PETER GORRY

Surrounded by friends, family, high school classmates (VBHS Class of 1967) and Veterans, overlooking the lagoon on a crystal clear morning, Mathew Richard (Rick) Moore (12/3/1949 – 08/30/2013) was remembered at a Commemoration Service Saturday on Veterans’ Memorial Island Sanctuary at the Vietnam Veterans Monument site by the VFW Post 3918 Honor Guard and Marine Corps League.  His brother Craig and wife Twila provided a display of legacy and personal memorabilia.  In recognition of Rick’s service, Craig was presented a tri-folded American Flag by Robin Komisarz of the VFW.

A proud Marine, Rick served with distinction in Southeast Asia as a Combined Action Program Platoon Leader.  CAP units lived in villages to teach the residents and South Vietnamese Army to defend themselves.  These CAP units were often so isolated from civilization that it was not uncommon that any backup help was over 2 hours away.  Rick was awarded both the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and inherited a lifelong struggle with the affects of PTSD and Agent Orange.  Upon returning to Vero Beach, he founded Rick Moore Painting and Decorating Co. and became proactive in Community and Veterans organizations throughout the County.  He was past President of the Marine Corps League, founded the first Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 567 in Indian River County, highly instrumental in founding the Toys for Tots program and a member of the Theatre Guild.

Ret. Army Col. Tony Young delivered the eulogy, Marine Corps League Commandant John Michael Matthews shared remembrances and Jeff Flannery, classmate, friend and fellow veteran was Master of Ceremonies.  Fittingly, the Celebration of Rick’s Life concluded with the Lord’s Prayer, a 21 Gun Salute and a solemn rendition of Taps by John Merchant.