Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Richard Harrison.

Richard Harrison was born in North Carolina and served 20 years in the Navy. He served on four ships, including his final years on USS Chowanoc. He was discharged in the mid-1970s, while stationed in San Diego, and went into real estate.

Years later, Richard moved his family to Las Vegas and opened Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.

He was best known as “Old Man” on the show “Pawn Stars.” He passed away earlier this week at the age of 77.

We honor his service.


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Topics in this story

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

9 Comments

  1. Catherine Nau July 18, 2018 at 05:21

    Very sorry to learn about Mr. Harrison Sr.’s passing. My blessings go out to all of the family members. I enjoyed watching Pawn Stars for years — all the jokes, pranks and amazing knowledge Rick was happy to share.

  2. STEWART W GANDY July 1, 2018 at 14:40

    When I read stories like yours I wonder when they say the process for veterans claims is getting faster what they are talking about. To have an appeal for almost 5 years is totally ridiculous. The VA needs to get better instead of talking about it.

  3. Terry Davenport June 30, 2018 at 00:18

    Harrison was convicted of auto theft. Went to Navy instead of jail.

    • Eric Walker July 2, 2018 at 19:12

      A success story on many levels. I’m not necessarily proud of why I joined the Navy, but I’m proud of the 20 years I spent in the Navy and how I left it!

  4. Albernecia June 29, 2018 at 17:49

    Mr Richard Harrison’s FAMILY…You have my condolences! I’ve watched him occasionally on the show. He will be MISSED. Sincerely, Ms DaVis.

  5. Martin Ballard June 29, 2018 at 11:45

    Thanks for this post.

  6. Perry G. Byron Sr. June 29, 2018 at 09:59

    This is not as easy as you make it out to be.

  7. Perry G. Byron Sr. June 29, 2018 at 09:56

    I have had an appeal in to the VA for almost 5 years now. I have got little notes about my address, a head injury, and a hole lot of be patient. Can anyone talk to me or am I just out of luck.

    • Stacy Moody July 3, 2018 at 13:01

      Hi there :) I am Stacy and I work for the VA, I saw your post and wanted to help.
      1. By law EVERY COUNTY has to have a VSO (Veteran’s Service Officer), find yours, and ONLY use a County VSO. There are other VSO’s out there that get paid to assist you. My suggestion is to only use the county appointed VSO’s for assistance. You can also see if there is a American Legion VSO in your area. These are few and far between but they can also assist, by asking questions, making calls etc.
      2. Call the National VA number every single Friday, 1-800-827-1000 or 1-800-273-8255. Every single Friday (or any day you choose, easier to get thru on Thurs/Fri), and ask them for the status of your appeal. Tell them how long you have waited. You will mostly likely get the I am reading from a card answer, but keep calling every week.
      3. Go to http://www.ebenefits.va.gov – register – track appeals and claims there, plus a plethora of other things you can explore on your benefits.
      4. If after a period of time you are still not getting answers, or nothing is moving. Please feel free to contact me. 805-363-4223. I am a nobody but I have a voice and I am not afraid to use it for m brothers and sisters in arms.
      For those that may read this, feel free to contact anytime for questions, but also please be respectful, and know that I am only one person :)

      Hoooah! Sir, I hope this information helps you :)

Comments are closed.

More Stories