John Kuster

John Kuster "never met a stupid person who listened to NPR." It's partly why he's been listening all these years. The self-described news junkie and jazz lover spent nearly 35 years on the road as a long-haul trucker.

He spent 33 of those years with his late wife, Patty, alongside him. Before her passing, Patty taught him humility and honesty, especially through her four-year battle with cancer. And, according to John, public radio taught him a lot, too.

"It gave me a new understanding, a new perspective. Where else am I gonna hear this stuff? Now multiply that by a thousand. This is what NPR does…what CapRadio does: introduces you to wild, varied cultures all over the world. It fulfills me."

Nowadays, the doting grandpa volunteers at Big Trees State Park. He meets people from all over the world. He sees bears from his backyard. He has a thirst for knowledge, a deep love of jazz, and an appreciation for public radio that leaves its trail all over the United States and Canada. He is also a member of the CapRadio Legacy Circle.

Earning the support of John is a big deal. "I don't give money easily. CapRadio is something I believe in. It enriches my life. But I get back so much more than what I put in."