Joshua A Brock - Purple Heart Recipient

With each passing Memorial Day Holiday I am reminded of the great heritage passed to each of us as citizens of the United States. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two unique holidays that we can honor the veterans that have provided democracy’s forward rights because of their service and sacrifice.
Moments like such give us an opportunity to salute those men and women with our grateful tributes. In my family, I have memories of family members that shared their lives with me through their experiences. My Great Uncle, Oscar Mills, served and suffered because of his war injuries. He wasn’t a complaining person at all, but the rare moments that he did talk you could always see a thousand more words not spoken in his facial expressions and gestures when talking.
May 2006, is a month and year personal experience that I now also reflect. That was when I arrived for the first time in my life at Walter Reed Hospital. Walter Reed and Bethesda are the two hospitals here in the U.S. that is the medical facilities that our wounded soldiers now arrive at from their overseas service, once wounded. Joshua A Brock who served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army as a member of the Kentucky National Guard was flown from German to Walter Reed after sustaining injuries from an I.E.D., while manning guard on a building for the an office of the Iraq Police in his second tour. His first duty call was made while he was a student at Union College in Barbourville, where he was also a member of the Union College Men’s Basketball Program. Joshua was a stand out during his high school days at Bell County High School in Pineville, Ky.
During Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), he was a member then of the Kentucky National Guards Unit in London, Ky. Those soldiers were the first from the 149th in Southeastern Kentucky to step forward in defense of our nations military actions in what was then the “new war on terrorism”. Today, there is no more “new war”. We are now and forever hence, will be involved in a war on terrorism. After returning home Joshua joined the Middlesboro Unit of the 149th and as time passed ordered were received that placed them on buses and airplanes that would land them in Iraq on the frontlines. Because of his previous deployment, Joshua was not required to suit up and bear arms again, but he did. To excuse him self from that service was not a part of his character then, nor is it today. In our discussion of options a line I will never forget is with benefits there is always responsibility, and Joshua A Brock did not wavier on his duty.
His 10 day leave he received near the end of his 2nd tour of duty, and it was just a couple weeks upon returning to the war theater he was wounded with the I.E.D. that exploded while in guard position on an Iraq roof top. When you are notified by official communications from the Defense Department, there is relief to learn is a medical team and not the Office of the Chaplain.
A Purple Heart for your service and recognition of your sacrifice is always appreciated and respected. Personally, my gratefulness is having an American Hero still alive and among me and us. While today the specific holiday has passed, everyday is a perfect opportunity for us to salute those who have served and to pray for those who are serving. The Bible says to give honor and respect to whom it is due, and this “pops” is doing such now with a grateful heart.

Until then