Colonel Eric John Eldred

JACKSONVILLE- Colonel Eric John Eldred USMC (Ret.) Born April 28, 1964 in Havre de Grace MD. Formerly of Oak Harbor OH, and resident of Jacksonville, NC. Passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 22, 2023, at UNC Chapel Hill, with sons present and family and friends. He was 59.
Colonel Eldred;
Attended Carson Long Military Institute.
Graduated Oak Harbor High School 1982.
Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps July 1982; following Recruit Training and Infantry Training School, assigned to Security Forces, Naval Air Station Brunswick, ME. In August 1984 he transferred to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division. Meritoriously promoted to Sergeant in May 1985; was honorably discharged in March 1987 following deployment with BLT 1/6, 22nd MAU/SOC.
In December 1990 graduated Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
Commissioned December 1991; After Basic School, attended Security Officers course at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX. Following graduation was transferred to PMO, MCB Camp Smedly D. Butler Okinawa, Japan serving as Military Police Northern District Commander.
October 1993, transferred to Security Battalion, MCB Quantico, serving in variety of billets. In June 1996, was transferred to HQMC (LE Branch, Operations Division, PPLO) assigned as Action Officer working Antiterrorism/Force Protection issues. Graduated Amphibious Warfare School May 1999, and assigned as Inspector Instructor, MP Company A, 4th FSSG, in Lexington KY. While there deployed as part of JTF New Horizons to Nicaragua for Hurricane Mitch disaster relief.
August 2001 assigned as Executive Officer, 2d Military Police Battalion 2d FSSG. In February 2003 deployed as part of the Marine Logistics Command and later as part of the Maritime Pre-positioning Force – Special Purpose MAGTF in support of OIF/OEF (served as MP Battalion XO for MLC and MP Battalion CO for SPMAGTF).
In June 2004 assigned as the Deputy Provost Marshal and Commanding Officer Military Police Company, Headquarters and support Battalion, MCB Camp Lejeune.
In August 2006 transferred to United States Northern Command, Peterson AFB Colorado Springs serving as the Critical Infrastructure Protection/Assessments Branch Chief within the Force Protection/Mission Assurance Division.
September 2009 assigned to II MEF Headquarters G3 Training.
May 2010 assigned Commanding Officer Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Region 5. Western Europe, Scandinavia, and the Eastern Mediterranean America Consulate General Frankfurt Germany.
2014 Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion (H&S Bn) MCIE Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
May 2017 Retired.
Colonel Eldred graduated with a Master's Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University, graduate of the 219th session of the FBI National Academy, Marine Corps Command and Staff College (non-resident) and the Joint Forces Staff College. Graduate of the Amphibious Reconnaissance School, U.S. Navy Dive school and U.S. Army Ranger school.
Colonel Eldred's personal awards include; Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with palm), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/ Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with 2 stars), Joint Services Achievement Medal (with palm), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. National Defense Service Medal. Iraq campaign Medal (with 1 star). Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Humanitarian Service Medal. Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal. Sea Service Deployment Ribbons (4). Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons (2). Marine Security Guard Ribbon. Certificate of Commendation, Letter of Appreciation.
Meritorious Mast (5). Expert Rifle Qualification. Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification. Participated in Kuwait (2). Participated in Iraq.
Eric loved his sons, he spoke of them often. A loving brother and son. He loved his family, friends and his Marine Corps family. The outpouring of help, offers of help, condolences, and warm expressions, has proven that Eric, will be deeply missed by all who loved him. May he rest in eternal peace, with our Lord and Savior.
He was preceded in death by his parents David T. and Patricia A. (Nichols) Eldred.
Eric is survived by his former spouse, Karen Stewart, and their children, Ryan P. Eldred, Conner J. Eldred, and Aiden J. Eldred. All of Jacksonville NC.
Girlfriend, Jill (Hasselbach) Fussell of Oak Harbor OH.
Brothers, David A. (Kathy) Eldred, of Oak Harbor, OH. Jason I. Eldred (Josette), of Newport Ritchie FL.
Twin sister Andrika S. (Scott) Hinkle of Oak Harbor OH.
Timothy J. Eldred, Uncle, of Brockport, NY.
Nephews, Benjamin Eldred, Matthew Eldred, and John Andrew Hinkle.
Nieces, Ashley N. Greeley and Holli A. Overmeyer.
6 great nieces and 4 great nephews.
Eric was cremated per his wishes. Services/Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery where his parents rest. Once arrangements have been finalized, an announcement will be shared.