about dude's playground
History
Richard Melching, Sr. started Dude's Playground to help disabled veterans who are suffering from depression and other forms of mental illness. Rich joined the army in 1982 when he was fresh out of high school and served in the first Patriot Battalion to go overseas. He started suffering from migraines during his time in the military and still fights that battle today. There was a point where Rich was considering taking his own life. After waking up with a gun in his mouth, he realized that he is not alone in his fight against depression and wanted to do something to help other disabled veterans. After getting medical treatment, Rich made a five- year plan to start a recreational retreat area for disabled veterans.
"The reason I started Dude's Playground is I don't care what your disability is, when you get in the mindset that you don't want to be here anymore because of headaches, loss of a limb or depression, whatever the reason is, I want people to know that there is hope." - Richard Melching, Sr.
Dude's Playground is named after the one and only Dude, Rich's dog. Dude is Rich's best friend and becomes best friends with all the veterans that visit Dude's Playground. Dude and the veterans have quite a playground to enjoy, the property includes a large lake for fishing, a pontoon boat, gorgeous scenery and serenity in the outdoors.
Vision
To be a premiere recreational retreat for disabled veterans that provides them a chance to be in nature and to help them find hope within their situation.
Board of Directors
Richard Melching, Sr., Founder & President
Angela Denicola
Patricia Odom
Don Schaefer
Meet the Board
Richard Melching, Sr.
Richard Melching, Sr.
Richard Melching, Sr.
Rich was born in Red Bud and graduated from Waterloo High School. He served in the US Army from 1982 to 1987. He owned Might Duck Enterprises for 12 years. Rich found himself disabled before the age of 50 and soon realized the effect that can have on someone's mental health. He finds nature healing for himself and wanted to share that with other Veterans.
The Dude
Richard Melching, Sr.
Richard Melching, Sr.
Dude was born on March 1, 2016 and is a fourth generation wolf dog and German Sheppard mix. Dude loves his outdoor playground and was the inspiration behind the name, Dude's Playground. Dude loves people to pet him and give him treats but his favorite activity is fishing!
Angela Denicola, RN, BSN
Angela Denicola, RN, BSN
Angela Denicola, RN, BSN
Angela recently retired after 27 years of an exciting career working in direct care, business ownership, research and community education. Angela will work tirelessly to make sure all visitors at Dude's Playground have a safe, enjoyable and menainful experience.
Don Schaefer
Angela Denicola, RN, BSN
Angela Denicola, RN, BSN
Don grew up in Red Bud and enlisted in the Marine Corp right out of high school. He is retired from the Marine Corp, disabled and has worked at the Post Office in Belleville and for Nester Realty. Don looks forward to working with volunteers to make Dude's Playground the premiere recreation destination for disabled veterans.