It Takes a Village – Interview with 19 year-old Richard Hibbard, Navy Enlistee

At the young age of two, due to circumstances beyond his control, Richard Hibbard found himself being raised by his grandparents. This, being not uncommon in this day and age, caused Richard no stress or discomfort. Yet at the age of five Richard’s grandmother passed, leaving him in the care of his Grandfather. Wanting a country life for his Grandson, they moved to Copperopolis and Richard was enrolled in Copperopolis Elementary. Life was confusing for young Richard yet he tried his best to adapt.

 Tragedy struck again when Richard was in 7^th grade and his Grandfather suddenly passed away. “I was bounced around with family” for some time, his life a blur, until he had the good fortune to land in the home of Marsha and Al Seider.  Though not relatives, they quickly embraced Richard and raised him as their own. After Richard’s more combative teen years he and Al “developed a father / son relationship.” It was in this house that the idea of joining the Navy became a distant dream of Richards. “Al was in the Navy and the stories of the Navy made we want to go.”

While in 8^th grade he remembers the influence of Mr. Airola, “a highlight” of junior high, the teaching style so energetic and opposite of anything Richard had ever seen motivated him to learn. “I learned more in his class than in any other class…his lectures I understood.”

After graduating high school the final positive push in his life came from his boss, David Riccio, at Lake Tulloch True Value in Copperopolis. Not sure what to do with his life, join the Navy or go to college, Richard thought maybe he would try college first but was nervous and a bit frightened to take that step unsure of the outcome and a bit frightened to fail. David’s simple words “You never know until you try." David reassured Richard "if it doesn’t work out you always have a place to come back to.” This heartfelt advice helped Richard make his choice.

Knowing he had the support of the people most important to him, he went with his childhood dream and enlisted in the United States Navy. His job choice, Advanced Electronic Computer Field. “That field has always interested me” said Richard. Smiling with coy smile he said, “Play dumb young – act smart later.” Scoring well on his ASVAB he was able to choose the electronics and computer field. He will work on and maintain computerized weapons systems onboard Navy Vessels.

Richard’s start date is September 1, 2011, though he has requested an earlier date if possible. His boot camp/basic training will be in Chicago as will his subsequent 18 months of schooling. Richard is not nervous yet, as one can easily tell by his ‘I’m relaxed’ photo, though he said that he is sure he will get more nervous toward the end of August.

Among the many things he will miss, the people, the community, the family he has, Richard says he will mostly miss his “little brother” 12 year old Zack, another ‘son’ of Marsha and Al.

His full enlistment with the United States Navy is 6 years active duty 2 years reserve. Though it’s a long term commitment, Richard will always call Copper home. “I’ll come back one day.”

If you would like to wish Richard luck or just meet him and thank him, you can find him at Lake Tulloch True Value most any day of the week.