A Soldier’s Story

In recognition of Veterans Day, Rick McVicker, an Iraq War veteran, was the special guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Lewisville Library on Wednesday evening, November 12.

Soldiering in Iraq

Rick left his teaching position at West Forsyth to serve in Iraq from June 2006 till May 2007. He shared about his daily routines, his living quarters, the food and his mission as a soldier serving in Iraq.

Regularly, Rick suited up with over 60 pounds of gear for each combat mission, which involved patrolling areas of Iraq in a Humvee. On top of the rigors of combat, heat was a persistent challenge, with temperatures at times reaching as high as 130 degrees. In his eleven and a half months in Iraq, Rick engaged in over 800 combat missions, completing his service with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Rick also made a point to share how much the troops appreciate care packages, particularly those containing non-perishable food. (One of his favorites was Pop Tarts.) The packages are such morale boosters, he said. “So keep them coming — the troops love them!”

Cards for the Troops

Nancy Bauman, President of the Friends of the Lewisville Library, presented Rick with over 250 holiday and thank-you cards which were created earlier this week by children and adults in the community. Rick will ensure the cards are received by troops serving away from home over the holidays.

Hope for the Iraqi People

As someone who has seen firsthand the conditions in Iraq, Rick shared his optimism for the future of the Iraqi people. He reminded the audience that the Iraqi people have never before experienced the opportunity to self-govern. That means they’re learning how democracy works — and that’s not always a pretty process, and certainly not one that is easily or quickly achieved.

Rick has fond memories of his encounters with the Iraqi people, and he has great hope that they will work through the challenges of establishing a democratic government. His overarching thought about his experience in Iraq: “I will always believe that it was time well spent.”

Back Home

Once more Rick is back at West Forsyth, where he teaches civics, world geography and international relations. I have no doubt that he teaches with the same honor and conviction that guided him as a soldier.

To see a few photos of the evening, please visit the Rick McVicker photo gallery.