Our Team
Michael Ricci
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After graduating from St. Peters College (Jersey City, NJ), Michael was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp. He was to train in California for six months before going to Vietnam. After only 1 week of training, the TET Offensive of 1968 broke out and Michael was immediately deployed to Vietnam. Lt. Michael Ricci led an infantry platoon until he was severely wounded in May of 1968. The permanent injuries he suffered eventually lead him into the world of adaptive sports. Michael discovered the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic and quickly learned how to ski adaptively. It was there that his vision for an all season adaptive sports clinic was born. The knowledge he gained from participating and volunteering with other disabled vets and civilians enabled him to bring to fruition Operation Beachhead in 2011. Having participated in athletics as a young man, he learned quickly about the healing powers, mentally and physically of physical activities. Seven years after Vietnam, Michael's profound disciplined awareness of living every moment in a constant state of thankfulness, awe and wonder is a true example of the human and Operation Beachhead spirit.
Bruce Boyle
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Bruce Boyle serves as Operation Beachhead's Vice President and Head Waterman. An avid outdoorsman, Bruce grew up surfing in Sea Girt NJ, and has traveled worldwide inpursuit of waves. His expertise in the water, combined with his passion to get anyone with a desire out on a surfboard, makes him an invaluable resource, both in and out of the water. Bruce not only rallies his fellow volunteers, but enthusiastically engages Operation Beachhead’s diverse participants, ensuring their experiences are not simply memorable, but invigorating and uplifting. Through his actions and attitudes, Bruce has proven to be integral to Operation Beachhead’s expansion, and continues to help the organization achieve new goals. A devoted husband and father to 4 children, Bruce splits his time between family, work and Operation Beachhead. When he’s not working, Bruce may be seen surfing the local beaches year-round, fishing, skiing, and playing with his children.
John Ricci
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John Ricci is a dedicated family man and Operation Beachhead Veteran. Married to his wife Joanne for 50 years, they are blessed with 3 beautiful daughters and 8 wonderful grandchildren. When John is not at one of the many family activities,you will find John front and center, eager to help in any task that an Operation Beachhead event asks of him, from picking up equipment to setting up and breaking down tents, tables and wheelchairs. His rare dedication and wonderful sense of humor brings an extraordinary warmth to Operation Beachhead. During the summer sessions, John and Joanne also provide a luncheon for the many volunteers and participants that serve Operation Beachhead throughout the seasons. Operation Beachhead is fortunate to have him as a part of the family.
Hap Auch
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Hap Auch III has been a part of Operation Beachhead since 2015 as Director of Youth Programs and actively supporting our youth and children’s events since joining. Hap has been in the shore area since 1986, a graduate of Manasquan High School and La Salle University in Philadelphia. He currently resides in Wall Township with his wife Natalie and 4 children. Hap is heavily involved in both our ice and beach events and has engaged local youth hockey players and programs to participate and volunteer at Beachhead events throughout the years. You’re likely to hear him say, “I need Operation Beachhead, more than Operation Beachhead needs me.” “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, as participants or volunteers brings more joy to me than I can express at times…the experience of being involved in Operation Beachhead is an honor and I have met more life-long friends than I have ever thought I would.”
Susan Peters​
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Susan Peters serves as Operation Beachhead's treasurer and has been a faithful volunteer for the organization for almost 10 years. Susan grew up in Point Pleasant Beach and always spent her summers on the beach and in the ocean. She now resides just a quick bike ride from the Spring Lake beach where the summer events take place. Susan graduated from Juniata College in PA with a B.S. in Mathematics and has spent the last 25 years as a tax accountant for Perkowski & Associates. Her accounting background make her an invaluable member of the Operation Beachhead team. Susan has been married to her husband Bob for over 40 years and they are very thankful for their wonderful, healthy children and 2 grandchildren.
George Rague
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George, an Operation Beachhead Vice Presidents, is a lifelong New Jersey resident and surfer. Having grown up in Wildwood, George was introduced to the ocean at the age of 2. With a background in municipal management, athletic training and coaching, and financial services, he brings broad experience to help Operation Beachhead accomplish a variety of goals. Moreover, George's involvement with Operation Beachhead is a way to honor his father & uncles who served in WWII, as well as close friends and cousins who served in Vietnam. "Operation Beachhead allows me to say thank you to those service men and women who protect us everyday and let them know that they are appreciated. We encourage those who discover who we are and what we do, to join us to add their thanks and appreciation to our American heroes."