Ricky Medlin, Jr. wanted to keep a family tradition alive by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. Five generations served in various branches, including his dad in the Marines. It gave Ricky a deep respect and reverence for veterans. 

A health issue ended that dream, but not his admiration for those who served. 

Today, Medlin – whose Sinatra stylings earned him the nickname “Rat Pack Ricky” – will perform his second virtual concert honoring the veterans at CalVet’s eight Veterans Homes of California, as well as veterans across the country. 

His holiday tribute to veterans will live stream beginning at 2 p.m. on CalVet’s Facebook page, making it available worldwide. He expects the show – free and available to everyone – to last about 30 minutes, featuring music of the season. 

Click here to watch the show live. 

Medlin, 25, sings songs from an era when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bing Crosby represented the biggest names in entertainment. 

He won a talent show sponsored by the Air Force when he was 18 years old, and that led to gigs at local restaurants in and around his home town of Santa Clarita. His performances promoted calls from customers who wanted to know when the “Rat Pack Guy” would be back. 

The restaurant manager began billing him as “Rat Pack Ricky,” and the name stuck. 

Medlin has performed for various veterans groups in Southern California, including the residents at the Veterans Homes of California-Lancaster. When the COVID-19 pandemic closed visitation to the eight homes, he offered to do the virtual performances instead. 

His hour-long show to kick off Veterans Day week in November drew a great response from the veterans in the Homes. Medlin said he eventually hopes to do live shows at each of the Homes – ranging from Redding to Chula Vista – once the pandemic ends and restrictions ease. 

Until then, Rat Pack Ricky will volunteer his talents virtually, and the veterans’ season will be much brighter for it.