| Eric Ager grew up on a working family farm in Fairview-the same farm where he works today as Operations Manager. Eric is the eldest of three brothers. He learned the mountain values of honesty and hard work from his parents, extended family, and community. Eric grew up baling hay, feeding horses, picking apples, milking cows, collecting eggs, attending church, and playing sports. He played soccer for A.C. Reynolds High School.
After graduation, Eric studied at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Eric was inspired by many veterans including his grandparents, Jamie and Elspeth Clarke, and John C Ager, Sr., who each served during World War II. Eric earned a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.
For 25 years, Eric Ager served our country as a Naval Aviator (pilot) and Foreign Area Officer (expert in political-military operations). Eric and his wife Rachel have four children. The family was stationed in Guam, Turkey, and Germany and in Norfolk, VA, Washington, DC, and Monterey, CA. Everywhere he was stationed, Eric volunteered- he coached youth baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball, and supported scouting.
Eric retired from the Navy as a Commander. Back home in Buncombe County, Eric works at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, a fourth-generation family farm. Eric and Rachel live in the Reynolds community. Their children work and attend school in Western North Carolina. |