During his time in service, Erik was on deployment to Iraq in 2012 when he suffered an injury to his left knee and calf. This resulted in a drastic reduction in blood flow to his foot -60% was lost, leading to the formation of 27 different blood clots over the following year, 3 of which spread to his heart and lungs. After spending the next few years attempting limb salvage, to save his leg, the decision was made to amputate his left leg below the knee.