My name is Eric Walter, and I am the Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7523 in Mineola, Texas. When I served in the United States Army, I was part of the 1st Infantry Division, known as the "Big Red One”. During my two tours in Iraq, I had the honor of serving alongside some of the bravest men and women in uniform. Like many of my brothers and sisters in arms, I was wounded in combat—a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many in service to our great nation where I became a Purple Heart Recipient.