Mason grew up watching war movies with his father and visiting museums dedicated to those who served. When the chance to enlist arose through a high school ROTC program, he knew he couldn't turn down the opportunity to serve his country. Mason worked as Fire Support Officer in Afghanistan, leading a team of ten men, and later became the Battalion Master Fitness Instructor.
When first deployed, Mason and his team realized there was a severe lack of clean drinking water available to locals. Partnering with civilian organizations, he led a team through dangerous conditions to make water filters available to those in need. He knew it was a mission that not everyone would have taken on, but he also knew the payoff would be worth it. "It seemed like a simple decision to make," he said, "complete the mission and help the people of Afghanistan."
As a veteran, Mason now lives in Cincinnati with his wife and family. He participates in local food drives, fundraises to help those in need, and is a regular blood donor.
Mason’S PHOTO GALLERY
![Mason and his wife Liz with his friends Jacob and Allie in Hawaii](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-1.jpg)
![Mason Rick with his younger sister Sierra Rick in 2010 at Mason’s wedding](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-10.jpg)
![Mason with his wife and their friends at Fountain Square in Cincinnati](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-11.jpg)
![Mason and his wife Liz Rick at their wedding in 2010](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-12.jpg)
![Mason with his wife and friends in Hawaii](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-13.jpg)
![Mason and his wife Liz with their close friends](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-14.jpg)
![Mason with his parents Brian Rick and Mary Rick, day before college graduation](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-2.jpg)
![Mason with his wife Liz Rick in Hawaii](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-3.jpg)
![Mason with his friend Michael Runyan after the 2008 Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-4.jpg)
![Mason with his Executive Officer Sean Roling in Afghanistan](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-5.jpg)
![Mason with his buddies Aaron Flynn, Michael Brabner, Jon Rose, Christian Troy and Logan Mock-Bunting in Kunar, Afghanistan](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-6.jpg)
![Mason Rick with his friends Michael Kulas and Michael’s wife Erica Kulas](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-7.jpg)
![Mason with Michael Brabner and an Afghan National Policeman](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-8.jpg)
![Mason Rick with his group of colleagues at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in the Philippines (in light green uniforms)](images/vet-gallery/mason-rick/mason-9.jpg)