Rich Jacques, Patch Staff

Originally from Severna Park, Md., Rich is a six-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a B.A. in journalism from Texas Tech University. He also studied at the University of Alabama and Gulf Coast Community College in Mississippi. Rich has been honored by the New Mexico Press Association and the West Texas Press Association in categories including: journalist of the year, feature writing, news writing, column writing, special sections and special coverage. For adventure, Rich maintains a home in New Mexico and on exotic Hainan Island in China — where he has spent several years living, working and exploring. He is a diehard Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles fan. In his spare time, he is a professional singer, musician and songwriter. He was a ballroom dance instructor in Florida and a singing waiter at Ellens Stardust Diner on Broadway in NYC. Rich most recently appeared in a leading role as Danny Zuko in the 2013 summer production of Grease at The Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington as a member of the Port Washington Play Troupe. Favorite quote: Judge a man by his questions, rather than his answers. — Voltaire.