Erik Thompson

Erik Thompson cames from a long line of military men dating back to the Civil War. His great grandfather served in the Calvary during WWI and both of his grandfathers served in WWII; one as a horse veterinarian and the other as a tank commander during the Battle of the Bulge. Erik enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993. He received his basic training at Parris Island, SC and then his special training in artillery, logistics, and armorer.

After 9/11 occurred, Erik re-listed soon after in 2001 and was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and was based in the Al Anbar Province. He and his unit were under constant random fire that for a time left him uninjured until one night when, as he slept, an incoming rocket exploded only a few meters away. Erik suffered a mild TBI along with neck, spine, and shoulder injuries. Erik, not wanting to leave his men behind, didn’t tell anyone and remained for the rest of his deployment.

After his honorable discharge, Erik found that he showed symptoms of PTSD and finds himself, nowadays, moving at a slower pace due to his health issues. However, he has found peace in art by becoming a painter and woodcarver.

Purple Heart Homes is proud to have helped Erik and his family get a new roof on his home. We wish him the best recovery.