and Rick actively supports local initiatives, serving on school boards and assisting with community projects.
He believes in the power of community and the importance of looking out for one another. Whether through mentoring young professionals, advocating for veterans, or volunteering his time, Rick embodies the values of service, leadership, and generosity.
Rick remains committed to completing the Gulf War Memorial project and finalizing his latest book. His dedication to mentoring, writing, and public service continues to inspire those around him. He views each phase of life as a new chapter, building upon the lessons learned from previous experiences and passing them on to future generations.
Rick’s remarkable journey, unwavering dedication, and passion for service make him a true hometown hero.