GREENFIELD, PA, USA U.S. Army SGT, COMPANY B, 1ST BATTALION, 109TH INFANTRY (2MEF) WILLIAMSPORT, PA AR RAMADI, IRAQ 09/28/2005
Like the gentle tinkling of his dogtags hanging together with his fallen comrades’ tags forever together on a Fort Indiantown Gap Memorial in Annville, PA., Eric’s memory quietly whispers to those who visit this sacred site.
Eric W. Slebodnik, 21, was a soldier, an honor student, a friend but most of all, Eric was a Christian.
Sergeant Slebodnik, of Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania, died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire. He was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, New Milford, Pennsylvania. He died on September 28, 2005.
An intelligent soldier, Eric was well liked and respected by all who served with him. He was very popular with the guys, especially for keeping their spirits up. He truly was a great person and a genuine gentleman.
In 2006 the township of Greenfield honored their fallen son by renaming their sport complex the Sergeant Eric W. Slebodnik Sports Complex. But unlike these memorials, Eric’s poem speaks of his heart and dedication to the country he so dearly loved:
I Will Fight For You
In the mountains high, The deserts hot
Or the alleys narrow, I will fight for you
When you sleep in your bed, When you watch the TV
When you laugh quietly in church, I will fire my weapon
I will sweat and bleed, I will pray for home
I will fight for you
Though many oppose me, Saying “Support our troops”
But denying my mission, Freedom is still not free
I will fight for you
When you work in the office, When you watch the birds
Cut the grass and spot the planes
I will fight for you
When you work your crafts, When you take your pictures
Cook their meals and read before bed
I will fight for you
When you go to your school, Later you play your guitar
Write your stories and listen to tunes
I will fight for you
For your liberty and your lives, For your homes and your friends
For the Constitution, For our faith
I will fight for you
– Eric W. Slebodnik