Richard officially joined us on August the 3rd!

Richard Weber is a new member to the Kayak 4 a Kure River Team and is the oldest paddling member, coming in at fifty-eight years young. His first true to life adventure be gain in January 1966 at the age of seventeen when he volunteered for the United States Marine Corps as well as a tour of duty in Viet Nam. Richard served in five battle operations ending at Khe Sahn, with the 3rd Marines. His unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation with one star for the major battle.

After Richard’s honorable discharge and return to the United States, his need to explore the highways and byways of life we're "almost overwhelming''. " I just had to see what was over the next ridge line, and there was always something there.” Richard has been fortunate to travel through the United States in the manner in which he has. Richard has backpacked, hiked, mountain biked, or camped in most of the National Park Systems in the US. He has lived in nine states and traveled in every state but Florida and Hawaii. Has been to Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, Canada and Mexico.

Richard has been active in the local community fulfilling positions as president of the board of directors for Moss Lane Club, current board member of The Haven, which is a local treatment center for women, and serving on local steering committees in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas. He has been a Webelo Scoutmaster, Asst. Boy Scoutmaster and an environmental science counselor for the Eagle Scouts in Liberal, Ks.

“Kayak 4 a Kure has undertaken an adventure that for me is a dream come true. To be a part of paddling the Mississippi River while helping others is beyond anything I could have dreamed. Our paddling adventure down the Mississippi for 2,350 miles is going to be a challenge, as it will test all our members’ skills in every area. I already know that for every stroke of the blade we will come closer to our goal. There will be moments where we will have to provide courage and mental support for our partners and that as individuals we would never get such an opportunity like this. We will be tired and weary and cold and hot and have some restless nights battling the effects of Mother Nature, yet we all are aware of the chances that lie ahead and remain dedicated to our cause.”

“I too, am blessed with two beautiful daughters, Tracy and Andrea, along with three wonderful grandchildren and a new great grandson that will arrive in November this year. All are healthy and add even more joy to this life’s experience.”

“The opportunity to participate in a worthwhile cause such as this doesn't come along very often, if at all. I believe that it's not so much the paths we take in life as those we cross and I'm fortunate to have come into contact with my fellow team members and their dedication to this endeavor.”