Spc. Eric Domingo Salinas, RIP : Lone Star Times

Spc. Eric Domingo Salinas, RIP

by BigJolly · 08/09/2007 4:49 pm

Spc. Eric D. Salinas made his last trip home to Houston this morning. I, along with around 30 other members of the Southeast Texas Patriot Guard Riders, greeted the plane carrying his body and escorted him to the funeral home. Spc. Salinas was killed in Iraq last week when an IED exploded near his Stryker vehicle.

There are many emotions that run through your mind when you participate in one of these missions. The overwhelming burden of sadness is omnipresent, it’s tentacles gripping every nerve. The frustration at seeing another life cut short. The fear that more will follow.

As I sat in the last row of pews in the small chapel of the funeral home, listening to the grieving cries of Spc. Salinas’ aunt and best friend, I wept for their loss. And I wept for his young son Anthony, faced with a future without a father to teach him the ways of life, a father to correct him when his path strays, a dad to hold him in times of sorrow.

But I have found that those emotions will pass and that hope will replace them all. The hope that comes from the very life lost, that shows me that there is a greater love.

Spc. Salinas gave his life for me. So that I might live in peace, in a country that values the hopes and dreams of a foreign people as much as our own. In a country full of individuals like Spc. Salinas, individuals that want to make a difference in this world.

Spc. Salinas, thank you for your service. Thank you for sacrifice. May our country not waste your example.

Filed Under Uncategorized ·

Comments

10 Responses to “Spc. Eric Domingo Salinas, RIP”

Hamous on August 9th, 2007 at 4:53 pm

Thank you Spc. Salinas. I have no doubt that the family and friends that made you the man you are will do the same for your young son. God bless you.
Katfish on August 9th, 2007 at 4:55 pm

BigJ!

It always hurts when I can’t join along for most weekday missions………..Yall stood TALL and done Spc. Salinas proud!

Gawd bless you all!
Dov on August 9th, 2007 at 4:56 pm

Thank you Spc. Salinas. May you rest in peace and some day be reunited with your family. Men like you are what makes the world safer for me
Fasternu 426 on August 9th, 2007 at 5:09 pm

Thank you Spc Salinas for your duty to country.
And to you Bigjolly and all the Patriot Guard Riders for the escorts.

http://www.homestead.com/deecross/howgreat.html
Neocon on August 9th, 2007 at 5:54 pm

I just can’t say anything right now. Words are just not enough. Thank you Spc. Salinas for your honor and duty to your country, to your family for raising you to be an honorable young man. Thank you Bigjolly for seeing this hero home. I’m afraid I would be useless on one of these trips. I couldn’t see the road for the tears.
southerntragedy on August 9th, 2007 at 7:49 pm

I agree with everyone. Thank-you Spc. Salinas. Thank-you PGR.
plonker on August 9th, 2007 at 8:54 pm

Hear hear! Bigjolly.
Adee on August 9th, 2007 at 11:31 pm

God bless and welcome with open arms those who have given their lives defending us and our country.

God grant their families and friends comfort and solace in this time of sorrow.

God bless those who honor the fallen with their comforting presence in escorting them home. This has to be dreadfully wrenching for all concerned.
Big45Iron on August 10th, 2007 at 4:15 am

Every day going by Wheeler Field or Schofield Barracks or driving by Tripler I see the young men walking with their wives on crutches or canes or being pushed in wheel chairs. It makes to terribly aware of the sacrifices being born by so many for us.

Eric Salinas is with God and in good company of so many other who have served our nation. God keep his family strong and comforted with his presence.

http://www.frommyheart.org/view/?pageID=274711
Sonia E. Alaniz on August 10th, 2007 at 7:15 am

Godspeed Spec. Salinas, rest with the giants and thank you for …