Tax Exempt Application Submitted

On September 27, 2006 we completed and mailed our IRS 1023 Tax Exempt Application and related paperwork for Eric's Goal, Inc.!!! When notified, we will post the decision. Wish us luck!!!

Now we can focus again on the collection of more soccer balls to meet Eric's Goal!

Correction to above date made 10-10-06, application mailed 9-27-06.

Half my heart is in Iraq

Trudy mentioned that I should formally introduce myself seeing as I have only recently started contributing to this blog, so here goes!

My name is Virginia Petersen and I am engaged to Eric. We plan to have a big wedding on August 25th, 2007 here in Maryland, providing the Army does not have other plans for him on that day!

I am originally from Scotland and have been living in the USA for almost 3 years. I met Eric in Colorado in 2004 and although I don't believe in love at first sight, the very evening I met Eric, I knew that he was someone very special and that he would be in my life for a long time.

Eric's Goal has helped me to cope with Eric being deployed. It has kept me busy and helped me feel a little more involved in what goes on in Eric's life while he is so far away from us all. It has also been amazing for me to see the American spirit in the selfless generosity displayed since Eric's Goal was started. I feel truly priveleged to be a part of this great effort. Thank you to everyone who has and is participating; there are many Iraqi children whose day you have made so much brighter!

Best regards, Ginny

Photos from Iraq (Sept '06)

Here are some of the photo's that Eric left for me on his recent trip home on R&R (Rest & Relaxation!)









This little boy looks happy with his soccer ball!









The soldiers try to make a little time to kick the soccer balls around with the kids









These kids look so happy, which is amazing and wonderful!









As you may have noticed, this is my first post to the Eric's Goal blog! I am happy that I have finally figured out (with much help from Trudy) how to post information here!

Thanks to everyone for all that you do. Your support means so much to so many people!

Employees of Frankel Automotive Group in MD Contribute to Eric's Goal

Linda McArthur, Eric's second cousin, set up a collection for Eric's Goal at her office at Frankel Automotive Group. The photo at right is of Linda and her husband Jimmy McArthur, two special people.

Linda has sent the following items to Eric from the employees of Frankel Automotive Group, for the Iraqi children:

6 new soccer balls
6 used soccer balls
25 sets of shin guards
1 box of miscellaneous items

Linda also collected $155.00 from Frankel Automotive employees to purchase more equipment or help pay for postage on future shipments!

Frankel Cadillac Pontiac GMC - Owings Mills
Frankel Acura - Cockeysville
Hunt Valley Landrover - Hunt Valley/Cockeysville
Chesapeake Cadillac Jaguar - Cockeysville
Mid- Atlantic Collision Center - Cockeysville

Our heart felt thanks to Linda and all of the employees at Frankel Automotive Group for your generous contributions!