Erickson, Caleb Lane

Caleb Lane Erickson was a 20-year-old from Waseca, Minnesota. He served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, part of the 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

On February 28, 2014, Erickson was killed in Helmand province, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, his death was the result of hostile action. He was one of two Marines from his battalion killed that day; the other was Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Garabrant, 19, of Peterborough, New Hampshire.

Erickson died during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By early 2014, U.S. and coalition forces were engaged in a drawdown and transition of security responsibilities to Afghan forces, though combat operations continued in provinces like Helmand.

His body was returned to Minnesota, where a funeral service was held at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. The Patriot Guard Riders escorted the procession, and hundreds of community members lined the streets to pay respects.

Erickson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. In Waseca, a memorial was established in his honor, and an annual motorcycle ride fundraiser was created to support local veterans and their families.

Cpl. Erickson was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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