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Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke

Eric F. Cooke Obituary

When Eric Cooke was 17, police arrested him for possession of burglary tools. But by the time he reached his 40s, the military had turned him around. Besides earning two college degrees, Cooke reached one of the Army's highest noncommissioned ranks _ command sergeant major. Cooke, 43, who grew up in the Phoenix area, was killed Dec. 24 after his convoy vehicle struck a homemade bomb. He was based in Friedberg, Germany, where he met his wife of 23 years, Dagmar. Cooke also served in the 1991 Gulf War, where he earned a Bronze Star. "The U.S. Army did for that boy what I could not have done for him," said his mother, Georgia Cooke, who lives near Molalla, Ore. "They turned him into a man and a man among men, and that is not a mother bragging." Other survivors include his father, Cord Cooke, of Mesa, Ariz.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric F. Cooke

52 Entries

Leroy White

March 28, 2025

Hi I had the pleasure to serve with CSM Cooke he was 1SG Cooke when I was in 1/1 Cav. In Buedingen Germany HHT 1/1 Cav. I was Support Plt. Platoon Sgt. When we deployed to Bosnia. He was Soldiers soldier. He loved soldiers. We had a offline conversation one day about God. I gave him a Gospel tract to read. He was easy to understand and use the common sense approach to problem solving I learned a lot from him. May he find rest in the eternal arms of God. From SSG.White L. May God Bless his Wife and Family with his Love.

Michael Starr

May 30, 2022

Thanks for all the mentorship and friendship. You were Soldier I could look up to and hope one day be able to fill your boots. You were an amazing Soldier and friend , I miss our conversations. The world has been less fortunate with your loss. I will joint you on Fiddlers Green one day. Love You, Brother

RIP my friend

Sam Perrotta

December 10, 2020

I was just at your resting pace, RIP my friend, I will never forget that day. Always thinking about you and your wife, back out time together back in Germany and Iraq 2003. Probably smoking a cigar in heaven. See you soon Eric, with love and friendship Sam Perrotta CSM (Ret.) 501 FSB, 1BCT, 1AD Friedberg, Germany.

Derrick Tillman

December 27, 2017

CSM, every year that goes by you are re,memebered around this time of the year. Not that you're not throughout the year. God Speed..

Marklein

December 24, 2017

Cant believe its been 14 years CSM.
Many days it seems like last night.
I will never forget what you did for us.

Dean Neighbors

December 24, 2017

Thought about you today CSM. This was a sad day for many, including me. Hope the chow is good and cigars are fine up there. RIP.
Never Forget!

December 24, 2015

On the 12th anniversary of his passing, I still honor and respect CSM Eric Cook.

Peggy Childers

December 25, 2012

December 24, 2012
To the family and friends of Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke:
Always remembering Eric. "Some gave all."

Marklein

December 24, 2012

More than Men but less than God
Heroes All
Soldiers that couldn't beat the odds
Destined to Fall
15 Months on the front lines
And I hear we're going again
Before we do let me tell you a story
Of a Man who was my friend
His Name was Eric Francis Cooke
His mother called him Buzz
But we just called him Sergeant Major
It was who not what he was
Now he got up every morning
Well before the light
Just to send his Mother an E-Mail
Telling her he was alright
And he could have stayed behind the wire
Every single day
Instead he rode out to check on his Troopers
Making sure they were all OK
9 Years ago on Christmas Eve
Lord his mother got the call
That he's more than a man but less than God
And he's a Hero to us all
More than men but less than God
Heroes All
Soldiers that couldn't beat the Odds
Destined to Fall.

Derrick Tillman

August 14, 2012

I miss you CSM, Truly I do.

August 12, 2012

This good man and command sgt is still well remembered, respected and honored for a life=well lived.

Betty Scott

May 28, 2012

I Love And Miss You So Very Much Cousin.

Paul Williams

February 29, 2012

CSM Cooke. Yes, I served on an M1A1 tank with him in the first gulf war. He was always working, either mentally or physically. He was very optimistic during bad situations. He had the entire skillset of a professional soldier. Composure, stoic under pressure, and humble when bestowed upon.Born for the trade. So kind and considerate of his men. While utterly fearless on the battlefield. An ordinary man who connected with ordinary people. Six long months under the desert sky on that steel machine, right beside Eric Cooke. Odd, I always felt like I was completely safe in his capable hands. It is indeed my hope, that jesus welcomed his servant home, to finally rest.

December 26, 2011

That night is Still very fresh in my mind. CSM Cooke will always be a guiding factor in my career and my life.

Peggy Childers

December 24, 2011

To the family and friends of Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke:
Please accept my remembrance of Eric on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Robert M

September 9, 2011

To a mentor and a friend. Your way of leadership helped me be a better NCO. I used what you taught me to be what I am today.

David Marklein

March 7, 2011

More than men, but less than god
Heroes all
Soldiers that couldn’t beat the odds
Destined to fall

Fifteen months on the front lines
And I hear we’re going again
Before we do let me tell you a story
Of a man who was my friend

His name was Eric Francis Cooke
And his mother called him Buzz
But we just called him Sergeant Major
It was who, not what he was

Now he got up every morning
Well before the light
To send his mother an email
Telling her he was alright

And he could have stayed behind the wire
Every single day
Instead he rode out to check on his troopers
Making sure they were all OK

Three years ago on Christmas Eve
Lord his mother got the call
That he is more than a man but less than god
And he’s a hero to us all

More than men but less than god
Heroes all
Soldiers that couldn’t beat the odds
Destined to fall

I love you Sergeant Major,
and I will never forget what you did for me that night.
Ready First!!!

December 25, 2010

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Peggy Childers

December 24, 2010

To the family and friends of Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke:
Remembering Eric on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Jeremiah Houle

December 4, 2010

I served my time in Baghdad, Iraq 2003/2004 with HHC 1/37 support platoon. I knew command SGT MAJ Cooke and I was at his fob when he went out on his last convoy. I remember like it was yesterday, I remember I was done with my mission for the night and I was on the computer talking to my family when all of a sudden I saw a lot of soldiers running outside in full battle gear. I asked someone what is going on and they said Command SGT MAJ got hit. I knew we were getting ready to go on a big raid right before that so we were already all fired up as it was but after that happened it was like adding fuel to the fire.

Any ways I just wanted to send my condolences to all his family and friends. I was to lucky too many times in Iraq that I know what it is like to lose someone close to you. I should have been dead to many times but instead I just lost part of my hearing and part of my mind and instead of me that died I also lost some good friends. Every day I am thankful to still be here even though I was on a very self destructive path for awhile. Like the time I got out of the Army in 2006 till pretty much last year. The VA and my new girlfriend are doing their best to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel and to help me see that I still can have a somewhat normal life again.

formal CPL Houle,Jeremiah

Donna Gillette

December 27, 2009

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

December 25, 2009

Last night, as I do every 24 DEC at roughly 2000, I smoked a cigar in CSM Cooke's Honor. Though I will always remember the IED that night, I will also never forget the Good man, Good friend and great NCO that was lost that night. There are many of us that have used CSM Cooke as the standard of what a Soldier, an NCO and a CSM should be.

SGM R. Ochsner
Camp Stone, Afghanistan

Peggy Childers

December 23, 2009

To the parents of Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke:
I know your pain
I know your sorrow
It feels as though there's no tomorrow
It's Christmastime
Your child is gone
But know that from the great beyond
He's watching you
And is so proud
Wanting you to sing strong and loud
Allow this Christmas season in
So loving life can begin again.

Kenna

November 24, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

MSG (Retired) Greg Forney

May 25, 2009

Dagmar,
My name is Greg Forney. I served as Senior Personnel Sergeant for 1/1 Cavalry, Buedingen, Germany from 1996 through 1999. 1SG Cooke was one of the most honest and caring people that I had the privileged to serve with doing my 23 years of military service. He was always concerned about his Soldiers doing what was honorable and right. Most importantly ,how to be a better person, Husband, Soldier and Father.

My God continue to be with you.

In Memory of Eric ~ (Debra Estep)

January 1, 2009

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.

The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Eric, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008

The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Peggy Childers

December 24, 2008

To the family of Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke:
Eric gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Joe McGee

November 17, 2008

To this day, my friends picture stays in view in my home office. I will always value our friendship, long talks we had, the good times, and bad. He is, will always be a role model of excellence. Eric was a special NCO that cared, worked hard, strived to be the best. I will always remember the great times, he, Dagmar, and my family had together. I always think of him, and I will always miss him each and everyday. CSM (R) Joe McGee

Eric and his lovely wife Dagmar, April 2003

Georgia Cooke

September 13, 2008

CSM Cooke and a youth in the streets of Baghdad

Georgia Cooke

September 5, 2008

It is comforting to see that there are those responding with condolences for my son that has been gone for almost 5 years. Life goes on and those that have passed on are often forgotten. It seems, somehow, that as long as Eric is remember by his peers, I am less empacted with his passing. Oh, he was the son every mother hopes to have - a good friend, a man of intregity, a loving husband to his beautiful wife Dagmar, a tease, a constant comforter - how I miss him, still.

R Collis

July 23, 2008

It is difficult to know what to say since I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Command Sgt Maj Cooke. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten. I wish everyone impacted by this tragic loss strength and peace. I hope that Command Sgt Maj knew that there are people in America who respect his great courage in serving as a member of the US military. Although I did not know him, I know that he must have been a very special person to be willing to do something that most Americans will never have to experience, and for that we can never say thank you enough.
Thank you Command Sgt Maj Cooke!

March 22, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Command Sgt Maj Cooke!

darryl eid

February 26, 2008

i knew sgm cook in germany and benning greastest man i ever knew he is and always in my prayers

Debbie , Kenny Coffey

December 24, 2007

This is the holiday season that is for family and friends.Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the COOKE family,Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HERO[ES] shall NEVER be forgotten,Rest well brother as prommised that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the tallons,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation.THANK..YOU..HO..YAAH..B.V.C.

Susan Stanley

November 6, 2007

Dear relatives of Eric, my son SSGT Russell J. Verdugo is buried in Arlington National Cemetery along with your hero. I took some photos last Memorial Day Week-end 2007 and have a photo of your Eric’s grave site and marker. If you would like a copy emailed to you, please let me know. My son was also raised in Phoenix area and also had a few special moments with the police. I know we are so very proud of our fallen heroes, but we miss them so.
In loving remembrance of our heroes!
Gold Star Mother,

August 6, 2007

I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 8, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Command Sgt Maj Cooke and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Linda Flannery

June 11, 2007

Remembering and honoring one of America's bravest.
CSM Cooke, you are a true Patriot of America. May time heal your family's wounds, and may you rest in peace in the Arms of the Lord.
My flag flies in your memory.

1SG Robert Ochsner

May 30, 2007

I am back in Iraq. And every day I still think of the CSM. Of the lessons he taught me. Treating Soldiers with dignity and respect, being a valued advisor to my commander not just "the 1sg". He taught me to be a mentor to Soldiers and a few of them are in this legacy web page too. Memorial day brings thier faces and names to mind, but CSM Cooke's is the one I see as much as my brother's.

Valerie leon

May 29, 2007

My son is with the 1/1 Commanche and told me about SgtMajor Cook and cried when he did. He really looked up to the man in Iraq. Very sorry for the family loss.

Chuck Bolick

March 20, 2007

CSM Cooke was a mentor, role model, and teacher to all of us in 1-1 CAV. He always lead from the front and his spirit will be with me for the rest of my life. When I visited his grave I laid a Blackhawk crest on his head stone and I was wearing my Stetson. He is my HERO and I will always use what he taught me and carry on with the Cavalry traditions he loved i.e., Taking care of the Troopers, the Horses, Spurs, Stetson, and Cigars. BLACKHAWK

Garnet Jenkins

December 23, 2006

With the holidays upon us, as well as the 3rd anniversary of the day Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
It is my honor to remember this Brave Soldier.
May he, rest safely in God's Loving Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Cooke family.
There will never be enough ways, to humbly thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 12/6/67

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4

May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of Eric will remain in your heart forever and that this Country remembers his sacrifice.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

June 15, 2006

I previously signed Eric's guest book. I live close to Arlington National Cemetery and I am there often. Today while I was at ANC I stopped by and honored/visited Eric. You are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

March 15, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Cooke family in the loss of Eric. I did not know Eric, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Eric it has been a little over 2 years since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom

To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Clyde Bowden & family

December 2, 2005

please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences.

MSG Robert Ochsner

November 24, 2005

CSM Cooke was not only a mentor but a freind. I was right behind him the night he died. He'd given blood that day for a soldier that had been wounded the night before. We have pictures of my section smoking Cigars that he gave us, " For my friends only" he said. I emember the day Vince is talking about, and I was soaking up the lessons he was teaching of how to be a compassionate leader.

I found this web site because my brother is listed here too. The nation has taken a huge loss with the passing of these men and the 2000+ others like them.

I carry a casing from the salute they fired for The CSM. I will add another one on the 2nd. Every year on Christmas eve I stop at 8 at night and have a glass of wild turkey and smoke a cigar, in rememberance of CSM Cooke. Even almost two years after his death I talk about him, and get choked up.

Spc.jonathan hubbard

November 15, 2005

Oh God do you know what kind of a man you took from us? CSM Cooke was the kind of nco that whould get dirty with his joes& held a high standard for his non-coms.I was in Buedingen from 99-02 and when I was told that he was called home by the "BIG MAN", I still cant beleave it.I can tell you this I have probly the only known photos of CSM Cooke.At the farwell bash of 1stsgt Schindler,and at the promation of sfc Atoment. Now that I know this site excist Ill do what needs to be done to ensure his face and presance is not forgotten. Every funeral I engauge in I still wear Csm Cooke's kia bracelt,and EVERY time I still feel his presance.

vincent miller

May 30, 2005

Here is a copy of the farewell letter that I wrote the day CSM Cooke died..........

Farewell to mentor, friend;

I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to someone very special. On Dec. 24, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric F. Cooke was killed by a bomb while on a mission in Baghdad, Iraq.

Cooke was part of the “Ready First” Brigade (1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division) for over a year, and during that time I watched his professionalism and dedication to duty touch every soldier that came into contact with him. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him on a daily basis. He was not only my command sergeant major, he was my coach, teacher, mentor and friend. Cooke was the consummate professional, always sharing his experience and knowledge with soldiers; he would challenge and exhort you to do your best, and at the same time he was man enough to know when to give a kind word of encouragement.

War often gives us the opportunity to see and experience sides and parts of ourselves and others that we ordinarily would not experience. This is true for me also, as I would routinely accompany Cooke on his daily patrols and visits to the battalions and companies out in the sector. This was his time to share his knowledge, concern and support with the troops on the ground.

One incident I will never forget was on a hot day in July — 140 degrees and in full “battle rattle” made for a very long day. As we were heading back to the brigade headquarters, the command sergeant major made one last stop at a company command post. This company had taken rocket attacks the previous night and Cooke wanted to check on the troops’ morale.

Once we stopped, I assumed local security on the ground for him. He made his usual rounds, asking questions and giving words of encouragement to the soldiers. On our way out, Cooke stopped to talk to a young private that was on latrine burning detail. I moved on ahead to wait in the vehicle to leave.

After waiting 45 minutes, I walked back around the corner of the building and there he was, the brigade command sergeant major standing in full battle rattle, in the blazing sun with the stirring stick in his hand, burning the waste while he talked with the soldier, and it was the private that had his Kevlar off and drinking water as they talked. And that is how I will always remember him: concerned about soldiers, involved in their well-being and never too busy to give a word of encouragement.

Though I feel great loss and heartache at his death, I also feel very fortunate to have known him and great pride to have served with him. Through my 15 years of military service, Cooke was one of the very few leaders that embodied the principles that make not only a great soldier, but also a great man.

Command Sgt. Maj. Cooke, I am proud to be your brother in arms and I will never forget you.

Staff Sgt. Vincent S. Miller

1st Armored Division

Derrick Tillman

April 20, 2005

CSM Cooke was my BDE CSM and I had just left Iraq when this happened. If he had asked I would have stayed with him over there because he truly cared for his soldiers. Someone who I truly admired and respected. He is truly missed.

TSgt. Gary W. Sliney

March 18, 2005

This is the First I've heard of this. Eric and I were good friends prior to his entry into the Army. He is the reason I joined. I met him again in Giesen W. Germany. I always wondered where he was. He is truely missed by us all! His old friend from Concord Village Gary.

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