On Saturday, April 11, Rick DeChant was honored by the Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga
County as the 2026 Veteran of the Year.
Rick often jokes that he “can’t hold a job,” but his career reflects a remarkable breadth of
leadership and service. As the founder and owner of DeChant Strategic Connections, he brings
more than 45 years of experience in crisis management, public affairs, military affairs,
government relations, and strategic planning. He has held key roles with organizations including
Federated Department Stores, Bendix Brakes, the United States Coast Guard, the Department
of Homeland Security, the Cleveland Police Foundation, the Ohio Department of Higher
Education, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Cleveland Fisher House, Lorain
County Community College, and Cuyahoga Community College—along with numerous other
organizations and initiatives. Of all these roles, his long-standing commitment to NEOPAT is one
we are especially proud to celebrate.
Rick has been recognized at the highest levels of government, including receiving both the
Department of Homeland Security Heroism Award and the Cleveland Police Department’s 2006
Citizen Heroism Award for his role in helping to subdue an armed gunman at Cleveland Hopkins
International Airport after the individual shot and wounded a Cleveland police officer.
In recognition of his military service, his work in homeland security, and his leadership in
advancing veteran education and employment, Rick was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of
Fame in 2017. He was also named to the inaugural class of the NFL’s Salute to Service: Hall of
Heroes, following his nomination by the Cleveland Browns.
We are proud to celebrate Rick and this well-deserved recognition. His dedication to his country,
his community, and his family is both evident and deeply appreciated.
