Lance Corporal Erik Heldt, USMC, was the grandson of a World War II veteran. LCpl. Heldt graduated from Hermann High School as a star basketball and football player. In 2003, at age 24, he entered the United States Marine Corps because he believed that protecting our way of life was the right thing to do in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
A mature leader amongst his peers, Erik was a comical Marine with a bright personality and upbeat attitude that could make any situation better. He could make field operations and all-night missions seem much less stressful and he always made his fellow Marines feel comfortable and welcome.
On the evening of June 16, 2005, while driving alongside his company commander, Capt. John W. Maloney, an improvised explosive device exploded directly underneath the Humvee in which Erik was traveling. He paid the ultimate price in our fight against terrorism in Ramadi, Iraq at the age of 26.
Erik left behind his only child, seven year old daughter, Taylor Mae. We are excited and honored to have the opportunity to show the Heldt family how much we appreciate their family sacrifice by supporting Taylor.
Taylor was introduced to the Joshua Chamberlain Society at our 3rd Annual Shoot for the Troops on September 10, 2011.
As Taylor’s college years approached, Gail was worried about how she was going to be able to bridge the gap between the government assistance that is provided to children of killed-in-action service members for college expenses, and what college actually costs. JCS made a significant donation to a 529 plan to help cover Taylor’s college expenses It has been an honor to support Taylor in her college journey, and beyond as she became an elementary school teacher to let her know that the members and friends of the Joshua Chamberlain Society appreciate the hole that is left in her heart when her dad sacrificed all on our behalf.
