About Rich AMen Gill

Richard Gill was raised in South Whittier in his younger years. In his teen years he was relocated to LaVerne, California where he started at Ramona Intermediate, and graduated from Bonita High School.

Rich Gill chose to enlist in the United States Air Force. His assignments allowed him to travel to Spain, Germany, Washington, Hawaii, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and New Mexico. During his time in service he worked in many occupations to include:

 Construction  (Estimating materials man hours, and completion of work), 

Security (Protecting Base Assets) 

Federal Contract Evaluator (Oversaw Contractors to ensure compliance) Building Maintenance Management (Oversaw crews and workloads of over 50 buildings)

Manager, Packing and Crating Office (Oversaw the shipping of military assets to locations world wide)

To move to a foreign country for 3 years. Away from all connections is a very unique experience. I learned that in order to gain from my time I had to respect the culture, customs, and people.  I was only a guest and with this mentality, I was able to learn so much about where I was living. To walk the streets where Kings and Queens of Old was an education itself.

For 5 Years at Fairchild AFB in Washington State, Rich Gill was tasked to work as Evaluator with Federal Contracts worth over $10 Million Dollars. Rich  monitored contractors for compliance to the standards set in the contracts. He also worked with Contract Managers to make modifications to contracts as well as identify ways to minimize costs and reduce excess spending. 

In June of 1994, it was in my life some of the hardest days that I had to endure. There were some personal issues I will not discuss but to add to this was the week of 20 - 24 when Fairchild AFB had a shooter bent on revenge who killed The Doctors he felt were responsible for getting him kicked out of the AirForce along with 2 other people before being gunned down himself. Now that I had met with both of his Primary Targets before their demise, I understood Dean's anger and frustration.  After talking with both men on issues I too felt betrayed by how they used my words to try and attack me rather than understand my position. It was documented that Melberg needed help but had it been different we would not have lost those that did pass and yet we still were pressed to put on a show. 

To be honest, we should have canceled the Air Event that was to happen the following weekend. Why our wing commander felt this would help us I do not know. The B52 that was to be part of the day's schedule only had a 4 man crew when it was supposed to have 5. No one wanted to fly with the pilot who knew this was pretty much his last flight and even one was aware that he was ready to push the plane. One of the commanders that took the seat of another was ready to retire in a few days. I was setting up a platform that would be used for the Show. He stopped to see me as I had worked on a few projects he knew of. He joked about what he was going to do when he got out. He was not happy going up with the pilot but he thought he could control him during his stunts. That did not prove to be the case as the Plane crashed with no survivors... I was transferred to Hawaii the next month...

#Lt Col Arthur A. "Bud" Holland, pilot,
#Lt Col Mark C. McGeehan, copilot,
#Col Robert E. Wolff, observer,
#Lt Col Kenneth "Ken" Huston, operations officer.  

During the years in Hawaii Rich Gill allowed himself to grow as an artist. He began silk screening projects, digital photography, and other creative outlets

 When you are working 7 days a week you do take a few moments to stop and check out the local markets and what they offer. Even how to approach the way a purchase is made.  It is not a 'grab and go culture. This is a system where you negotiate and you are expected to or you are insulting the seller. You may be there for well over an hour discussing price, having tea, and other things until a deal has been agreed upon. It can be a true art form when done well and even the seller will recommend you to others if the conversation has gone well.  When we push US Ideas into other countries without agreeing and understanding their Ideas we cause many moments of undue regret that is unneeded and unwarranted...

I will always remember this Day, It was a hot ugly day in Kuwait. I was notified that I would be in charge until the new team arrived. I walked into the day room as I see many of the NCOs Circle the TV. Right as I look, a plane hits the second tower. Alarms go off on the base. I was told to report to command staff in full gear.  At that moment I thought we had only seen the beginning of a new 

Attack...

 The Triple Crown was an awesome opportunity to learn various aspects of how to put on a major event that began with the Hawaiian Pro at Ali'i Beach, the World Cup Of Surfing at Sunset, and the Final Jewel Pipeline Masters held at Ehukai Beach. Each had a Window of 14 Days for the competition to get the best waves possible. Randy Rarick would make the call as to when we a "go".  Setting up the Judge's tower took a bit but the group was ready to break camp and reset up for the next contest to be on time. We would sit in the building getting a great view of the best going for the Title...   

After working on other Surf Contests, Rich Gill decided to embark on his own event.  The design was to bring the best from each service to compete for the title of Best in Armed Forces. Asking all branches of service he put together a team that not only supported their individual branch but created other categories that allowed divisions to enhance the competition. Rich also opened the door for a combined sex program that removed social barriers from play. It was one of the few times that Women could compete against Men for the highest title of the Event.

When you airbrush a surfboard you know that board can never be duplicated. I always loved surfing longboards and when given a chance to put my own tag on my boards I did.  I chose who shaped and who glassed and knew my boards were mine from the ground up...

If you ever wanted to know where your favorite store bought their clothing. The chances are excellent that the "Buyers" for the company came to MAGIC to purchase those items for that Macys, JCPenney, Target, Walmart, and more. Back When I first started going I was amazed at the size, scope, and complexity contained under the Las Vegas Convention Center. Every Summer and Winter, buyers and sellers would arrive in mass to see what new items were out and could be added to their various locations.

When you go to MAGIC you have the chance to talk to many Artists that cover all areas From Music, To Canvas, Sports, Film,  Machine, and so much more. All trying to build on their brand through new venues of clothing. 

It was interesting talking to Gene on his Ideas and concepts. Knowing that he is a strong supporter of the US Military gave me new insights to his thoughts and views. 

When I heard Darryl had passed, I was sad but I did have the chance to meet with him and get to know he was a pretty cool person...

If you ever get the chance to be in New Mexico you want to be in the state in the latter part of September, Early part of October for the best air show in my mind. For Eleven days many travel just to see the morning lift off and the nightly Glowdeo. 

 In April of 2004, I had not one but two back surgeries twenty days apart in two different hospitals. The First was the actual Fusion of my lower spine with 2 strips of titanium and 6 screws. The second was an Infection of the area they had just did the surgery. So they had to reopen me back up clean out the infection and leave me open to heal from the inside out. After this Surgery, I was never the same again.  The constant pain was always there and never gave me a chance to recover truly. 

After completing 22 years of Military service Rich Gill challenged himself by going back to school at New Mexico State University. During this time he began working on movie and television projects. He not only received opportunities to be on set but he went further by giving others a chance to also work on projects. His actions allowed him to become part of the crew as assistant background casting director for different productions.  

When not working on productions in Background Casting. Rich Gill was also given the chance to work as Locations for incoming productions at White Sands National Monument. Again Rich gave local residents opportunities in Below the Line jobs to fill spots that might normally go to outside personnel

After completing his Associates, Rich Gill came back to California to get his BS in Entertainment Business. During this time, Rich supported different programs related to the film industry.  Rich is a firm believer in equal opportunities for all genders and donated his time  to shine a brighter light on sexual discrimination in the film production opportunities.

In 2017, Rich Gill Completes his criteria for His Bachelor's in Science. Rich's accomplishments allowed him to be selected to join the National Honor Society of the Entertainment Arts.  He continues to operate on various projects in Southern California.   

In 2019, I did not like where the City of  LaVerne was going so I chose to get into the race. I knew being an Independent I was the long shot but If I could make any change it was worth the effort. I will not say I added my two cents. but there were moments when I felt the Voters heard me As the incumbent Mayor lost his seat and now change could begin to happen.

You can learn from anything you become engaged with. After getting the J & J Vaccine I understood you can still get covid and pending on which Vaccine could be felt a little worse than thought.  I stayed in the ICU for more than a week but kept pushing to feel better and after my time in the hospital, I could walk out on my own. I still have some long-term effects and am trying to get that out of my system.

 In 2019, when I went to my first City Council Meeting I saw how the Council Members could never be held accountable unless their actions were filmed. The residents had asked the Council for this and yet it was not a priority.... until I came with my equipment and began filming the meetings. Then all of sudden it became an important factor.  Within 3 months the Video system was up but still, but it was controlled by the city. My video is not controlled and rolls until the gavel hits the table closing the session.  Being a Video Historian may be important for future residents.

 As stated, LaVerne needed a little more "change" to make things happen. So when you want someone out of another district you may have to get in the race to step on stage and knock him down. Even if it means you will lose your seat. But I already knew that. I wanted the Mayor to have a chance to show the City what he could do with a Majority and now he has that. So we are watching what he can do...