Congratulations Seaman Richard Hibbard

(Updated 11-25-11 0830)
Earlier last month local Richard Hibbard graduated basic training in the United States Navy. He currently is awaiting assignment to training school for computerized weapons systems onboard Navy vessels.
Congratulations Richard!

Richard will finish advanced electrical training on January17, 2012. From there he will attend electrical training A school graduating as a Petty Officer. He then is scheduled to attend electrical training C school where upon graduation he will receive rank of 2nd class Petty Officer.

According to his parents, Marsha and Al Seider, Richard is enjoying the Navy. They are excited for his upcoming leave 12-16-11 through 1-2-12, having him home for the Christmas season "is a blessing. It will be a special Christmas for our family. Richard is a good roll model for our other son Zack."

 

Click HERE to read previous article on Richard Hibbard

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.”