2015 Events

http://www.mchonorrun.com/
http://www.massrunforthefallen.org/
http://runforthefallenri.org/marine-lance-corporal-eric-p-valdepenas/
http://www.marinemarathon.com/
http://www.marinemarathon.com/Historic_Half.htm?

The Loss Of Lance Corporal Eric Valdepenas

Rep. Jim Langevin

D

RI

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to recognize the loss of a brave Marine in Iraq, Lance Corporal Eric Valdepenas, who served his country with dignity and honor. I join his family and the people of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in mourning this great loss.

Lance Corporal Valdepenas, a resident of Seekonk, Massachusetts, was a graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, my own alma mater. He was an honors student and co-captain of the school's championship lacrosse team. He is remembered by his teachers and classmates as having tremendous energy and an exceptional character. After high school, he attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and was pursuing an engineering degree when his Marine Reserve unit was called up in December 2005.

Lance Corporal Valdepenas served with the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. He demonstrated the same commitment and positive attitude in Iraq that his family and friends knew well, and he earned numerous military awards, including the Purple Heart. On September 4, while on patrol in al Anbar province, an improvised explosive device detonated next to his vehicle, killing him and two other Marines.

This loss causes us to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men and women in uniform as they carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When Lance Corporal Valdepenas's nation called him to duty, he answered without hesitation. We will remember him as a patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

He is survived by his parents, Jesus and Ann-Marie, and seven siblings Marie Drury, Karen Ing, Nora Lough, and Teresa, Edna-Anne, Neil, and Sean Valdepenas. They will remember his great love for his family, his loyalty and his kindness. May we keep them and other friends and family in our thoughts and prayers as they endure this difficult period. We will also continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our troops serving throughout the world.http://capitolwords.org/date/2006/09/13/E1713-4_the-loss-of-lance-corporal-eric-valdepenas/

Updated donation information

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1640/alumni/interior-nonav.aspx/?sid=1640&gid=2&pgid=443&cid=1121

https://hendricken.afford.com/PPT/MakeAPayment

Honoring the Fallen

Bishop Hendricken Park Dedication

Prayer Garden

Rabbit, Rabbit, and the Beginning of Something New

Today I embark on a new adventure. I have made the decision to train for the Marine Corps Marathon 2011. I am no runner and my knees aren't what they used to be. I am happy to do this to honor Eric's 5th anniversary ...

Marine Corps Marathon/10K 2007

Friends,

I wanted to thank you for all your support this year in general and as I've trained and participated in the second 10K in particular. Being in Washington, DC at the Marine Corps Marathon and running in the 10k was a significant experience for me. Not only was this an event, but it was a place and a time to be with other families and friends who have lost loved ones in Iraq and with those who still have loved ones over there.



From here on out, all athletic events I do will be to honor my brother, Eric. Thank you for helping me with your donations as well as your support and encouragement.


Edna





Here are some photos of the day (courtesy Maia!):

Donating ONLINE

Friends,

If you would like to donate online to the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS-Amherst, please go to

http://www.isenberg.umass.edu/Giving_to_Isenberg/

Thank you for your care and support,
Edna Valdepenas

Boston Marine Corps Honor Run

A great thank you to all who supported my brother-in-law, Maui, my sister, Teresa, and me in our participation in yesterday's Marine Corps Honor Run in Milton, MA. This was our first run and we were proud to do it - and finish! - in honor of our younger brother, Eric.

If you are interested in purchasing a pin (scroll down), please contact me at teamvaldepenas@aol.com or my sister Nora at nvaldepenas@hotmail.com.

Edna

The First Year of Mourning

One of the Few, the Proud, the Strong -- A U.S. Marine.

Young, handsome, intelligent, you gave your all so we can stay free.

We love you and miss you every day,
Mom and Dad
siblings: Edna, Marie, Sean, Neil, Nora, Karen, Teresa
nieces and nephews: Maia, Zoe, Jordan, Eric Xavier, Brianne, Jarod, Camille, Vincenza, Eric James
friends and fellow Marines.

In honor of my brother, Eric, my sister has crafted this custom made American flag pin. This pin is now for sale for $12.50 (includes shipping and handling). All proceeds will go to Eric’s Memorial Fund. If you would like to purchase a pin, please contact Nora at nvaldepenas@hotmail.com