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Eric Michael Barnes
Airman First Class Eric Michael Barnes died on June 10, 2007, near FOB Scania, Iraq in the service of his country. A1C Barnes was in the lead
vehicle that sustained a roadside bomb attack.
A1C Barnes was born in Lorain, OH on July 30, 1986. He was a a member
of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church and a 2004 graduate of Lorain High
School. He was a member of the LAK Marching Band for 4 years, a member of
the LAK Baseball team, lettering in Baseball, and a member of the school
bowling team.
He was an Eagle Scout and member of Boy Scout Troop # 397. He
bowled at Rebman's Rec Center in Lorain and had a 300 game. He also played
baseball with the Lorain Youth program.
A1C Barnes enlisted in the Air Force on May 10, 2005. Following basic
training Eric went to Ft. Leonard Wood Army Post for technical training.
His first assignment was to Langley Air Force base but Eric took advantage
of the orders swap program to come to F. E. Warren Air Force Base where he
said he would feel more comfortable and could put his Eagle Scout Training
to good use. While stationed at Warren, Eric went through extensive training
where he excelled at his job and stood out among his peers. Eric's first
deployment was to Arifjan, Kuwait on April 17, 2006. he ran convoy
operations for the 424 Medium Truck Detachment until his return to F E
Warren November 10 of the same year. Immediately upon his return Eric
volunteered to go again because he was proud of the work he did while
deployed there.
He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Air
Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign
Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon,
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and one Oak Leaf
Cluster and the Air Force Training Ribbon. He also received the Bronze Star,
Purple Heart, Air Force Achievement medal and the Air Force Combat Action
Medal, posthumously.
A1C Barnes enjoyed playing basketball and X-Box Football. He was a
die-hard Seattle Seahawks fan and no college team could beat his Buckeyes.
He is survived by his parents Thomas W. and Shary L. (nee Koch) Barnes
of Lorain and his brother Dale also of Lorain. Also surviving is his
maternal grandmother Joann Koch of Lorain and numerous aunts, uncles and
cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Stephen W. Koch,
paternal grandparents Charles and Norma J Barnes.
Friends may call on Tuesday, June 19, 2007, from 1-7 PM at the Lorain
Admiral King High School, 2600 Ashland Ave, Lorain.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, June 20, at 10:00 AM in the
Lorain Admiral King High School with Rev. Darlene Robinson, pastor of
Emmanuel United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood
Cemetery. Residents of the area wishing to show their support are asked to
line the procession route from Meister Road south to Cooper Foster Park
Road.
The family suggest that memorial contributions maybe made to the
Emmanuel United Methodist Church 400 Sixth Street, Lorain 44052 or Boy
Scouts of America Troop # 397, in care of the funeral home.
Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street,
Lorain, Ohio 44052 is handling the arrangements.
"God Bless This
Brave Airman"
CONDOLENCES
From: MSgt (ret) Sherry A.
Anderson
Relation:
My prayers and thoughts are with
your family...Eric is a true hero!
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