Our inspiration comes from the honorable Mr. Rashad A. Riley, who tragically passed away, unexpectedly in April 2019. Mr. Riley was a United States Air Force veteran, specializing in security forces. Mr. Riley was part of military operations all over the world, such as Kuwait, Puerto Rico, England, Saudi Arabia, and Montana. Once honorably discharged after 6 years of service, Mr. Riley worked for the U.S. Department of State, completing various assignments at the US Embassy in Beijing, United Nations in New York, and U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan.

Some of his accolades for service include:

Air Force Achievement Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with Bronze Service Star

Air Force Longevity Service Award

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 

Basic Force Protection Badge

Security Forces Police Shield

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In addition to his value to our country, Mr. Riley was a devoted Husband and extraordinary Father to three beautiful children, two boys ages 14 and 6, and one girl age 4, at the time of his passing. Mr. Riley was a family man, who strongly believed in family time and vacations. But if there was a love for anything other than family, it was sports! Mr. Riley was a living encyclopedia of all sports, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, golf, Nascar, boxing, tennis, horse racing, curling...you name it! He loved it all! A true sports fanatic. As a coach for his son's youth sports, baseball, basketball, and soccer, he encouraged all of the kids to work hard and smart. He knew how to get them fired up, both kids and parents. He truly had a gift with the kids.

 

Along with serving his country, loving his wife and kids Mr. Riley also served the community of Santa Monica, CA, as a Police Officer with the Santa Monica Police Department. Officer Riley was a beloved friend to all who knew him and mentor to local youth in both the Santa Monica Police Explorer and Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) programs. Officer Riley was a cherished member of the Department’s Homeless Liaison Program. With an infectious and genuine smile, he always demonstrated compassion and empathy when interacting with the community.

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To say that Mr. Riley was a force, a rockstar, a role model, a leader...is what he would want to leave the youth to be inspired by. His life around the world to learn about different lifestyles, his hard work, and dedication to his goals, and his passion for living with no boundaries. Mr. Riley was a passionate, educated, strong minority man, who never gave up. With this, we build a foundation in his honor, to inspire all youth in believing, they can too be a force and impact our world. 

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