The Fundraising Goal is to honor Erik James Foote, US Army Veteran and support Disabled American Veterans in our country. I hope we can exceed all expectations, to show that Erik's life meant something more than being dropped off at a convenience store in his desperate hour of need. It will make a difference for veterans experiencing PTSD, depression, unemployment, and homelessness. His story reflects the lack of compassion, understanding and training between law enforcement and people suffering from mental health issues.  

Erik James Foote went missing on January 30, 2024. He was in a severe mental health crisis suffering from PTSD and depression. He was walking along a road without winter clothing in 15-degree weather, crying and in despair. Numerous motorists that called 911 reported him "hysterical, in distress, under clothed, without shoes or boots on his feet, and displaying signs of mental health issues." 

The police officer that responded told his family that he had dropped him off at a hospital because Erik told him that he was depressed and needed to talk to someone, but that was a lie. Based on his word, the family drove for hours searching for him. It was later discovered that the officer dropped him off at a convenience store many miles from his home without transportation or proper clothing and without medical attention.  He later falsified his report to support his lies and his failure to help our son. We learned later that the same officer had an early morning encounter that same day with our son who was in severe crisis in -2-degree weather, and he did nothing to help him. 

Erik was found 84 days later along a riverbank. 

"The greatest causality is being forgotten." The family wants Erik to be remembered for his kindness and compassion and generosity to others, and for his service to this country. He served in Korea and in the Iraq War, but he died in a small rural community on American soil. 

Erik James Foote was born to be a soldier. He loved the Army. He was in ROTC and on the drill team in high school and joined directly after. 

Too many of our veterans are homeless and suffer from the invisible wounds of mental health issues that are not understood by the communities they live in. We want Erik's life to bring awareness and change.  He didn't get the help he deserved and desperately needed, but through this fundraiser, other veterans will. 

He should have received help the day he cried out for it and asked for it. He didn't receive it. Is there justice for Erik?  What he suffered that day was senseless and unnecessary. We should all care about what happens to our veterans, how they are treated, and what they suffer alone with every day. 

This little boy grew up to be an American Soldier. He lost his life because a police officer didn't take him to the hospital or call an ambulance for him. Please show that Erik's life mattered. 

• Character of Service - Honorable
• Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Korean Defense Service Medal/Iraq Medal w/Campaign Star