Rich doesn't consider himself a hero. Make no mistake about it, he is.
- by Pleepleus :)
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Rich was attending a show with his wife, Jess, daughter, Kassy, and her boyfriend, Raymond Vance. Raymond was killed in the shooting, along with Kelly Loving, Daniel Aston, Derrick Rump, and Ashley Paugh. However, because of the actions of Rich, and the bystanders who assisted him, many more were kept from from losing their lives.
Rich spent 15 years as an Army officer, serving four combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring, he moved to Colorado Springs, where he opened Atrevida Brewing with his wife, Jess. Jess and their daughter Kassy are the brewers at Atrevida Beer Company.
We’d all like to think that we’d step it up in situations like the one Rich found himself in. Let’s hope you never have to find out. For the bravery and selflessness that Rich displayed, his daughter will be able to attend San Diego State to pursue her brewing passion, his wife will be able to continue brewing their fantastic beer (that I had the privilege of drinking with them) and many others will be able to live their lives.
You'll be happy to know that the Colorado Springs community has supported Rich, his family, and their brewery. Customers flooded into Atrevida Beer Co, where they quickly ran out of beer and merchandise. So when you find yourself in the Colorado Springs area, pop in for a beer and raise a glass to Rich, Jess, and Kassy.
