Rick Turner
United States Army
Hero 2023

Rick Turner is a two-time combat veteran who has served in Panama and in Iraq. In December of 1989, Rick was deployed with the 82nd Airborne to Panama for Operation Just Cause. While in theatre, Rick was wounded by a sniper and medevaced to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he recovered before heading back to Ft. Bragg. In August of 1990, Rick deployed with the 82nd Airborne to Iraq where he spent 18 months. Upon returning from Iraq, Rick returned home to his family.
For many years, Rick buried his military experience and the painful memories associated with years in theatre. In April 2012, Rick read the story of a young 82nd Airborne Paratrooper who had lost all four limbs. This story struck a chord with Rick and he knew he had to do something to help this young man who was serving in Rick’s old unit. Rick and his wife organized a motorcycle ride and in one day, raised almost $40,000. This led to the birth of Spirit of a Hero.
Rick and his wife have a blended family of eight with children’s ages ranging from 22 years old to 34 years old. They also have five granddaughters and welcomed their first grandson in December 2024. Rick is a General Superintendent for a DFW based company specializing in electrical, low voltage, renewables and critical power services. His passion for helping veterans was ignited in 2012 and since then he has continued to help veterans in the DFW area through his work with Spirit of a Hero.