Memorial Day is a day in which we reflect, honor and mourn military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country. Some names deserve to be spoken with reverence, remembered with pride, and honored with love. In Mount Pleasant, one of those names is Captain Richard "Richie" G. Cliff, Jr.

Richie grew up right here in our beloved Mount Pleasant community, a Wando High School graduate from the Class of 1997 who was known for his energy, his heart, and his adventurous spirit. He was captain of the wrestling team, a cross-country runner, and a Folly Beach surfer who loved the Lowcountry waters he called home. Those who knew him remember a young man who was brave, kind, funny, intelligent, charming, and fiercely loyal. He had a quick wit, a generous soul, and a passion for life that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

After graduating from Appalachian State University in 2002 with a degree in Teaching and History, where he also served as captain of the Ranger Challenge Team, Richie answered the call of duty to serve his country. He deployed on two tours in Iraq before being selected for the elite Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg in 2006. In the summer of 2008, he earned the highly coveted Green Beret, one of the most distinguished honors & elite special operations force in the United States Army. In just six years of service, he had already earned more than ten medals and was recognized as a natural-born leader.

Richie married his college sweetheart, Stacy, in 2003, and just before heading overseas on his third deployment in 2008, Richie welcomed his newborn son, little Richie, into the world. The thought of returning to Stacy and their baby boy, who was not yet a month old, was surely never far from his heart.

On the morning of September 29, 2008, Captain Richard G. Cliff (Richie) set out on a reconnaissance mission near Yakhchal, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Richie was the team captain of U.S. Army Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 7122. Moments into that mission, his vehicle was struck by a roadside command-wired improvised explosive device (IED). Richie and two of his fellow servicemen were killed in action. He was 29 years old.

In the years since his passing, Richie has been honored in beautiful and meaningful ways. Here in Mount Pleasant, that love is reflected in a very special place. The Town of Mount Pleasant recently opened the Captain Richie Cliff Memorial Dog Park, located under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which stands as a living tribute to Richie and others like him who gave everything in service to our country. It is a place where families gather, children laugh, dogs can play, and where the community comes together, exactly the kind of place Richie would have loved.

Richie’s parents, Julie & Rich, continue to honor their son through their involvement with Tragedy Assistant Program for Survivors (TAPS), an organization Rich has worked with for years while Julie volunteers & supports part time.  TAPS is a national nonprofit organization that provides free 24/7 compassionate care, emotional support, and resources to those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.

Before Richie was killed in action, he selected the “Special Operations Warrior Foundation” as the nonprofit of choice should anything happen to him while deployed. Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides comprehensive “cradle to career” educational support to the children of fallen Special Operations personnel, children of Medal of Honor recipients, and children of active-duty Special Operators who lose a spouse.

This Memorial Day, please consider honoring Captain Richard "Richie" G. Cliff, Jr. by donating to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, or by simply visiting the Captain Richie Cliff Memorial Dog Park in his memory.