Meet The Team
Dedication. Passion. Strength.
The TFH1 Team is made of people like you: A team of service members dedicated to sharing their experience and passion for the healing powers of the ocean.
The Founders
Founder
Ricky Van Rickley
CW3, US Army Special Forces Retired, Husband, Father, Grandfather, & TFH1 Co-founder.
Co-Founder
Leonardo "Leo" Yui
PO1, US Navy Seabee (Ret.) served in the military for 13 years and completed multiple Iraq and Afghanistan deployments. Beyond his military life, Leo is a loving husband and father. He continues to make a positive impact in the community as a co-founder of TFH1.
Co-Founder
Joshua Rubens
Entrepreneur, Waterman, Husband, Father, and TFH1 Co-Founder.
Headquarters Team
Executive Director
Enrique “QuiQue” Melendez
LTC (R), US Army, served in multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Asymmetric Warfare Group. A husband, father and proud Gator Alumni.
Program Director
Leonardo "Leo" Yui
PO1, US Navy Seabee (Ret.) served in the military for 13 years and completed multiple Iraq and Afghanistan deployments. Beyond his military life, Leo is a loving husband and father. He continues to make a positive impact in the community as a co-founder of TFH1.
Public Affairs Director
Monique Wallace
Served in the United States Marine Corps as a combat correspondent for 9 years completing one deployment to Iraq. “I’m excited to be able to use my skillset to encourage other veterans with an organization that focuses on mental health. The water has the ability to clear your mind so I’m excited to be a part of this organization.”
Social Media Manager
Leanna Giancola
Social Media and Digital Marketing professional, started her own business in 2020 to support small businesses in sharing their missions through online platforms. "As soon as I connected with TFH1, I knew this would be an incredible opportunity to use my skills to support others! I've always been a big believer in the healing powers of nature, and I'm excited to spread that message and awareness to such an incredible community."
Chapter Leaders
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St. Augustine Surf Chapter Leader
Brian Calaman
Retired Air Force Vet, St Johns County Fire Rescue First Responder. "I love the water, it heals! I am always out there in the ocean from outriggers to stand up paddle boards and even surfing. The water has such a powerful vibe, and I want others to feel this. It’s such a great feeling getting people who have never surfed, to stand up and ride a wave in for the first time."
Jacksonville Surf Chapter Leader
Jeff Taylor
Medically retired from the United States Army, 3rd Infantry Division. "After my alive day on April 4 2003, I found solace in the water. Through surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking with friends and family, I was able to find a sense of belonging in a world that once felt against me. As a father and grandfather, the ocean has always been a source of great times and memories with my family and I am happy to be able to share this with others through TFH1."
Paddle Platoon Leader
Ricky Van Rickley
CW3, US Army Special Forces Retired, Husband, Father, Grandfather, & TFH1 Co-founder.
Sponsors and Believers
The $1,000+ Club
Liquid Therapy is a lifestyle clothing brand inspired by the natural healing powers of water. Liquid Therapy was started as the name of Josh's boat years ago. Fast forward it has become a family brand with his wife Cara and three boys. It's a reminder to take a break from the chaos and center our souls. We love being around the water and can usually be found surfing, boogie boarding, paddleboarding, fishing on the boat, searching for shells and sharks teeth or swimming. We believe in the therapeutic powers a water lifestyle brings.
White Surfboards
A local St Augustine Shaper and Navy Veteran. Ken has is the 2016 and 2021 Surf Expo Shape Off Champion. Ken is trained by legends like Rich Pavel, Dick Brewer, John Holly, Chris Christenson, Steve Stack, and others.
VyStar Foundation
VyStar Foundation is dedicated to doing good and leading by example through collaborative partnerships that support youth, military members and veterans and overall community vitality in the areas served by VyStar Credit Union.
Premium water powering big adventures!
We want our amazing oceans and communities to stay healthy for as long as possible. So we bring sustainably sourced water balanced with healthy electrolytes for people who love to move.
An amazing daily local broadcast that connects St Johns and St Augustine with everything that's happening.
Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation
Surfing Hall of Fame legend, Ron DiMenna, with his wife, Lynne, created Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation to support organizations with likeminded missions to protect the health of Florida’s beaches and address issues such as coastal pollution and beach ecology. Through the sale of the Endless Summer® specialty license plate, the Foundation financially supports meaningful programs, events and activities that impact protection of the beaches for future generations to enjoy.