VFW Names Richard “Rick” Brown Veteran of the Year
Richard “Rick” Brown. PHOTO | Submitted
Staff Report
Richard “Rick” Brown has been named Veteran of the Year by the Granville Allen VFW Post 5837. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Western Kentucky University graduate, and lifelong advocate for service members and their families, Brown is widely respected for his leadership and dedication to both veterans and his Kentucky community.
Currently serving as a Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Service Officer, Brown works directly with veterans to ensure they receive the benefits, resources, and recognition they have earned.
Brown’s Naval career began with bootcamp in Orlando, Florida, followed by formal training on 32nd Street in San Diego, California. A Gulf War veteran, he served aboard three ships: the USS Roanoke AOR-7, homeported in San Francisco, California; the USS Niagara Falls AFS-3, homeported in Guam; and the USS Camden AOE-2, homeported in Bremerton, Washington.
Beyond his military service, Brown serves as Vice President and board member of the Hershel House & Woodbury School Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional American craftsmanship, frontier heritage, and rural Kentucky history. In this role, he helps oversee preservation of historic log cabins, antique engines and tools, and leads educational programs in trades such as flintlock rifle-making, blacksmithing, and knife-making.
Brown’s impact has not gone unnoticed. He has been formally recognized by the Governor of Kentucky for his outstanding work with veterans and holds the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel, the state’s highest civilian honor.
As Service Officer for the Granville Allen VFW Post 5837, Brown has assisted more than 75 veterans and their families in the past year alone. His efforts have resulted in the recovery of over $210,000 in back pay for veterans and have helped more than 17 veterans achieve 100% disability ratings.
In addition to his service work, Brown remains deeply involved in grant writing, fundraising, and community-building efforts to create lasting support systems for veterans, youth, and heritage-based initiatives. His leadership is marked by empathy, fairness, and a strong belief that no veteran should stand alone and that preserving Kentucky’s cultural traditions strengthens communities for generations to come.
