Batavia soldier answers call of duty in Iraq at age 55

Why would a 55-year-old man sign on for a six-month tour of duty in Iraq? What makes him want to go back and sign up for another tour?

"I knew if I went it would mean that another soldier with a family might not have to go," said SFC Michael Reat of Batavia. "But really it's more than that. I think it's my civic duty to sign up."

Reat, a former high school political science and economics teacher, believes that we all should support our country in some way. That's why he became a reservist.

For 17 years he has been part of the Noble Eagles at Fort McCoy. In his job as a unit assister, he tracked the training and verified that the soldiers could do what they had been taught to do. He also worked as an observer controller, making sure that the soldiers knew what to do if their convoy was attacked.

After working to prepare soldiers to go overseas, Reat volunteered for his first tour of duty. Reat, a marathon runner, wasn't sure if he could do it, at his age.

"I felt compelled to do it," he said. "And I still do feel that. It's good to do something when you know what you're doing is making a difference"

He signed on for a tour during the Gulf War providing internal support as a company clerk and then he volunteered for a stint in Bosnia. He just returned home from a six-month tour in Iraq.

He is very appreciative for the contact from organizations like Fox Valley Troop Support Inc.

"Sometimes it is difficult for soldiers to cope with day-to-day events," Reat said. "You never have a day off and you lose track of time working from seven in the morning to nine at night -- it depends on the mission. Having contact with people from home helps."

A soldier also has to be in good physical condition. able to carry 50 pounds of gear as part of the uniform. Reat, who is in top physical shape, didn't have a problem carrying the gear.

"I think I just went through the hottest summer of my life, though." he said. "It was 125 degrees and it took me about six weeks just to get used to it."

While stationed at Camp Liberty, which is 5 miles west of Baghdad, Reat had to deal with dangerous situations along with difficult living conditions. The air is smoke-filled from all of the bombings and fires, making it difficult for soldiers to breathe. Even though he was aware of the dangers that were around him, he thinks that the United States is accomplishing good things in Iraq. He is also quick to point out that the Iraqi people are working toward the goal of a better Iraq.

"I am amazed at some of the people there," he said. "We have two women who are literally putting their own lives in danger as well as the lives of their mothers by working alongside the troops.

"Over there, women are not treated as equals. If a woman is accused of doing something wrong, her mother is beaten by the father, because it is the mother who is in charge of the children. These two women are very bright civil engineers who are putting their lives in danger to make a better future for the children of their country."

Reat has a tremendous sense of patriotic duty and loyalty to our country. It is something he shares with his father, George Reat of St. Charles. George is a veteran of World War II, serving at Pearl Harbor and in the South Pacific.

"He was in the Navy," said the dutiful sergeant, with a big Army smile. "Please excuse him."

Reat has already signed up for another tour in the Middle East and he will return soon. He has found a tremendous sense of accomplishment knowing he can help with the war effort.

"The last time, when I was on the tarmac waiting to board the plane, I felt like an 18-year-old," he said. "I was so thankful that I had another opportunity to prove to myself that I could in fact contribute to the mission overseas. "

Nov. 11, we will be observing Veterans Day. It is my sincere hope that by telling Michael Reat's story, you'll realize that our servicemen are sons and brothers, fathers and mothers, daughters and grand daughters.

If you know someone in the service, why not send them a note or better yet a care package with toiletries. If you know a parent or spouse of someone serving overseas, you could take them to coffee and be a reassuring listener. Many soldiers worry as much about those at home as their families worry about them.

Reat believes in our country and protecting our freedom. He is willing to put his own life in danger for you and for me. Sometimes, we take life for granted not realizing what others sacrifice. If you know a veteran, thank him. If you know a soldier, support him.

It's the least we can do for all they have done.