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Major General Richard Appelhans

Accomplishments or support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance:

Rick served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, J2, and Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, C2 in UNC, CFC, and USFK from 9 June 2021 to 19 June 2023. During this period, Rick led 352 military, civilian, and contractor intelligence professionals executing combined and joint intelligence amid an unprecedented sequence of provocations and challenges by North Korea. His leadership was critical in focusing the intelligence’s predictive characterization of North Korea’s ballistic missile launches, UAV incursions, development of cruise missile capabilities, and preparation for a seventh nuclear weapons test. This provided the Commander with the critical information to execute a variety of response options and dominate the information domain. He drove a ground-breaking transformation of intelligence exercise support from COMBINED COMMAND POST TRAINING events into theater-level field exercises after a five-year hiatus. Under his innovative and inspirational leadership, the integration of combined intelligence was expanded with the historic transition and relocation of intelligence operations from Yongsan Garrison to Camp Humphreys. Finally, Rick pioneered the Regional Fusion Cell concept, advancing on-Peninsula and off-Peninsula intelligence capabilities to ensure the current and future commanders will be able to deter adversary threats during Armistice, and, if deterrence fails, effectively neutralize threats.

Volunteer efforts:

Although not volunteer work, Rick was a servant leader always cognizant that the personnel that served under him was his most precious resource. He secured the intelligence mission by prioritizing the advancement of quality-of-life concerns of both the military and civilian work forces. He was able to do this by increasing the quality and quantity of senior leader engagements and communication with service members, civilians, families, and contractors.

Short biography:

Rick is currently serving as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca. Prior to this position, he served as the USFK J2 and CFC Deputy C2. Rick’s overseas assignments and deployments include the Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Germany, the Netherlands, Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iraq. Rick was commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Central Washington University. He holds a BS in Political Science from Central Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Air War College. In 2023, Rick was awarded the Korea Order of National Security Merit Cheonsu Medal by President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Statement from the nominator about the nominee’s qualities: 

Rick believes the ROK-U.S. Alliance is like no other in the world – forged in blood and grounded in common values and interests. He characterizes it as a pillar of stability and prosperity in Northeast Asia. Furthermore, he considers the combined ROK-U.S. Intelligence Enterprise, grounded in mutual trust and respect, at the forefront of the Alliance. His selfless service and passion to the Alliance and Veterans, was demonstrated through his accomplishments while serving as the USFK J2, and CFC Deputy C2. Rick’s experience while serving in the ROK has served as the foundation that informs his current duties in developing and integrating the most cutting-edge intelligence technologies that will enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and defense capabilities for decades to come. This will ensure the ROK-U.S. Alliance remains the Gold Standard for Intelligence interoperability and sharing. Rick believes in the Korea Defense Veterans Association’s mission, and as a member, plans to support its endeavors to the greatest extent possible.