Growing up in a small town, residents quickly learn the value of connection, patriotism, and community pride. For local Marine Eric Ellenberger, those lessons became the foundation of a life built on service. From his earliest days at Porter Elementary through graduation from New Caney High School in 2003, Eric was surrounded by friendships that stood the test of time and a town that quietly modeled respect for those in uniform.
Though his family didn’t have a military background, the deep admiration shown to veterans sparked something within him, along with a desire to protect his young family ultimately led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps at the onset of the Iraq War, a decision rooted in love, responsibility, and a calling to serve something greater than himself.
Eric credits his high school football coach, Casey Hubble, as one of the greatest leaders he’s ever known. Coach Hubble led with love, consistency, and full commitment, and those are lessons Eric carried through deployments and continues to guide him today. His time in the Marines taught him three enduring principles: be present for others, lead by example, and serve out of love without expecting anything in return.
These values became the foundation of his life after service, but transitioning to civilian life was far more difficult than he anticipated. Though he returned to the New Caney area, settled in Kingwood, and enrolled his children in the same schools he once attended, Eric struggled privately with deep despair and, at one point, felt he had nowhere to turn. A simple decision to walk into the Veterans Center at Lone Star College Kingwood changed everything. Surrounded by fellow veterans, he found hope, community, and the strength to keep going.
That moment led Eric to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), where he now works leading a team that helps veterans connect in the community. WWP was founded over 20 years ago with a promise to always be there for post-9/11 warriors and families. Its mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors, and its vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of veterans in our nation’s history. For Eric, WWP gave him back his purpose and provided a platform to serve every single day.
WWP offers a holistic approach to recovery, supporting veterans across five key areas: physical, mental, financial, social, and spiritual well-being. From mental health programs and career counseling to peer support events and fitness challenges, WWP meets veterans where they are and walks alongside them. Eric believes deeply in the power of connection, saying, “It’s not just about changing lives—it’s about saving them.”
Eric wants people to understand that veterans are more than their service. “We’re not broken,” he says. “We’re resilient, adaptable, and eager to continue serving, just in different ways.” His own healing has been supported by his community through coaching youth sports, including his youngest daughter’s travel softball team, to mentoring young athletes, and serving on local boards. Eric has found ways to give back while staying connected, passing on life lessons from the Marines, and showing young people the importance of lifelong service.
Eric’s story is a testament to the strength of service, the healing power of connection, and the enduring support of a community that never stops giving back. His journey reminds us that purpose doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—it simply finds new ways to shine. For local veterans and families in the area, getting involved, helping raise awareness, and showing support is just a click away at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
“We’re resilient, adaptable, and eager to continue serving, just in different ways.”