The Good Life – July-August 2020

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS
it is a sacrifice to be away from his family one that requires
significant coordinating he knows his sons’ needs will be
taken care of.
“There are many challenges to face during deployment.
These differ for each person,” SSG Richter stated. “When
you have kids at home, like when I went to Iraq, you always
try to get a little time to run over to the Morale Welfare and
Recreation (MWR) tent. Everyone waits in line for computer
time to video chat with family. I tried not to think too much
about what was going on back at home so I could focus on
my responsibilities there.”
HIS SONS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE
IN HIS LIFE, AND HE ENJOYS SPENDING
AS MUCH FAMILY TIME WITH THEM AS HE
CAN.
SSG Richter also described his personal reflection of what
he considers a hero. Without wavering, he named Chris
Kyle, the trained Navy SEAL who wrote the best-selling
novel American Sniper. The book was later released on film
in December 2013. Kyle was shot and killed at a shooting
range in Texas.
“I love serving my country,” he admitted. “I have been
through many things, some good and some bad. Most of the
bad things you forget. I’ve traveled around the world, spent
my 21st birthday on a beach in Honduras and snorkeled in
Panama. I wouldn’t trade any of the experiences that I have
had.”
Since 2002, SSG Richter has worked with the Army
National Guard in Operations. His main responsibilities
include reviewing training, scheduling equipment and
resources, reviewing travel or pay orders and working with
IT issues for his battalion for both full time staff and the
regular National Guard side as well.
In December 2014, he completed Electromagnetic
Spectrum Manager School (ESM) and is currently one of
three trained ESMs in the Minnesota National Guard. This
is specialized training that de-conflicts any interference and
works closely with electronic communication and electronic
warfare.
Even when our busy lives are packed with trivial daily
annoyances, these inconveniences pale in comparison to
the dedication and sacrifices our military personnel provide
every day. For these true heroes that risk their lives to
protect and defend us all, we owe a great debt of heartfelt
appreciation and respect.
When asked what the good life means to him, local hero
SSG Richter smiled and thoughtfully answered, “My idea
of the good life would be cruising down a curvy road on my
motorcycle while listening to Johnny Lang.” •