Honoring a local fallen soldier this Memorial Day: Eric Yates

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Memorial Day is a day to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. From the beginnings of our country to the still ongoing conflicts, soldiers, many just kids, enlisting to protect the country they call home.

One of those kids, Eric Yates, a 2008 graduate through the ROTC program at WKU, was killed on active duty in Afghanistan when his unit was attacked by insurgents using an improvised explosive device in 2010.

In his honor, The Eric Yates Memorial 5K is held at Chaney’s Dairy Barn every year.

The money raised from the run benefits a scholarship given to cadets in Eric’s memory.

Eric’s mother, Kathy, visiting his grave today.

This year’s Eric Yates Memorial Scholarship award winners have just been announced as well.

Congratulations to Abe Poku and Rebekah Lin, two ROTC members at WKU.