What My Son Does In His Spare Time...

AOL | April 10, 2003 | Hildy

[Hildy]

A few days ago I saw this on AOL, they have an area where people upload pictures from the war. This gentleman posted his son's picture with the caption, "What My Son Does In His Spare Time."

I was so moved that I emailed him privately and asked if he would send me the picture so I could share it with you guys. This was his response. Please post your feelings about his son. It sounds like he's heard from some other people that weren't so kind:

Here is the picture i promised.. sorry im late.. but a good freind of mine passed away... my sons name is ERIC,,.. i would rather not give our last name... i have had some hate mail also for posting that picture...i cant believe some people..

anyway... he is somewhere over there...and is a CORPORAL...in the U.S. MARINES..

and i would rather not say his outfit...not sure if i can or should... you have my permission to use this picture provided it is not used for personal financial gain. - Charles

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[luckymom]

God Bless you, Eric- and you too, Dad! Thank you for sharing. Prayers for your safe return.

[Jean S]

This is wonderful. Thanks for posting it.

[manna]

Way to go, Eric and buddies!!!

[jocon307]

GO ERIC, you are a regular artist! I would say artiste, but that would be French!

GO MARINES!

[Hildy]

Can you imagine people sending the Father of this young man hate mail? It's incomprehensible.

[Humidston]

Prayers to Eric, and to all the fine young kids fighting in Iraq. May they ALL come back home soon!

And thanks, Hildy. Good idea to post this inspirational shot!

[goodnesswins]

WOW....and what's really cool is my "Prayer Commitment" that I made through the Presidential Prayer Team is for a soldier named "Eric" but, he's in the Army. Tell his father WE ARE SOOOOO PROUD of HIM, and thankful for his service, too!

[Hildy]

I'm going to send this whole thread to his dad...maybe his dad could forward it to him!!!!

[Delta 21]

Charles -- You did a good job. He is a fine young man!

[Hildy]

Say Hi To Charles and Eric!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Hi Eric! THANK YOU for all you're doing for both the Iraqi's and America.

[Hildy]

bttt

[umbagi]

Semper Fi, Eric and Eric's dad!

We thank you for your service, and pray for your safe and quick homecoming to a hero's welcome!

[Fledermaus]

Hate Mail? I hope he turned over those addresses to the FBI.

Thanks Eric!

[amom]

Thanks for the post Hildy.

Eric: thanks for our continuing freedom. I am proud to be a member of your new fan club.

Eric's dad: Ya done good. He's a handsome lad to boot!

[Texas Tea]

Eric, I'm so proud of you and all of the others over there. You all are unselfishly protecting me, my family and my neighbors yet you don't even know us.
Please know in your heart that you are not just the son of Charles but instead, every one of you over there are the sons and daughters of every proud American.
Please stay safe and come home to those of us who adore you all.

[Lauratealeaf]

Hey Eric! What you do is make us proud! You are one fine American! Thanks for helping to bring freedom to the people of Iraq and for defending our liberty!

[Cboldt]

Thank you for your service, Eric. We are grateful, and you ought to be very proud.