Originally coined at Armistice Day to observe the end of major World War I hostilities, Veteran’s Day is celebrated annually on November 11 in the United States of America.
The World War I Armistice with Germany officially went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, finally bringing an end in sight to one of the bloodiest wars in American history.
In Beckham County, schoolchildren will perform programs to honor the area’s living and deceased veterans.
However, Merritt High School alumni Todd Garrett says his late best friend Erik Plumlee never needed something like that to revere American service members.
For Plumlee, the respect and call to service were in his genetics as much as his hair color.
“Erik came from a long line of military service,” Garrett recounted. “That was something that he was always very proud of and had been instilled in him at a young age. Soldiers and Marines were his heroes, starting with his father through his entire childhood. His dad was still being deployed when we were in high school.”
Garrett and Plumlee first met in middle school when Plumlee transferred to Merritt. The pair hit it often immediately, forming an instant friendship.
“It was fun being around Erik and his brother Earl,” Garrett said. “The biggest thing we would play was outdoor stuff, pretending we are in the military and doing that sort of thing. It was a dream for little boys.”
Erik and his older brother Earl, now among the heralded few who have received the Medal of Honor, planned to enlist in the military as soon as they were old enough.
“Being around them, that had been my plan, too,” Garrett remembered. “But I broke my ankle and didn’t join when Erik did. I talked to my buddy Brandon, who enlisted at the same time as Erik. They joined in December of 2000, the year before 9/11. Erik was so excited to do it. He missed his brother, who was older and had already enlisted.”
Garrett recalls missing his friend when Plumlee was away during the summer for basic training. He also said Plumlee had no regrets when the World Trade Center was attacked months later, throwing the world into a global conflict that resulted in many young service members being deployed into war.
“Erik was always going to answer any call given to him,” Garrett said.
Plumlee and Garrett graduated from Merritt High School in 2002.
Plumlee’s military service led him to Colorado and New Orleans in response to Hurricane Katrina.
“I know they saw some crazy stuff after Katrina,” Garrett stated. “There were dead bodies and animals in all that water. The gangs were taking over the hospitals. It was chaos. But, I knew Erik would be alright.”
Plumlee completed his commitment to the United States Army before starting a career in the oilfield.
Plumlee’s career eventually took him to Houston, but the two lifelong friends remained in near-constant contact.
“Brotherhood is important to people who respect the military as Erik did, but he extended that to his friendships. I knew he would do anything for me, and I would do anything for him,” Garrett detailed.
Plumlee beamed with pride when his older brother was honored with the prestigious Medal of Honor. He contacted local media to ensure his brother was recognized locally. Plumlee died unexpectedly on January 29, 2022, shortly after relocating from Houston to western Oklahoma.
His classmates, including Garrett, honored his dedication to the military and to service members who came before and after him.
“That is who Erik always admired. It started with his father, a Lt. Col. He experienced first-hand what military families go through when their parents are deployed, so he didn’t take that lightly. He always wanted to take up for those who couldn’t or to be there for people when they needed it. He was just raised that way, and it was the value he put above anything else,” Garrett said.
With almost two years past since Plumlee’s tragic death, Garrett misses his friend.
The two were closer to family than old schoolmates.
“I don’t know if I would be in the business that I am now converting CVC helmets had Erik not come into my life,” Garrett explained. “He certainly is why I know what I know now about firearms. I had barely shot a gun when I started going to his house, but Erik was taught that not as a hobby. It was a life skill. He loved America more than anyone. He is proud to be from here and took that honor seriously.”
