1LT Eric Yates - Off He Goes

cordurology
cordurology Posts: 227
edited September 2010 in The Porch
One week ago, Army 1LT Eric Yates was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Eric was one of my best friends, went with me to my first Pearl Jam show (Lexington '03) and was a big PJ fan.

Earlier this week I visited his family and was told that he included a note in his will that he wanted me to have his record collection.. "If anything happens to me, give my vinyl records to Matt. I know he will appreciate them." In his collection was the Benaroya Hall box. I remember when he ordered it.. I was tempted to do the same, but didn't. Ever since, it became almost a running joke of me asking him "Are you sure you don't want to sell it to me?" He never relented, but now I have it, and I'd give anything to not.

Eric also left a CD he made, with a handful of songs he wanted played at his funeral, should he not make it home. I was told one was from Pearl Jam, but I didn't know which until I saw the following tribute video a friend of his family made and posted online today.

It'd really mean a lot to me if you guys would take a few minutes to check it out. And while it may not be the lead story on the nightly news anymore, please don't forget we still have troops overseas serving our nation with pride.

Here's the link to the video, which will be played at his funeral on Monday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuJdkW_MjsY

Thanks a lot,
-Matt
Lex 03, Gorge 05, Cincy 06
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Comments

  • jammergirl
    jammergirl Posts: 599
    I am so, so sorry for your loss.


    My brother served in afghanistan and he had quite a few close calls. The feeling of having someone you love serve overseas is a scary, anxious feeling that no one else can quite comprehend. every phone call, watching the nightly news, etc. becomes a stomach-turning experience. I was lucky to get my brother back, but every time I see on the news of another soldier getting killed it's almost as if I'm hearing my brother's name. It's just so easy to put yourself in the family's shoes if you've been through it. please accept my condolences for your loss. If you ever want to talk feel free to send me a PM. -Darcy
  • mfc2006
    mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,496
    Matt--

    Thanks for sharing that & I am so sorry for the loss that you have endured. Words can't quite express what I'm thinking at the moment....just know that that you are all in my thoughts & prayers.

    Wishing all of you the best in this difficult time,

    Matt
    I LOVE MUSIC.
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  • RYEzupSF
    RYEzupSF Posts: 6,003
    Matt- Thank you for sharing Eric for with us. I am so sorry for your loss. You and Eric's other family and loved ones are in my thoughts. I am thinking of you now and will be thinking of you all on Monday.

    Eric- Thank you for your service and sacrifice. I hope, wherever you are, you are finding peace on the flip side.

    With all my gratitude and respect,
    -Sara
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  • Yes Way
    Yes Way Posts: 453
    There are no words.
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  • dimitrispearljam
    dimitrispearljam Posts: 139,747
    Thanks for sharing and sorry for your loss..uff..what to say..cant..
    just this madness of war stops and bring boys back to their homes..

    again,im so sorry for your friend..R.I.P.
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  • eddiec
    eddiec Posts: 4,023
    I'm really sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this tribute of your friend. I found it hard to watch, i can only imagine how you must feel. One of my best friends served in Aghanistan and is being called up to go again. After watching the video of your friend it reminds of the dangers my friend will face. I'm sure everone on this forum knows someone who has or is serving in the military and how all of them put their lives at risk. Again, thanks for sharing the video and my prayers go out to you and 1st Lt Yate's family.
  • eboweddie
    eboweddie Posts: 1,192
    I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic Eric died to save. I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln."

    I feel that this is apt.

    i wish i wish i wish i wish, i guess it never stops
  • Citizen Zack
    Citizen Zack Posts: 1,763
    I'm terribly sorry for your loss Matt. I can't even begin to imagine how this must feel. But know that we're all very proud and appreciative of Eric for giving up everything to go over there in our places. He's a far greater man than I could ever be. You, Eric, and both of your families are in my thoughts and prayers.

    -Zack
    "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." - Thoreau

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  • Rusty Jammer
    Rusty Jammer Posts: 2
    Matt, thank you for sharing the video honoring Eric. As a fellow citizen of Kentucky and someone who also attended the Lexington 03 show (my favorite show ever), this one hits close to home. I got chills watching the video and will keep you, Eric and his family in my thoughts and prayers. I will think of 1LT Yates every time I hear Off He Goes and thank him for serving our country.
  • greasyt
    greasyt Posts: 49
    Thanks for sharing that video Matt. I had a hard time holding back tears watching it. I'm so sorry for your loss. Reminds you how precious life really is. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Eric's family.
  • cordurology
    cordurology Posts: 227
    Thanks so much, you guys. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this, and leave comments. Reminds me that the Pearl Jam fanbase is not so much a fanbase as it is a family. Thanks.
    Lex 03, Gorge 05, Cincy 06
  • sigh eternally
    sigh eternally Chicago Posts: 421
    Thank you 1LT Yates for your service and sacrifice. It won't be forgotten soon. I'm sorry for your (and our) loss, Matt.
  • Lizard
    Lizard So Cal Posts: 12,093
    So sorry for the loss of your friend. That video was very touching...

    R.I.P. Eric. Thanks for your service.

    off he goes.......................
    So I'll just lie down and wait for the dream
    Where I'm not ugly and you're lookin' at me
  • ahill721
    ahill721 Posts: 2,071
    Thanks for sharing something so personal. Eric seems like he was one he'll of a man, sorry for your loss and the loss of everyone who he was able to touch on his journey through life.
  • pj.uw.laura
    pj.uw.laura Posts: 553
    I'm so, so sorry. As the wife of an OIF vet, I can't say I feel your pain because my husband came home safely. But, if it's any consolation, I can say that stories like these make me more appreciative of my husband and the fact that he returned home. So many don't.
  • cordurology
    cordurology Posts: 227
    One last bump.. thanks again everyone.
    Lex 03, Gorge 05, Cincy 06
  • pjfan31
    pjfan31 Posts: 7,335
    So Sad. This is terrible.

    My thoughts are with you and Eric's family. A terrible time.

    R.I.P
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  • Citizen Zack
    Citizen Zack Posts: 1,763
    Watched a special report earlier tonight on a US military division on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border that is under constant attack. Thought about 1st Lt. Yates and the many others who are in such difficult situations so we don't have to be. Bump for him.
    "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." - Thoreau

    No time to be void, or save up on life, you've got to spend it all
  • angiebabyaz
    angiebabyaz Tucson, AZ Posts: 148
    This brought me to tears on Friday...very moving and just so sad to me. So sorry for your loss.
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  • RYEzupSF
    RYEzupSF Posts: 6,003
    Thinking of you today. Hope you are all doing okay.

    bump
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