Reply #102: .

[noamnety]

Besides his humor, Lance Cpl. Ward was known for his athletic talent and unusual generosity, said his father, Steven Ward. Every year while he was a student at Snoqualmie Valley Public Schools, Eric Ward would buy extra sets of school supplies to give to those who were less fortunate.
A fourth-generation Marine, Lance Cpl. Ward had dreamed of joining the Corps from an early age, his father said.

By his junior year, Marine recruiters were coming to school and holding Saturday camps. When he turned 17, Eric called his parents from the recruiter's office to tell them he was signing up for the Marines.

"It was his 17th birthday," said Eric's mother, Monica McNeal. "His only favor was for me to sign the papers for him to become a Marine."

Volunteering his family to supply cupcakes and pizzas for school fundraisers and events, Eric's generosity extended during his adult years, when he convinced his parents to help buy gear for fellow Marines who were less fortunate than him.

"Not every Marine comes from a strong, supportive family, so he reached out," Ward said. "He called me one day and (said) 'Dad, some of these guys don't have everything they need.'"

Feb 21, 2010