Tom Richardson, the one who first had the vision for R-12, is a professed sinner saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. He is married for 43 years to his wife Rita. They have 2 daughters, Lauren and Hayley, both who are married and have children of their own in the Nashville area. Tom and Rita recently moved from Alabaster to Nashville to be closer to their kids, but he is still intimately involved in spearheading and leading the R12 movement. Tom currently serves as the vice president of mergers and acquisitions for the country’s largest provider of hospice services, caring for more than 35,000 patients and their families each day. In Tom’s free time, he loves spending time with family and friends, going to Auburn football games and Vandy baseball games. Tom is a USAF veteran having served as non-commissioned officer in charge of Flight Medicine at Keesler AFB, in Biloxi, MS providing care for the Hurricane Hunters and 7 th Airborne Command and Control. Tom is also an avid scuba diver having dived the Palancar Reef in Cozumel, as well as multiple trips along the gulf coast and the Florida Keys. Tom is a private pilot, flies a Cessna 172, and is currently working on his instrument rating. Tom is a graduate of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama with a BS in Cardiorespiratory Care and Norwich University, in Northfield Vermont with his MBA. Tom studies Italian as a second language and hopes to soon be proficient in conversational Italian.

Stuart Patterson, although introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ at a very early age by his godly mother, has been a Christ-follower since 1990. It has been his desire ever since to always be willing to do whatever the Lord gives him the opportunity to do to help draw people from hopelessness to joy, peace, and hope in Christ. 

“When Tom first shared his vision for Reconciliation 12, I was very excited about what the Lord would do through faithful men of God, willing to link arms, united in a desire to see racial division and disharmony erased FIRST from the Church! Brothers in Christ intentionally sharing a meal and conversation and praying together with a brother of another race or ethnicity as a powerful testimony of what the love of Christ can accomplish when we surrender ourselves to Him completely despite what the culture or our own past experiences may dictate. I knew God was in it and I wanted to be a part of the work He was doing through R12.”

Stuart has been married to his wonderful wife, Imelda, for 40 years. They have one son, who is married and has blessed them with 5 grandchildren who are the absolute joy of their lives (Proverbs 17:6). Stuart works from home as a CSR for a national print and promotional goods company and is blessed to be able to serve in various ministry capacities at his church. When not working, Stuart enjoys reading (bit of a fantasy/sci-fi nerd), drawing and hanging out with family and friends – especially discovering new foodie experiences around town. Stuart and Imelda both are grateful to be able to love on the grandkids and encourage them in their budding faith journey!

David McBride, born into a strong Christian family in the great state of Mississippi. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Daphne, for 29 amazing years. David and Daphne are parents to 3 boys, with 2 of them having their own families that have given them 3 amazing grandkids. David's professional career started with being a Sergeant in the U.S. Army for 10 years as attack helicopter mechanic. He currently uses his aviation experience as a Senior Maintenance Technician for a major organization, maintaining operations for 3 Challenger 350 aircraft. GOD has called both David and Daphne to serve His people in the roles of Pre-martial counselors and Marriage Small Group Coordinators for our church community. He enjoys spending time with family and friends through food and conversations.

David's heart for being a part of Reconciliation 12 is to be an example of GOD’s love and forgiveness for the sins of man through fellowship with men of all backgrounds. “Be devoted to one another through love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10. At an early age, David personally witnessed what happens when GOD’s love is not valued or accepted in hearts of men: "...so R12 is for God-fearing men to gather unashamedly to spend time in fellowship just as our Heavenly father called us to do. Those of us who love GOD must love His people no matter their background, the heritage, or past sins. He died on the Cross to save us all!!"

Walter, better known to his close friends as "Chip", was born and reared in a Godly Christian home in Birmingham. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Tammy, for over 34 years where they have raised 2 wonderful children and now have 3 amazing grandkids. Chip was introduced to Jesus by his kindergarten teacher, and it's been a wild ride with Him ever since! Chip's professional career has involved several roles in IT and in software technical sales, as well as a career and retirement from the US Air Force and the AL Air National Guard. God has continued to draw Chip into his commission by introducing him to Tom and Stuart while serving as ushers in their church, and met David through small groups ministries. Chip and Tom have grown very close over the last several years, and as Tom shared his vision of racial reconciliation, this resonated so strongly with Chip that he had no choice but to serve alongside his brother. 

"My experience of the south and Alabama looks similar to some and different than most, but the compassion and love that Jesus has put inside me has changed me, and has to be shared with those who need it, especially today!"

Chip currently serves as an usher team lead, small group leader, and as webmaster for R12.com. Chip and Tammy are currently homesteading on 100 acres of farmland in Clanton where they raise horses, chickens, cats & dogs. And Chip cuts a lot of grass.