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Remembering a close friend this weekend.

CSM Eric Cooke and I crossed paths in our careers. It happens a lot in a military career within the same MOS, as Sgt's, Platoon Sgt's and beyond. We were always competitive in training and gunnery skills. He and his platoon may have saved my life and some of my soldiers one late night or early morning in IRAQ while we were in a fight as we were about to be ambushed from the rear. Eric saw the threat and quickly issued a fire command and dispatched the enemy.

Eric died in Iraq in 2003 as the result of an explosion of an IED. Thank You Eric for your service to our great nation and it's citizens and thank you to all that have given the ultimate sacrifice and thank you to their families as well. They're out there standing ready now as we all enjoy our freedoms and sleep safe.

God Bless the U.S.A.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/efcooke.htm