After graduating high school Rick was unsure of his future. Because he wasnat ready for college he joined the Army. After the structured life of basic training, followed by the trials and tribulations of his first unit assignment, Rick finally ended up in Germany. He was fortunate enough to be assigned to an elite unit he had always desired to be a part of, but ended up sacrificing his opportunity to be all he could be after meeting his future wife shortly after arriving in Germany. Geographically separated because of job assignments, Rick spent every available minute with his fiancee. Making the most of their time together, they travel extensively, visiting other countries, enjoying the different sights and cultures Europe has to offer. Even though she is older, her inexperience and sometimes almost child-like naivete, along with his patience and understanding with her, endears them to each other and draws them deeper in love.