Following removal from his family by state social workers for abuse and neglect, Richard bounced around from foster home to foster home before coming to live at St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Understandably, the difficult life experiences of this young man caused him to exhibit challenging and defiant behaviors on admission.

After working with the trained and dedicated staff, Richard made significant progress in the Therapeutic Residential Treatment Program. In recognition of his progress and achievments, he "graduated" into the Transitional Living Program.

While attending public high school, he met a recruiter with the United States Marines. He then decided to enlist after graduation from high school. Richard worked very diligently at his studies and graduated from high school a full term ahead of his peers.

The social and behavior skills aquired at St. Jude's Ranch positioned Richard for success at boot camp - and the staff was excited and proud to receive an invitation to his boot camp graduation at Camp Pendelton in San Diego.