Eric Latcheran (in center) collecting donations for KOVAR charities with two fellow Knights. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
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Chantilly resident installed as officer with The Knights of Columbus.
Eric Latcheran, 27, of Chantilly’s Poplar Tree Estates community, has Down syndrome. Yet his intellectual disabilities don’t stop him from leading a full life.
He holds down two jobs, performs in bands, has close friends – including a girlfriend, and raises money for Best Buddies, which promotes friendships with and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. And last Saturday, July 26, he was installed as an Outside Guard with the Knights of Columbus.
He belongs to the Father Nudd Knights Council of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Chantilly. And, while his proud family and friends beamed from the audience, that’s where the installation ceremony was held after Saturday evening’s Mass.
“Eric is very proud to be a Knight and to have made wonderful friends,” said his mom, Gina Latcheran. “The Knights’ missions of patriotism, charity, unity and fraternity have always been important to him, but now he has a Council of men to assist him in fulfilling those missions in their shared community.”
The Chantilly High grad has been involved with the Knights of Columbus for quite awhile. And with their encouragement and support, he completed his first-, second- and third-degree training.
“Going to St Timothy for Mass and activities has evolved into a more meaningful community involvement for him,” said Gina Latcheran. “Eric proudly displays his Knights badge, sits with his brother Knights on many occasions and greets his fellow parishioners while handing out the weekly bulletin at the end of Mass.”
Socially, Eric Latcheran has also discovered, much to his delight, that his Knights membership extends beyond his Council. Via the statewide organization, KOVAR, the Knights raise money to provide financial assistance for people with intellectual challenges.
KOVAR charities include Best Buddies, Special Olympics and the interPLAYcompany Band, in which Eric Latcheran performs at the Strathmore in Maryland. And, explained his mother, “That’s what first attracted Eric to this fraternity of men in this parish.”
Knight Brian Tumulty sponsored Eric Latcheran to join the Council. Since then, he’s been busy collecting donations through the KOVAR mission and participating in various Knights’ functions.
Eric Latcheran was later nominated for the position of the Council’s Inside Guard by the now new Grand Knight, Phil Bayer. And in May, he was honored as Knight of the Month within the Father Nudd Council and elected to the position of Outside Guard.
“Eric is an exemplary example of a Knight of Columbus,” said past Grand Knight Jesus Cota at the ceremony. “Our mission is to serve, help and support the Parish of St Timothy Catholic Church, the local community, our nation and God through works of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. These attributes are very meaningful to and for Eric and are reachable goals, now that he is a Knight.”
His training at the FCPS Davis Center and now employment at Wildflour Deli and Catering in Chantilly, plus Piero’s Corner Italian Restaurant in Franklin Farm, have provided him with the skills to help prepare and serve at the Council’s famous pancake breakfasts and Lenten meals.
In addition, Eric Latcheran’s longtime role as an ambassador for Best Buddies prepared him for greeting people and hosting St. Timothy’s after-Mass refreshments. He next plans to volunteer in the church’s food pantry and with its summer work camp for teens and would eventually like to do some public speaking on behalf of his Council. After all, he said, “The Knights are my brothers, my neighbors, my friends.”
“Eric dresses for Mass every weekend in his Sunday best, with his badge proudly displayed on his shirt,” said Gina Latcheran. “He’s come to be to be recognized as a Knight by his fellow parishioners and eagerly performs various Knightly duties alongside them. His actions speak louder than words – his respect, enthusiasm and hugs say it all.”
Saturday evening, Eric Latcheran and his fellow Knights were formally installed in their new positions and recognized for the work they do to help others. As Outside Guard, he’s responsible for maintaining order and security in the Council chamber. After the ceremony, Eric Latcheran said how happy he was to be a third-degree officer and that he’s looking forward to a year from now when he’ll “get to be a fourth-degree officer and wear a uniform.”