#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Joshua “Zach” Beale

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Joshua Beale, who served from 2011-2019 and died from wounds in his service in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Joshua Beale, also known as “Zach,” was a native of Carrollton, Virginia. In 2008, Beale graduated from Old Dominion University and received his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.

In 2011, Beale enlisted in the Army. He attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and subsequently graduated from the Army’s Airborne School. In 2013, Beale completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and served with the 3rd Special Forces Group based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

On Jan. 22, 2019, Beale passed away from small arms fire sustained during combat operations in Tirin Jot, located in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. He was on his fourth tour overseas with 3rd Special Forces Group and his third deployment to Afghanistan.

Beale posthumously promoted to sergeant first class and received a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and a Meritorious Service Medal. During his career, Beale received three Bronze Star Medals, an Army Achievement Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Beale is survived by his wife and two children.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Editor: Michelle Cannon

Fact checker: Vivian Hurney

Graphic artist: Michelle Zischke