Army Widow Advocates Life Insurance
KKTV 11 News, Colorado Springs, CO
A Colorado Springs Army widow is getting alot of attention for being featured in a special section of Newsweek magazine.
She's speaking out about the importance of life insurance. Her husband was killed serving in Iraq.
Richelle Hecker travels across the country to speak about life insurance. She wants people to understand how important it is. And why everyone should have it.
Richelle Hecker is able to be a stay at home mom. Even though her husband is no longer around to help support her and their four young children.
"He made sure we had our future planned. 20, 30, 40 years down the road," said Richelle Hecker.
Major Bill Hecker III was killed in Iraq nearly two years ago when his humvee was hit by an IED.
"I miss my husband terribly," said Hecker.
But before he deployed, the couple reviewed their financial plan, which they started when they were newlyweds. And decided to buy more life insurance.
"I'm extremely thankful we started back in 1992. And we were poor. He was paying for my college. We ate alot of tuna casserole," said Hecker.
Richelle says it was well worth making the sacrifice to provide for her family. She was recently featured in Newsweek magazine, in an ad by the non-profit organization "Life."
"Everybody's going to die. Nobody wants to think about it. It makes sense to prepare for it," said Hecker, "Have it taken care of and enjoy life and your family."
Richelle is trying to do just that. She and her kids recently moved to Colorado Springs.
"Honestly, moving here has been a breath of new life," said Hecker.
But she admits not a day goes by that she doesn't think about her late husband.
"This is the kind of life he wanted to have for his family. I feel bad he's not here to see it," said Hecker.
Richelle is encouraging everyone, not just military families, to get life insurance to protect themselves and their children's futures.
She's taking her message overseas with a trip planned to Russia next month to educate military families over there about life insurance.