Photo By Staff Sgt. S.T. Stewart | Marine and family receive the Family of the Quarter Award July 24, at the Carolina...... read more read more
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HAVELOCK, N.C. – Beyond his role as a motor transport operations chief and staff noncommissioned officer with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28, Staff Sgt. Richard L. Hopper has found himself a role model not only for Marines but also for youth within the local community.
Hopper and his family volunteer over 30 hours a week with a local youth football league and Habitat for Humanity, an organization dedicated to building affordable homes for families in need of help.
For their passion and dedication to the local community, Hopper, his wife and two sons were awarded the family of the quarter award by the Havelock Military Affairs Committee at the Carolina Grill in Havelock, N.C., July 24.
“Supporting the youth within our community is important to me,” said Hopper. “The children need someone to look up to and to guide them in the right direction through life.”
The Hopper family is currently in the process of adding to their family, with the adoption of a daughter.
Hopper and his wife received their license to adopt in 2006 with the hope of being able to provide a family to a child in need of support. While attempting to adopt a girl named, Amber, 15 years old at the time, the Hoppers were told four days before their soon-to-be daughter was scheduled to join their family that, for unknown reasons, Amber would not be moving in.
The Hoppers were devastated by the news, but continued to do everything they could to provide to young children within their community.
“I don’t know why I love volunteering, I just do,” said Hopper. “I feel that we should all be a part of the community we live in and help others as much as we can.”
Hopper’s wife, Rebecca, is a police officer and a dog handler for the New Bern Police Department K-9 unit. She also serves the community by participating in a local community watch group.
The Hopper’s two sons Austin, 15, and Alexander, 10, are both very proud of their parents’ dedication to helping others.
Austin said he looks up to his father and wants to be like him in many ways.
“I think my parents are the greatest,” said Austin. “My dad is a fair, understanding and kind person and always wants to help others. I have thought about following in his footsteps by joining the military when I’m old enough. He has taught me that we should always put others first and look out for one another.”
Hopper’s dedication to helping others shows now more than ever. Earlier this year the Hoppers were reunited with Amber, now 20 years old, and they once again have begun the process to adopt her and make her a permanent member of their family.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.01.2012 17:09 |
| Story ID: | 92515 |
| Location: | CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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