[ohioWfan]

This is my own personal story, being shared by many others throughout the United States right now. For me, it was cathartic to express some of the pride I feel in my son, that is now mixed with the fresh pain of his absence.

I have been accused on this forum of not caring about freedom. This picture is my proof that this great country, and the freedoms it stands for, are worth more than gold to me.

[ohioWfan]

PING!

[WillaJohns]

Oh, you made me cry. You have definitely put a face on our troops and added the faces of their parents who love them and love their country.

[Soaring Feather]

May God be with you, your Eric, and thank you, mother for sharing your story.

God Bless America and Bless Our Country.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks ohioWfan.

Great writing, tell your son were' proud of him and Thanks for his service.

[Nea Wood]

He is quiet, yet bold; so bold in his faith that he told his classmates Sunday in his Valedictory speech that the only way they could have a truly successful future was through faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Wow. They let him say that in the Valedictory speech? I am greatly encouraged, as we've all heard stories about valedictorians who were forbidden to even mention Jesus in their speeches.

Eric sounds like a fine young man. I think about all the mothers who are watching, or have watched, their children join the service, to go off to who knows where, and it is such an incredible and brave sacrifice. God bless all of you moms! And I will say a prayer for Eric, too.

[petuniasevan]

I know you're so proud of your boy.
What a great tribute to him and all those who serve in these uncertain times!

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with WINGS OF EAGLES : They shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

[SassyMom]

Thank you for sharing about Eric. He is in my prayers as well as you and your family being in my prayers. Tell him thank you for me! :)

[NYC GOP Chick]

He is a handsome man who's doing something wonderful for all of us. I admire him -- and also his parents, for turning out such a great person. Thank you! :-D

[McLynnan]

What a man your Eric must be, and congratulations to you and Mr. OWF for raising such an outstanding citizen. I know you miss him and have a mother's worries, but must tell you that it makes me feel good to know there are young people like him preparing to lead our country. He will remain in my prayers.

[Miss Marple]

Oh, ohioWfan, what a beautiful tribute to your son, and to all who are leaving to serve our country! Rest assured that Eric will be in my prayers specifically as I continue to pray for all of those in our armed forces.

I have seen those comments made to you, and how hurtful those must have been when the sacrifice your family is making is far greater than that of many of your critics. God bless you.

[Republic]

I am just thinking that your letter regarding your son is one of the neatest things I have ever read here on FR! How proud you must be, and what an incredible mix of emotions must be running through your body. Eric looks like a terrific young man....seems as tho ya 'did good!' and it is going to be great to get updated progress reports as Eric grows in spirit, mind and body! Please pass on to him my hearty congratulations....and tell him I feel safer knowing men such as himself are at the ready should they be called into duty! Thank him for me, too! Lynn in Indy

[pubmom]

This is a beautiful post, I'm crying!

[MamaB]

How are you doing today? I know it is tough. Your son sounds like the type of person that every parent would be very proud of. Hang in there. What a wonderful picture!! It reminds me of one we have of our high school grandson in his Jr. ROTC uniform. MamaB

[admiralsn]

Great story. Great inspiration, both Eric and you.

Did every young boy in America at one point use their Hot Wheels track as a weapon???

[altura]

What a cutie!

[RaceBannon]

Tell him, the mst important thing, is to come home alive. When in doubt, empty the magazine!! We are fighting for right!

[homeschool mama]

A blessing and honor to read about your Eric. <><

[mountaineer]

God bless you, Eric and your family. What a wonderful young man you have! May God protect him wherever he goes.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

OhioWfan - Thank you so much for sharing your story - your son will do well and he honors us all by serving our Country for us.

Cagey, I thought this deserved a ping to you.

[Billie]

I love what you wrote, how you wrote it, and why you wrote it. What a wonderful young man your son is, and I will also be including his photo in the next group of FR's Finest.

Thank you for all you do and mean to FR and for setting such a good example for your children.