Alex Rychlik

Alex joined the U.S. Navy in 2005 because he wanted to serve his country and experience military life. His basic training was completed at Great Lakes, IL and his advanced training in Pensacola, FL.

During his time in the Navy he served aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise based out of Norfolk, VA. Alex was part of the flight deck crew, one of the more dangerous jobs on board, launching jets and planes that were catapulted into the air while others were landing.

Alex served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His two tours were almost back to back. He enjoyed the camaraderie experienced on board the ship, and when he returned in 2009, he knew he wanted to continue that experience. Alex attended Cleveland State University, graduated with a B.S. degree in business and decided to become a firefighter, something he wanted to do ever since he was a child.  He also joined the Air Force Reserve in 2012 and is part of the 910th Civil Engineering Unit based out of Youngstown, OH, a construction unit that builds remote bases and will most likely deploy in 2018.

Alex speaks warmly of his love of community and how happy he is to be back in Cleveland, Ohio, his hometown.

Purple Heart Homes is providing a home for Alex that will be renovated with a new HVAC system, new windows and will also be brought up to code. He says, “I am ecstatic Purple Heart Homes is willing to help me with a home. It is such a welcoming feeling to have this happen in my hometown.”

Welcome home Alex, and we salute your continued service with the U.S. Air Force Reserves and as a Cleveland, Ohio firefighter.