LCpl. Eric Heldt

CAMP SNAKE PIT, AR RAMADI, Iraq(June 22, 2005) -- Marines and Sailors with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment honored the falling of two of their fellow “Charlie” brothers-in-arms – Lance Cpl. Erik R. Heldt and Capt. John W. Maloney – with a memorial ceremony here at Company C’s base.

Heldt, a machine gunner with Company C’s Quick Reaction Force, Mobile 1, 4th Platoon, was killed fighting terrorism in the city alongside his company commander, Maloney, the evening of June 16 when an improvised explosive device exploded directly underneath their Humvee.

Twenty-six-year-old Heldt from Hermann, Mo., and his platoon were conducting a mobile patrol through a portion of their company’s area of operations when the IED detonated. The 1997 Hermann High School graduate was riding in the turret of the armored vehicle manning his M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun when he paid the ultimate price.

Six days after the his death, scores of fellow Marines packed Snake Pit’s small mess hall, where even standing room was limited, to pay tribute to their late friends.

The infantry battalion’s chaplain, Navy Lt. Aaron T. Miller, started the service by delivering the invocation. Then, Company C’s executive officer, 1st Lt. Latham E. Fell, addressed the audience and spoke of his memories of the late warrior.

“Heldt joined the Marine Corps when he was 24 and spent his last two years with Charlie 1/5, deploying to Iraq twice,” he said. “I remember him as a mature leader among his peers, and a man who could be counted on.”

Company C’s first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Michael D. Brookman, followed with his recollection of Heldt.

“We here in Charlie Company knew him best as the comical Marine who possessed a bright personality and upbeat attitude that made any situation better,” said Brookman. “I remember his sly little smile. Often times when he’d come back in from being out on a late mission, he’d be sweaty and tired looking and I’d ask him how he was doing. He’d give that slight smile of his and say, ‘I’m alright, First Sergeant.’”

Brookman challenged those in attendance by saying, “don’t ever forget the man that Heldt was.”

A fellow machine gunner from Heldt’s platoon and close, personal friend, Lance Cpl. Matthew C. Trigo, followed Brookman with his eulogy. He stood before the crowd with tears streaming down his face as he read a letter he’d wrote for Heldt’s widow, Crystal.

“He was loved by everyone,” the 26-year-old from Mantica, Calif., said with voice quivering. “We could all take a lesson from Erik Heldt; the man, and the Marine. He has been a light in so many of our lives.”

Trigo continued to explain that Heldt was a man completely devoted to his wife. He possessed a great sense of humor, a bright, upbeat personality and could make light of any situation, no matter how tough.

“Heldt never ceased to amaze me,” he continued as he read another excerpt. “He would make our field operations and all-nighter missions seem more like camping trips. He made those of us who served with him feel comfortable and welcome. He was carefree but professional at the same time. He possessed a unique courage that allowed him to be just the way he wanted to be, self-expressive and nonchalant.”

Trigo said his late friend took great pride in being a machine gunner and relished opportunities to pass on his knowledge to other Marines.

“Heldt was a great mentor for our junior Marines,” he explained. “He would always make them laugh with his playful charm while teaching them about the weapons system. His approach wasn’t one of the leadership traits, but it worked wonders for our machine gun section. His style made him totally approachable.”

As the ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps, everyone went before Heldt’s memorial – a warrior’s monument comprised of his Kevlar helmet, M-16, dog tags and boots – and paid their respects.

Here, Trigo reflected on his lost friend one last time as he stood in front of the memorial and stared at his picture.

“I will remember the time I had with Erik,” he said. “I will ever cherish our dear friend and brother and eagerly await the next time we hangout together.”