About Caleb...Caleb was born to Karla and Barry Erickson in Waseca, MN on December 1, 1993 and welcomed home by his big sister Rue. Caleb was very active throughout his youth in sports such as soccer, wrestling and football. Caleb had a well placed faith in God and was active throughout high school with the youth group at Grace Lutheran Church. Throughout this time, Celeb consistently felt called to serve his country and shortly after his high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Evidence of his faith came with a tattoo he got while serving- an old wooden cross with dog tags hanging from it. When asked why he chose that, he said besides his family, it represented the two things that meant the most to him, God and Country. On July 16, 2012 Caleb left to take his place among the Yellow Footprints at Receiving Company aboard MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot), San Diego. On October 12, 2012 he graduated from MCT (Marine Combat Training). Caleb then moved to Camp Johnson in Jacksonville, NC for his MOS (Military Operational Specialty) training as a Motor T Mechanic. Upon graduation he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. In September of 2013, Caleb embarked on his first and only deployment to Afghanistan as part of the 1stBattalion, 9th Marines, also known as the “Walking Dead”. Caleb’s Marine buddies thought he had a very distinctive Northern Minnesota accent and had various nicknames, including “Tots", “Napoleon", and “Snow Bunny". While in Afghanistan, he was the known as the"AC man". He loved the Marine’s and all those he served with which was most evident when Caleb was offered the chance to come home early from his deployment, but refused, saying that he wanted to stay with his unit. Caleb had a smile that would brighten anyone's day, just ask his family, friends and the Marines that knew him best. Having a bad day? Caleb was the guy to turn it around for you. Caleb was known for giving his all in whatever he chose to do. Further endearing Caleb to his Battle Buddies, was the fact that he would volunteer the jobs and tasks that no one wanted. Caleb enjoyed hanging with he is friends, playing video games, cruising, and working on vehicles. His first love was his Dodge truck (which he sold to a best friend). While at Camp Lejeune, he fell in love again with a Volkswagen GTI. Even today, both can be seen or heard on the streets of Waseca bringing a smile to all who see them. Caleb Gave that “Last Full Measure of Devotion" 28 February, 2014 while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Caleb was a loving son, caring brother, thoughtful grandson, special nephew, cousin and a loyal friend. He is missed by many. You will never be forgotten Caleb, you are in our hearts! Miss you today, tomorrow and always! -Karla Scherff (Caleb's Mother) |