Marine Week is in Cleveland.

One of those 700 who landed in Cleveland for marine Week is Lt. Col Riccoh Player a graduate ofShawHigh Schoolwho grew up on 92nd andSuperior. “I went through my old neighborhood and things have changed so much,” said Lt. Col. Player.

He graduated from boot camp atParris Island,SC, in 1989 and after completing theSchoolofInfantryatCamp Geiger,NC, he reported to Marine Barracks 8th & I, where he served in Bravo Company as a Physical Training NCO, Ceremonial Drill Instructor and Platoon Sergeant.

In May 1996, First Lieutenant Player accepted augmentation and change of MOS. He attendedDefenseInformationSchoolinFt. Meade,Maryland. Upon completion of school he reported toCamp Lejeune,NC, and served as Operations Officer, Media Officer and Director of Consolidated Public Affairs.  Also during this tour he earned his master’s in Public Administration fromWebsterUniversity.

In June 2004, Major Player served as Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Officer and deployed as Deputy Director I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) to participate in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM inIraq.

In June 2007, Major Player was assigned to DefenseInformationSchoolwhere he served as Marine Detachment Commander and earned his Master Instructor certification. Lieutenant Colonel Player’s personal decorations include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. Lt. Col. Player and his wife, Shelly, have four children: Isaiah, Tyla, Noah and Elijah.