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Melodie Phelps News Editor There's no place like home for Sgt. Ricky Burke, who recently spent two weeks visiting with family and friends. Burke, a member of the local National Guard unit, was on two-week leave from duty in Iraq. It was more like a celebration than a vacation for Burke and his family. Earlier this month, Burke was found not guilty on the charge of premeditated attempted murder during a military trial in Baghdad. The verdict culminated months of worry and concern for the local soldier and his family, as well as the community who stood behind him. Burke stopped by The Outlook while he was home to talk more about what he had experienced since March 20, when his unit came under fire from Iraqi insurgents. Burke had shot and wounded one of the insurgents when he appeared to make a move for a weapon. He was charged in the days following the battle. Little information was available about the incident and the charge against Burke until family members spoke to the media in August. After that, a local letter writing campaign began for Burke, who was facing a possible maximum penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment. Burke said it was unbelievable to go to Iraq to serve his country and to end up in a trial. Early reports were that soldiers from another unit had actually given accounts that led to the charges against Burke. He said during the trial that there was contradictory testimony from those involved. Also playing an important part in the trial was the number of letters received from people in this community. They helped portray his character outside military service. Burke is still amazed at the community response he received. He said he is still getting letters. His homecoming reception was also a little overwhelming. "It's unbelievable," said Burke. "I have met and greeted more people than I ever have before." He is now back on regular duty at Camp Anaconda near Baghdad, with other members of the local unit. Burke said the job of the local guard unit has changed from convoy security to more of a military police assignment. The soldiers are basically doing patrols in specific areas. While he was home, Burke had the opportunity to talk with four members of the local unit, who were headed for Iraq. These soldiers had completed training after Battery C had been mobilized, and he talked with them just a couple of days before they left Monticello. Burke said that he hoped that he provided them with valuable information about what their job would be in Iraq. "We had no idea what we were going into," said Burke. We've all seen the images of explosions, death and destruction in media accounts from Iraq. But there are good things that many of us don't see, according to Burke. One example is the trips that soldiers make to schools. "We talk to kids...They are more open to talking to us," said Burke. "To see be more open and not terrified is good." Burke expects there will always be conflict there, especially among the older generation. But he said that the difference can be seen in the younger generation, where the people want a different way of life. "They see what we have and a lot of them want that," said Burke. Despite what he has been through, Burke said he is considering reenlistment. He joined the guard five years ago, because he was interested in some of the education benefits offered through the service. He said that as a member of the National Guard you can also help the people in your state in different situations. "You feel like you can make a difference," he said. It is uncertain when the local guard unit will be back home. The original orders were for 18 months, and the unit will likely come stateside to Ft. Dix for a period of time before they are demobilized. Burke doesn't want any of the attention he has received to take away from his fellow guard soldiers. Without them, Burke said this difficult time would have been even worse. "You develop a brotherhood with people," he said. While he still had a few days left at home, Burke knew that leaving this time would be a little tougher than it was after Christmas. "I think the first time I left I was anxious to get over there...Now I know what I am going back to," he said. Burke said that he would like to thank everyone who has supported him. "If I could I wish I could personally thank every person in Wayne County," he said. "I am proud to call Monticello home. The people in this community have stood by me in a time they didn't have to." Add a comment |
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