Wounded Soldier and Former Aggie Returns To Cache Valley

Providence native and returning Utah State University student Erick Lund, who was wounded in Iraq, is coming home Friday, Aug. 26, and Cache Valley residents are encouraged to line the roadside for his arrival.

 

Lund has been serving with the Utah National Guard in Kirkuk, Iraq. A roadside bomb exploded near his unit's Humvee during a July 16 inspection, killing one of his comrades and wounding Lund and two others. Lund received shrapnel wounds to the back of his head, back and legs. His leg was broken in three places and he underwent surgery and partial amputation of his foot.

 

Lund will return to Providence at approximately 3 p.m. Friday. Residents are asked to welcome him along Providence Lane from the Highway 165 (Main St.) intersection east to Zollinger Park at 61 N. 200 West. The welcome will conclude with a short celebration at the park.

 

As part of the celebration, Providence Mayor Alma Leonhardt has declared Aug. 26 Eric Lund Day.

 

Lund attended Utah State during the 2003-04 academic year and plans to resume his studies as a pre-dental major this fall. He is married to Amanda "Mandy" Brady Lund, also a USU student.

 

Lund is the son of Hank and Wyoma Lund of Providence. His father is employed in the university's Controllers Office. Lund's siblings, Andrew Lund and Lynsi Lund Theurer, also attend Utah State.

 

The Lion's Club of Providence asks all military veterans to attend the welcoming event and sign a thank you plaque that will be presented to Lund at a later date. The Lion's Club also invites residents to sign a book at the ceremony, which will be given to Lund.