pic: Richard

[Richard Wallace]

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[Andy Baker]

Holey smokes! This is some surprising news.

I truly hope that this opportunity is great for you, Richard.

What is your new position?
What city are you moving to?

You look 5 years younger without the beard.

Congrats!

Andy B.

[JaneYoung]

*speechless*

*long pause*


*breathing*

Richard, congratulations! You look great. Missouri's loss is Michigan's gain. I'm with Andy, what's the scoop?

[GaryVoshol]

You got a job in Michigan? Wish I could.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Holey smokes! This is some surprising news.

I truly hope that this opportunity is great for you, Richard.

What is your new position?
What city are you moving to?

You look 5 years younger without the beard.

Congrats!

Andy B.

I think it's a great opportunity. The employer is Whirlpool Corporation and the job title is global technology leader for electric motors. The office is in Benton Harbor, but I'm not sure where my family and I will be living yet. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

*speechless*

*long pause*


*breathing*

Richard, congratulations! You look great. Missouri's loss is Michigan's gain. I'm with Andy, what's the scoop?

I'm excited about moving to Michigan, and a little bit unsure what I'll be doing for FIRST there. Right now my plan is to volunteer at the St. Louis FTC Championship tournament this coming weekend, which will be my last in St. Louis for a while. And I will still come to St. Louis to volunteer as FTA in March.

As for the beard, it was about time for that to go. My chin had not seen the light of day since the the 80's.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

You can't fool me it's not the same guy. Rich, bring a big shovel, Benton Harbor gets lake effect snow this time of year. Good Luck in the new job.

[IndySam]

Wow what a difference. Almost makes me want to shave my beard.


Congrats on the new job, huge loss for St Louis big gain for Michigan.

[Tottanka]

Wow... Unrecognizable...

Congratulations on the new job, hope you have a good time there...

So i guess i will be seeing you in Manchester on February, right?

[Cynette]

Richard? Are you sure its really Richard? Wow!

I'm glad you posted a new photo! Even so, I think you will be able to be incognito for a while if you wanted to.

Congrats on the new job! Its good to hear of people finding jobs in Michigan for a change.

[Taylor]

Wow. Michigan just got a lot tougher (as if they needed it).
Congratulations. The Benton Harbor area is beautiful. And, yes, bring a spare snow shovel.
Other good news - now you're closer to the IRI!

[Russ Beavis]

What motors will Whirlpool be providing for the FRC kit in 2010?

Russ

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Taylor

Wow. Michigan just got a lot tougher (as if they needed it).

It's funny how moments like this make you realize the true impact one person can make. Richard is a wonderful example of a person who creates opportunities and makes a difference. Mentors from rookie teams have spoken with me about his unswerving support, wealth of applicable knowledge, and can-do attitude. Veteran teams, the same.

There are a couple of photos that I have but have never posted from IRI this past summer. With all of his talent and expertise, Richard was perfectly happy keeping track balls at the ready for the intense competition that only grew more intense with each match. He had sweat pouring from his face and trickling into the now-vanished beard. I haven't posted the photos because of the intensity and the sweat - they aren't flattering. But they show the work and the effort that Richard is more than happy to provide, behind the scenes like as not.

He is also a pretty good arm twister when it comes to talking folks into doing some things they might not otherwise think about doing. I'm one of those folks and I always look forward to hearing what Richard's got on his mind.

The news with his new WAI came as a sudden shock. I'm from St. Louis and very attached to it, always happy and proud that Richard was there, involved up to his eyeballs. Taylor's right about Michigan. This is a wow.

[Mark McLeod]

Well, they do have a greater need for experienced volunteers to man all those district and state events, so you'll be pulled right in.

Watchout that your chin doesn't get sunburned after being hidden for so many years!

I look younger by NOT updating my WAI photo.