Eric G. Sandstrom was born on September 22, 1920 in Mankato, Minn and died on November 3, 2003 in Tacoma, WA. He is buried at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA (Section 9, Grave 581).
Eric enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1942. He served with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division, seeing action in Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Iwo Jima. He was seriously wounded on Iwo Jima. A Japanese mortar shell explored so close to him that it singed his eyes leaving him blind for several days. It also sprayed shrapnel throughout his legs. His wounds kept him in California's Mare Island Naval Hospital for more than a year. He was also the only surviving member of his original company, earning him the Silver Star and two purple hearts.
Upon leaving the hospital Eric joined VFW Post 950 in Mankato, Minn, later transferring to VFW Post 969 in Tacoma, WA. Soon after joining VFW Post 969 he became Post Adjutant. He also served in all Post and 3rd District Officer positions.
In 1976 Eric was elected as Junior Vice-Commander-in-Chief and in 1978 at the 79th National Convention in Dallas, Texas he was elected Commander-in-Chief.
Eric was also a member of the National Council of Adminstration and Chairman of the National Youth Committee. After serving as VFW Commander-in-Chief he served on the Washington State Governor's Advisory Committee and on the board for Tahoma National Cemetery.
