Paul Rieckhoff is an American army veteran, writer and activist who served as a guest judge for BattleBots: Metal Mayhem - a high school and college competition sanctioned by BattleBots and held as part of SXSW 2024.
On March 10, he posted to Instagram to announce his involvement as a judge. Rieckhoff also posted a video showing Witch Doctor, which was on display for the event.[1]
Outside BattleBots[]
New York-born Paul Rieckhoff originally worked as a high school football coach before serving in the US army from 1998 until 2007, where he held the rank of First Lieutenant. In 2001, he took part in rescue efforts following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, and later participated in the Iraq War. Following this, he was awarded a United States Army Commendation Medal for his service.
He is president of the media company Righteous Media Inc. and hosts the Independent Americans podcast. Following his service in Iraq, Rieckhoff founded the non-partisan organization Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America in 2004.
Rieckhoff has been a vocal advocate for gay rights in the United States. He notably condemned the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which disallowed discussion of sexual orientation amidst non-heterosexual members and commanding officers. The policy was officially repealed in 2011.
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Trivia[]
- In August 2011, Rieckhoff appeared on the cover of TIME magazine.