Introduction By Ronald S Eppich, Founder/Executive Director

Old Guard Riders Inc. is dedicated to the memory of our son, SGT. Robert Scott Eppich (1981-2006).

Robert Scott Eppich Memorial Website

Every year we remember the victims and heroes of 9/11. Every Veteran's Day and Memorial Day we remember the heroes of military conflicts past. With the death of our son, my wife and I discovered that remembering is not enough. Tragedy only has meaning and purpose when that tragedy moves the forces of human experience and condition to a greater and more powerful level.  My wife and I are not going to let Robert's death simply remain a tragedy.

Robert loved the military and truly believed that he was making a difference in the world. He would often tell his mother that the reason he was "over there" was to ensure that those who wished to harm America never made it "over here." He loved what he did and he truly loved and cared about the men and women that he served with. Robert's "battle buddies" were his family.

When Robert returned home from a year in Afghanistan, he became an active member of the VFW. Robert's love and concern for his fellow soldiers didn't end on the battlefield. Robert was deeply troubled by the problems that plagued America's veterans. Robert believed that, in time, he could make a difference in the lives of his fellow veterans.

Robert was right! He is going to make a difference in the lives of America's homeless and forgotten veterans.

Please accept my invitation to become an active member of the Old Guard Riders Inc., as we work together to help Robert accomplish his dream, making a difference in the lives of America's homeless and forgotten vets.

SPECIAL NOTE

On 5/23/201, Ron and Lea Eppich were interviewed by Steve Tomaszewski on the Soldiers Family Radio broadcast. The interview discussed the many aspects of Robert's Life and his tragic death. To listen the broadcast, please click on the link below.

"No man left behind. Not on the battlefield. Not at home. Never!"

 Robert's Gold Star Flag and the Old Guard Riders Flag fly proudly on his father's motorcycle

About the Founder &  Executive Director

Ronald S Eppich was born at Williams AFB, Chandler, AZ in December 1954. Ron's father retired from the Air Force in 1971 and settled in Mesa, AZ. Ron graduated from Mesa High School in 1973. Upon graduation from high school, Ron received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, but declined the appointment in order to marry his fiancé, Miss Lea Tanner. They were married in December 1973 and raised five children.

Ron enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1973 and underwent Basic Training in San Diego, CA. Upon completion of Basic Training, Ron was assigned to AW "A"  School in Millington, TN. Ron graduated "A" School as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator and was assigned to VP-31 NAS Moffett Field, CA for P-3 training. Upon completion of VP-31 training, Ron was transferred to VP-19 at NAS Moffett Field, CA.

As a P-3 aircrew member, Ron completed numerous schools associated with his Naval rating, including SERE (Survival-Evasion-Resistance-Escape) School (required for all aircrew members operating in a combat area) and DWEST (Deep Water Environmental Survival Training) Training. Ron completed deployments and detachments throughout WESTPAC during his four year tour, including deployments in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict. 

Upon completion of his active duty military service, Ron became an Arizona Highway Patrol Officer.

Ron is an ordained Minister and Elder, and has received two Honorary Degrees in religion including: 1.) Masters Degree in Religion, and 2.) PHD in Religious Science.

 Ron is currently a member of the VFW, the American Legion and the American Legion Riders. Ron and Lea proudly fly a Gold Star flag in honor of their son as they continue to attend the services for our fallen service men and women throughout Arizona with the Patriot Guard Riders.

Ron has previously served as Regional Coordinator for the Missing In America Project and AZ State Coordinator for Gold Star Dads of America.

In addition to his busy schedule as Executive Director of Old Guard Riders Inc., Ron is also active in his Masonic Lodge and within the 9th Memorial Cavalry in his living historian role as Major General Edward Hatch, Commanding Officer, Ninth Regiment, United States Cavalry.

Master Table of Contents

Click on Table of Contents image to open the Table of Contents