A member of the MSU ROTC faculty and a decorated U.S. Army soldier, Captain Aaron Eidem stopped to help a stranded motorist on Interstate 44 and was struck and killed Thursday, February 18th. Prior to coming to MSU, Eidem had served twenty years on active duty in the U.S. Army. He was deployed three times to Iraq, earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Victor Matthews, dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs at MSU, described Eidem as a “highly respected leader developer.” He said Eidem was recently recognized for the “quality of his work” by the 41 regional Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or ROTC programs. He leaves behind his wife, children and family.”
A memorial service with full military honors for Captain Aaron Eidem will be held on Wednesday, 24 February at 2:00 PM at the Risen Ranch Cowboy Church in Carthage, Missouri. The church is located East of Joplin at the junction of Interstate 44 and County Road 100. The church address is: 10697 Cimarron Road, Carthage, MO 64836
In lieu of flowers the Eidem Family asks that donations be made in Aaron’s name to Donate Life America. The family has set up a go fund me page to consolidate donations or you can donate directly to the charity.
The Bear Battalion will honor Captain Eidem’s lifetime of service on 3 March with a memorial service that will be held at First and Calvary Church. The service will be held at 3:30 PM.
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2016/02/19/purple-heart-soldier-msu-faculty-member-struck-killed-helping-stranded-motorist/80615704/