PO1 Erik Dimmett

Boerne, TX

In 1999, at eighteen years old, Erik Dimmett joined the Navy seeking adventure, travel, and new experiences.

On July 26, 2006, Petty Officer First Class Dimmett was on his first combat deployment in Iraq with the 3rd Ordnance Battalion, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 when he was involved in an accidental explosion of homemade ordnances. He sustained severe injuries in the blast, resulting in the above-the-knee amputation of his left leg, burns covering up to 75% of his body, left cornea injury, multiple lacerations and residual scarring to his extremities, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

He was medically evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany and subsequently transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center for advanced treatment. Due to the severity and extent of his burn injuries, he was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center to the burn treatment facility. Erik has no memory of his evacuation or treatment, and recalls regaining consciousness in the Intensive Care Unit, where he remained for 14 days. In total, his hospitalization and recovery period spanned approximately six months.

Erik and his wife, Alejandra, are parents to Isaiah, Angelina, and Luciana. They enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active.

Originally from Georgia, Erik is choosing to build his home in Texas, where he currently resides.