KIDS 4 VETS
Our Team.
Kids 4 Vets has come a long way since the beginning and I never could have done this without help. Read below about the family, friends, mentors, and veterans who have volunteered their time to make this project a success.
Libby (Founder)
My name is Libby and I am going into my senior year of high school next year. I'm passionate about journalism, running, and community outreach. I have never been in the military and I am not an expert on veterans. However, I do know that veterans and their families have made many sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. After my first Stand Down way back in first grade I knew that I needed to do something to help the men and women that sacrificed so much for our country. I'm so grateful to have the freedoms that I do all because our active military and veterans choose to serve our country.
Rich (Advisor)
In Memoriam
My grandfather on my dad's side, Richard, served as a naval officer in Vietnam. My aunt was born while he was in Vietnam and he didn't even get to meet her until she was 9 weeks old!
Sadly, like Mike Hess my grandfather passed away on September 21, 2018. Please click here to learn more about my amazing "bompa", and his service in the United States Navy.
Mike Hess (Advisor)
In Memoriam
Colonel Hess received his commission as a Regular Army 2nd lieutenant in the infantry branch. He completed his officer training at Ft Benning, GA where he also graduated from the Army Ranger School and Airborne School. He then embarked on a 20 year career that took him around the globe. He spent three combat tours in Vietnam commanding infantry companies twice and a tour as a special operations team leader. His awards include the Silver Star, 6 Bronze Stars with 2 for valor, 2 Purple hearts, 2 Air Medals and an Army Commendation Medal for valor. He was a master parachutist and holder of the Combat Infantry Badge. He holds graduate degrees in counseling and organizational psychology.
Mike Hess was one of the founders of RezVets which is a veteran’s care ministry at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. The primary mission of RezVets is to save veteran’s lives and assist veterans and their families in achieving a new norm or balance in their lives. It is open to all members of the community.
Prairie Elementary was honored to have Colonel Hess speak at the 2016 Veterans Day Assembly. It was such a privilege to hear him share his stories about the sacrifice of fellow service members, as well as his service to this country and veterans in need.
Sadly on January 6, 2018 Mike Hess passed away but he was and will always be one of the best advisor and mentor I've ever had. Click here (link) to read more about Mike Hess and all he contributed to our community before he passed away.
David (Advisor)
My grandfather on my mom's side, David, served as an officer and a pilot in the Army reserve and retired as a Colonel. He flew both fixed wing (airplanes) and rotary wing (helicopters) aircraft and once landed a Huey (that's a type of helicopter) on the field at my grandma's school.
Jack (Volunteer)
Meet my brother. He is going into his freshman year of high school next year at Shawnee Mission East. Jack loves playing soccer and volunteering. He has been a part of Kids4Vets from the very start. He's always willing to haul boxes of toiletries or go to event to help out. He hopes to continue the legacy of Kids4Vets at East even after Libby graduates.
Kathryn (Advisor)
Meet my mom. My mom is a lawyer and represents justice-involved veterans. She was actively involved in developing the Veteran's Treatment Court in Johnson County, Kansas and is working to ensure its continued success. She is President of the Johnson County Veteran's Treatment Court Foundation and continues to advocate for the expansion of treatment courts throughout the state. Her dad, my grandpa, served as a pilot in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Colonel. She appreciates all that our military members and their families have given for the freedoms we enjoy every day.
Jared (Advisor)
Meet my dad. My dad is a lawyer. His dad, my grandpa, served as a naval officer during Vietnam. He enjoys learning about the Civil War and World War II and is very grateful for the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made for our country.