Tom Konopinski retired from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department (ECSD) in 2003.  While at the ECSD, he served as a patrol officer, DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer, member of the ECSD’s first Emergency Services Unit Team (SWAT) and as Captain of the Work Services Division overseeing 20 employees and 150 inmates on Work Release.  Of all his law enforcement duties with both the Sheriff’s Department and the Bristol (IN) Police Department, Tom says his four years as a DARE officer were some of his most rewarding.  On occasion, he meets young adults and/or their parents in the public who recognize him even now as “Officer K.” 

Currently, Tom works as a Loss Prevention Officer.  He also holds an (inactive) Indiana Real Estate License and a Masters in Theology.  While at the ECSD, Tom was a pastor of a small church in Middlebury for several years along with his wife who helped care for families within the church when Tom was unavailable due to his responsibilities at his fulltime job.  He is ordained through the American Evangelical Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN.  Sharing the Grace, Forgiveness, and Love of Jesus Christ is very important to Tom. After five years, he stepped down from pastoring as they grew in number and needed someone fulltime.  He now enjoys substitute preaching in local churches when needed. 

According to Tom, perhaps the most rewarding endeavor was when he and his wife, Roxana, were one of six original couples who started RETA (Reason Enough To Act) in 1985.  RETA began as a pregnancy resource for young women contemplating abortion to offer life affirming options and support.  Twenty four years later, RETA has expanded into seven free services supporting all members of the family including men and grandparents as well as moms and children.  Visit www.retaforlife.com to learn more.  It is hard to believe that those babies born in the beginning years of RETA are now 24 years old! Roxana is currently the Director of RETA and loves working with the great staff and volunteers who continue the work.  In 2008, RETA served over 800 different families.

Tom has loved things with 2 wheels and a motor since his youth.  Starting with a Cushman motor scooter held together with bailing wire (a country boy can survive), he then moved up in cubic inch displacement as his ability and finances both improved.  From scooters, Hondas, and a Triumph somewhere in the mix, Tom now rides a 2001 Harley Davidson Softail Standard.  Tom and Roxana love to ride.  Tom says it really doesn’t matter what you ride it is more important that you just get out and ride.  “Ride what you brung!”

Tom has been married to Roxana for 28 years. They live in a log home in Northern Indiana.  Daughter Kariann and son-in-law Joshua live in Dallas, TX.  Tom and Roxana are “Grandpa K” and “Gigi” to 4 year old grandson, Asa and granddaughter Quinn born in October 2008. They appreciate Kariann volunteering for RETA from Dallas.  She does a great job putting the quarterly newsletter together.

Their 22 year old son, Ty, graduates April 2009 from Indiana Wesleyan University with a double major in History and Political Science.  He will begin seminary in the fall and his parents are very excited that he feels called to fulltime ministry.

Roxana and Ty will be co-drivers for Tom’s support vehicle during the Death Valley Ride carrying supplies of clothes, tools, food, water, literature and other resources, etc. Ty will also be writing a regular blog for all interested  as the ride to Death Valley progresses.

So what would make a person leave the peace and quiet of a home in the woods in northern Indiana in early spring to drive over 2,000 miles to the desert?  Tom says, “To help keep the lights on at RETA so the staff there can be prepared for their next visitors.”