Richard Sylvest was born into a military family at Patuxent River, MD and made a career in  law enforcement and national security for 40 years, retiring in 2014. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX and the University of Texas at Arlington. As a result of his life-long association with the government, Richard has moved 24 times and Christa, also a retired civil servant, has moved 13 times.  During a Washington, DC assignment, he met his wife, Christa, who led him to Jesus Christ. Richard was baptized in October 2013. Richard and Christa have four grown daughters, four grandsons and one great-grandson. Richard’s hobbies have included hiking, cooking, traveling, hunting and fishing. Richard is active in teaching and visitation.