When I first entered the U. S. Army in 1969, I was trained as a Microwave Communications Technician for 9 months in Fort Monmouth, NJ. I was initially deployed to Saigon Vietnam. From there I was transferred to Bangkok, Thailand where I worked in SEATO Headquarters for approximately six months acquiring the rank of Specialist 4. I was then transferred to Okinawa where I worked at the Tengan Communication site as a Microwave Communications Technician for the remainder of my military service. I was given an Honorable discharge in 1972.
After I got out of the service, I worked in a manufacturing facility on 2nd shift, from 4:00 PM–12:00 Midnight, and attended the local Community College from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM and received an Associate Degree in Electronics. And, yes, homework/study time was hard to find! I used the math skills that I learned in college to program computer numerical controlled machines. I eventually worked my way up through the company to become the Production Manager.
Believe it or not, I initially met my wife when I was delivering her family’s newspaper, at the ripe old age of 14, and she was 9. We went our separate ways for twenty (20) years, and our paths crossed again at a Hot Rod Cruise-In. I was sitting in my 1940 Ford when she came walking by and I said, “I used to deliver your newspapers”. We dated from that point on and were married in a beautiful Chapel in Gatlinburg, TN.
I have one son, and a 12-year-old granddaughter. When she was a baby, I used to keep her 3 days a week. During that time, the changing of some diapers required a “gas mask”! (LOL) She has since grown into a beautiful young lady who plays the flute and currently is 1st Chair in her school and All County band. Her PawPaw and CiCi love it when she comes to stay with us and serenades us with her flute!
In the early ‘80’s, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Also, taking prescribed Metformin and Mobic for 20 years, along with high blood pressure, has caused my kidney damage. I am now insulin dependent, have Stage 4 kidney disease and have no viable donors at this time.
I can no longer build hot rods, play golf, enjoy activities with my granddaughter, mow grass and other daily tasks I used to enjoy doing. By receiving a kidney, my hope would be to once again begin creating the many fond memories that I could have had.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Rick’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611