Major Rudy Rickner

Major Neal “Rudy” Rickner spent 12 years on active duty as an F/A-18 pilot and forward air controller, achieving the rank of Major before being transferred to the Marine Corps Reserves in 2008. Rudy completed five deployments while on active duty including three deployments to Iraq between 2003 and 2007. He earned the Bronze Star with “valor” device for actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq in 2006.

Rudy is currently pursuing a dual MBA/MIA at Columbia Business School and Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. Upon graduation, Rudy hopes to work in the tech industry in Silicon Valley while staying involved in public life and working to solve the nation’s toughest problems. Working hand in hand with him along the way is Rudy’s wife and inspiration, Amber Rickner, a former U.S. Navy nurse.