The Lion and the Lamb

With all the joy surrounding Christmas, there will still remain a bit of sorrow. Usually we ask the question, "When will you be coming home?" This year, we know the answer to that question, but we also have hope in the fact that one day, we will be reunited when the rest of us come Home.

Until that day, we rejoice in the beautiful memories you left behind, your legacy of strength, and courage but most of all in the tenderness of your heart and gentleness of your spirit.



Christmas 2006, Eric and Jaxon, St. Joseph, MI

We Remember You

This blog comes in handy. On 9/11 and on Veterans Day, I use a PPT projector to display photos of Eric for my students at the private school where I currently teach World History. I show them pictures of my brave cousin and tell them about our life together, the last email we received, and the honorable sacrifice he made for our freedom. I remind them that there are people still fighting so that we can sit in a classroom and teach freely, and learn freely.

My students are never so silent. The room fills with reverence as the impact of Eric's life takes shape. And then we break the silence by singing the Marine's Hymn. Small ways to remember a great man.

As long as I live and breathe, I will tell people about you, Eric. I want them to know who you are and what you gave. I want your story to remain until the day we can retell it together.

Papa's Prayer

November 1, 2008
El Soledad Memorial for Eric Daniel Terhune

Dear Heavenly Father:

This is November, the month our forefathers have designated as a special time for Thanksgiving. . . so it is altogether fitting that we gather here today to thank you for this sacred place specifically set aside to honor those who served our country with extravagant zeal above and beyond the call of duty. Their lives serve as a reminder that freedom is not free, and that often the medium of exchange is the life's book of those we cherish dearly and love so much. So easy it is for us to take for granted all the blessings you have showered on our great nation, often taking little note of the terrible price of those blessings which are in such short supply throughout the rest of the world. Thank you, Lord, for those men of vision and wisdom who selected this beautiful site, where we are gathered today to remember all who have honorably served our country, including our precious Eric who more than self his country loved, and freedom more than life. We are especially thankful for Eric's written as well as verbal testimony affirming as a young man that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior thus removing the sting of death which otherwise would be so very unbearable. Because of Eric's trust in you, Lord, he often stated that should it be his lot to lay down his life for his country, he had little to fear since death for the believer is simply to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.

Do we miss him? Yes, Lord, we do. But we take great comfort in your assurance as given in I Cor. 2:5, "The eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which you hath prepared for them that that love you!" Not only did Eric serve his country well, but he do so standing firm in his faith -- no matter the cost. What a great example for those of us he left behind, Lord, and for this we are especially thankful grateful today. Yes, Lord, we grieve over our great loss, but at the same time we rejoice, knowing Eric is now safely home with you after proving himself to be a great patriot and man of value, worthy to be numbered among all those other great and faithful American heroes etched in stone here today.

Last but not least, dear Lord, thank you for Capt. Gordon Topper and all others whose planning, hard work and thoughtfulness resulted in such an extraordinary honor accorded Eric, as well as his family, here today. What a great demonstration of "Semper Fi" as well as a living exhibit of how the United States Marine Corps takes care of its own! Thank you also, Lord, for each and every one here, many of whom traveled great distances to witness this noble celebration today. Grant all a safe trip home, and for those active duty Marines and other service personnel facing deployment, we urgently pray in Jesus Name for their early and safe return.

In His name we lift our prayer,

A Selfless Marine

Eric's own band of brothers gathered the funds to commemorate him at Mt. Soledad, a veteran memorial over looking the Pacific Ocean. We met there this past weekend for the dedication of the plaque. Among the awards listed and the honors given, the phrase that stood out to me the most was inscribed at the bottom and it said, "A Selfless Marine". It spoke to me about how Christlike he was: he answered the highest calling, to lay down his life for another; he drank the cup he was given and was obedient even unto death.

Memorial Ceremony for Eric

Special Thanks to Gordon Topper for putting together this service. We look forward to meeting you and the other men who fought beside our soldier.

CAPTAIN ERIC D. “D-RING” TERHUNE


PLAQUE DEDICATION CEREMONY


1100
1 NOVEMBER 2008


MT SOLEDAD VETERAN’S MEMORIAL
LA JOLLA
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA



Introduction:
• Mr. Bruce Bailey, USAF, JAG, RET Mt Soledad Veteran’s Memorial Representative
• Opening Prayer: Chaplain CDR Freidberg
• Raising of the flag (please stand for colors)
Presentation of pins to family members
• Please proceed to the 4th level landing for a brief background on the Memorial Park
Reading and unveiling of the Plaque
• Poem “Tribute to a Marine”
• Guest Speakers:
o Paul Terhune
o Captain Gordon L. “Goose” Topper
Flag lowering to Half Mast & TAPS
• Poem “Salute to a Veteran”
Flag Folding and presentation
Closing Remarks: Thank you all for coming. Everyone is welcome to join Eric’s family at the Rock Bottom Restaurant in La Jolla immediately following. Special thanks to Eric’s family, all Eric’s friends in attendance, the volunteers at Mt Soledad, especially Joanie Miyashiro-Brennan, Bruce Bailey, The Patriot Guard and Legacy Motorcycle Clubs. Thank you.

SEMPER FIDELIS



The Marine’s hymn
From the halls of Montezuma,
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From the dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And have never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.



A Special plaque will be placed on Mt. Soledad in honor of Eric.

Eric the Red

My six year old daughter Emmy at dinner tonight asked if I still have friends from school.  After clarifying with her, I understood what she was asking.  She has friends in her elementary school and she wants to know if she'll always be friends with these people and she is asking me if I still have friends from those days.  I named some friends of mine that I still have and then I told her about Eric and told her that he died this summer.  

Funny thing about six year olds.  She felt no need to ask why he died.  She related it to something she learned about in school recently -- she said, "His name is like Leif Ericson."  She has learned about him in school recently.  My daughter related Eric to a viking.  My friend would have liked this, I think... and laughed a good laugh.  "Yeah," I said, "He's more like Eric the Red because he had red hair."  She then replied, "Eric the Red was Leif's father."  The discussion was over from her standpoint.

But it made me think about Eric loving viking stories, books, and movies growing up.  He still liked them at 34.  When I think of him in his childhood he is always Eric the Red, adventurer, make-believe sailor and soldier -- definitely a bit of the old viking spirit and a foreshadowing of his life as a marine.

Letter to Eric from the Boo

I really wanted to write something on this blog, but I didn't know quite what to say. I still haven't quite gotten my head together about the whole thing. Late one night in early July, I was reading back through some emails that Eric sent me, especially that last one sent on June 16th that was posted earlier on this blog. That night I wrote a reply to that letter, even though it was a few weeks to late. This is it.


Dear Eric, Ive been missing you terribly lately. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner, right when i got your email, but i was too busy? I'm so sorry. I never should have waited to answer. Thanks for writing all of us, it was so good to hear from you and get a glimpse of what your life is like over there.
Ok, i wont visit transganistan if you say so. How about meeting up in Greece instead? Italy would do too.
Oh Eric, i miss you so. I cant really believe you're not coming back this time. We are all having a hard time without you. We are still so very proud of you and the life you lived. We keep hearing wonderful things about you from your fellow marines and commanders- they praise your hard work, your bravery, your courage, and your trust in God. You were someone everyone loved, and they are fighting for you now.
I love you so much dear Cousin, and am so thankful that God put you in my life for as long as he did. You taught me so much- how to defend myself against knife attacks, how to do handstands (I couldn't do the pushup kind like you), how to swim so well. You showed me your shells from the depths of oceans, and you gave me your old flight jacket. You cared about the "boo" and were always ready to talk to me. And thanks dear Eric, for changing your plans so you could see one last time in December for only a few brief moments in the airport. It means more now than you will ever know.
My saddest thought is that you wont be there to meet my kids, my husband some day- you wont be at Christmas or thanksgiving, my wedding. But know that at each event, a place of honor will be saved for you, you will always be remembered as a hero, as a friend and brother who knew no greater love than this, to give his life for his friend.
Thanks Cuz, you mean the world to us all. I love you so much and wish you were here. My heart is breaking without you, but I trust that God is taking care of you, and you are hunting with Britta and coming in for some of Grandma's potato salad. I'll love you forever dearest Eric.
Love, the Boo

P.S. I just remembered that night when we went for a walk on the beach in Pensacola, the moon was huge! and there was some kind of phospholuminescent bacteria or something in the water, so that when we splashed in it, the waves would light up like a thousand tiny fireflies. That night was so magical, I'll remember it forever. I love you again.

Happy birthday bro

It just so happens that Eric and I, from the time we were teenagers, celebrated our birthdays together since we were born 4 days apart in 1973. We rarely missed a year even during the busy times and after college and after marriage for me. Rarely was the day of the celebration on either one of our actual birthdays, so I'm not amiss to write this today 2 days before the 13th. The picture above was taken on our 22nd birthday as best I can tell. If I'm wrong, it's certainly when we were in our early 20's.

It is amazing to me what can trigger a memory of Eric. When you are so close to someone and have spent so much time together that no one particular event is in and of itself more memorable than another this will happen. Sometimes I'm hesitant to write something on the blog because I think it is too "trivial." Let me give an example: I drove by a billboard that was an advertisement for some brand of bratwurst sausages and it had "das gut" written on it. For me this triggered a mental image of Eric with a great big grin and him saying something in a husky voice with his best impression of a thick German accent, mimicking some soldier from an old WWII movie like "Where Eagles Dare" - which was one of his favorites. Then the memory gates open more and I'm remembering how we used to pull "all nighters" watching war movies, westerns, etc in his basement. My adult mind thinks, "what a waste of time and sleep," but we loved it back then.

Watching the summer olympics made me think of Eric and his many athletic abilities more than once. He was good or great at so many things: swimming, archery, sailing, shooting, running, gymnastics (not many can do free standing hand stand push ups in the double digits at age 34, which I bet he was still doing). There are probably more, but I don't think table tennis was one of them.

One usually receives gifts on a birthday. One thing I will always think of when I remember him is how giving he always was - what a gift he was as a friend. For any out there still missing him, my heart aches along with you.

Florida 2007

BVI

I don't know what happened to the actual pictures we took when we went to the BVI with Eric 7 years ago. These are from google. I can't believe it's been 7 years.

That trip was like a small glimpse of heaven--the Dawn Treader meets paradise: all themes Eric loved, from cannon-balling into shark infested waters, to tossing dishes into shallow water and proclaiming them "done."

My favorite memory is still as clear as the Caribbean. It was night, a full moon. Eric and David usually slept outside on the trampoline. We were all sitting there in the bright moonlight, talking quietly, laughing, playing silly games, drinking in the loveliness and pure happiness of the moment. There was no sorrow, no pain. I love imagining Eric in a similar place, a better place. When I think of Heaven and my cousin, this is the picture that always comes: a crystal blue sea, a ring of endless light, laughter, joy, love.

To Eric's Brothers

This photograph is so precious to me. In the days following Eric's death, one of my great questions was: who were his brothers in this? Who was by his side? Who is still in harm's way fighting his cause? Who shared his last hours?

To you who are standing beside his memory: thank you for what you are still doing. Thank you for serving with my dear cousin and for taking the time to contact us and give us more of his story. I am praying that you will return safely to carry Eric's memory home to your children and your grandchildren. I am praying that you will heal from the wounds of war, that your spirits will be renewed and your minds transformed in the years to come. I hope my children get to meet you someday and salute you for your great courage and love. And I am praying that you will know Christ, that you will consider Him, that He will embrace you one day in a World without War, without end. Amen.

Eric's Landing

It was exactly 4 weeks ago today that we gathered in Kentucky to watch the Marines bring Eric's body home. It was the first time I had been to an airport for "cargo" instead of an "arrival". I hope it was my last. But it made me think, isn't that what we all are? Aren't our bodies simply vessels which house our spirits? On earth, we are cargo for our souls. Eric's body, his empty shell, is simply that....just cargo. He is home.




music is not working.

"Octoberfest" A Memory from David Terhune, Jr.

Eric came up for a visit one weekend when I was in school. We would get up for an early morning hunt, come in for a nap, then head back out to the woods for the afternoon. After dark we'd head into Rockford and get a steak dinner at the Longhorn steakhouse. We stayed up half the night shooting our bows out the back of Grandpa's garage at some targets lit up by flood lights. This was a pattern we repeated for three days. I didn't get much studying done during that long weekend and for that I am grateful. Nothing can replace the memories made that weekend in October. It was one of the best times I ever had with my brother. You are missed my brother.

The Final Hour

These are the last two photographs taken of Captain D-Ring Terhune, neither photo is very good, however they are the last two and were taken about 30 minutes prior to our engagement. In both photos D-Ring and I are talking about how much fun we get out of keeping up with the young Marines, but how we are usually sore the next day. I was teasing him for complaining about being old as I am 5 years older than he is.


The last photo was taken at the memorial in Bala Baluk. The Marines in the photo were the ones fighting by D-Ring's side during the engagement.


I will never forget Captain D-Ring Terhune.


Semper Fidelis,

Wes Walker
Afghanistan

In Honor of My Fallen Friend

Friends,

The Terhunes have graciously allowed me to be a writer on this blog and I count it a very high honor and privilege. Summer posted an email that I had sent the family containing pictures taken at the Kentucky State Capitol of the flags flown there on the day of his funeral. Before that day I had guest posted on my wife's blog a tribute of my own to honor Eric. I have decided to let that be my first official post here. It is as follows and was written on June 20 originally (the font changes some times which I'm not sure why):

Eric Daniel Terhune was born September 13, 1973. I was born 4 days earlier. Our friendship began in childhood. His grandparents had adopted and raised him as their son. He called them mom and dad. I was about 10 or 11 years old when we moved to the house across the street from the Terhunes. He had an amazing treehouse in his back yard in the largest tree that we used to play in. Ironically, we spent a lot of time pretending to be "soldiers." Even at that young age Eric had an almost encyclopedic knowledge of things military. His grandfather, father, and uncle had all served in the armed forces.

I look back on those days fondly and would gladly repeat them again given the chance. Some of my best childhood memories were spent with Eric and his family; whether a fishing trip to a remote part of Canada or going to summer camp at Honey Rock, Wisconsin, or more local excursions we used to go on. The Terhunes were instrumental in getting me to go on a short term mission trip to Ecuador in high school. Eric and I both went and that trip was the means God used to change my life forever and call me to serve and follow Him. Eric stood with me as one of my groomsmen the day Beth and I were wed.

Eric enlisted in the marine corps out of high school serving several years as an enlisted soldier prior to going to college at Morehead State University. After getting his degree he went through officer training and qualified for assignment to the flight pipeline, a life long dream for him. He ended up flying helicopters as an officer in the marines. While in Iraq, about 2 years ago now, he had a non combat accident that left him unable to fly temporarily, so he had chosen to use his skills from his enlisted days to serve on the ground until he could be re-instated to flying.

I was driving on the interstate from Lexington to Louisville yesterday evening when my dad called with the news of Eric's death. I knew instantly from his voice that something was wrong. He'd been killed by a sniper. A few minutes later I was off the phone reflecting over the many years and times that I have spent with my friend Eric, with tears in my eyes. I turned inwardly to my God at that time. I knew as hard as this was, loving and missing my friend, that this was as God had planned for his life and I have a peace about his going that passes understanding.

I expect in the next few days or weeks to be with his family and to reflect on his life with them. Sharing old memories, laughs, and tears. Eric spoke of the possibility of being killed. It was his hope that if the Lord chose to take him it would be so that someone else who needed to know Jesus could be spared instead.

The majority of the pictures I have of Eric pre-date digital photography, but we have some from a visit 3-4 years ago when Emmy and Lily are much younger. I cherish these photos. They show my friend as he truly was - a lover of life. Though he was capable of being quite ferocious on the battle field or in contests of skill or strength, these pictures show his gentle side, his fatherly qualities.

Eric Daniel Terhune, I love you and miss you. Thank you for your service to our country, for paying the ultimate price with your life. Thank you for the many wonderful memories and for a friendship that will last through all eternity because it is grounded on a faith in Jesus Christ.

"Thank You" from Dan and Joy Terhune

Words are inadequate to express our appreciation for the love and
comfort which has surrounded us these past two weeks. So many of you came
by that first day with hugs and food and offers of help -- and just your
presence was a comfort! We realized anew what the "body of Christ" really
is! We are all His sons and daughters and whatever happens to one of us
happens to all of us. You were here for us and we love each of you for your
gestures of compassion and look forward to a time when we can talk to you
personally. We especially thank our Sunday School Class for their faithful
prayers and love extended to Eric since he first visited -- and many
faithfully sent cards and care packages which he appreciated so much.

Since we can't talk to each of you, we have been encouraged by Paul
to send an e-mail to tell you that we appreciate your prayers and
expressions of love.

This is the most difficult thing we have ever experienced. I know
some of you have gone through this travail and you have shared your stories
with us. This has been a great help because at this point we feel we are in
a deep abyss and there is no way out. We KNOW that God has a purpose and
that He has chosen Eric to carry out that purpose -- but it is very
difficult to accept at this point. I think our son, David, who presented a
eulogy at Eric's funeral, said it well when he spoke of God's faithfulness
to Joseph and to Job and then he reminded us of the fact that God
transformed the agony of Gethsemane and Calvary, -- and He used that horror
to bring us the glory of Easter and the empty tomb. Dave then went on to
compare Eric's situation to King David when he prayed over a sick child and
the child died (2 Sam. 12). It seems that David's staff was concerned that
he would harm himself in his grief, but David accepted the reality of his
loss. This is what we are trying to do and will strive to follow David's
example which was to wash himself, change his clothing, and go to worship.
We attempted to do that last Sunday and the service was a real blessing to
us -- and we will continue to strive to accept our loss.

Our David concluded his remarks with this paragraph: "So we are
thankful . . . for a God who has given us life, and Who gave Eric life, and
Who gives both our life and our death significance. We are thankful that
life is not a circle, but has a trajectory that will lead those who call
upon His name to eternal life with Him. We are thankful that Eric was our
gift for 34 years, and that he died for a noble cause in which he believed,
and most of all, that he died confessing that Jesus is Lord of all."

Please continue to pray for us and to love us as you have
demonstrated so beautifully. In one sense tragedy is a beautiful
confirmation of God's love for His Church. When one of us hurts, we all
hurt, and we comfort one another. Thank you for all the comfort you have
given to us and special thanks to our wonderful pastor who helped to plan
and carry out the funeral. We are amazed at God's goodness in every phase
of our lives and KNOW that He is with us and someday our "why Lord?" will
be answered face to face.

In our Savior's love,

Dan and Joy

Band of Brothers

Jason,

If able, please pass on to the family that I just returned from Bala Beluk where we held a really nice and fitting Memorial Service out in the FOB. Marines got to speak from their heart about Capt Terhune and LCpl Whitacre, very moving. Additionally, got to speak with one of my Dyncorps reps out there who described the actions of D-ring the night of the firefight in great detail as he was right there; had a lot of great things to say about his actions and the actions of all the Marines in that fight--in the eyes of all the Marines, Eric's father and grandparents have a lot to be proud of. It is also my intent to call the family in the very near future; I just don't feel that a condolence letter says enough; in fact, I'm a bit hesitant to call because even spoken words cannot say enough. Again, I want to thank you for all your kind assistance to the Terhune family, and to us in honor of our brother.

respectfully,
LtCol Rick Hall

Flags at the Capital-from Dustin Hamilton

The day of the funeral I was driving home and realized my opportunity and took it. It was providential, a particular grace from the Lord that He placed on my heart to do this. I stopped at Frankfort and shot some pictures of the flags there at the capital building half mast in Eric's honor. I read Summer and Kendall's blogs today and found the other blog that had been dedicated to Eric. It reminded me to send the pictures to you all. Perhaps you can post them on Eric's blog.

Yesterday was the first day I've been to church since the Funeral, due to work. Our church usually has a very patriotic service on the Sunday nearest the 4th of July where members of the service are honored. I didn't think about that until I got there. I was doing fairly well until we were singing and got to the third verse in "Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies." When we got to the third verse, for me it was all about Eric:

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life
is how it starts. I'd been singing along until that point, but then I got the knot in my throat and the tears welled in my eyes. He was very special, and I have missed him each day he has been gone so far and I know you all have as well. My prayers are still for you as you grieve.

I hope these pictures can help to preserve and honor his memory just a bit more.

In Christ,

Dustin

Eulogy by "Unk"

On behalf of the Terhune family, my brother Paul and Eric’s stepmother Carleen, our parents Dan and Joy, my wife Dotti and Eric’s cousins, Summer, Kendall, David and Becca, we thank you for being here to comfort us today. We are walking the “via dolorosa”…the road of sorrow. It is evident that we are not walking this road alone. You have come from sea to shining sea and beyond to share this burden with us. As we look from pew to pew, we are reminded that our grief, though indescribable, is not unique to us. We have stood with you in similar circumstances on your days of agony, on a cold day in Wisconsin, in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, in the sunshine of Florida, and Ohio, and New Jersey…..we are grateful that you are standing beside us again. Thank you.

Christians teach that “all good gifts come from God.” He is the Author of Goodness.

Today we gather to remember and celebrate one of God’s greatest gifts to us, the life of Eric Daniel Terhune.

Eric was born a Marine, in the Naval Hospital, Quantico, Virginia 13 September, 1973, where his father Paul was on active duty. As you can see from evidence around you and his life path, the Marine Corps remained a major theme of his life. Like his grandfather, and his father, Eric aspired to be named among the few, the proud, the Marines. Ronald Reagan is quoted saying…Some men spend their whole life wondering if they made a difference. Marines don’t have that problem.”

But Eric wasn’t just a Marine…he had other roles too. He had two great grandmothers, Gram Terhune and Granny Sue Sturgill. Gram called him the “crown prince” since he was the first Terhune boy through Dan’s line. To her he was another of Gram’s Lambs, for whom she prayed fervently.

Eric’s maternal Great grandmother, Granny Sue Sturgill, would sing the same song each time he visited….”There shall be showers of blessings.” And certainly for us, Eric was one of those blessings showered upon us.

No child is raised by a single adult influence, and that was especially true in Eric’s case.
Both my brother Paul and Eric were most fortunate to have my folks, Dan and Joy standing by ready to take over when Paul was a single parent with sole custody of an 11 month old child. Eric’s grandparents enthusiastically assumed and maintained that parenting role for his 34 years. They provided his infant and toddler needs, took him to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brookhill Swim Club, school events, extra academic tutoring, Little League baseball, soccer, etc. You know the drill…in other words, whatever it took to try to help Eric get started in life on the right track…they provided.
Mom and Dad…Paul thanks you…and I thank you…….and I know Eric thanked you in a thousand different ways. Eric died a hero’s death. Eric was raised by two heroes.

Their most important contribution, as with any child, was Christian commitment and character development. They aspired to raise Eric in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” But that too, is not a single effort or influence. It is fitting that this occasion is being held on these grounds. Eric grew up within the Tates Creek Presbyterian Congregation, many of whom had an enormous impact as his role models. The founding pastor here, Rev. Al Lutz, assigned Eric some landscaping duties back in the day. We are thankful for all that so many within the Tates Creek congregation have done to support Eric in so many ways over the years, including your efforts to minister to our family this week.

After high school Eric enlisted in the Marine Corps and traveled the world and began to dream of pursuing a career as a Naval Aviator as his father had done. This would require a college degree, and a commission as an officer. With some encouragement from his grandparents, he enrolled at Morehead State University, where he remained on the honor roll and competed on the varsity rifle team. There is no doubt that when Eric turned in his targets from a rifle match, who pulled the trigger. He was an expert sharpshooter. Only God knows for sure how much of Eric’s college papers he actually wrote. My mother was a tenured professor at UK, and spent her career, in part, grading undergraduate papers. Let’s just say that Mom was an enormous academic resource for Eric whenever a term paper was due.

During his college years he observed some major spiritual growth in his cousin Summer, who has spent time at Camp of the Woods, a family camp in the Adirondak Mountains of New York. He followed her there the following summer, and came under the discipleship of Nate Winters, along with about 15 other young adults. This period of close personal spiritual discipleship with Nate changed the direction of Eric’s life. We are thankful to Nate, who is with us today and will speak to us in a few moments.

Upon graduation from Morehead State University, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Marine Corps, and spent another year at Pensacola Naval Air Station, where he was awarded the coveted Navy Wings of Gold. Several of you here today were critical in helping Eric make it through that incredibly rigorous course. He was assigned to fly the HC53 Sea Stallion helicopter which he flew during his first tour in Iraq. During that tour he sustained a severe life threatening head injury, which rendered him medically disqualified for flying for about 2 years. He volunteered to be a Forward Air Controller, and returned to Iraq for a second tour which he completed in November of last fall. When his ship, the USS Denver, arrived in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, he was allowed to grant one family member the honor of joining the crew on their trip back to San Diego, California. Fittingly he chose my dad. That trip half way across the Pacific Ocean together, eating together in the ward room, watching ship operations from the bridge, showing his grandfather how to shoot an M-16, how to shoot a 50 cal. Machine gun….this was the greatest of bonding experiences for both of them. Eric has told me many times what a blast it was to share those days with Dad. For Dad, it was an indescribable joy to see his grandson performing as a Marine, and standing tall as a Christian officer.

Eric was expecting to return to training to be requalified as a helicopter pilot this winter, but the call came from the Marine Corps that they were short of Forward Air Controllers with his infantry experience in Afghanistan. He volunteered and deployed for the 3rd time in April of this year.

Volunteering was nothing new to Eric. He would volunteer around our house to take on the lowly chores….trash duty, difficult lawn duties. That didn’t stop in uniform. We have heard numerous reports of him volunteering to take the place of some of his friends who had a wife and children. He reminded my folks on numerous occasions to remember what they had taught him as a youngster…”to live is Christ…to die is gain..” or “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” He told my son that he would rather be killed in action than severely wounded and disabled, or die of old age. He said that he would rather die in battle as a Christian, since many of his buddies were not.

During this past couple of months Dan and Joy have been sending him batteries, wrist held GPS units, brownies, handy wipes. Aunt Dotti has sent granola bars, Shoe-goo, insect repellant. Many of you, especially from Anchor Baptist Church, have been sending him “care packages” for which he was thankful.

Since his arrival in Afghanistan, we heard from Eric sporadically. My folks got a few phones calls, and would describe them as somber. He couldn’t tell us much, but it was clear that he was living in very difficult circumstances. Our last email contact on was lengthy. Previously they were bullets…very brief notes to say hello but nothing newsy or prolonged. On 16 June, he wrote and addressed each of his cousins by name, encouraging them, affirming them, giving advice to them (i.e. don’t come to visit Afghanistan for a sightseeing tour) and expressed his longing to join us at our next family gathering. That message was our last contact with him.

The Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis”….always faithful. What they mean is that they, the United States Marine Corps, will always be faithful to their fellow Marines, and to their country. But for us, as Christians, the term “always faithful” has a different connotation. We know that no man or woman is “always faithful, in an absolute sense. We know that our God is the only one that is “always faithful.”

That is our refuge during dark days like this. God is Semper Fi….faithful, always. God was faithful when Joseph was in the pit, to bring blessing from despair. God was faithful to Job, when his life was beset by inexplicable tragedy, including the death of children, and God transformed the agony of Gethsemane and Calvary, to the Glory of Easter morning and the empty tomb.
The heart of the Gospel message is triumph over despair, mercy in the face of our misery. Redemption is the transforming power of God working to bring blessings out of death.

Eric believed that Gospel message, that story of redemption. As Kendall has said, Eric is fine. We’re the ones for whom the bell tolls. We are the one who must now do what Eric did his entire life……overcome the odds….overcome obstacles. We must, like Eric did, carry on with a mission we have not chosen. It has been entirely legitimate for us to ask, like Jesus in the Garden, that this cup be passed from us. But as in the case of Jesus, that has not been granted. We must drink from this bitter cup with the faith that God will bring blessing through our loss, as He did with Jesus.

In the last of the 10 Commandments God demands that we not be covetous. We are specifically told by God Himself that we must not covet that which we do not have. We should not seek to have what is our neighbors. This is negative approach to another of God’s requirements for us, that we be thankful….that we express gratitude for how He has blessed us. I confess that though I am thankful that we had Eric for 34 years, I have a strong tendency to covet my neighbors who have had their children longer. I must be cautious that I do not grudgingly complain to the God of all the goodness and mercy in my life, telling Him that it wasn’t enough…that I want more blessings…. I want what my neighbor was given….that what I was given was not enough. We must be thankful for the days God has given us with those we love. We must be good stewards of those days, regardless of their number.

The Biblical figure that I associate most with our Eric, is David, the warrior King. David was an imperfect and complex individual who faced insurmountable odds from our human perspective, yet with the help of God, his achievement was legendary. We read in Scripture that though he was an incredibly effective warrior, David was a man after God’s own heart. Ironically, God’s Word teaches us through the life of David the most specific Biblical approach to dealing with death and dying, and grief. 2 Samual 12 tells us the details.
David prayed over a sick child, yet the child died. His staff was worried that David would hurt himself in his grief. David recognized the reality of his loss. David washed, changed his clothes, and went to worship. He then sat to eat, and tell those around him of his eternal hope…though the child could not come to him, eventually David will go to him.

This sequence of events is what we are following today. We have grieved together this last week, and you have helped us bear that grief. We have looked at his body, and we can say for certain, he is gone. That shell that we saw is not him anymore. We have washed our faces, and changed our clothes, and have come to worship.

So we are thankful. We are thankful for a God who has given us life, and who gave Eric life, and Who gives both our life and our death significance. We are thankful that life is not a circle, but has a trajectory that will lead those who call upon His name to eternal life with Him.
We are thankful that Eric was our gift for 34 years, and that he died for a noble cause in which he believed, and most of all, that he died confessing that Jesus is Lord of All.

We must wash our face, worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Eric, and rest in the fact….the fact…that he will not come to us, but we will go to him.

At the time of his death Eric was up for promotion to Major…not bad for a guy who started as a private. On June 19, 2008, Capt Eric Daniel Terhune was promoted to a rank higher than any general, or admiral, or public official. Eric was welcomed into the arms of the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. Eric is truly home.

In Lieu of Flowers......

Donations can be made to the following places:

Camp Nathanael

Fisher House

Anchor Baptist Church

Last Words

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the emails. I didn't mean to sound ungrateful for the emails, but this is the slowing that I have ever seen the internet move. I have yet to get on to the web, but for right now, all I can do is E-mail and that takes a while. Things are pretty hot and sandy here. We've all been living in pretty Spartan conditions for the last month or more (i.e. sleeping under the stars with the camel spiders and scorpions). The one plus about this place is that it's like Iraq only with mountains. I'm most definitely looking forward to getting back to the Good-ole-US-of-A!

Summer and Oliver, thanks for the letters. I don't know if you got it, but I sent out a couple of post cards. Glad to hear that the little Shaver is walking about now. Can't wait to see her.

Aunt Dotti, I just got the package yesterday with the Shoe-Goo, Monkey Butt, Granola Bars, and Apple Cake. You most definitely read my mind on the Shoe-Goo! I've had a lot of repairs to make since we've pushed out. I haven't tried the Apple Cake yet though.

Doc, tell those 2 kids wanting to join "The Gun Club" that it's the perfect place for them if they want to live in the most harsh conditions and do everything in the most ridiculously ludicrous, backwards way possible that defy all reason, for the only sake of, "We do it because we're the Marines" and that's the best answer they can give of why. Please tell them to at least look at the other services first. I'm sorry to say that it just ain't the Corps that Papa joined, Dad joined, and I joined any more. I have no regrets about joining it, but my insanity meter is just about pegged out and it's only getting worse. Other than that, I'm just peachy!

"D", glad to hear that you got to spend some time with Papa fishing. I'm most definitely envious. The fishing out here isn't all that great in Trashghanistan and so far, unfortunately, the hunting has been either. Too many rules and restrictions!

Kendall and Ricky, glad to hear the youngsters are doing well and hope to see them when I get back. Jax has got to be huge by now! I just hope he remembers me and I can't wait to meet the new addition!

Boo, you've most definitely become the world traveler. I think you're going to pass me up on places visited in the world before long. Just take my word for it, you don't need to see Iraq or Afghanistan. You're not missing much here. Just keep going to places like Greece, Norway, etc.....

Well guys, it was great hearing from you all. Hope all is well and I'm sorry that I'm going to be missing the July 4th "Shin-dig." Sounds like it will be a lot of fun. Hopefully I'll make it next year, but it seems that I'm saying that every year. Anyway, give everyone my best, miss you guys loads, and can't wait to see you when I get back. Take care.

Love,

Capt Eric "D-Ring" Terhune

Ad Memoriam

Obituary for Captain Eric Daniel Terhune, USMC

Captain Eric D. Terhune, United States Marine Corps, of Lexington, Kentucky, was
killed in action on 19 June 2008. Captain Terhune, age 34, was serving with 2nd
Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, deployed in the
Farah Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Captain Terhune had previously completed two tours of duty in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served honorably for more than 10
years of Active Duty service to Country and Corp

Reared in Lexington, Kentucky, Captain Terhune graduated from Wheaton Academy, Wheaton, Illinois, after which he served four years in the Marine Corps as a noncommissioned officer. He traveled to the far East, South America, and Europe in his capacity as a reconnaissance sharpshooter. After being honorably discharged, he used his GI Bill benefits and graduated with honors from Morehead State University, where he competed on the varsity rifle team. Upon graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, earned his wings as a Naval Aviator, flying the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter for two years. More recently he was assigned as a Forward Air Controller and was serving in that capacity when he was mortally wounded. His citations include three air medals while serving in Iraq as well as numerous additional combat related awards.

Captain Terhune was known for his devotion to his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, and his country. He is survived by his grandparents, Daniel and Joy Terhune of Lexington, Kentucky; Father, Paul (Carleen) Terhune of Houston, Texas; Uncle, David (Dotti) Terhune of St. Joseph, Michigan; and cousins, Summer (Oliver) and Heidi Anne Jeromin of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kendall (Richard) and Jaxon Walter and Penelope Jane Colquitt of Norfolk, Virginia; David Terhune Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; and Rebecca Joy Terhune of St. Joseph, Michigan.

Captain Terhune attended Anchor Baptist Church, Lexington, Kentucky, where a memorial service will be conducted. Burial will be in Camp Nelson National Cemetery.
Funeral details are being arranged by Kerr Funeral Home, Lexington, Kentucky.