The sweet sounds of Robert Richard fill the air as he effortlessly plays his saxophone for those who live in his Jennings neighborhood.
"I would find myself, in the afternoon, at the gym working out, and that changed for me," Richard explained. "I knew I had to restructure and do what is convenient to me and what is conducive to those around me. I just got out my horn and started playing."
Richard has not stopped since.
"I'm just happy that I can give back to my local community," Richard said.
Richard is an Army veteran spent almost two decades on active duty and reserve time. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. His time in the military showed him how to care for others and help them through tough times.
"We have to look at our families. We have to look at our neighbors and community as a whole," Richard said. "We have to maintain that respect for the decisions made by our leaders. We have to work together and show love."
While playing the saxophone may seem like a small gesture, it is making a huge difference in the lives of those who live around Richard.
"A lot of people will actually pass," Richard started. "I've seen them stop their bicycles and park their bicycles, stop in vehicles and cut the engines off."
This proves that a person can make large contributions to help others, but it is those small ones that sometimes mean the most.
