Service woman shares Iraq stories

The first time I met her it was all about giggles and smiles, friendship and fun.

Heather Ritchey was earning the top award in Girl Scouting. In fact, all of the seniors in her troop had attained the lofty goal.

The girls told me about their dreams and their goals in life. For Heather Ritchey it was all about going to West Point.

A few years later, I interviewed Heather again. She was returning to her elementary school, H.C. Storm, to talk with students about her experiences at the prestigious military academy.

Before the interview, I watched her as she spoke to the group. Her ability to connect with the kids marveled me.

As I sat across the table from Capt. Heather Ritchey last week, I observed a much more mature young woman. She was home on leave from Iraq and agreed to speak with me about her experiences.

The smiles and enthusiasm for the military life were still there, but you could tell living in a war zone had impacted her in ways that we would never know.

With her mom, Charlotte Ritchey, by her side, she seemed to be caught in the web of being a soldier and a daughter at the same time.

Heather is not the only one in her family serving her country. Her younger sister, Ashley, is part of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. Her brother, Brandon, a student at West Point, is in Jordan studying Arabic.

Having three children in the service is not easy, especially in war time.

"Christmas in 2007 was especially hard," Charlotte said. "She was not there and that was hard."

Being apart from family is also hard on Heather. Her mom went through a difficult time this year dealing with cancer. Yet Heather is committed to her mission and truly feels the people of Iraq are happy to have the help of Americans.

"We often hear, 'I love you Amerique,' " Heather said. "One time, a mother came up to me with her newborn baby, probably about four days old, and had me hold her. That was a liberating experience."

Charlotte Ritchey is able to communicate regularly with Heather and Brandon, but communication with Ashley is difficult because of her assignment in remote areas of Afghanistan.

"I am able to communicate with her through the Army classified network," Heather said. "That way I can let my mother know how she is."

The experience of serving her country during time of war has been sobering.

"We lost three of our soldiers," Heather said. "One of them was one of the people I was closest to. I think that has made me appreciate things more and to live for the now."

The time at home was beneficial for both mom and daughter. As a special treat for her mom, Heather scheduled a trip to a Wisconsin spa, something both had never done before.

"It was so calming, quiet and relaxing," said Charlotte who was so appreciative of her daughter's thoughtfulness. "We both enjoyed it."

Heather was quick to bring up her gratitude for the efforts of the Fox Valley Troop Support and all who have supported her.

"You have no idea how happy it makes you feel to get a package or letter from home," she said. "Especially from someone you don't know. I have gotten packages from Brownie troops and even a second-grade class at H.C. Storm."

She also appreciated getting the Girl Scout cookies with drawings inside.

"It is just a little bit of home that comes to us."

It's too bad she could not receive any Oberweis ice cream there. The brand's chocolate peanut butter ice cream was the one thing she wanted to have when she returned home.

This Memorial Day week, when we honor our fallen soldiers, we must also remember those who are currently putting themselves in harms way to protect our freedom. Pray for them, support them and be thankful to them for their commitment to you and to our country.