Severna Park HS Visit – 2009
On December 18, 2010, approximately 25 students and chaparones from Severna Park High School in Maryland met at Arlington Cemetery. Jeff Turner, a teacher at Severna Park, arranged for the get together. Because Eric was a 2005 graduate of Severna Park High School, Jeff thought the visit to Arlington to see Eric’s gravesite and talk with his family would be an education for his students – he certainly was right! Eric was in these students shoes just a few short years ago and that made the get together even more relevant.
Eric’s Dad (also named Eric) and his step-mom Wendi met with the students on a nice crisp day. The afternoon was a very profound and meaningful experience. Eric’s father addressed the students, shared about Eric and answered their questions. Jeff reported afterward that his students continued to talk about their experience well after and is looking at making this an annual event.
One Comment
October 18th, 2012
To Eric’s loving family, my heartfelt condolences to you for the sacrifice your son made for me. I come from a military falimy too and know well the feeling of being proud of a grandfather, father, and sibling serving our country. My brother is in Afghanistan right now. Your story of Eric’s life is full of loving memories of his family and friends and although he was with you for too short a time, I am positive that he did what all military soldiers do – believed strongly in himself, loved his family without reserve, and was willing to die for his country. Sadly, he ultimately paid the price for those values he loved. Thank you for raising such a man. God bless.