Rebecca Schwab
When my NCO told me I was getting an 18-year-old roommate after months of having my own barracks room at Fort Drum, I did what any reasonable 28-year-old would do. I marched straight to First Sergeant’s office to plead my case. I explained I was old and needed my peace, quiet, and personal space. He laughed and told me to get out of his office. I was getting a roommate whether I wanted one or not!
Thankfully, that’s when I met Melissa (who I came to call Stewie). I can still remember her walking in. Tall, beautiful, effortlessly funny. We could be standing in formation in -10 degree weather, eyelashes half frozen shut, and she could still make me laugh. She was incredibly thoughtful, insightful, and sharp in a way that made you feel lucky to know her. What started as “the roommate I didn’t want” soon became a close friend and confidante as we navigated Army public affairs together.
She deployed with 3rd Brigade while I stayed with 2nd, but we kept in touch. After we’d both left the military, we took several trips together, including Israel and France, and always talked about places we’d love to go to next. Traveling with people is hard; traveling with Melissa was an absolute joy and a hilarious adventure.
I’m so glad we got to spend time together on the North Shore in December last year. We talked about the book she was writing based on her military experiences. I wish I could have read it. She was a wonderful writer, and her perspective on the experience of women in the military is something the world needs to hear.
I miss you, Stewie. I’m so grateful for the time we had.
Love,
Schwabbie
