Meet Cpl James 'Eric' King — 2017 Veteran

James 'Eric' King was born and raised Hot Springs Arkansas. At the age of 19 Eric enlisted in the United States Army.

He attended Basic Training in March of 1990 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon completion of Basic Training, Eric received orders to the Air Defense Missile Systems (Stinger) School, located at Fort Bliss, Texas. During his time at Stinger School he received the highest score among his class.

Upon completion of Stinger School, Eric received orders to Wildflecken, Germany for his first permanent duty station with Bravo Co – 352 ADA from 1990-1992.

1992-1996 Private First Class Eric King received orders to Fort Drum, New York to continue his enlistment in ADA. During his duty station at Ft. Drum, his unit deployed to Key Largo, Florida for Humanitarian Relief for Hurricane Andrew. At that time PFC King received the Humanitarian ribbon.

1996-1997 Specialist King received a change in MOS and received orders to Heavy Wheel Maintenance School in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Upon completion of the school Spc. King received orders to K-Town, Germany and was attached to 5th Quarter Master.

Over the next several years, between 1997-2003, Spc King attended multiple schools relating to his primary MOS as well as Military Police Academy at Ft. McLellan, Alabama.

Between 2003 and 2004, Corporal King was attached to 4th ID Alpha Co. and received orders to Iraq during OIF. During this time Corporal King and his unit engaged the enemy multiple times and lost several key members of his unit. Corporal King's unit was responsible for the aid and capture of then President Saddam Hussein.

Photos of Cpl James 'Eric' King (Click the image to begin a slide show)
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Below are Corporal Kings Decorations, Medals and Badges:

  • Army Lapel Button
  • Army Commendation Medal
  • Army Achievement Medal (11th Award)
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Army Good Conduct (2nd Award)
  • National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award)
  • Humanitarian Service Medal
  • Army Service Ribbon
  • Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award)
  • Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Machinegun Bar

      • In 2005 Corporal King was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army. After leaving active duty he felt lost, was always angry, stressed and full of resentment with everyone around him. As a soldier he felt he always needed to be strong and never show any emotion to anyone around him.

      Feeling lost and alone he came across FrontSight Military Outreach, which was a turning point in his life. With all the love and support from everyone at Frontsight he learned he was not alone. Now he wakes up every morning with a different attitude knowing he is not the only one going through the battles of being a veteran.

      Frontsight gave his life new meaning, a reason to move forward. Eric now looks forward to his fellowship and devotions with Frontsight. With many different programs offered by FrontSight Eric was put in touch with Mark Drum, CEO of Drum Roping Co. Through Frontsight and Drum Ranch he has something to look forward to daily and is forever grateful.

      Here are some words from his wife, "Without Frontsight and Drum Ranch we would not be where we are today, and for that we are both forever grateful."

      ~~~~~~~ ### ~~~~~~~

      Jeff Anderson
      CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors