Iraq Veteran Eric "Patrick" Cooper passed away and passes on love

Patriot Guard Riders sends out notices from families so that the Riders can come out but they do so much more than just give up their time to honor the passing of someone. They leave comments and prayers for the families on their site.
PFC Eric "Patrick" Cooper
One of the comments left on the thread had this for a quote:

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." ~ Winston Churchill

The fact he was so young is heartbreaking but there is more to this story that needs more attention. His family has requested donations be made to a homeless Veterans center instead of money being spent on flowers.

Just as an example of how much money we're talking about to go to homeless veterans, this basket from 1800Flowers is over $100.00.

Sympathy Standing Basket in Fall Colors

($129.99)

Eric "Patrick" Cooper


Eric "Patrick" Cooper, 24, of Bradenton, formerly of Osceola, Ind. passed away November 4, 2011.Services will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 1:30p.m.Survivors include his mother, Lee Ann Mason; step-father, Richard Mason; brother, Kyle; sister, Brittany; three grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is also survived by his father, Eric Cooper (Tracey) and his beloved dog, Aquilles."Patrick" was an Army veteran who served in the Iraqi War. He also at-tended MMI Technical Institute. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Robert L. Miller, Sr., c/o The Veterans Homeless Center, 815 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601. "Ride Free with the Angels"
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Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran's Center

We are proud to announce the newest addition to the Center for the Homeless family at 747 S. Michigan. When complete, this beautiful facility will welcome 25 male veterans, with bedrooms, baths, a kitchenette, a gathering room that opens into the Community garden, and a front desk, offices and conference area. Veterans will be assigned a therapist and coach the day they check in, and will have access to drug and alcohol treatment, individual and group therapy, clothes and meals, and the help they need to reintegrate into society. They will be given support as they come to grips with PTSD, medical issues and, for many, years on the streets.

Eric Cooper will Ride with the Angels. Will you? If this story touches your heart, how about making a donation in his name to the center and "make a life by what you give."