LCPL. Eric D. Hillenburg
Memorial Scholarship Ride

4th Annual - September 13th, 2008 

LCPL. Eric D. Hillenburg
June 2, 1983 – December 23, 2004

     LCPL. Eric Hillenburg was the son of Dr. Jerry Hillenburg, Pastor of Hope Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. Eric graduated from Chapel Hill Christian School. Eric joined the Marines and served with the 81st Platoon. On December 23, 2004, while stationed in Fallujah, Iraq, Eric gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country when he returned to a building under enemy attack to help an injured Marine and friend. Eric was killed that day, along with two other Marines. While his time on this Earth was short, he accomplished the only goal we ever knew him to have. All Eric ever wanted to do was be a Marine and serve his country. Just before he left for Iraq, Eric assured us that this was something he had to do. He wanted to fight for the freedom of the Iraqi people, and protect America.  Eric was a saved child of God.  He knew if he did not return home to us, he was going Home to be with the Lord.

     The day before he left, Eric said he had to go to war in honor of all the men who had already died. Now we must finish this war in honor of our friend and hero! Please continue to pray for our troops and our military leaders every day. God’s grace has been wonderful in our time of crisis. We understand that although we don’t like it, there is a purpose in our loss. Someday we may understand, but for now we will just keep praying for comfort, joy, and the safe return of the rest of our soldiers!

Last Modified 01/21/2008
Email Site Admin