26, of Glenburn, Maine; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; died Feb. 9 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosion during breaching operations. Also killed were Spc. Leeroy A. Camacho and Staff Sgt. Alan W. Shaw.
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Eric doesn’t yet have a stone representing his spirit, his life and his memory. However, it was my privilege to share some stories of his life with my teammates during a recent GORUCK challenge I participated in. On June 5th and June 6th, 2015 I was part of an amazing team of people taking part in a GORUCK Challenge; Class #1500.
As part of every GORUCK event, the class is required to carry a team weight of their choosing which has to meet a minimum weight standard. During this particular event, our class chose to incorporate stones from The Summit Project. Having never heard of The Summit Project, it was quite emotional learning about the purpose of the group and, even more so, learning about some of the many soldiers whose lives have been lost. It then dawned on me that my brother-in-law had a son who would likely be a part of the project; Army Staff Sgt. Eric Ross of Glenburn, ME.
Although Eric doesn’t have a stone yet, I reached out to my niece, Deidre, to learn a bit about her brother. Story after story told of his love of God and his love for his wife, Allison, and kids, Trevor, Megan and Gabriel (who Eric never had the joy of meeting)! He enjoyed the outdoors including hunting and fishing and cheered on the New England Patriots. He cared a lot about his platoon and their safety and making sure they came home from Iraq. He was an outstanding shot and his fellow soldiers described him as funny, a quick thinker, intelligent and a great friend who had an ability to put everyone at ease.
Staff Sgt. Eric Ross, who was only 26 years old, was in his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was killed on February 9th, 2007 during combat operations in Baqubah, a city northeast of Baghdad in Iraq’s Sunni Triangle. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas. The day Eric was killed, the plan was supposed to follow protocol: the Iraqi forces being trained by the Americans were to enter the building first, followed by U.S. troops. However, this time, the Iraqis refused to go. Eric’s squad entered the building, but it was booby-trapped. A bomb went off and three U.S. soldiers were killed: Eric, Spc. Leeroy A. Camacho and Staff Sgt. Alan W. Shaw.
During the GORUCK Challenge, which lasted a little over 14 hours, I thought of Eric often! Conversations with fellow teammates seemed to naturally go hand-in-hand with conversations Eric might have had with his squad. Talk of sports, the outdoors and especially family were topics shared amongst ourselves. Like Eric, I would crack a joke or act a little goofy if it could get someone to laugh or smile; especially while struggling or suffering during the event. At one point during the challenge it was my responsibility to be the leader of our class. Again, my thoughts went to Eric. As he would have to have done, it was my task to get the group to complete certain undertakings told to me by our event leader, Cadre Daniel.
Our GORUCK Challenge started at 9pm. I’m guessing it was approximately ten hours into the event (we were never supposed to know what time it was, but the sun was rising and people were starting to come out of their homes) when we stopped to honor the soldiers whose stones had been carried along the way. It was amazing, heartwarming and heart breaking all at the same time. After all of the represented Summit Stone carriers shared the stories of the other soldiers, I was able to share a bit of Eric’s life with the group. To say it was my honor is an understatement!
My hope is that Eric will soon have a stone representing his life and memory so that many more will learn about him and share his stories. During my last conversation with Deidre, she tells me that she’s been in touch with The Summit Project and that she plans to make arrangements. Like his fellow fallen soldiers, his life deserves to be remembered and cherished! MHANF (Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten)
~ Christine
What a great way to honor his life and service. One of many reasons we so love and respect you dear girl.
On 11 June 2017 Catherine Gordon wrote:
Today I had the honor of carrying the stones of two fallen heroes for the Summit Project: Army SSG Eric Ross from my town, Glenburn ME, and Capt Christopher Sullivan of Princeton, MA. When I went to the MEPS office to pick up a memorial stone, the gentleman there said, “This is Eric’s stone. It’s new and hasn’t been hiked with yet.” I looked at his information and saw that he loved hunting and fishing just like I do and I knew it was the stone I was meant to carry this weekend. Christopher’s stone was next to Eric’s and I couldn’t leave it behind so both accompanied me up Borestone Mountain. It was an incredibly beautiful day and I felt privileged to be carrying the stones to honor their memory. As I thought about all they gave for this country, I hoped I could live a life worthy of their sacrifice. I carried their stones for a hike but will carry their stories for a lifetime. I learned so much about Eric and Christopher’s service and sacrifice for our country.
On July 6, 2017 I was honored to carry Ericās stone to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. I was hiking with a group of women who came together to remember our fallen heroes. We placed our stones in our backpacks and attached American flags to our bags. I asked to carry Ericās stone because I have lived in Glenburn and worked at Glenburn School for over 25 years. Although Eric did not attend our school, his siblings did. In addition, Eric attended Orono High School where my husband taught. I wanted to carry his stone to honor his family, friends and community.
Like soldiers meeting new company members, I met new friends on this hike. All of us were women who worked with children in one capacity or another. We are all mothers and felt the burden of knowing a mother grieves for her lost child. As we hiked across the South Ridge of Cadillac Mountain we came across a puddle that was drying out in the shape of a heart. A poignant moment for us all. I also thought of Ericās children who have grown into teenagers without their father. A difficult task in todayās world.
When we reached the summit, we each took our stones from our packs and made a circle with the stones. We each shared our soldierās story and reflected on the sacrifices they gave to serve our country and to help bring peace to our world.
Less than a week later, I found myself summiting Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park for the first time. With winds of 40-45 mph at the peak it was a challenging hike for me. Although I was not carrying Ericās stone with me at the time, he was in my thoughts as I struggled to make it over the Table Land to the top. I thought of all the hardships he endured in Iraq and the loss his family must feel.
Thank you for allowing me this honor.
Diane Norris
A stone, chosen from the hope of a young man for his wife and 3 children to find new life, new purpose and a new family if the unthinkable should ever happen while he, SSG Eric Ross, Army, 26 of Glenburn, Maine was serving his country, his family, our flag and all it stands for, in another country called Iraq in 2007.
I was given the honor of carrying this young manās stone and a part of his story to the summit of Cadillac Mt. on a balmy fall morning in October. Our team took the Northridge trail. This was my first hike with the Summit Project honoring Maine Fallen Heroes. I became involved with the Summit Project last year while attending the 2016 Run for Maineās Fallen. There I saw the display table of stones and met the bright eyes and smiles of Dave Cote and Angel Matson and witnessed their burning heartfelt honor for each stone represented and those stones not yet chosen. It was there they told me about these stones and that I could find one to represent my son, Derek Winn Russell, USCG. And this is where the intertwining story of Derek and Eric begins. Iāve read about Ericās prankster ways. Derek was too. They most certainly have found each other by now! Iāve heard from others at different events that you donāt choose the stone, it chooses you. We may have experienced their antics recently. But that is a story for another day.
I will say Ericās wife, Alison, and I both dropped our newly chosen stones off to be taken to the engravers at the same meeting place one day in the spring. That in itself was an emotional moment, letting go of the stones we both had chosen, like letting go again as they both went off to serve in their respective branches of service, Army and Coast Guard.
This is a love story.
Not only about the love Eric Ross had for his brothers in arms as he attended to the detail of their protection and safety and kept that ever in the forefront of his mind at all times even to the last, But also about the love he has for those most dear. This is just one story of how Eric loved his wife and children and his concern and care for them did not stop in 2007. Alison shared with me that she had gone to Texas after graduating high school and a friend she made there said āoh I know someone from Maineā.
While Eric was away on his second deployment during different phone conversations he would say to Alison, āif anything happens to me please promise that youāll rise like a Phoenix and keep going and provide a family for the kids and fall in love again.ā
As a young widow, mothering Ericās two children and bringing their first child together into the world, she also carried the weight of grief from that unthinkable day, February 9, 2007. During this time Alison purchased a home and lived there until a fire broke out in August 2016, burning it down. It was the same day as the Maine Run for Fallen. Alison told me she really believes the reason everyone was gone from the house that day was because of Eric. And I believe it too. His love and hope for his family doesnāt stop. They are still being watched over. Now 11 years later Alison and Ericās children have a bigger family with twin siblings, āand a great man who raises Ericās children as his own and honors him every day.ā
The stone was chosen from the earth where they rebuilt, āstarting fresh and rising from the ashes like Eric wanted.ā She also told me she knows Eric is happy for them all in their new home and big mixed family.
It meant a lot to me to be a part of telling even a piece of the story of this soldier, son, brother, husband and father. Because of all those he loved and love him back, his story did not end in 2007. Never Forgotten, Lovingly Remembered
On September 29, 2018 my son Colby (9 years old) and I had the honor and privilege of hiking the stories and the stones of Army Staff Sergeant Eric Ross and Army Sergeant Lynn R. Poulin Sr. It was our third Summit Project (TSP) Hike in Acadia National Park and sixth TSP event. This year was a unique as the first one.
Colby and I received our stone assignment at the end of August; Colby had SSGT Ross and I had Sgt. Poulin. Upon assignment we began researching our heroes, both of us eager to learn about and honor another Maine hero and prepare for a hike with our TSP family.
SSgt. Ross, from Glenburn and assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team 1st Calvary Division in Fort Hood Texas, died on February 9th 2007 at the age of 26 while serving his second tour in Iraq. He was killed while conducting an operation in Iraq in which he entered a boobytrapped building tripping a bomb. SSgt. Ross was married with two children and a third on the way. As in past years, I had to explain to Colby what certain terms and phrases meant that he had read while he was researching his hero. We made sure that we mentioned our hero at least once per day in the weeks leading up to the hike so itās not just the one day that we are paying tribute, but itās the time before and after making their memories eternal.
Sgt. Poulin of Freedom, Maine was part of the 133rd Engineer Battalion in the Maine National Guard in Belfast. He was killed at the age of 47 on December 21, 2004 during an attack on a dining facility that he was in. Twenty-two other soldiers also died in the attack to include another Maine Hero, Army Specialist Thomas Dostie. Sgt. Poulin worked at Bath Iron Works and was known for his phenomenal skill, and ability to always smile.
On the morning of the hike, Colby and I drove to Smugglers Den Campground where we met with our TSP family. We saw the stones belonging to our fallen heroes and collected them with their story cards. During the collection of the stones we observed stories and stones that we had carried and had connections to in the past; reminiscing on those events and talking about small details that we remembered about their lives. We attended the hike brief and were informed that the following day was Gold Star Family Day. We looked around the tent and observed all the Gold Star Families members, giving us a reminder as to why we were on the hike and what TSP stood for.
We began the trek up Acadia Mountain. The hike portion is always solemn for Colby and me as we love the outdoors, but we want to remember our heroes during it. We instill in each other that if it were not for heroes like the ones we were carrying, we would not have the pleasure to enjoy the outdoors not only on the hike day, but on any day.
As we crested the summit, we prepared one another for the circle ceremony to solidify our thoughts about our heroes and how we will present their stories to the members of our team. We went around the circle sharing the stories, giving thanks and celebrating their lives.
Following the ceremony, we met with girl scouts on the mountain who were there to support TSP and any members of the public who had questions as to what TSP is all about.
We then descended back to Smugglers Den where we met again with all the Gold Star Families and the TSP base camp team. We shared a meal and stories with one another forming new bonds; all of which are because of the sacrifices the Maine heroes have made.
TSP is not about one day. It is about friends, relationships, and memories of our heroes 365 days a year. Colby and I were fortunate to hike with a wonderful TSP team and hope to continue to do so in years to come.
On Sunday, June 16, 2019, in Bangor, Maine, it was my privilege and honor of running the “Honoring Heroes 5k” with the stone of Staff Sergeant Eric Ross. Running with a stone wasn’t what I had planned to do, but when I arrived at the race, and saw what The Summit Project was all about, I felt it would be a great way to connect with a Maine soldier who gave his life for our country. I chose Eric’s stone because in his picture I saw a fresh-faced young man who should still be alive, but who sacrificed that life for his country. I felt that the very least I could do, at least in the metaphorical sense, was to make a sacrifice on that day – perhaps sacrificing some comfort during the race, or perhaps sacrificing my finishing status by adding some time to my run. In no way could this ever come close to the type of sacrifice Eric and his family made, but I had hoped at least by carrying Eric’s stone with me, that I could represent numerous things. First, the sacrifice that Eric made would be symbolized by carrying a heavy stone for several miles. Secondly, that even though he is no longer alive, having his legacy carried forward by a citizen of the country for which he sacrificed. Third, that even when alive, there are times when all people need help of others, and they need, in some sense, to have someone carry them, either physically (due to injury) or emotionally (due to difficult times.) Carrying Eric’s stone for 3.11 miles represents the vain in which people who enlist in the service live their lives. Finally, it represents to me, a way to show this Gold Star family the gratitude that they deserve in that the child that they birthed, fed, cuddled, consoled, comforted, educated, provided for, strengthened, had high hopes for, and helped to grow up honorable and just, is no longer alive because he put into practice the wonderful values passed on to him by his family. I ran this race with my sister and my adolescent nephew, who were visiting on vacation. For the first mile, my nephew Evan and I paced each other. We took turns carrying Eric’s stone – I would carry him uphill, Evan would carry him downhill. In doing so, I hoped to pass the importance of honoring fallen soldiers on to the next generation. While he already understands that we do things for others even if there is no tangible benefit to ourselves, it is important for all of the adults in a child’s life to show that importance in one’s actions. It is my hope that Evan will, in his future of running, take other soldiers’ rocks with him. And in my future as a runner, however long that lasts, I hope to take Eric’s rock with me again. I might even make my own Eric Ross rock to take with me on non-race runs, as carrying his rock with me two weeks ago added a perspective on sacrifice that I had never as deeply indulged. Thank you, Eric Ross, for your sacrifice. And to the Ross family, thank you for the values you instilled in him, for giving him unselfishly to to fight and die for our freedom, and for changing my perspective, and therefore my life, for the better.
I just happened to come across this letter! I want to thank you for carrying my brothers stone. Iām happy to know people like you know what we lost! Also,Iām glad to know heās thought of by others like you. He was a great man and,my best friend! Iām happy to know he lives on! Even though heās not with us! Again thank you and to all the other carriers of his stone
I’ve started this letter at least two dozen times over the past two weeks. The Huskyruck 2019 was my first time carrying a Hero with me, so I carried Eric with me thinking this letter would be the easiest to write as I knew him growing up. I was so incredibly wrong. 10k’s of memories jumping our bikes over the ditches of Glenburn and running around to the conversation I had with his sister a few weeks before the event. My mind wouldn’t stop the entire time and he was absolutely a driving force to me pushing myself to “keep going” and “move faster”.
The sacrifices he made for his country, his family, his friends is something that will never be forgotten. To his family, you raised an outstanding young man with a fierce love of Country and a dedication that is absolutely unmatched. You truly raised a Hero.
It was my privileged and honor to carry Eric’s stone up Cadillac Mountain 28th September 2019. He was my first stone to carry and will certainly not be my last. I was unable to reach his family but did some of my own research and found that Eric was very similar to myself. He was a lover of the outdoors, cared deeply for his fellow brothers and sisters who he spent so much time with whether that be through training or being actively deployed with. He had first hand experience with some of the worst types of people and places but even knowing where he was heading to and knowing the risks, he took pride in making sure that fighting for this country that we all love and cherish. Eric was a husband, a father, a brother and he was taken too early from all of them. He gave the ultimate sacrifice while defending his country, his family, and you and I.
I take pride knowing I was given the privileged to carry Eric’s memorial stone up that mountain. He has given me a sense of purpose in my life which is why I plan to continue to carry stones of fallen heroes. Though he may be gone physically from us, but I know for a fact that he was with me up on that mountain. Giving me strength and courage to complete my task. And just as he did with his fellow platoon members, he used his strength and guidance to help me on my journey. Eric will always be with me, guiding me through my ever continuing journey and it’s not because he has to, even though I never met him, I know he would be there with me every step of the way fighting the fight and watching my back.
Thank you Eric Ross, without you I wouldn’t have a purpose. And I would be lost on my journey through life.
To Eric’s family:
I have witnessed good friends that I considered family who were killed during operations. Taken from all of us too soon. You are all in my prayers and will continue to be. Though I may not know exactly what you went through and still go through to this day, I am unfortunately familiar with events like this and am deeply sorry for your loss. It would give me great honor to live the rest of my life as Eric did, as he is exactly the type of man I look up to. I was once told that god holds a special place for people like Eric, people willing to lay down their lives for others.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity, god bless, and know that because of Eric and others like him, our country can live on.
Thank you Eric Ross
I had the honor of once again carrying Eric with me on a hike honoring our fallen Veteran’s on the 9th and 10th of November for the Veterans Remembrance 4 miler and hike to the top of Blue Hill. The sacrifice that Eric made giving his life for our own weighs heavy on my heart.
A shy young man turned determined and outspoken leader, Eric led his men on a night raid near Baghdad, Iraq when an IED behind an unsecured door went off. Carrying his weight is nothing compared the grief his family went through in the months and years following. As the first living memorial I carried and then once again foi the Veteran’s Remembrance I am truly blessed and honored to have been able to carry a hero that I was able to call friend.
I thank Eric and his family for their ultimate sacrifice and know that they are as proud of him as I was to be able to honor and memorialize him. Our Maine Heroes Are Not Forgotten!
To the family of Staff Sgt. Eric Ross
My name is Brandon and I am 12 years old. This is my first time having my own stone and hero to honor. I learned that Eric was only 26 years old when he died. He had a wife named Allison and three children. He never got to meet his youngest kid. I also learned that after he died his familyās house burnt down. It made me sad to learn all of this. I was happy to learn that Allison remarried, and that Ericās family is doing well just like Eric wanted. I believe that Eric was watching over his family when their house burnt down, and no one was there to be hurt. I have a hard time thinking how a man with strong faith, like Eric, mustāve felt serving in combat. But then I thought about why he did it and I think he wanted to protect the people he loved. I was glad to learn about Eric with my family and share information and ideas about him. It makes me glad because we will all remember him. I want to join the military when I grow up because I want the people I love to be safe and happy too.
Thank you
Brandon R. Schanz
I had the honor and privilege of carrying and sharing Eric’s story. Due to the weather, we did not get to reach the summit, but instead went to Echo Lake. It was a great lesson in adapting to change. Ericās aunt shared wonderful memories that made me feel like we would get along. We spent the day with a family friend and his wife, that thinking of the conversations Eric might of had with his friends, was the same that I have had with mine. I look forward to being a part of the summit project as often as I can. Thank you again.
On September 9th. I had the Honor of carrying Eric’s stone and telling his story. When I read about Eric, he spoke to me as he was “me” growing up. I read that he enjoyed the outdoors to including hunting and fishing and loved the New England Patriots. As a retired Chief Master Sergeant, I loved that he cared a lot about his platoon and their safety and making sure they came home from Iraq. I read he was described as funny, a quick thinker, intelligent and a great friend who had an ability to put everyone at ease. I so wish I would have had the opportunity to meet Eric. On September 9th, a group of 20 leaders from the Togus Veterans Benefit Administration Office, took Eric and 19 other fallen heroes on a hike around Portland’s Eastern Promenade. While by no means an arduous hike, the scenery was spectacular and I got to share Eric’s story with others that were also walking that day. I can’t begin to thank Eric and his family enough for your service to our Country. I will never forget you.
Thank you,
Mike
To the family of Army Staff Sergeant Eric Ross.
On September 24th, I had had the honor and privilege to carry Ericās stone to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. It was my first time participating with TSP. I was assigned to Team White – hikers that had served with Fallen Soldiers, friends of Hometown Heroes, a mother of a Maine Fallen Soldier and people like me, who just wanted to show gratitude in some way. It was a powerful experience.
When I received Staff Sergeant Eric Rossās bio, there were many connections. He was from Glenburn, I have family in Glenburn. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, as does my family. He loved the New England Patriots- we love our Patriots! Most importantly, he was married with 2 children and one on the way. Iām married with three children. Eric and his family are forever in my heart.
Thank you Army Staff Sergeant Eric Ross, for the service and sacrifice you gave to our country.
On June 23rd, 2023, I had the honor and privilege to carry Army Staff Sgt. Eric Rossās stone to the summit of Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine. The group who volunteered for this yearās Summit Project was blessed with a gorgeous day. This was my first time participating in this event. I can honestly say, I had a million things running through my head during the hike. This hike was more than just a walk up a mountain, the event as a whole turned out very meaningful and special. I learned about Eric through readings prior to the hike. His love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing certainly hit home with our family. At the Summit of Agamenticus we conducted a Circle Testimony. All of us had the opportunity to speak about our fallen soldiers. We heard a lot of great stories and memories. I can say this wasnāt an easy task for myself. Thinking of Eric, his wife Allison and kids sent a lot of emotion through my body. My speech may have been short and sweet, but everything else seem to play out like it was meant to be. Once home, I reached out to my gym family to share more about my experience. In doing so, I learned one of my close friends at the gym knew Ericās family personally. Autumn shared more stories and photos of Eric. Some say coincidence, I say meant to be. On Saturday June 24th, we honored Eric with a Hero WOD at our gym. Thank you Army Staff Sergeant Eric Ross, for the service and sacrifice you gave to our country. Below is the WOD we created in your honor and will continue to complete yearly.
E. Ross 1980-2007
1980 meter Row
3 Rounds
26 KB swings 35#
1 Rope Climb
12 GHD
2007 meter Row
On September 23, 2023, I had the honor and privilege of carrying the Spirit Stone of Army Staff Sgt. Eric Ross up Cadillac Mountain.
My friend and I left home early in the morning to arrive on time for our hike in Acadia. During our drive we shared the story of our heroes since we wouldnāt be hiking on the same team.
When we arrived at basecamp, we were greeted by Mama bear who was already busy making coffee and setting up breakfast for all the hikers. The tent was decked out with photos of the Heroes and their families. The spirit stones were present, and I spotted Ericās Spirit Stone straight away. I was surprised how smooth the stone was, as if it has received many hugs.
Slowly but surely all the hikers were arriving and not long after we were teamed up, we received our Spirit Stone, and we set of on our hike to the summit. It was a beautiful day, perfect hiking weather. We were a group of 17 with many new to TSP hikers. We swapped stories and shared jokes I think Eric would be in his element with his love for the outdoors and a shared goal amongst newfound friends.
At the summit we found a quiet spot to share the story of our heroes. Whilst listening to all of the stories I had time to reflect on how young Eric truly was at the time of his passing, that he had so much to live for, and how extremely difficult it must be for the loved ones he left behind. I always feel that once we have shared all of our āHeroesā stories the group of hikers suddenly doubles with the presence of our Heroes. We left the summit as a group of 34.
Back at Basecamp, during the circle ceremony, we get to state the name of our Hero and return the Spirit Stone to the family or a TSP volunteer. One of the TSP volunteers, Joelle received one of the Spirit Stones and I overheard her saying; āI love it when I receive the stone back warm to touchā and she gave it an extra hug. This made me think about Ericās Spirit Stone earlier that morning waiting for me to pick up, it was cold, throughout the hike we took several pictures, and the Stone was placed in the sun, at the summit most of us held or placed a hand on our Hero’s Stone, and during the circle we hold our Spirit Stone to return to TSP. These are all moments where we think about our Heroes, where we think about their lives and their families.
Thank you, Eric, for your ultimate sacrifice. Thank you Gold Star Family Members for sharing him and allowing me the chance to honor Eric and his story.
It was my honor and privilege to carry the stone and story of Army Staff Sargent Eric Ross up the North Ridge Trail of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia on September 21, 2024.
I arrived at Smugglers Den the night before the hike, I set up my tent and headed over to Basecamp to see if I could help with anything. The stones were all laid out in the tent, and I immediately went to look for Ericās stone. It was smooth and strong, and heavy in my hands, it was beautiful.
The next morning, I was up early for the hike, I wanted to see Moma Bear and get ready to meet my team. I was Team Lead, and I wanted to make sure I could meet my team and answer any questions before things got too hectic. We finished the hiker brief and before long we were off to the trailhead.
The North Ridge Trail starts out steep and eventually evens out to a more gradual climb as you approach the summit of Cadillac Mountain. There are many ocean views along the way, and I would often stop and look out at the Atlantic, thinking of Eric and his love of family, love of country, and love of God.
As lead, I am responsible for everyone on my team, and responsible for each of the heroes they carry. I tried to be the leader Eric would be, leading by action, being supportive, bringing light to harder situations, and most of all, making sure my team all made it to the top so they could honor the hero they carried. As some hikers struggled with some of the steeper sections, my team gathered around and supported them and helped them make it to the summit. I believe Eric was there, helping guide my words and the teamās actions to help encourage everyone to push forward.
Together as a team, we summitted. We found a beautiful, quiet spot that overlooked the ocean for our circle ceremony. I held his stone in my lap, running my hands over its smooth surface as I listened to others give their testimony. When it was my turn to share, I spoke from the heart. I told of how he died, but more importantly, I talked about how he lived. I talked about those he loved. I spoke of his love of the outdoors, how he was a great shot, and loved hunting and fishing. I spoke of the thing most dear to him, his family. I shared all I knew about him, not able to fully keep the tears at bay.
After the ceremony, we all went our separate ways to have a little time alone with our stones. I sat and overlooked the ocean with his stone in my lap and just felt overwhelming gratitude that there are people in this world like Eric who put everything on the line for me, for our country, and for whoever is reading this. Thank you to Ericās family for sharing him and allowing me to honor him and share his story. Eric, thank you. I hope I can live a life worthy of your sacrifice.