Eric Dean King
Gave His Life For His Country
April 22, 2006

Specialist Eric King was born on April 4, 1977 in Orlando, Florida and is the son of Eddie and Donna King. He entered the military on May 19, 2004 and attended basic and advanced individual training as an infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completion of training, he was assigned to B/1-67, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. SPC King was larger then life. He always had to have the last word, and usually did. He walked around with a big grin on his face whenever he was up to something, and usually was. SPC King was unstoppable, feared nothing, and never hesitated. He is survived by his fiancée Becky Meyer and his two daughters Shaelyn and Ashlin. SPC King served as a rifleman in 3rd platoon and the driver for B203 on April 22, 2006. SPC King’s awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

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Email from Eric's Commanding Officer

Dear Family and Friends,

On the 22nd of April, four of my soldiers were tragically killed when their armored Humvee struck a roadside bomb 5 kilometers north of our forward operating base (FOB). SGT Kyle Colnot, SPC Eric King, PFC Jacob Allcott and PVT Michael Bouthot were traveling back to our FOB to secure a recovery vehicle when their truck was attacked.

I ask that you keep them and their families in their prayers. Colnot was married and King was engaged and had two little girls. Michael Bouthot had only been in Iraq and with my company for 1 month before this attack occurred. Allcott was a quiet, soft spoken soldier who would do anything for anyone.

A lot of my guys have taken their deaths very hard. They had a close platoon and they are really struggling to come to grips with their deaths. The company as a whole is doing as well as can be expected. It has made us even more determined to find the individuals responsible and to bring them to justice.

We had a small, private ceremony the night they died called an angel flight. It's something we do when the helicopters come in to take their bodies away. We had a prayer vigil on Tuesday night and last night we had the memorial service. I will try and forward you the photos from that when I get a little more time.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers. Pray to God that he will guide us away from danger and steer us toward the men who were responsible for the attack. We have gotten close several times but have not been able to finish it.

Thank you for your continued love and support.

Always,
Matt Koehler