Richard Kaufman originally hails from Belleville, New Jersey. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1986 to 1988. After a temporary break in service, he continued to serve in the Army National Guard from 1991 to 2012 in the following states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. While with the United States Nation Guard, one of his units supported Operation Enduring Freedom. After 23 years of service, Mr. Kaufman was medically retired.
During his career, Mr. Kaufman had three Military Occupational Specialties. He served as a 19K (M1 Armor Crewman), 19D (Calvary Scout), and an 11B (Infantryman). As a M1 Crewman, Richard worked as part of a team to operate armored equipment, including tanks and amphibious assault vehicles. As a Calvary Scout, he led platoon reconnaissance and security missions. As an Infantryman, Rich led infantry teams in military operations, providing tactical and technical guidance to subordinates and professional support to both superiors and subordinates in the accomplishment of their duties. Richard left the military with the rank of Sergeant.
In his civilian career, Mr. Kaufman has worked for 3 decades at General Nutrition Center (GNC). Like most veterans, Richard worked his way up at the company. He has always been passionate about helping people and fitness. He started as a salesperson, assisting customers in recommending products for a variety of health and fitness calls. Through hard work and perseverance, Rich was promoted to General Manager at the GNC in Hackensack.
Like many other veterans, Mr. Kaufman is no stranger to some of the struggles that is experienced by veterans that have served. He has had his struggles with substance abuse addiction, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recently, Richard celebrated 32 years of sobriety. Having come back from drug addiction, alcoholism, and homelessness, he now helps people struggling with depression or addiction related issues. Recently, he suffered a minor setback with his sight and became partially blind. He did not let that situation slow him down one bit as he dedicated himself to ventures helping out fellow veterans.
In the community, Mr. Kaufman is known as “The Comeback Coach.” He is the author of the book, A Hero’s Journey From Darkness to Light and the host of the 8th most listened to veteran podcast online, Success Your Why, Powers Your How. On the podcast, he interviews a myriad of guests ranging from business leaders, vetrepreneurs, and other prominent figures to talk about their unique journey and struggles.
Mr. Kaufman is married to his lovely wife, Michele and has 3 kids, Sean 18, Liam 16, and Linda Lee 8. He resides in North Arlington, New Jersey.
Richard, thank you for your service to our country and your continued service to others.
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Bergen County Division of Veteran Services
The Division of Veterans Services was established in 1977 to provide resident veterans and their dependents with information and assistance in obtaining earned entitlements from federal, state, and local governments, as well as any that are available from the private sector.
Through a quarterly newsletter and direct client contact, the division provides Bergen’s veterans organizations and their auxiliaries and individual residents with up-to-date benefit information.
