Their Story
Remembering Eric Ward.
Lance Corporal Eric Levi Ward was born in Fairfax, Virginia, on August 17, 1990. His family remembers a morning person who woke up full of energy and could usually be found at the breakfast table with them at dawn. He could make people laugh even through the hardest times. He was determined and loyal, a natural athletic leader who traveled widely, explored much of the country, and formed friendships that ran deeper than most people see in a lifetime.
Eric joined the United States Marine Corps right after high school, the fourth generation of his family to serve. He looked up to his father, Steven, a Marine veteran, and wanted to carry that same honor forward. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, and the Marines beside him remembered the life and joy he brought to every situation.
Eric died on February 21, 2010, at 19 years old, while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He rests at Arlington National Cemetery.
Eric is remembered by his mother, Monica, and stepfather, Adonis; his father, Steven, and stepmother, Dana; his brothers, Andrew and Gregory; his step-siblings, Ashleigh, Taylor and Lauren; his grandmother, Shirley; and a family and circle of friends so large it could never fit on one page.