Eric Joseph Blake

SFC Eric Blake joined the Army in 1988 just a month after turning 17. He has served with the Army Reserves, 2nd Ranger Battalion stationed on Fort Lewis, the California National Guard and the Washington National Guard. For his service in multiple deployments as well as nearly 24 years in the military he has earned numerous commendations and awards to include the Bronze Star for his actions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Army Commendation Medal, 4 Army Achievement Medals and multiple other awards. SFC Blake earned his Ranger Tab, Air Assault Badge, and the Parachutist Badge and was assigned as an Infantry Instructor, an OCS Platoon Trainer NCO as well as being an instructor for the University of Washington's ROTC program. Through his instructor positions SFC Blake has touched the lives of hundreds of soldiers. He distinguished himself as one of the most professional and proficient NCOs the Guard has ever had. SFC Blake's influence will resonate through the Guard for years as his dedication, loyalty and passion for the military will carry on through the hundreds of Soldiers who he has mentored. He was the model of a man committed to those people and...[more]

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ganizations which he loved. Eric Blake was a person to be admired and respected, someone who always saw the best in people and went out of his way to assist others. He was always working to improve himself and was willing to share what he knew with those around him. He mentored and provided guidance to both peers and subordinates alike always willing to work with others. He is a man whose influence stretched through his church, his family and the military touching hundreds of lives. SFC Eric Blake passed away on January 20, 2012, leaving behind his wife, Kaia and his parents William and Karen Blake.