Ricky Tartal

## Apperances

Ricky had a pale complexion with black eyes and prominent cheekbones. Despite his thin build, he had a muscular appearance, likely due to his dedication to a vegan lifestyle. His hair was styled in an undercut, with a darker reddish-blonde color. Ricky's outfit included an M-43 Field Jacket with M1936 suspenders, trousers, and M-1943 Combat Service Boots with integrated leather cuffs fastened by two buckles. He also had a belt and carried a canteen with a cup on it. To complete his look, he wore a patrol cap.

## History

**Richard "Ricky" Tartal** was born on May 8th, 1916, in Ohio, America, to a mother and a WW1 veteran father who were both passionate vegetarians. They owned a local veterinarian shop in the community, where they instilled in Ricky a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and a healthy lifestyle. Ricky also had a younger brother, with whom he shared a close bond, Growing up around the family veterinarian shop, Ricky developed a strong connection with animals and a profound understanding of their well-being. Due to his Breton-American heritage, Ricky received homeschooling during his childhood and often delighted in wearing traditional Breton costumes for festivals, showcasing his cultural pride from a young age through his teenage years.

Ricky had a girlfriend from his community with whom he frequently danced at festivals, further cementing their bond. In 1928, Ricky's family welcomed a younger brother, adding joy and responsibility to Ricky's life. Alongside their veterinarian shop, Ricky's family owned a farm where he cultivated an abundance of vegan food, In addition to his love for animals, Ricky had four beloved dogs: two Siberian dogs, a Golden Retriever, and an American Pit Bull Terrier. He often mentioned these dogs, highlighting his affectionate and nurturing nature.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor deeply impacted Ricky, stirring within him a strong sense of duty and patriotism. He wholeheartedly embraced the call to serve his country. Motivated by these events, Ricky became known as a fierce fighter, earning a reputation for his bravery and resilience. Despite having a 16-year-old younger brother, Ricky made the selfless decision to sacrifice his own safety and joined the USA Army in 1943, just before the momentous D-Day.

## Reationships

Hazel, renowned for his love of meat and skepticism towards veganism, became captivated by Ricky's unwavering dedication to a vegan diet. Intrigued, he proposed a friendly competition to Ricky, challenging each other to create the most mouthwatering meal—one vegan and one meat-based. When the soldiers eagerly sampled both dishes, they were astounded to discover that Ricky's vegan creation was just as delectable as the meat-based dish. This eye-opening experience broadened Hazel's perspective on the immense possibilities of vegan cooking.

Louis, who had been venturing into plant-based eating, found solace and inspiration in Ricky's presence. Their frequent exchange of vegan recipes and shared tips on maintaining a balanced diet within the army forged a deep bond between them. Eventually, they formed a close-knit group of like-minded soldiers who wholeheartedly supported one another's dietary choices.

Jonah "Red" De la Uizel, while acknowledging the benefits of a vegan diet, remained skeptical about its feasibility in the army. To put Ricky's skills to the test, he issued a challenge: create a vegan meal that would not only meet the soldiers' nutritional requirements but also be easily prepared in the field. Rising to the occasion, Ricky developed a high-protein, nutrient-rich vegan dish that impressed Jonah and the entire unit. This extraordinary incident sparked a newfound appreciation for vegan options within the army.

Initially hesitant about Ricky's vegan lifestyle, Otis embarked on a personal journey after conducting extensive research on the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Ricky served as a pillar of guidance and support throughout Otis's transition to a vegan diet. This transformative experience not only revolutionized Hazel's eating habits but also sparked inspiration among other soldiers to contemplate the environmental consequences of their dietary choices.

## Travia

* Ricky Tartal was a Breton-American with Breton ancestry.
* He was also an openly vegetarian.
	+ During the Battle of the Bulge, Ricky found himself in a situation where soldiers offered him meat soup. Ricky, refusing to eat meat, pretended to need a bathroom break in order to dispose of the soup without offending the soldiers. However, he was spotted by the general, and in an attempt to save face, Ricky claimed that the meat in the snow was his diarrhea. This led to an embarrassing moment for the general and Ricky managed to leave the situation.
		- Ricky Tartal, an openly vegetarian individual, faced several encounters with the Terrence Brothers during his time in the army.
			* In another incident, Jack Terrence, Ryan Terrence, Eugene Sutton, and Private Andy Ennis tried to force Ricky to eat cow meat despite his refusal. Ryan went as far as placing a piece of meat in Ricky's mouth, which caused him to vomit.
			* During a lunch break, Ricky hid cut-off carrots among the cucumbers in his lunchbox. The Terrence Brothers, unaware of the hidden carrots, started playing with the lunchbox and accidentally threw it on the ground. This revealed the hidden carrots, causing one of the brothers to spit out the chewed pieces onto the box. Ricky, frustrated by this, slapped the Terrence Brothers in anger. Startled, the brothers quickly ran off while Ricky expressed his frustration by spitting.

* It is interesting to note that Ricky has a four dogs waiting for him at home.