Eric “Bam Bam” Caban

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Fort Worth, TX

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Staff Sergeant Eric Caban was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC. Caban was injured during a fire fight when enemy forces engaged his combat reconnaissance patrol unit in Southern Afghanistan. He died of his injuries the following day.

His family remembers Eric as persistent in all his endeavors and said that he was never one to quit. It was this “give-it-all” attitude that led Eric to become such a hard-working Green Beret. Awards and decorations include the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and three U.S. Army Achievement Medals. He was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

While in school, Eric, was known as “Bam-Bam” because of his short stature, strength and enthusiastic personality. Eric was a man amongst boys and the ideal soldier.

Age: 28

Date of Death: July 18, 2006