KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It’s been almost six months since a Kansas City woman lost her husband in Afghanistan. Sgt. First Class Trenton Rhea was training Afghan police when he was killed.
A couple months ago, city leaders in Liberty, Mo. reached out to Leah Rhea about honoring her husband for Veterans Day.
“I’m a proud Army wife and there’s so much pride when he would go and do things, and scary, because you know the possibilities, every wife, husband of a soldier who goes overseas, knows,” explained Leah Rhea.
Leah realized just how scary it is back in May. Her husband of seven years and the father of three girls was killed in combat. Six months later it’s still difficult to deal with.
“The grieving process is a very alone process there’s really nothing anybody can do to help you through it,” said Rhea
Leah is doing better, a little everyday, thanks to all of her families
“I have a ton of support from community, church and my family but at the end of the day, it’s still my girls and i working through it together,” she said.
Leah is a teacher in the Liberty School District, she says her family there too has be amazing. So when city leaders came calling, she was happy they wanted to honor her husband – but it was tough.
“It was an emotional day but beautiful and truly honoring to all veterans, not just Trent but to all veterans.” said Rhea
In addition to Veterans Day honors, the city proclaimed November 12th, ‘Trenton Rhea Day.’
Leah said Veterans Day now has a new meaning. She’s proud of the work her husband did and she’s happy to share his service, but she does have something all to herself. Her husband’s dog tags. She never leaves home without them – they serve as a constant reminder of the man and soldier she married.
