Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Eric worked for a time in and around my office at NCTC Port Hueneme while he was on LimDu. Super friendly and always Can Do. I remember him fondly every year at this time and say a prayer for him."
Steve McCombs of Boise Idaho

"ERIC KNOTT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN I ONLY KNEW HIM FOR A SHORT TIME WE MEET ONLINE AND STARTED TALKING AND THEN ONE DAY HE CAME TO HAWAII TO VISIT ME AND THEN I MOVED BACK TO CALIFORNIA WHICH I WHERE I WAS LIVING WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT ERIC WAS KILLED IN IRAQ MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY IS A CHILD OF GOD."
Leigh southall of Henderson,NV/ U.S.A

"I served with Eric in NMCB 4 Air Detachment during the 1st Iraq deployment. He was a great guy to be around. I'll never forget how happy he was. I was with the main body in Rota during the 2nd Iraq deployment. It was awful for us all when we heard Eric had been killed. We will never forget you. Tomorrow, on Memorial Day 2021, I will tell my 2 sons about you and the brave sacrifice you made for our Country. God Bless You"
Luke Emison of Midland, Texas

"Will always remember you brother."
CHEVY of seattle , wa

"I knew your son. He worked for me for a few years in NMCB4 and I often spoke with him in Fallujah. He had a great heart. He was good person and would do anything to help anyone at anytime. He worked hard and he met his leaderships expectation. Continue to be proud of your son. We will not forget him and I will not forget the day we lost him."
of Port Hueneme, CA

"SW3, you will always be in our memories. It was a pleasure to serve with him for our deployments to Iraq and Turkey."
LCDR Greg Kirk of Omaha, NE

"We remember. Memorial Day 2014."
A. Woodin

"To the family of Eric I wanted to say I am sorry for your loss and for those of us that knew Eric and had the honor to serve with him he will always be in our hearts. I served with him from the day he joined the battalion to the day we lost him and I can honestly say there was no other that had a heart as big as his I often wish it was me besides him because how good of a person he was he had such a big heart to be taken soon. I sit and tell my children about of him and others he will always be in our heart and never forgotten but its because of him I try to live my life better and hope that at least in his eyes and the eyes of all the others that gave the ultimate sacrifice that I deserve the freedom that all so many gave there lives for I know that most of us feel that those of us that got the privilege to know Eric that when that tragic day occurred part us left with him"
CM2(SCW)(FMF) Fairchild of buckeye, az. U.S.A

"I did not know him but I got to know him through the traveling tribute for fallen Nebraska service men and women. It was in the Norfolk Veterans Home for a week a few years back. My brother was the "commanding officer" (not sure how it is suppose to be said in civilian talk}. My brother was on the phone with us (his family) when the attack happened that took the life of Eric. When he said he had to go and the connection went silent we knew something bad happened. To the family of Eric I want to assure you even after the years have passed my brother Mike has not forgotten Eric and he never will. Eric will never be forgotten. Thank you Sir for your ultimate sacrifice to our country. Mr. and Mrs. Knott, the parents of this fallen hero I thank you for your sacrifice and wish you peace some day."
Joseph P. Mrsny of Norfolk, Nebraska

"we will all remember Eric's bravery and how he was such a good man"
levi of port hueneme/ ca

"we will all remember Eric's bravery and how he was such a good man"
levi of port hueneme/ ca

"my dad knew Eric.... they worked together :("
hannah buchanan of port hueneme/ca

"Memorial Day 2013 Never Forgotten. Thinking of your family this day."
A. Woodin of Texas

"Eric, although all these years have past I still remember that day. Every time there is a moment of silence for our troops or I hear the Natinal Anthem my first thought is of you. I am honnered to have known and work by your side."
Andrew Buchholz of Port Hueneme California

"To the family and friends of Eirc Knott. I had the pleasure to serve with him in Builders A School in Gulf Port Mississippi. We were both sent to NMCB 4 port Hueneme and he was my homeport roomate the homeport after the Okinawa deployment. We hung out together alot and was in the same squad. The funny thing was I was supposed to go to Iraq the second time with him but for some reason maybe being the fact that I had a child on the way they took me off. My prayers go out to all family and friends"
Bu3 Darius Horton of Canton, MI

"I sit here tonight and look up and the sky and remember those who have and are still giving everything to keep us safe. god bless you all and may he watch over you and bring you guys home."
aaron wolken of nmcb 4 retired seabee of ventura ca

"My Left ankle has a bumble bee tattooed on it "September 4th, 2004" I will never forget what a kind and caring young man Eric was. He was quiet to people he didn't know, and always different from the other guys. Not a day goes by that I don't wish you were out here living your life. Thank you for not driving drunk. Thank you for passing me the car keys to go get you smokes and Jack in the Box. Thanks for being a good neighbor. Thanks for being a Great Seabee. I'm sorry that you're no longer with us and I wish there were more out there like you."
Jessica Mudgett of NMCB4, TMT4, Lead gunner. Retired Seabee USA

"Soon to be Petty Officer Knott was in SW school while I was in a freshman BU class. He stood out amongst all others due to his radiant smile. I remember him also because a girl in my class took a liking to the man with a nice smile. I sure do remember Petty Officer Knott and thinking his name will always put a smile on my face.
BU3 Adams"
BU3 Mike Adams of Bel Air, MD

"To the family of:Eric L.Knott
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"Eric,

We are about a week and half away from your anniversary, I cant belive it has been 7 years. I remember you checking in on Air Det, you were probably one of the funniest guys around and always rodgered up to do things. You are truely missed and I also remember you on the 9/4 every year. Thank you for the great memories and the laughs I still have to do this day, seeing your smile and eager to learn. You will never ever be forgotten.

Justin Montana Bu2(SCW) Seabees 2000-2009"
of Concord, Ca

"We think of Eric on this day hearing Osama Bin Laden is dead. You are in our hearts and minds..you are never forgotten. Your name is spoken by many today!"
A. Woodin of Texas

"SW3 Knott was waiting for the Seabee Replacement Training at Pt Hueneme when I was checking into the training command directly from "A" school. We lived in the barracks and worked for the training command until graduating from SRT on a Friday in December 2001, we were then handed lists of needed items and told that Monday we would fly to Okinawa for our first deployment, at Okinawa we both ended up on Air Det, April of 2002 we were deployed to Basiland for what was then called Operation Freedom Eagle, later in 2003 we were deployed to Kuwait and rolled out with Task Force Mike from Camp 93, at Camp Hope in Diwania, Knott and I worked together on the construction of the fighting positions/ guard posts on the berm around Camp Hope the S3C instructed us what to do, later we went to Guam to restock Camp Covington and "decompress" we returned to Naval Base Ventura County and were welcomed as heroes, all of us Seabees, I transfered to another unit and went on leave on September 1, 2003, I was informed of Knotts combat injuries and attended the Memorial at the Seabee Chapel on Pt Hueneme, it was then that I found out he was doing the same job we had done together the year before in Diwania when he became a combat casualty, I broke down during the Memorial, the endless pictures of SW3 with the Friends of Four and with so many different people, I remembered the times with him throughout my time in the Bees, but the one thing that sticks out about SW3 is that he was liked by everyone and unlike all other Bees he was the only one who NEVER had a conflict or a negative word with any other servicemember, it struck me hard because on the contrary I was probably the only Bee who had a conflict with everybody in NMCB 4 up to and including the Commander, I often felt that it should have been me on that day in Fallujah, and everytime I think of giving up or feel sorry for myself or complain about my life, I remember Knott and I square myself away push on to do the best I can. Petty Officer Knott is my Hero, it was a great Honour to know and serve with him!"
EO1(SCW/FMF) Timothy Thomas of unknown

"Eric,
I remember shaking your hand and saying hello first time we met at the barracks.
I remember hanging out on the weekends, cruising down the 101 with the top down.
I remember joking around and having fun.
I remember us riding the plane to Iraq.
I remember all the long convoys.
I remember shaking your hand and saying good-bye when I went Home.
I will ALWAYS remember."
Bu3 Bryant, Wesley of Bagwell, Tx

"Eric, to this day i still think about you bud. i remember that day like it was yesterday. its going on six years now and still i remember along with those who were there. you will NEVER be forgotten. take care bud, save a spot for me.."
Aaron Wolken of port hueneme, ca

"I worked in Bravo Surgical Company. There were many SeaBee's hurt by that rocket on September 4th. As they came in, I had to identify them and start records so their treatment could be documented to allow later doctors to know what happened and continue their treatment.

I didnt know Eric, and when I asked him for his name, lying on the stretcher, he didn't answer.

That was the first time that had happened for me, and I still remember him and his face. The knife I used to cut his boot lace to get his dog tag and retrieve his information is dedicated to his memory, and in use, is a remembrance of him.

It was nice to see, when I returned to Fallujah, that the SeaBee's had named their compound after him.

Rest in peace, Shipmate. Your watch is done, you are not forgotten."
HM2(FMF) Ben Trnka of Maine, USA

"Eric, I can’t believe it’s been eight years since that summer we joined the NAVY and its only five years after we lost you. It has all flown by so fast it seems like yesterday we were all graduated from boot camp and starting on our new Navy paths. You were an angel among men; you touched and inspired so many people in your life here on earth. Everyone I have had the chance to meet that knew you have never said anything bad or hateful about you and your memory always brings a smile to their face. I enjoy hearing the many stories of how you touched so many lives with your heart and still had some left over for yourself. I miss you so much and I know in my heart that you are still watching all of us affecting our lives with your over flowing kindness."
AE2(AW) Jeremy A. Knott of Oak Harbor, Wa

"To the Knott Family, I had the distinct pleasure and honor to work alongside this hero in Fallujah. He can be characterized as a man of impeccable integrity, tireless devotion to do the right thing, and unparalleled commitment to mission accomplishment. We will never forget that terrible day in September when the cowardice acts of the enemy took the life of this young Seabee who was committed to supporting not only his fellow warriors but the citizens of Iraq. I never let September 4th pass without a moment of silence and prayer in memory of this hero. Thank you for allowing me this moment and venue to express my gratitude for the sacrifice and service of Eric and for your support of him."
CWO3 Darren P. Davis, CEC USN (Ret.) of Norfolk, Virginia

"I knew Eric for a short time at County Line Ventura/Malibu in front of Neptunes Net. I quickly became to respect and become a friend with Eric. He asked me to promise to teach him how to surf and I said of course. He had to leave and I never saw him again, but he made a impression on me like I was talikng to an Angel. You are truly all of our hero and God bless you and your family. Thank you, All of us at Neptunes and County will miss you but never forget you!"
Brett Hanley of Camarillo, CA/USA

"Its been a few years since last we hung out but when we left the country your thoughts are still with me. you were a good friend and i miss you alot i since left the bees and joined the army but your good times are still remembered bravo zulu bud."
ssg miller of fort campbell

"The day eric was killed will forever be embeded into my heart, i was on the mark 19 machine gun on the Seabee Engineer Recon Team, 1 mile outside the south entrance to camp fallujah supporting the UT's as they serviced a huge pipline just outside an observation outpost we used to call the "pumpstation" it was a main pumping station for that area. I was on my gun as i heard the low muttered booms of mortar fire go off. I knew in my heart they were pointed for our camp and when we returned i was broken to hear that they had hit our seabee base and killed and injured seabees. Eric Knott is a hero to whom i was honored to serve with. All gave some, some like Eric, gave all...May your memory live on Eric."
CE3 Pena, Gabriel NMCB 4 SERT of Anaheim, CA

"september 4th will always be embedded in my head and my heart for not only did i lose a great friend in iraq i lost a friend 2 years earlier to drunk drivers. i was there in iraq i was there in fallujah. my name is cm2 aaron wolken and i was on the convoy team that ran around iraq. i watched the rocket that day as it made its way into the camp. all i could do was wait for the word as to what where and who it hit. the sacrifices the soldiers make are nothing but selfless. every 4th day of sept. i take a moment out to honor those like eric who gave the ultimate sacrifice and there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about him and what went on over there. you raised a hero.i have been on three iraq deployments and this last one i went back to fallujah and payed my respects. i am honored to have served with eric."
cm2 wolken of port hueneme, ca

"August 3, 2008
To the family of Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric L. Knott:
Eric gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Eric is not forgotten. All those who have been and are stationed here at Camp Knott, Camp Fallujah, Iraq have eyes on his memorial everyday."
A Seabee of Camp Knott

"To the Knott family: I'm currently deployed to Afghanistan (Apr 08) and have the honor to be in my office talking to AE2(AW)Jeremy Knott. It was a total suprise to me to find out he was on the same base as I. We are getting to know each other and talk about Eric. I do know it affects both of us to discuss him but we both remember him as the Outstanding person and Seabee he was. I would like to let his parents know there is not a day I do not think about him. To Jeremy parents you should be very proud of your son, he is a fine example of a Petty Officer and is totally squared away. This must be a family trait because Eric always was too. I hope all of you are well. Take care"
CUCM (SCW) Martin W Yingling

"just wanted to say he will never be forgotten i served with him on his 1st tour, with nmcb4 air det. god bless you all"
jason stump of pahrump neveada

"Petty Officer Knott is an inspiration to us all. He fought for what is right. His spirit still stands watch over Camp Knott, Iraq. BRAVO ZULU SEABEE"
SK3 (SCW) Lohman of Fallujah, Iraq

"i hope you in a great place. we all miss you eric"
Adam Helschein of new york

"God bless the family for their sacrifice as well.

NmCB 15/3"
David Hurtad of Kansas City, Mo.

"I'm Late, as usual, but I continue to miss him. I don't believe I will ever forget Eric. Maybe that's the thing though, he was just that type of guy. If you knew him a little, or a-lot, the one common theme with Eric is that you would not, cannot, and will not, be able to forget him. Thankyou for your sacrifice bud, and thankyou MR. and MRS. Knott for raising such a fine man. I pray that all your children will make you as proud of them as I know that you are of Eric. GOD BLESS."
BU2 (SCW) Hoffman of Port Hueneme, CA

"I didn't go to Iraq with Eric on the second time around. I was sent to Albania instead. I remember the day before we deployed and went our seperate ways Eric and I were at the barracks waiting for our final inspections. To pass the time we started wrestling, I would have him in a headlock and then he would turn it around and get me in a headlock. We were just having a good time. When the battalion was told that one of our seabees had been killed in Iraq they didn't release a name. Rumors started circulating and I heard Erics' name. All I could do was remember that day at the barracks and pray that it wasn't him. Eric you are truly missed and I will see you again when it is my time to come to heaven."
BU2 John Stevens of Naples, Italy

""To the Friends and Family or Eric Knott.. I knew Eric well., I meet him during "A" school, he got assigned to NMCB 4 along with all our other friends but I got assigned to NMCB 3.. and I just want to say that it was a sad day for all Seabees and the Armed Forces when Eric left us. I was in Baghdad on special assignment and I heard the news from the J.O.C. that we had a fallen Seabee..and I knew instantly that the news was not good. I started praying not knowing who had been hurt or injured, and in our community you know everyone pretty well, and when I finally heard the news of who it was I knew we had lost a great friend. He was a clown at times but a good guy to be around.. I will miss you Eric so will All Seabee. We will never stop so you may finally rest.. BU2 Becerra, NMCB 3 mingox@aol.com."
Domingo Becerra of Rio Rancho, NM

"Iknow this is late real late because i just found this site for Eric But I just want his family to know we cared about eric very much he was a great friend (My husband was in NMCB4 with him) and a memory we will always have of him was before he left he was at our house and we were playing monopoly and we told him that our song for him was John Michael Montgomerys Letters From Home to let him know that we would think and pray for him to be safe . it was hard to loose someone like eric who had such a great personality you couldn't help but like him. Anyways we wanted to let the family know how great a friend he was . R.I.P Eric and remember you will always be my hero.
I would also like to ask for permission to put a picture of Eric on my myspace profile please let me know my email is MrsStowe03@yahoo.com
Thank you and God Bless
The Stowes"
Jenny & Michael Stowe of Port Hueneme ,CA

"I WAS DEPLOYED TO IRAQ WHERE I JOINED THE SEABEE ENGINEER RECON TEAM WHERE I MET ERIC. I NEVER SAW MUCH OF HIM BECAUSE WE WERE ALWAYS OUT ON MISSIONS,BUT I HAVE BEEN TOLD HE WAS A GREAT YOUNG MAN. I MADE A VIDEO WITH ALL THE PICTURES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS WE MADE IN CAMP FALLUJAH AND THE CITY OF FALLUJAH AS WELL. IF ANYONE MAY KNOW THE FAMILIES ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER IN WHICH I COULD CONTACT HIM, I WOULD LOVE TO SPEAK WITH THEM AND SEND THEM A COPY OF THE VIDEO. ALL THE GUYS FROM NMCB-4 SAID THAT I SHOULD , BUT I FELT IT WAS TOO SUDDEN. I DID HOWEVER,DEDICATE THAT VIDEO TO ERIC. MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS gtitngo@yahoo.com AND MY PHONE NUMBER IS 304-210-7883. WE ALL KNOW THAT ERIC IS WATCHING OVER US ALL FOR HE IS A HERO IN MY BOOK.HE FOUGHT FOR WHAT HE BELIEVED IN AND FOR FREEDOM.REST IN PEACE ,ERIC.
SINCERELY,
CM3 BRUCE DENNIS"
CM3 BRUCE DENNIS of PARKERSBURG,WV

"I didn't know Eric Knott. I'm not a Seabee. I was a contractor in Camp Fallujah, and the rocket that took him from us came in over my head. I heard the distinctive warble of its rocket engine, and planted my face in the gravel. I wondered if I would see my daughter again. The rocket landed some hundreds of yards from where I was, and later that day I heard about what happened to Knott. I'll never forget that day either.

Today is Memorial Day, and Eric Knott has been on my mind all morning."
Scott of Chicago IL USA

"It has almost been a year since I left Iraq and I will never forget the day that Eric was taken. He had many friends and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I will never forget that day....RIP Seabee!!"
Nycole of Pt. Hueneme, Ca

"I was in Camp Fallujah a few days after Petty Officer Knott was killed. I could tell how badly he was missed by his fellow Seabees. By all accounts he was great guy. My wife helped him many times at the bank on base and was also sad to hear of his loss. For those that may not know the Seabee camp in Fallujah has been renamed Camp Knott in his honor."
BUC(SCW) Bisbee of Andros, Bahamas

"I know this is a year late but it is long due. I dont know eric but my father marty yingling was his master cheif who was injured that day. Our lives will never be the same your son will always be a hero in my family eye. Till this day ever night my father awakes from his sleep and all he can think about is that your son was such a devoted solider. Men like your son are heros in my eyes they should and will never be forgotten. They funny thing is I never wanted for my father to go back to iraq after what happened that was his 2 time there and last night he called and told me he is heading back. He can hardly walk but he is going back he believes he has a job unfinished. I am so sorry for you lose my father speaks so highly of your son and I hope you all can go on a remember what a wonderful soldier he is and always will be. Laneygurls@aol.com"
Heather of Batlimore, Md

"I just wanted to say thanks for all the kind messages everyone left about my fiancee Eric. He was a great and wonderful man! Eric I love and miss you dearly!!"
Stacey of Indiana

"I worked with Petty Officer Knott in Port Hueneme while he was temporarily assigned to the Naval Construction Training Center. He was a fine young man, a helpful and skilled Seabee and a welcome addition in my building.

I have been saving an old United States Flag to properly retire (burn) in his memory since he was killed. I will do so tomorrow - 30 May 2005.

God Bless You,"
Steve McCombs of Chatsworth, CA

"To the Family of Eric Knott
Eric is greatly missed by all of us. He was a great guy and always willing to help out.He really knew how to make someonesmile. You brought up a prefect gentlemen. He was over my house every weekend while he was at base in Ventura. And we always had a great time. Eric never disliked anyone. And there will always be a place in my heart for him. He will never be forgotton. He was a true hero. And will never forget all the great memories we had together. My heart goes out to all the people who knew Eric. We were all truly blessed to know a great guy like Eric."
Amy Jones of Simi Valley, California

"There is often a lack of comforting words at a time like this. However, I hope you can find some peace in that your loved one, SW3 Eric Knott, was upholding the Seabee "CAN DO" tradition and the Seabee motto: "With compassion for others, we build - we fight, for peace with freedom.""
LCDR Michelle Breaux, CEC, USNR of Norman, OK (XO, NMCB 23)"

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this brave SEABEE, Eric L. Knott!!!!"
Sue Louis: Proud Navy Mom of Seabee Matt & MM Jacob of Rochester, NY

"RIP SAILOR"

"Petty Officer Knott, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To Eric's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Eric will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the family of Eric,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. We know your pain as we have also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Eric is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.nett of Tucson, AZ

"To Eric's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Eric Knott, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Knott:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Eric for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Knott:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Eric, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia