In 1967, Robert Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, and the next year flew to Vietnam. Due to advanced kidney disease, attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam, Robert received an honorable discharge in 1970. In 1999, Robert's kidneys deteriorated to the point of needing dialysis. His kidney transplant in June 2000 was the result of a life-saving gift from a special friend and co-worker. Robert's donated kidney continues to function extremely well. Robert and his wife Kathy have been married 45 years, with four grown children and six grandchildren. "We are very blessed by this gift," said Robert.

Bob's Story

Robert J. Richard grew up in Dubuque, IA, admiring his parents' values and emulating their characters and Catholic tradition of service. One of their pieces of advice became the motto for Robert's life: "Whether you're at a place for a year, or just for an hour, leave it better than it was when you first came."

In the fall of 1962, Robert met his wife Kathy during their nursing education program. They were married in 1966, just one year before Robert was drafted as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps at the surgical unit of Tripler Medical Center in Honolulu.

In 1968, Robert was promoted to first lieutenant and flew to Vietnam for a year, where he was granted the rank of captain, and returned to Texas in 1969. Due to advanced kidney disease, attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam, Robert spent a year there before receiving an honorable discharge in 1970.

Robert went back to his nursing duties in Dubuque, and five years later obtained a master's degree in Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Iowa. He worked in health planning in Oshkosh, Wisconsin before becoming the chief executive officer at Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa for 34 years, retiring in September of 2010. Throughout his professional career, Robert also did volunteer work in Cambodia and Russia.

In late 1999, Robert's kidneys deteriorated to the point of needing renal dialysis. His kidney transplant at the University of Iowa Transplantation Service in Iowa City, Iowa on June 29, 2000 was the result of a life-saving gift from a special friend and co-worker, Sharon Bainbridge. Surgery and recovery were a success for both of them, and Robert's donated kidney continues to function extremely well. "We are very blessed by this gift and by Sharon and her husband's friendship of many years," said Robert.

For the last nine years, Robert has enjoyed the distinct opportunity to be involved with Iowa Donor Network, serving on their Board of Directors, the last three of which have been as Chairman of the Board. Additionally, he has served on the Building Committee, Finance Committee, Executive Committee, and Medical Advisory Committee.

Robert and Kathy have been married 45 years, and have been blessed with four grown children and 6 wonderful grandchildren.

"I am very grateful for the expertise of everyone associated with transplant services, and for the privilege of being a Donate Life representative in the Rose Parade. I have received many awards in my personal and professional life, of which this honor ranks near the top."