Col Riccoh Player, USMC (Ret) was one of the more preeminent leaders and mentors who impacted my Marine Corps career over the past 25 years. His influence on me as a public affairs officer began when I tried to navigate my role as 2dLt leading a small team on a Marine Expeditionary Unit while he was a seasoned Captain, post deployment, who offered keen advice on how to be both a successful promoter and praetorian of the Marine Corps narrative. His leadership style and public affairs acumen was a model for many officers, particularly during the tumultuous years of the global war on terrorism. The fact that he was the first known public affairs officer to be selected for command both as a LtCol and a Colonel, and was the senior Marine Corps Service-level public affairs office in our field, (which is when I had the honor of serving under him) is a testament to how truly extraordinary he was as a Marine Officer, public affairs professional, and leader of some of the finest men and women who served our nation.

Riccoh Player is an elite warfighter, purpose-driven leader, and creative problem solver. As a new Marine civilian, I first met Col. Player as he described the amazing steps he and his team took to ensure that new Marine recruits could train during a pandemic--unbelievable challenges requiring complex solutions. His storytelling was so rich and compelling that I could feel and visualize the dedication demonstrated by his leadership and the Marines to ensure the mission of training never failed regardless of the obstacle. If I needed support, a better understanding of a challenge, or a colleague, who could help me consider potential solutions, Riccoh was trusted a business advisor. His role in the Marines as a public affairs leader left a lasting impression on me and his work as a civilian film director has me completely captivated. He continues to be a source of inspiration, dedication, and innovation.

Col Riccoh Player, USMC (Ret) was one of the more preeminent leaders and mentors who impacted my Marine Corps career over the past 25 years. His influence on me as a public affairs officer began when I tried to navigate my role as 2dLt leading a small team on a Marine Expeditionary Unit while he was a seasoned Captain, post deployment, who offered keen advice on how to be both a successful promoter and praetorian of the Marine Corps narrative. His leadership style and public affairs acumen was a model for many officers, particularly during the tumultuous years of the global war on terrorism. The fact that he was the first known public affairs officer to be selected for command both as a LtCol and a Colonel, and was the senior Marine Corps Service-level public affairs office in our field, (which is when I had the honor of serving under him) is a testament to how truly extraordinary he was as a Marine Officer, public affairs professional, and leader of some of the finest men and women who served our nation.

Riccoh Player is an elite warfighter, purpose-driven leader, and creative problem solver. As a new Marine civilian, I first met Col. Player as he described the amazing steps he and his team took to ensure that new Marine recruits could train during a pandemic--unbelievable challenges requiring complex solutions. His storytelling was so rich and compelling that I could feel and visualize the dedication demonstrated by his leadership and the Marines to ensure the mission of training never failed regardless of the obstacle. If I needed support, a better understanding of a challenge, or a colleague, who could help me consider potential solutions, Riccoh was trusted a business advisor. His role in the Marines as a public affairs leader left a lasting impression on me and his work as a civilian film director has me completely captivated. He continues to be a source of inspiration, dedication, and innovation.

Col Riccoh Player, USMC (Ret) was one of the more preeminent leaders and mentors who impacted my Marine Corps career over the past 25 years. His influence on me as a public affairs officer began when I tried to navigate my role as 2dLt leading a small team on a Marine Expeditionary Unit while he was a seasoned Captain, post deployment, who offered keen advice on how to be both a successful promoter and praetorian of the Marine Corps narrative. His leadership style and public affairs acumen was a model for many officers, particularly during the tumultuous years of the global war on terrorism. The fact that he was the first known public affairs officer to be selected for command both as a LtCol and a Colonel, and was the senior Marine Corps Service-level public affairs office in our field, (which is when I had the honor of serving under him) is a testament to how truly extraordinary he was as a Marine Officer, public affairs professional, and leader of some of the finest men and women who served our nation.

Riccoh Player is an elite warfighter, purpose-driven leader, and creative problem solver. As a new Marine civilian, I first met Col. Player as he described the amazing steps he and his team took to ensure that new Marine recruits could train during a pandemic--unbelievable challenges requiring complex solutions. His storytelling was so rich and compelling that I could feel and visualize the dedication demonstrated by his leadership and the Marines to ensure the mission of training never failed regardless of the obstacle. If I needed support, a better understanding of a challenge, or a colleague, who could help me consider potential solutions, Riccoh was trusted a business advisor. His role in the Marines as a public affairs leader left a lasting impression on me and his work as a civilian film director has me completely captivated. He continues to be a source of inspiration, dedication, and innovation.