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Eric Whitelock Obituary
He was the much beloved son of Carolyn (Schultz, Whitelock) Yuhas, brother of Laura C. Whitelock, and stepson of Thomas J. Yuhas.
Eric was born on March 4, 1988, at the U.S. Military Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany.
He attended Glen Acres Elementary School in West Chester, Beaver Creek Elementary School in Downingtown, and Collegium Charter School in Exton.
He was employed by Pacer Pool Services in Downingtown before joining the Army in July 2009.
Eric was an Army infantry soldier with the rank of specialist assigned to Alpha Company 1-66 Armor Regiment "Iron Knights," 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo. Eric's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal. He was deployed in Afghanistan from August 2010 to July 2011.
Eric loved the outdoors, especially hiking in the mountains of Colorado or a day at the Jersey Shore. He took great pleasure in sharing a special meal with friends and family, and loved a great "set of wheels" like his Jeep, Mustang and Toyota pickup. He thoroughly enjoyed music and movies, and his Army friendships meant the world to him.
Eric was bright and witty and a pleasure to be around and was strikingly handsome with his tall good looks, infamous red hair and an infectious smile complete with dimples.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Calvary Fellowship Church, 95 W. Devon Drive, Downingtown, with visitation beforehand from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Eric will be buried with his comrades in arms at Arlington National Cemetery in late November.
In addition to his mother, sister and stepfather, Eric is survived by his grandparents, Angela Schultz and Harry and Bettie Whitelock, all of West Chester; uncles, aunts, and cousins; his wife, Morgan (Downey) Whitelock of Colorado; and his father, Brian P. Whitelock.
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or to T.A.P.S. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors/Military Suicide Survivors Program (www.taps.org).
To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Whitelock
Eric at graduation from basic training with me, his sister Laura and his grandmother
Carolyn Yuhas
October 2, 2013
As Eric's Mom, I would like to thank everyone for the tributes to Eric so thoughtfully posted here and for the words of comfort, as well. We are heartbroken by Eric's untimely tragic death and will love him and miss him forever. All are welcome to attend his funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, November 25th at 1 p.m.
Joanne Todd
September 6, 2013
I met this fine young man and soldier many times while our son Was stationed in Fort Carson, the two became close friends, they deployed together to Afghanistan and as Brothers in Arms they were each others mentors, protecting and defended each other, laughter was what helped them through those difficult times, I always knew they had each others back. As a mother of a soldier , of our sons dear friend we are deeply saddened over his death. RIP Eric, we will miss your infectious smile and laughter.... Thank you for the memories and being the friend you were to Ryan and the rest of the unit.
September 4, 2013
I cannot begin to explain the sorry the Pedante family feels. Growing up Eric lived across the street from us and was the best friend of our son Matthew for 20 years. A tragic loss. Eric, you will be missed. Thank you for serving our country.
Louis Pedante and family
Jeff Huntington
September 1, 2013
My deepest condolences to the friends and family. This old sailor honors you, Eric Whitelock.
Susan Chindemi
September 1, 2013
We live in the neighborhood and noticed this morning that the a soldier was being put to rest. Although we did not know Eric, as a retired USAF service woman of 20 years, it pains me to observe his, or any military member's, passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time. God rest his soul and bless him and those who love him.
B. Forman
August 31, 2013
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I did not know Eric, but would have liked to have thanked him in person for his service for our country. May he rest in peace.
Brian Miraglia
August 30, 2013
To the Family, Friends, and Brothers in Arms of Eric Whitelock:
I had the distinct honor of serving as Eric's Platoon Leader in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan and while in training at Ft. Carson. Eric Whitelock remains one of the best men I will ever know. He was an exemplary soldier, and proved an outstanding combat infantryman.
I learned of Eric's passing almost two weeks ago, and was so taken with shock and grief that I could not come to terms with it until recently. As soldiers, we learn to bury our emotions, and often times sacrifice our sense of self for a higher purpose. As veterans, we cannot describe these things to anyone other than fellow veterans...for how could anyone else possibly relate? And we cannot expect them to, as it was our decision, after all, to volunteer to carry these burdens so the people we love would never know evil.
George Orwell wrote, "be careful for how long you stare into the abyss, for eventually the abyss will stare back into you."
As far as I'm concerned, none of us ever really leaves the battlefield. And we are expected to carry on as if nothing happened. I recall a bit of advice our company commander gave me prior to our redeployment from his experience serving as a rifle platoon leader in Iraq: he said that it is not so much PTSD that we suffer, but rather the fact that we've changed and the world we left behind aged a year without us around. And we expect to return to normalcy as we knew it, when in reality these expectations are not in sync. And it takes probably a lifetime to reintegrate, as well as honest introspective reflection to admit that we cannot just continue to quietly suffer. We need to seek outside help. The American People who sent us to war are now doing everything possible to help us return - but the onus is on us to accept. As U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, or marines, admitting that a challenge is beyond our capacity to confront is not in our DNA. But we must. We owe it to each other, and to the people who love us.
Eric's a casualty of war, and nothing else. He joins the ranks of the fallen; and so that his tragedy shall not be in vain, I have decided to take action and seek help myself. I implore any veteran that is struggling to not allow our fallen comrades sacrifices to be in vain, and immediately seek assistance. Nothing else could be more important.
Eric is my brother, and I will never forget him.
Be thou at peace, Eric.
August 28, 2013
To The Family, My heart goes out to you at this time, I know that your Proud of your Son and that in this will carry you through this tough time, I just wish that I could have told him Thank You for serving our Country.
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
August 28, 2013
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to SPC Eric M. Whitelock our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Eric. And to Eric it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while serving in the U.S. Army. Eric, no greater patriotism is shown than a soldier devotes his life in service to his country. We bid you a sad farewell. While you will be dearly missed from among our ranks, you will always be remembered for your dedicated and loyal service to our great nation. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Eric's family and loved ones.
Bobby L. Williams, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
Carol & Mark Whitelock
August 27, 2013
Dear Morgan: We are sending our condolences to you on Eric's death. He was an absolute delight to have in our family and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Mark and Carol
donna perry
August 27, 2013
To The Family of ERIC WHITELOCK,
i did not know your son but wanted to thank Eric for his loyalty to this country and to help us stay safe.
RIP ERIC
donna
Raider Brigade
August 27, 2013
Dear Whitelock Family, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your fine Soldier. He was a friend to many of us but his loss has touched the lives of us all. God Bless, The Soldiers of the Raider Brigade.
Ann Buckwalter
August 26, 2013
With deepest sympathy. May Eric rest in peace.
CH Ruiz
August 26, 2013
Dear Whitelock family, today we spent time as a family in Kuwait remembering Eric at a Remembrance Service. Fellow Soldiers and friends of Eric gave tribute remarks about his friendship and service to the Alpha Company, Iron Knight Battalion and 4th Infantry Division. May God's peace and comfort embrace you during this time in which we mourn Eric's departure. For God and Country.
Donna May
August 26, 2013
Thank you for your service for our country, Rest in Peace
Carol & Mark Whitelock
August 26, 2013
Dear Carolyn: Words cannot express our sympathy for you at this time. Eric was a great kid and was loved by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Mark and Carol
Carol & Mark Whitelock
August 26, 2013
Dear Laura, Debbie and Mom & Dad: Mark and I were so sorry to hear about Eric's untimely passing. We know that each of you had a special place in your heart for him. Hold on to all of your memories of the loving, happy and fun times with Eric. We know how much he will be missed. Love, Mark and Carol
August 25, 2013
Dear Laura and family. My deepest sympathy on the loss of Eric. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Mrs. Liz Faust
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