Veteran of the Day graphic created by Alexandra Craig for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Joshua Harris. Joshua served during the War on Terror.
In August 2000, Joshua enlisted in the United States Navy. He attended boot camp at Naval Recruiting Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois and went on to attend the Basic Underwater Demolitions/Sea Air Land training at Coronado, California.
Joshua successfully completed his training in 2001 and was assigned to SEAL Team 10, stationed out of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. Throughout his time as a SEAL, Joshua completed many qualifications: Static Line Parachutist, Naval Special Warfare Special Reconnaissance Scout, Naval Special Warfare Sniper, SEAL Diving Supervisor, Advanced Tactical Driving and others. In addition, Joshua served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2006, Joshua left SEAL Team 10 to join Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2.
On Aug. 31, 2008, Joshua drowned while conducting a river crossing in Afghanistan.
Joshua is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Throughout his time as a SEAL, Joshua reached the rank of petty officer first class SEAL and became highly decorated, earning the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor and numerous other awards and commendations. He is remembered as a renaissance man, a dedicate warrior and a patriot.
We honor his service.
Memorial Day Awareness
This month, the VA’s National Cemetery Administration is partnering with Carry the Load, a nonprofit organization that connects Americans to the sacrifices made daily by the U.S. military, Veterans, first responders and their families to commemorate the “Memorial May” awareness campaign. The VA will share the stories of service members and Veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in “Veteran of the Day” posts leading up to Memorial Day 2019.
Contributors
Editor: Geoffrey Townsley
Fact checker: Jordan Gossett
Graphic design: Alexandra Craig
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