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24 year old son, brother, grandson, and uncle was laid to rest today, Sat. June 26, 2010 after a week and a half of travel from Kunduz, Afghanistan to Delaware, finally to Flint, MI where he grew up in the home of Dennis and Teri Johnson.

10 days, since June 16th, the day a black car pulled up to the Johnson's home in Flint delivering a US flag and delivering the news of the death of their son, the family was more than ready to add some closure to this nightmare they are living. The past 2 days, which should have been a different kind of celebration in his families lives, his niece's 4th birthday and his sister and brother-in-law's 5th anniversary, was spent 9 hours each day at Sharp Funeral Home where hundreds, if not more came to honour his short life. A life that ended too soon while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom dismantling bombs.

Joe was in the US Army for 4 years, and was ranked Specialist Sergeant (one of the four junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army, just above Private First Class and equivalent in pay grade to Corporal). Joe was killed when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle in the northern Afghanistan city of Kunduz. He was presented with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Action Medal for his service. He was loved by everyone he worked with, they knew he had their backs. He was funny and volunteered for everything. His older sister says she remembers him best as her idiot younger brother, however she respects him and loves him. His parents remember his sweet smile and long talks.
His parents are honouring his life by a lowered USA flag in their front yard, mini flags lining their driveway and street in front of their home. His life was honoured today in a 2 hour long service at Central Church of the Nazarene, where almost literally 5 years early her stood by his sister's side as she got married. The service was honoured with the presence of a 3 star general who came, not by requirement or even expectation, but because he liked Joe. Family and friends who loved Joe, wrote letters to be read for all to hear. His sister said it was great to hear about his life in the army, his life different from their childhood, a life of loving what he did. She later explained to her 4-year old Hailey, that her uncle Joe is in heaven now with her little sister Katelyn who was born with 3 other brothers and sisters 9 months ago but lived only 3 days.

The service was led by Joe and Jennie's youth leader as well as 2 other pastors from their church. Today's service was attended by many men in uniform, including high school and army friends, even friends who are in the Marines. The funeral procession included 250 cars that were surrounded by police escorts greeted by strangers along the route to the cemetery who were holding flags, and placing their hands over their hearts. The burial was accompanied with "Taps" played by bag-pipers and a 21 gun salute.

Joe will be remembered by his niece, Hailey by an army teddy bear named Joe that her uncle bought for her. He will be remembered by his family by the medals they received as well as the memories that they hold in their hearts.
Here's a video from the news on the funeral service, a link to the whole funeral service and an article from the newspaper.

Joe in Afghanistan:

Joe - before Afghanistan:

Funeral Pictures

Rock in Flint, MI in Honour of Joe!

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In international news: there was a huge protest with police cars on fire in Toronto, ON Canada at the G20 Summit.

In Local News: I've swam 50 laps, did the Ab Ripper X from P90X and ran about a mile.