November 11, 2010 ~ Veterans Day

Our Facebook was flooded with messages of love and support for Eric

shortly after uploading this picture!!!

A few of our friends mentioned Eric in their status

and it didn't go without notice!!

Angi Long Woelfle: Thank you to all of our Veterans! Thank you for our Freedom! Thank you also to some of my favorites who are serving now Eric Ritchey, Michael Moore and Chad Sublett. And one of my favorite's who came home just a few years ago Michael Smith. You guys are awesome thank you for all you do for our country!

Judy Hendricks-Benitez: This morning on the radio they were talking about Veterans Day and how most of know someone or have a family member who is a veteran. Carolyn asks, "Would that be Eric for us mom?" Have an amazing day Eric while serving in Afghanistan today!

Julie Schneider: Thank you Eric Ritchey, Jacob Compton, Tyler Bestgen, and all of our military men and women. Happy Armistice Day!

Eric and I live for our "Fajita Friday" at our local

Applebee's (4th & Milwaukee).

On Thursday Applebee's completed it's 2nd

Veterans and Active Duty Eat Free Day (Veterans Day).

I left messages of encouragement for a few of our friends

at our favorite Applebee's and this is what a few had to say:

Quintin Marquez: Thank you, it should be fun!

Raylee Mackenzie Walker: Thanks a bunch MJ.. Love the both of you !!

Matthew King: Thank you and tell Tarzan God Bless and we miss him (and you) if you talk to him!!

Brenna Wilson Shorten: Thanks MJ! It was a great success. We had so many wonderful and appreciative men and women, it was truly a great day! (South Loop Applebee's)

I stopped by to check on the Applebee's gang at 4th & Milwaukee and

I was pleased to see that everyone was still standing!!!

Great job guys!!!

Boo!!!

Happy Halloween Uncle Eric!



Miss you! Love,

Sophie

The Barkers and I are flying our flag everyday... We're thinking about you and saying a prayer too!!

Thank you's & Support...

Eric, Below are the emails I told you about on the phone that I received at work when I returned from New Jersey.

The original email is from the CEO at MHMR, Cathy Pope wrote: This last week Mary Jane Lumbrera Ritchey got a chance to go to New York to spend some time with her husband Eric. Soon he will deploy to Afghanistan. Please let Mary Jane know how much we appreciate her and her family's sacrifice to keep our country safe.

Dyan Covington wrote: It's difficult to articulate my gratitude for your husband and others just like him. What an asset he is to our country. The work he is doing is so very important and necessary... at minimum. And it goes without saying, that a soldier's family is equally important. Much Thanks.

Dawne Franks wrote: Thank you for your sacrifice during the time of Eric's deployment to Afghanistan. I was in your same shoes 5 years ago when my husband was in Iraq, so I do understand what you are feeling and what you will experience. Any military member and their families, past, present, and future will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so proud of military men and women for giving of themselves in order for all of us to live in a free nation. God bless Eric and the USA!

Mary Gerlach wrote: You are both in my prayers. I truly respect what Eric and people like him do for our freedom. And equally respect what you and other families do as well. God bless.

Nigel Torres wrote: I would like to thank your husband and you for the sacrifice you have given. May God bless your husband, you, and your families and that he may protect each of you especially your husband. Please accept this prayer for your husband: Our father , Who art in Heaven, hallowed Thy name, Thy kingdom come and thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

Louise Nelson wrote: Thanks to You and Your husband for taking care of our country.

Rebecca Wallace wrote: Thanks to you and your husband.. because of people like you, my family and I can enjoy the freedom and blessings of this great land. Thank you.

Nancy Klemme wrote: Words cannot express my gratitude for the service and sacrifice you and your families are making for me and my family. Know that my prayers and those of all my fellow military family, go with you and your husband. May he return safely and soon.

Kristin Morgan wrote: Wow! I just wanted to say Thank You for the sacrifices you and your families are making to help keep me and my family safe and free. Thank You just doesn't seem to cover it. You will be in our prayers.

Kim Pavlik wrote: I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you. If you need anything please don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you.

Ezzy Garza wrote: Please know that you and your husband will be in my prayers until he is safe at home once again.

Debra Shepherd wrote: Words cannot express how much I appreciate your husband and other soldiers sacrificing for us and the country as a whole. Given my own Army days, I know it can be very hard. Please know how much I appreciate all he (and you) do for us all.


There are lots of people praying... even more than I listed here and there is plenty of support here for me... so you do what you are there to do and don't worry about anything here at home!!!

I miss you and I love you... The Barkers do too!!!

Eric, I knew Mary Jane as she was growing up in Dimmitt and she was the age of my daughter. I am so proud that she has found someone like you and you, her. I am proud of you for your service to our country and my prayers are with you both everyday.
My love to you both,
Rena Standlee

Thursday a.m.

Eric, praying that God's protective hedge be around you and His angels always on guard over you. Thank you so much for your dedication to keep us free. Love you loads! Arlene

I will miss you

I love you son with all my heart. You are my favorite son.You will be in my heart and prayers every day. Stay alert. Stay safe.
Godspeed.