By Becky Maxedon

When it comes to volunteering, Cindy Ritter could compile an instruction manual.

Ritter and her husband of 33 years Frank, retired to Lake Havasu City 13 years ago and almost instantly, she began her volunteerism in the community.

“My husband would tell you that I can’t say ‘no’,” Ritter said.

The couple had been spending almost every weekend and three 10-day vacations every summer on Lake Havasu – Black Meadow on the California side – for years.

The Ritters were both born and raised in Southern California and Lake Havasu was a natural vacation spot.

Cindy and Frank Ritter. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“My husband always told me when we retired, he was going to sell the house (in California) and we would move to Lake Havasu City,” she said. And so, they did.

“I wanted to do something with veterans and our active duty kids, so I immediately got involved with Military Moms,” she said.

Ritter said both veterans and active duty military are near and dear to her heart.

Every year Miliary Moms organize coordinating the shipping of Girl Scout Cookies to the active duty military around the world. “This year, I think there were about 65 boxes of cookies shipped,” she said.

“Most of those in Military Moms have active duty kids deployed around the world,” she said.

“We’re here to support the moms and the kids as well.”

The Lake Havasu City Military Moms group receives boxes of cookies from local Girl Scouts. Submitted by Cindy Ritter

Equally important is the work Ritter does with the Veteran’s Treatment Court.

The Lake Havasu City Veteran’s Treatment Court was established in 2013 – just when Ritter retired to Lake Havasu City.

The objective of the court is to offer veterans who have suffered from substance abuse and mental health issues.

“I go to court usually twice a month to mainly show these folks we are here to show them that we’re here for them. We support them,” she said.

As part of the Veteran’s Resource Team, Ritter hustles sending emails and making contacts to bring in donations to support the program that helps with rent or utility payments or to get someone into a safe living situation.

“We give them a hand up, not a handout,” she said.

“I am amazed every day at how giving our community is. No matter how big or small the need, our community meets that every day in some way.”

And if that isn’t enough giving back, Ritter also volunteers during the Balloon Festival as a crew member.

The old adage is “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Ritter fits the description in spades.

“I love the paradise we live in,” she said.

The Lake Havasu Military Moms present Gregory Arceo a signed flag Saturday at the deployment ceremony. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Cindy Ritter and the LHC Military Moms lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene