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.




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"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