Soldier finds strength in family

Erik McQueary looks like an average kid. The humble 20-old-year cherishes his family, loves his country and has no intention of being tied down anytime soon. His childhood dream was becoming a firefighter and he still holds high respect for his two older brothers.

The only thing that seems out of place about the clean-cut McQueary is the old English writing tattooed down both his forearms. The words proclaim his beliefs and showcase to the world why he has chosen to spend the last six months in harm's way.

McQueary's family calls him a hero and wishes more people would show support for those defending them around the world and says the tattoo on his forearms serve as a good descriptor of him, "Heaven's Warrior."

He is a U.S. Army specialist with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, stationed in Bayji, Iraq, just north of Tikrit.

"We can be doing everything from kicking in doors looking for insurgents to getting to know the people and buying their food. We spend 10 days outside the (Forward Operating Base) and five days (guarding the base)," McQueary said.

His desire to join the military began after Sept. 11, 2001, when he made a pact with his older brother, Ryan, to join the military and help defend their country.

"We wanted to make a difference. We saw a lot of bad in the world and we wanted to help. We were going to go in together," McQueary said.

Despite being in excellent health, military doctors were concerned about a case of pancreatitis Ryan suffered at age 19 and he was not cleared to serve. Meaning that Erik, the youngest of six children, would go it alone.

"I believe in what we are doing, but I threatened him. My reaction when he told me was fear, but I am still very proud of him," said Mary McQueary, Erik's mom. "It's the fear of your own child going over there. I'm very proud that he made a decision and despite my threats, he still went."

He is six months into a tour set to last at least a year and possibly as long as 18 months. McQueary grew up in Carson City and Gardnerville and is staying with his family in Fernley while on leave for two weeks.

During his time overseas he has dealt with the lack of sanitation, the deaths of four of his friends and the hospitalization of others. He finds comfort in the beauty of the night sky lit up from the burning oil fields, the smiles of the local children and the packages containing photos and treats from home.

As he works to protect the fragile democracy, McQueary said it's an uphill battle for several reasons.

"I thought it would be small arms fire but it's not. It's a guy hiding and waiting to blow you up. It's a faceless enemy," McQueary said. "I've come to terms with all of it. It's their way of life. They have nothing that motivates them, no desires. They are just there to live their lives."

The soldier from Nevada finds strength his relationships with his brothers. They share the same Celtic dragon tattoo on their shoulders and the family crest on their backs. They also share a hard set belief that you defend what you believe in.

Ryan McQueary said, "Him and I are the same, I want to serve to make sure my nieces and nephews have a future. They shouldn't have to fight this fight, that's what we are here for."

While his family fears his capture or death, McQueary's greatest worry isn't for himself, it's for them.

"It's not being able to see or phone (my family). Or it's them getting that phone call," McQueary said.



-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.