I uploaded some of my pictures from the Hero’s Welcome in Milwaukee: click here.

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Hi hi,

Just thought I’d write an update on life in the US!  It’s great being back…there have been some issues I’ve had to deal with since getting home, but other than that it’s been great.  Julie and I got a new TV, couch, chair, ottoman, and soon a new bed.  The place is coming together very nice.  I’ll be putting some pics up ASAP so look for them.  Since I’ve been home I’ve been to the Chiro for my back, Warped Tour, and tonight Julie and I are going to Motion City Soundtrack.

If anyone wants to get a-hold of me my E-mail is joshuakoch52@yahoo.com and my cell # is (816)260-3344…Thank you all again for everything you have all done for me this past 15 months.  I look forward to seeing you all soon.  I don’t know how long this site will be up but I’ll keep writing and adding more pics ;-)  Love you all…

JOSH

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Josh arrived home yesterday at about 2 PM CDT.  They drove from Indiana to Milwaukee where a Hero’s Welcome was staged.  The commanders of the National Guard of Wisconsin were there as well as the Governor.  At about 2:30 PM they were called to formation and after a few brief speeches were dismissed.

Following the ceremony, the families headed to Josh & Julie’s apartment for a little celebration with sandwiches and cake.  It is hard to believe this 18 month journey is finally over.

It’s good to have him and the unit home.

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Josh has landed on US soil as of early this morning.  He’ll be completing demobilizing tasks for the next four days and after that will be traveling by bus to Wisconsin where the Hero’s Welcome will be held.  Details yet to be determined.

For now, celebrate the fact that our soldiers are home.

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Hello everyone,

Figured since I’m OFF THE ROAD I’d write some words down.  I hope every one is doing well out there and I want to thank you all for everything you’ve all done for me this year.  I’m done with missions and have turned in most of my combat gear including my M-4 which was nice to do.  It’s crazy to think that in less than two weeks I’ll be back in WI just relaxing finally.  Just know that I love you all and thank you all again.  Julie is planning a “coming home party” so I hope to see anyone and everyone there.
Josh

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Independence Day in the US takes on special meaning when a loved one is deployed. The fireworks which seem so festive as a child have a more serious connotation, a reminder of things you’d rather not think about that could be happening.

Anyhow, on the positive side we’re coming down to days — we’re not counting down weeks or months anymore. I got an email from Josh this morning that brought some updates as to where things are at as well as a reminder that nothing is done until it is done. He still has some patrols to do and until he’s back on US soil the Army can still jerk him around.

So it is with cautious optimism that I look forward to later this month. Be safe. And to all of the veterans who are serving or have served this country, I thank you from the bottom of my heavy heart. The sacrifices made have been many and while generally the thank yous are unspoken, they are felt every day that we wake up safe and protected. To the families who have had loved ones make the ultimate sacrifice, I wish I could ease your pain. There are no actions I can take nor words I can share that can state the depths of sorrow I feel of your loss.

Independence Day is meant to be a celebration of our freedom — but more and more I have come to appreciate the sacrifices it has taken to achieve and protect that freedom.

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It hardly seems real, but there are 41 more days until Josh comes home. Josh posted a comment last night and I have to say that it just hit me when he said that … that he comes home next month.

To say I’m excited is an understatement.

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One more thing if my unit will let me I’ve made the choice of switching to be a 13M which is what my unit does…you know the whole mobile rocket launcher thingy.  So we’ll see if that allow me too.  I’m trying to get an E-6 slot and be in-charge of my own launcher and crew…but only time will tell.

 Josh

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HI HI,

Well how’s everyone doing?  Life still life?  Yeah me too…so the Brewers are starting to suck it up a bit huh?!  Oh well there are 100+ games to go haha.  Well anyways, life here isn’t that much different with the move…less missions but more of a pain when we do have them.  Oh well though only a month and some change left and what’s that compared to 10+ months.  I’m on probably one of my last missions up north with my team before the new guys get here, so it’s kind of nice having one last HOORAH with them.  We’ve been on the mission less than 14 hours and Conner has managed to roll his ankle haha…agh that kid.  Well other than that not much new life is life and I can’t wait to get home and start living it again.  Miss you all and LOVE YOU BABY!  Don’t worry I’ll stay safe too…can’t wait for the new guys to get here so I can scare the shit out of them with my “hardcore war stories of how it was back in 06 (when we just had regular doors on the trucks)” haha

Josh 

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I was at Maxwell St. Days in Cedarburg this past weekend, and they had handouts that indicated there is going to be a fund-raiser for the Veteran’s Memorial. The only link I can find on it is buried in a story here.

I talked with Josh’s father this weekend, it sounds like the Army is keeping Josh extremely busy since his return to Iraq.

Outside of that, not much new to report (for better or worse).

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