Erik served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988-1992 and fought in Operation Desert Storm with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines.

Later in life Erik's attempt to reenlist in the Marines failed due to his age, so he enlisted in the US Army in 2005. Stationed at Ft. Hood, TX with the 4th Infantry Division, Erik deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006, serving in the Baghdad region.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Army Achievement Meda, as well as Campaign medals, including the Southwest Asia Campaign Medal, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Campaign Medal.