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Remembering SSG Joshua Melton
Monday was not the easiest way to start a week. Writing this post is not the easiest thing to do. This morning I caught a news feed that read “Two Illinois National Guardsmen Killed in Afghanistan”. Immediately my heart dropped.
Having safely returned home from Iraq in March 2006, I felt so blessed that I and every soldier from C 2/123rd Field Artillery returned home safely. A few scares but nothing more than close call stories that you can share with friends every now and then. After nine years of National Guard service I retired. It’s hard to walk away from something that’s been part of your life for so long, but I knew it was time. Others that deployed with me felt they had more to offer. More to sacrifice. One of those soldiers was SSG Joshua Melton.
SSG Melton and his daughter
SSG Melton was only an E-4 Specialist when we were in Baghdad. He quickly jumped up in rank upon arriving home showing his loyalty and love for his country. He didn’t have to go back. He could be home with his wife and his one year old daughter. Many of my buddies that were previously deployed didn’t have to go. They volunteered. They sacrificed. SSG Melton made the ultimate sacrifice.
26 years of age, SSG Melton’s vehicle was hit while on a convoy in Afghanistan. He wasn’t the only killed that day. I also learned that another was killed and two other soldier were injured including one that deployed with me. He was flown to Germany. At this time I don’t know the extent of his injuries. All I can do is pray.
Tribute To a Hero
Now I sit here not sure what to do. I want to call SSG Melton’s family and tell them how sorry I am. To see his wife and daughter and tell them that their husband/daddy is a hero. For now I just reminisce of the memories I have of him. Of his quirky sense of humor. All the while trying to really believe that the news story is right. That it’s his name that I read as the latest fatality. It can’t be? It is.
I tribute this post to you. For the sacrifice that you made for me and my family and this country that you loved. You weren’t asked, you just did. You will always be remembered. You will always be my hero.
“He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)
You can see more pictures of Josh and his family at his tribute site here.
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Jeff~
How beautiful! My husband, Freddie, is also in Afghanistan through the Marion Unit on an embedded training team. Melton was by far one of our favorites! It breaks my heart that my husband can not be here to pay his last respects. But, I have printed your post and will keep it in a scrap book for Freddie so that he can still see how much Melton was loved! Thank you for taking the time to write such a tribute. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS – SERVING AND FALLEN!!!
Thank you Jeff for your service, and our heartfelt thanks SSG Joshua Melton and to his family for the ultimate sacrifice that he has made. His sacrifice brings to mind this verse for me:
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (and his country).
From reading your post it’s obvious that he (and others) really do love their country, and wanted to make a difference in the world. I know that he did. Thank you to all our servicemen, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time.
My brother was among the soldiers that were attacked, but were left unscratched. I believe he knew the two soldiers, as well.
Thanks for your tribute.
I’m thankful to Josh’s sacrifice and hope that every person who doesn’t come home at least serves as an inspiration to those they defended.
Jeff,
WOW, you brought tears to my eyes. I am from Clinton County and know him and his family well, and the community as a whole is so saddened by this tragedy. Your post is amazing and I believe I felt every word you wrote. If you would like some contact information about Josh, I would be happy to get you some family contact.
Much love, Courtney
“Now I sit here not sure what to do. I want to call SSG Melton’s family and tell them how sorry I am. To see his wife and daughter and tell them that their husband/daddy is a hero.”
Do this, Jeff. For yourself, but more importantly, for Mrs. Melton and Josh’s family. It is clear that you genuinely cared for him and feel for those he has left behind. Email me if you feel you may want to take my advice. I can point you in the right direction.
@ Courtney and AMW
The next morning after writing my article, Josh’s wife emailed me and thanked me for the kind words. That alone brought me to tears.
I was able to go to Josh’s visitation and meet his family although I couldn’t utter a single word. All I could do was shake their hand. I hope the pain in my eyes was able to convey the gratitude I have for their son’s service.
Mr. Rose,
Thank you so much for your post. As a close family member of Josh, it is comforting to hear people speak of him. It was obvious during his homecoming procession that many people loved Josh, because he touched their lives in some way. We are cousins born 10 days apart; we spent most of our lives together growing up. He did a wonderful thing for me escorting me down the aisle at my wedding after my own father passed away 3 years before. His wife told me he was absolutely ecstatic and honored to do it. But, that’s how he led his life, in honor and dedication to the ones he loved the most. Thank you again for your beautiful words about our hero, Josh. We are all in great pain knowing that he will no longer join us at family gatherings and such, however we will continue to find comfort in the fact that he died doing what he loved the most. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as well as you grieve with us.
@ Tiffany
Thank you for sharing another touching story about Josh. He truly was a “good” guy; one of a kind. Having only served with him during Iraq, I only have those memories to remember, but there are plenty of good ones. The more I learn about him and his life just reinforces the notion of how special of a person he was. Thanks again for your comment.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/07/in_afghanistan_part_two.html
#32
Sad.