SSG Joshua R. Hager

Army Ranger

 KIA Iraq - Feb. 22, 2007

Josh joined the Army in 1998 and found his home.  His first award was earned in Boot Camp where he was voted the soldier others would most want to follow into battle.  At the time, it was called the Audie Murphy Award.

 Josh joined the famed 82nd Airborne, served one year in South Korea and then applied for Ranger training.  Not only did Josh earn his Ranger Tab, he was asked to remain at the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, Eglin AFB as a Ranger Instructor.  He served in that capacity for 2 1/2 years prior to his deployment to Iraq.

 Josh called one day and said, “I’m training soldiers to be Rangers who have been on multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  I must find a unit that is deploying.”  

 Josh was the Scout Platoon leader for the Commanding Col. at FOB Corregidor, Ramadi, Iraq.  He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart as well as many citations and service awards.  Josh’s main objective was to make sure his Boys returned home safely.  They all did.

 Josh called a week before he was killed and said, “Dad, just called to tell you how much I love you.”  Our men and women choose to serve, not because of who they hate.  They do so because of who and what they love.