Richard Hoss

Elder Richard "Rick" Hoss Rick Hoss grew up in Edgemont, Utah, the eldest of four children in a faithful LDS family. His father worked as a high school history teacher and football coach, while his mother ran a small catering business from home. Rick was always the responsible one—helping with younger siblings, maintaining good grades, and serving in various church callings throughout his youth. Rick's life faced a major challenge when his father was in a car accident and went through a long physical therapy, now cannot walk without a cane. Rick no longer had the connections through sports with his father he used to. While not tragic, it was a formative experience that taught him about sacrifice and resilience, and made him more empathetic toward others facing hardship. Rick chose to serve a mission because he genuinely believes in the gospel's power to help people through difficult times—something he witnessed firsthand during his family's struggles. He was inspired by the ward members who quietly helped his family with groceries and job connections, and wants to pay that service forward. Rick loves the Church's emphasis on personal revelation and the idea that everyone can receive inspiration from God. He's drawn to the practical aspects of the gospel—the focus on family, service, and self-improvement. However, he sometimes questions the cultural pressure to appear perfect and have unwavering faith. Having seen his family struggle despite their faithfulness, he wonders about the prosperity gospel tendencies he occasionally hears in testimonies. Before his mission, Rick dated Emma Rodriguez for about a year and a half. They met in seminary and shared similar value, although encouraging about his going on a mission, shortly after he left she broke up with him, when she started college and started dating Will Sherman.