Eric Calley is a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran from Lyons, Michigan, who has built his life around Serving Fellow Veterans.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002, in the months following the September 11^th attacks, answering the call to serve his Country.  He deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003 and Enduring freedom 2004-05. 

Eric was honorably discharged in 2006, but became a member of VFW 4646 in 2005.  Like many Veterans returning home, transition was difficult which resulted in finding a path forward through many non-profit organizations such as Focus Marines Foundation and Semper Fi Odyssey, which he became mentors at both to help Veterans dealing with PTSD and TBI.  That commitment to Veterans defined Eric’s life ever since. He Served as a peer-to-peer Support Specialist through the State of Michigan and helped establish the Michigan’s first Veterans Court in Ionia County.  He helped create Michigan’s Service Dog Laws in 2014 and 2015 after an incident involving his own Service Dog, Sun, and became an advocate in making sure our Veterans with Service Dogs didn’t have to go through the same battle.

Eric’s leadership within the VFW reflects the same spirit of service.  He has served as Post Commander of VFW Post 4646 in Muir/Lyons from 2023-2025, where he led joint efforts among area posts to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the 21^st Regiment Civil War Flag in Ionia County, honoring the Soldiers that came before him. Eric was elected in 2025 to District 9 Sr Vice Commander in 2025 and District Commander of District 9 in May 2026.

Beyond the Post, Eric hosts Warfighters United Podcast, giving a voice to Veterans who share their own stories of service, struggle and triumph, while connecting listeners with resources for mental health and the transition to civilian life. From the battlefield to the Post hall, Eric Calley continues to stand with his fellow Veterans, ensuring none of them fight alone.