My name is Sergeant First Class Tera Eilers and I am raising funds for Specialist Maxwell Ehrlich's promotion to Sergeant. Max was diagnosed with an aggressive type of terminal brain cancer (Stage 4 Astrocytoma) and recently moved to Chicago from Portland, Oregon to undergo treatment at Northwestern and be closer to his strong support system of family and friends.

It might seem odd that I am raising funds for a "promotion," but please read on to learn more about Max and understand why.

Although I was his Recruiter, I didn't recruit Max; he sought out the Army National Guard. He was older (28 at the time I enlisted him), had a degree, and had a good-paying job with benefits. He wasn’t looking for, and didn’t need, anything from the Guard; he just wanted to be a Soldier. Serving in the Army had been a dream of his since he was a boy, but he continued to put it off for other people.

Apart from a couple of traffic tickets and some visible tattoos that required a waiver, he was a Recruiter’s dream: clean bill of health, met height/weight standards, scored high on the ASVAB, and was eager and excited to join. He was positive, patient, punctual for appointments, responsible, and communicative; he made my job easy.

I knew he would become an incredible Soldier and he did not disappoint. He aspired to be a Non-Commissioned Officer and was pushing himself mentally and physically to achieve that goal; his most recent achievement was being named the Distinguished Honor Graduate (similar to a Valedictorian) at the Field Artillery Weapons Maintenance School. I know without a doubt that his career would have only continued to flourish.

When Max called and told me about his diagnosis he thanked me for being his Recruiter and for helping him realize his dream. He said that joining the Army National Guard was the best decision he ever made for himself and expressed pride and gratitude for the experiences that he has had in training and with his Unit. Max told me that his greatest honor in life was having the opportunity to be a Soldier and one of the only regrets he has is that he will not have the opportunity to experience what his career may have been if life had been kinder. Although his Army career has been short, it has been incredibly meaningful to him and his last request from the military is to be buried with honors in his Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU).

The bravery, resilience, and positivity that Max is handling this with speak volumes to his character; he has the true heart of a Warrior. He has no anger or resentment and although he is hopeful for a miracle (and searching for one) he has accepted his prognosis and is at peace with it. He is taking the opportunity to make the most out of every day he has left and is enjoying spending time with family and friends, trying new things, and going to every Cubs game he can get to. He told me that he chooses to look at his situation as an opportunity to really live; death can come quickly and unexpectedly for any of us, but knowing his time is sooner than later has focused his attention on what really matters.

Although his disease prevented him from finishing the final requirement for promotion, the Army has recognized Max's dedication to our Nation and he will earn the rank of Sergeant. I know there is nothing in the world (short of a cure) that would give him more joy than having that distinguishment and the opportunity to celebrate that milestone with his family and friends while he is still of right mind and body.

The funds raised in this campaign will be used to purchase his new Army Green Service Uniform and to help close family with last-minute travel arrangements to attend the ceremony and celebration in-person. Any extra money that is not used for this purpose will be given to Max and his wife, Rebecca to help with expenses allowing them more time together in the next few months.

I sincerely appreciate your support no matter how big or small. I was invested in, and cared, about every single person that I put into the Oregon Army National Guard and still do. Thank you for helping me take care of this Soldier and his Family.