Eric Latcheran, 29, of Chantilly’s Poplar Tree Estates community, is a busy person. He holds down two jobs, performs in bands, has strong friendships — including a girlfriend — and raises money for Best Buddies, which promotes friendships with and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities.
He also has Down syndrome, but that doesn’t stop him from leading a full and happy life. And last Sunday, Aug. 14, was a particularly big day for him.
Two years ago, Eric Latcheran was officially installed into the Knights of Columbus. He belongs to the Father Nudd Knights Council of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Chantilly. Since then, he’s been promoted to a fourth-degree officer in the Council and gets to wear a uniform — and he’s thrilled about it.
“On Sunday, he participated in his first ceremony in full regalia,” said his mother, Gina Latcheran. “The ceremony began in St. Timothy and concluded at the Calvary Cemetery. The Knights went there to lay a wreath at the gravesite of Father Nudd, the first pastor of St Timothy, and for whom Eric’s Knights Council is named. Despite the 100-degree heat, Eric looked very cool.”
Noting how proud he is to belong to the Council, she said, “The Knights’ missions of patriotism, charity, unity and fraternity have always been important to him. And this Council assists him in fulfilling those missions in their shared community.”
The Chantilly High grad has been involved with the Knights of Columbus for quite a while, and it means a great deal to him. “Eric proudly displays his Knights badge, sits in church with his brother Knights on many occasions and greets his fellow parishioners,” said Gina Latcheran.
He’s also pleased that, via their statewide organization, KOVAR, the Knights raise money to provide financial assistance for people with intellectual challenges like him.
KOVAR charities include Best Buddies, Special Olympics and the interPLAY Company Band, in which Eric performs at the Strathmore in Maryland. And, said Gina Latcheran, “That’s what attracted Eric to this parish fraternity, in the first place.”
On Sunday, she said, “When he finished dressing in his Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Color Guard regalia for the ceremony remembering Father Nudd, I could tell this was one of Eric’s proudest moments. He is my hero, and this took my breath away.”
But Gina Latcheran also has many other heroes, especially those who open their hearts to people with cognitive and physical challenges. “They believe they are giving, but discover that what they’re getting in return is the real gift,” she said. “So my list of heroes grows daily.”
Among them are Eric Latcheran’s girlfriend Melissa and her family, the interPLAY Company Band, Zydeco bands that Eric Latcheran accompanies on his washboard, and his co-workers at Wildflour Deli and Catering and Piero’s Corner Italian Restaurant. Also on Gina Latcheran’s list are special needs advocacy groups, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers, plus Eric Latcheran’s former teachers, camp counselors and therapists who, she said, “will forever impact his life.”
But this week, Gina Latcheran recognizes the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Acts of the Apostles Assembly No. 2411 who, after a year of providing training and support for Eric Latcheran, “fulfilled a dream for my son by inviting him to join the ranks of their Color Guard in full regalia for the first time.”