Richard Ward of Ringwood, who founded Operation Silver Eagle, which has provided assistance to more than 40 disaster sites in 25 states and three Caribbean islands during the last 10 years. Mr. Ward, a professional truck driver, has solicited donations of materials, help from trucking companies, air cargo space, shipping cargo space and the help of volunteers including 20 fellow truck drivers.

“WARD, Richard J., 70, of Ringwood died on Thursday May 10, 2012. Born in Brooklyn, NY lived in Middletown, NY before moving to Ringwood sixteen years ago. He worked for ShopRite in Middletown, NY for twenty years retiring in 2004. He was the founder of Operation Silver Eagle and in April he celebrated thirty years in AA. He was a Vietnam Army Veteran.”