MADISON – Richard ‘Rick’ W. Jarrell enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1970. After six years of active duty, he was discharged in December 1976 as a Second Class Petty Officer.

After completing Basic Training in Orlando, Fla., he attended Electronics Technician schools at Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago. Jarrell then completed specialized training at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colo.

“I requested service in Vietnam, to winter over in Antarctica or any duty station overseas. On Dec. 1, 1972, I reported to Submarine Squadron Six in Norfolk, Va. and served for four years. I never set foot on foreign soil,” Jarrell said.

In January 1977, he entered U.S. Navy Reserve for two years. Post 9/11, Jarrell was involved with U.S. Coast Guard as a force multiplier. He is a founding member of Department of Homeland Security.

Jarrell earned the Geedunk Ribbon and various other honors, including Good Conduct, Battle Efficiency “E” Award and Coast Guard’s Unit Commendation Award with Operational Distinguishing Device.

Jarrell attended the University of Alabama to study electrical engineering and received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Samford University.

He retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama in 2008 and later worked as CEO of North Alabama ENT. He opened Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt in Huntsville in 2017.

His wife, Jeanine Loncar, is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Clinic for Women in Madison. Their older daughter Holly of Birmingham is a Registered Nurse. Daughter Rachael of Laguna Nigel, Calif. supports several Handel’s locations. Their son Matthew is studying neuroscience in UAB Honors College.

After volunteering with numerous charities, Rick Jarrell now focuses on Madison American Legion, Post 229 and serves in the Honor Guard.

He owns a small farm in Winston County and plants crops for wildlife. The Jarrells enjoy boating on Smith Lake and traveling. Rick and Matthew race Handel’s Race Car, Formula One, and SCUBA dive in the Caribbean.