FARM MAINTENANCE / ASST CAREGIVER

Rich is the animals’ second favorite human — as he helps feed and care for them when needed, and is always helping build and fix projects around the Coven. An avid outdoorsman and a decorated retired Army Colonel, Rich never hesitates to jump in when the residents need help and when conditions are too harsh. Rich was commissioned to the Army in 1991 from California University of Pennsylvania ROTC and retired in November 2016 after 29 Years of combined enlisted and commissioned officer service. He served as an Infantry platoon leader in the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. Colonel Menhart commanded Company A, 25th Forward Support Battalion, 25th ID (L), Fort Lewis, WA, then became an Observer Controller, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA. He then served as an Executive Officer and Support Operations Officer, US Army Special Operations Command, Special Mission Unit (SMU), and later Task Force J4, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC. As J4, he lead logistics teams in three combat zones and numerous low visibility operations worldwide. In 2008, Colonel Menhart assumed command of 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division and led a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Despite having been severely wounded in an enemy ambush, he remained in command through the end of the tour and was awarded the Purple Heart. Colonel Menhart culminated his career of distinguished service as the Commander, 406th Army Field Support Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC. Rich’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Combat Action Badge, and numerous foreign decorations. We are grateful to have Rich’s dedicated and hard-working support of the Misfits.