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Captain Jack C. & Helen I. Rickels Scholarship
Established in 2018 by Helen Rickles. CAPT Jack Rickles, or “Seabee Jack” as he was known to friends, was born in Albany, New York, and like many future Civil Engineer Corps Officers, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, New York. From the Boston Naval Yards to commanding NMCB Seven through two tours in Vietnam, to Deputy Commander for Military Readiness (SEABEES) in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). Rickles’ Navy career spanned over 30 years. His early support of the SMSA helped build the organization as it is today. Helen was born in Valley View, PA, and began preparing for a music career at an early age, when her mother taught her to play the piano. She went on to perfect her skills on the piano and organ. As an accomplished organist she has played in many churches in the Washington area as well as around the world. She also served as the organist for many American University graduations. Helen and Jack spent many years traveling the world while Jack was in the Navy. She particularly enjoyed their time while stationed in Naples, Italy, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. When Jack retired from the Navy, they returned to the DC area and lived in a house that Jack designed.
Interested in Funding an Endowed Scholarship?
Endowed Scholarships allow our investors to build a lasting legacy, impacting Seabee children and grandchildren for generations to come. Endowed Scholarships often honor or memorialize family members, Seabee leaders, NAVFAC units, organizations or corporations. Perpetual Named scholarships can be funded at three levels, $60,000, $120,000 and $150,000 and are named by the donor.
Contact Dan Miller at danmiller@seabee.org to start a endowed scholarship.