Airman First Class Eric Michael Barnes, 20, Killed Serving in Iraq War
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 on July 30, 1986. He was 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 suggests 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.