Eric T Paliwoda

West Point, 1997

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Joe Ewers on January 10, 2004:

As classmates and company-mates in D2, I was fortunate to be friends with "Big E". Eric was a good man and a good friend, and I am quite positive that he was a good commander as well. Eric had a super sense of humor, but would always give you a sincere ear if you needed some advice or reassurement. Eric gave me much advice over our two years in D2 -- some about the budding relationship between me and my long distance girlfriend (now wonderful wife) and some about the pressures and challenges of cadet leadership. I was able to stay in touch a handful of times with Eric while we were lieutenants. I was lucky enough to have him as a saber bearer in my wedding in 2000. But I was most lucky to have him as a friend. As a company commander in Iraq as well, I have to say that Eric's death makes this complex mission that much harder. The secret to our success here is in the trust and confidence of the Iraqi people. And knowing that one of them out there is responsible for this tragedy of life just makes it that much more difficult. My prayers are with Eric, Wendy, and his family. Sincerely, Joe Ewers (Baghdad)

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