Richard J Stephens – författare

Honor, to many it is merely a word. To others, it exemplifies a foundational principle which encompasses every aspect of their being. For former County Sheriff, U.S. Navy Veteran, Mayor, and lifelong public servant the word meant so much more. Through each adventure he undertook, call for service and person contacted, Richard Stephens set out to honor his calling through exemplifying professionalism and providing for those who could not provide for themselves.

What he failed to understand was that while he carried out his daily routine, he, like a multitude of professionals, while honoring the badge, community, and people he served, was being stalked by the negative remnants of the proverbial evil he battled day in and day out. Caring only that his service was honorable, Richard in the end failed to honor the exact calling he swore to protect through not addressing the unresolved stress and trauma in his life.         

Recognizing that the byproduct of life as a law enforcement official, veteran, or truly anyone in the service of others involves trauma, some resolved and some unresolved, one must be prepared to confront the proverbial demons to experience sustained wellness. Many who have been honored to have worn or continue to wear a badge, following the noble calling of service, easily fall into a chasm of darkness which affects not only their own personal health but likewise their actions and behaviors as they move past the events they experience.

This must-read account provides a detailed action plan for resiliency and overall wellness through addressing and effectively countering the stress and trauma public servants so often experience. Describing both traditional and non-traditional means of coping, each person can find the solutions necessary to truly honor the calling by enriching their own lives through adapting the concepts of honor to their own personal wellbeing.

Follow along as Richard describes countless life events, horrifying encounters, and lifelines he has discovered throughout his years of service. This realistic literary offering is truly about solutions, following one man''s journey into awareness, innovation, and overcoming, truly honoring not only his calling but in the end, himself. 

Filling the roles of U.S. Navy Veteran, Police Officer, Retired County Sheriff, Behavioral Health Liaison, and Municipal Mayor were easy for a young man motivated by success and accomplishment. With each new battle faced, opponent overcome, and adventure partaken in, learning resulted. Stepping into the role of parent proved not only more challenging but significantly more rewarding. Through each changed diaper, midnight feeding, scraped knee, and painted nail, Richard found that his purpose in life had finally been realized. Finding lasting fulfillment through this adventure, we call life, the role of father truly made the journey grander because of the inclusion of tiny feet.

           The father of three, Richard relays his experiences of being a single parent, co-parent, and leader, in the Ozark region, providing a unique perspective into a wide array of issues families face in our modern times. Through each adventure, we find life lessons which uncover a wealth of possibilities. Each human experiences potentially life altering, or enhancing, events which many times go un-realized because of a wide array of reasons. If realized, these events can be a guide for fulfillment and success. This simple journey, "Raising Ozark" is an expression of one man''s journey of learning how to begin the process of recognizing and applying those events in our lives, in hopes that true joy, understanding, and happiness will result.

           Sit back, grab some refreshments, and embark upon this journey with me as we draw wisdom from one of the most challenging yet rewarding occupations there is... being a parent.