Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to celebrate The Key Ceremony for Lance Corporal Eric Galvan and his family to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Unsure of his plans after high school, Erik Galvan felt the military was a good opportunity to see the world. Inspired by his Marine brother, he joined the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines as an Infantryman.
In March 2011, LCpl Galvan, then 19-years-old, set out on his first deployment to Afghanistan. On June 15, 2011, LCpl Galvan was on patrol when he lost both legs and his right hand in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. All LCpl Galvan remembers from the incident is his body going numb, rolling over and feeling like going to sleep.
Erik had most of his surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Center before transferring to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he remained for two years.
After retiring in 2013, Erik moved to California where he now lives with his wife Kaitlyn and young son Logan. He earned his master’s degree social work at the University of Southern California in 2019. He is also involved with Wishes for Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping combat-injured veterans experience therapeutic outdoor activities. Erik believes a specially adapted custom Homes for Our Troops home will give him the ability to focus on these endeavors and his education.
At the end of the day, Erik’s prosthetics cause pain and discomfort so he prefers to rest in his wheelchair. However, his current home is not easily accessible, so he has trouble navigating most rooms. This is frustrating for Erik, as he loves to cook. “My current home is almost like a prison because the only place I can be is one room,” he says.
A new home will alleviate many of the challenges Erik experiences in his current home. He will also be able to get back to whipping up dishes in a kitchen with lower countertops and pull-down shelves. The home will also benefit Kaitlyn, knowing Erik will be self-sufficient when she’s away.
Originally from Texas, Erik has chosen to remain in California to be close to school.
Erik and Kaitlyn say HFOT is a blessing and are grateful to HFOT’s donors and supporters. They look forward to raising their son and becoming active members of their community in the comfort of their forever home. “Thank you for your support to our Veterans as they rebuild their lives and return to a sense of normality. Without your dedication and donations, none of this would be possible,” Erik says. To watch Erik being interviewed
https://www.hfotusa.org/galvanNOTE: You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
TIMETABLE FOR SUNDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 20231230 - Stage at Camino de Nog Way, Fallbrook, CA. (Please note: due to the location of this home, we will be staging within the neighborhood, on the street noted)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gjyUsPKxbZfpyASQ71245- Mission briefing.
1300- KSU to accompany the hero and his family to their new home in Fallbrook, approximately 0.6 miles away from staging.
Paul “RoundTrip” McCarthy
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain
(619)838-9123You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this very important event. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
