FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER

Paul is currently a Military and Family Life Counselor at Ft. Riley Military Base in Kansas (home of the Big Red 1). His career in higher education spanned 32 years, primarily in the areas of administration and counseling. His work with individuals and families connected to the military started in 1988, while working as a counselor for a local community college with offices at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. Paul has a Master’s Degree in Education (Counseling and School Psychology) and is a licensed counselor.

Paul’s passion for the military stems from his family who has served, those he has worked with throughout the years, and seeing the need for additional services. His hope is that the foundation will continue to thrive and grow to help military veterans and their families.

He enjoys woodworking, hiking in Colorado, involvement in his church, and spending time with his wife of 40 years, four children, and eight grandchildren (currently building a huge treehouse for the kids to enjoy)!

PAUL.K@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

BOARD MEMBER

Cindy married Greg in 1971 in Garden City, KS. There they thrived as members of the southwest Kansas community. They have 3 children and 2 grandsons.

Cindy is a Gold-Star Mom. Her son, Clinton Upchurch, for whom the foundation is named, was killed in action in Iraq in 2006. Though this distinction is nothing she ever hoped to acquire, her compassion and desire to be a support to other military families who have lost a loved one or who struggle with other military issues has been beneficial to many families.

Cindy now lives in St. Charles, MO near her children, and grandchildren. She spends her free time traveling, swimming in the backyard pool, gardening, and investing in those around her.

CINDY.U@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

TREASURER

Megan is currently a part-time tax associate for RubinBrown LLP located in Kansas City, MO. She has been working in the tax accounting and compliance industry for 10 years and has a CPA from the state of Kansas.

While Megan brings great knowledge to the foundation with her finance background, she also wants to help veterans and their families in remembrance of her cousin, Clint. Her additions to the board have been a tremendous help as the foundation continues to grow!

She and her husband, Jon, are currently traveling throughout the United States in their RV. She loves to hike and to go on adventures with Jon, and their dog, Yukon.

MEGAN.K@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

SECRETARY

Vivian is retired from the Department of Justice after serving twenty-four years as the Victim Witness Coordinator for the Offices of the United States Attorney in the Southern District of Iowa as well as the District of Kansas. Additionally, Vivian is a thirteen-year law enforcement veteran who specialized in child abuse, sexual assaults, and homicide investigations.

She is an asset to the Upchurch Foundation Board as she shares her experiences and applies her knowledge in the hopes of improving the life of every man, woman or child who experiences a traumatic incident.

Vivian and Chris love to travel to visit their children and grandchildren, take motorcycle rides, and explore new places. Vivian also loves to sew, spend time with friends, and invest in her church and community.

VIVIAN.V@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

BOARD MEMBER

Chris served seven years as a local law enforcement officer, and twenty-five years as a special agent with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He retired in 2014 as the Supervisory Special Agent over the Kansas City Field Division Intelligence Group. During his career, he became a court certified expert regarding fire and explosive investigations. He joined ATF’s elite National Response Team (NRT) in 1992, became an ATF Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) in 1994 and a Certified Explosives Specialist (CES) in 2002.  Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). Chris’ father was a Navy pilot and was killed in a plane crash when Chris was 4 years of age. 

As an Upchurch Foundation Board member, Chris welcomes the opportunity to share his faith and apply his experience to improve the lives of military, law enforcement, and firefighters.

In his free time you can find Chris working on his 1970 GTO or motorcycle, spoiling his grandchildren, or discovering the best place in town for chocolate ice cream.

CHRIS.V@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

BOARD MEMBER

Mick served seven years in full-time ministry as a licensed Youth Pastor and Assistant Pastor while living in Southern California and Washington State. Mick's entrepreneurial spirit led him to operate a thriving coffee house which won "Best Coffee in Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex" in 1995. Mick's proudest accomplishments are his two amazing and wonderful daughters, Rachel and Andrea.

Currently, Mick has returned to his roots and is now a Bible and Apologetic’s teacher on subjects such as the "History of the Bible", "Is the Bible the Word of God?", "The Person and Work of Jesus", "Foundational Theology", "How to Witness to the Cults", and "Street Ministry." Mick is also an aspiring documentary filmmaker and is currently working on an upcoming project called "The Problem With The Bible Today."

Mick has a heart for ministry and reaching lost people.

MICK.T@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

BOARD MEMBER

After high school, Chad enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as intelligence analyst. Chad spent the bulk of his time as a Marine in Okinawa, Japan and in Southern California. Upon being discharged, Chad returned to his hometown, Overland Park, Kansas, where he resides with his wife and their four children. Chad currently practices law as an intellectual property attorney.

Chad’s vast knowledge of the law, business, non-profits, and the military make him a asset to the board. Chad’s involvement in the foundation honors his cousin, Clint, and also those who have also served in the military alongside him.

In his free time you can find Chad in the gym with his family training for jiu-jitsu tournaments. He competes and often wins in tournaments throughout the country and the world.

CHAD.K@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

BOARD MEMBER

Bob has been in active ministry for over 35 years and has worked with every age - teenagers through senior adults. Bob spent several years as an Area Director of Young Life beginning in rural Kansas, and then in suburban Ventura, CA. Bob encountered trauma in the lives of teens living in highly dysfunctional home lives, in low-income families, in gang members who experienced direct violence, and in the deaths of close friends or family.

Bob currently serves as an Associate Pastor in a town riddled with poverty, addiction, and homelessness. Bob is involved in many aspects of these folks’ lives, seeking to offer hope in the midst of tragedy.

BOB.R@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

BOARD MEMBER

Chad is currently the Director of Transfer, Adult, and Military Students at Wichita State University. He has been in higher education for over 25 years and has a passion for helping students find their way. Chad’s dad was an Air Force veteran which instilled the love of the military in him. He is a member of Christ Church in Wichita, KS, has been married for 25 years to his beautiful bride, and has two children at home. He loves to be outdoors and has a dream to visit as many national parks as possible. 

Chad lost his brother to suicide and is now a mental health advocate on the Wichita State campus and within the Wichita area through his involvement with Suspenders 4 Hope and Stop Suicide ICT.

CHAD.S@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

BOARD MEMBER

Dave is starting his 36th year at Victor Valley College in California where he serves as Professor and Department Chairperson of Political Science. Dave has a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas. He was a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with San Bernardino County. Dave was also a member of the Hesperia Recreation and Park District Foundation board and worked in the banking industry in Kansas.

He is a member of High Desert Church of Victorville, CA. Dave's four kids, Miranda, Nathanael, Dawson, and Jillian are all out of high school and live in three different states.

Dave’s respect and devotion for military service members comes through his family. His son, Nathanael, is an Army National Guard veteran. Dave’s grandfather and uncle, both Kansans, served in WWI and WWII.

Hiking, horseback riding, camping and road trips are some of Dave’s hobbies. He still enjoys the occasional guest speaking on political commentary and review work for textbooks in American government.

DAVE.D@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

MEDIA AND COMMUNITY LIASON

Jessica has a passion for people and for this foundation. She is the coordinator of the Annual Golf Tournament and keeps up with our social marketing and web presence. If you ever like a graphic from our website or Facebook page, chances are, Jessica had a hand in its creation. Most of the time, you will find Jess leading from behind the scenes with a smile on her face. Her passion for the foundation started with the legacy of her cousin (Clint Upchurch), but her calling to advocate for people who are hurting keeps her focused and motivated.

When Jess isn’t helping with the foundation, you will find her hanging out with her dog Kona, with her nieces and nephews, working out at 9Round, or volunteering for another KC nonprofit. Jessica loves the three C’s: Christ, Country Music, and Coffee.

JESSICA.K@UPCHURCHFOUNDATIONS.COM

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SAMUEL F. SANDOVAL (1923-2022)

is an Honorary Upchurch Foundation Board member. He enlisted in the Marines and served as Navajo Code Talker during World War II. He served in five combat tours and was honorably discharged in 1946. Following the war, he ran a substance abuse clinic where he counseled many individuals and families. He was a well-known and popular speaker as he shared the story of the Navajo people and furthered understanding of the importance of the Navajo Code Talkers to the success of the Allies during World War II.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF GREG UPCHURCH (1947-2022)

Greg is an Honorary Upchurch Foundation Board member. He is the father of Clint Upchurch for whom the foundation is named. Greg served his country as a U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnance man during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970.

While Greg served on the board he was influential in giving advice about military life and culture.

He was an avid golfer, fisherman, bowler and softball player.