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Josiah Vandertulip Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Josiah Vandertulip
Teresa Risley
May 24, 2025
Thinking of Josiah and all who sacrificed so that we may have peace this Memorial Day weekend. s for his loved ones.
Karen McCoskey
May 23, 2025
Josiah,
Remembering you on this Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are not forgotten.
Karen Cornish McCoskey
R M
October 16, 2019
Josiah,
In the past fifteen years, not one day has gone by that I have failed to recall your heroic actions on Haifa Street on 14 October 2004. You willingly took the place of another Soldier, who was days away from going on leave to see his wife and small children, on a perilous mission in which you willing accepted the risk. You did so without fear or hesitation, despite knowledge of the threat we faced.
The men you served with will never forget your deeds. You are always at the front of my mind, and I continuously aspire to live up to the virtues you displayed all those years ago when making key decisions. You truly embody the epitome of strength, honor, and courage. The qualities that were inherent to you are those which I try to impart on our fellow Soldiers as well as my own children. I look forward to the day they are old enough for me to share your story with, that they may know the kind of man you were and still are. Thank you for staying with me in dire moments over the past years. Your fighting spirit has been there for me in dark times to guide me back. I love you brother. I am honored and humbled by having the privilege to serve with a man like you.
To the Vandertulip Family,
You welcomed me with open arms when I came home from mid-tour leave and bared witness to the story I had to share regarding exactly what happened that day of Josiah's last full measure. I have never forgotten the grace, kindness, love, and forgiveness you gave me for my failures as Josiah's leader. It wasn't until I had children of my own that I truly understood the anguish of loss you have endured all these years.
As small as these words feel, I hope they find a place in your heart, that the men Josiah served with up until 14 October 2004 remember, honor, and revere the man your son grew up to be. He was truly a divine, courageous warrior who loved his fellow Soldiers and voluntarily laid down his life so they may live on. I have shared his legacy with as many Soldiers who I've had the privilege to lead since knowing Josiah. His story of bravery and sacrifice will live on for as long as I draw breath.
May God truly bless your family for one of the greatest gifts that Josiah was and the sacrifice you and Josiah have made on behalf of myself, the Soldiers with whom he served, and citizens of this grateful nation.
With a solemn and loving heart,
Ryan Patrick Munroe
Scott Vratny
September 24, 2013
Another year has gone by brother. You are remembered often in my mind. Peace be with your family, I can only imagine the pain and anger they feel. I lost my faith after you left.
Scott Vratny
May 27, 2013
Remembering you on this somber day. If their is God in heaven, comfort this beloved family and shelter them from the sorrows of loosing a son. Always remembering you at least 2 days out of the year. It hurts to think of any more. See you on the other side.
Scott Vratny
October 24, 2012
Josia, I miss you brother.
Joe Vallar
October 11, 2012
It is coming up on 8 years since you took your journey to heaven. I still remember meeting you back in 2002 at fort benning during infantry school and then having the pleasure of serving with you in iraq. Not a day goes by that I dont think about you, you were a true friend and a true american hero. You are deeply missed but never forgotten. To the Vandertulip family, you have my deepest sympathy always and forever. Until we meet again bro HOOAH!!!!!
Peggy Childers
October 14, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip:
Please accept my remembrance of Josiah on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Crystal Becerra/McDonald
September 7, 2011
Wow! I cant believe its been 7yrs! I met Josiah back in 1998 @ Irving High we were 15! We were in same grade. And our bdays were a week apart! I got the pleasure to know him & be really good friends & we eventually dated.. & even tho it wasn't that long, he will always have a place in my heart! He was genuine smart funny & super sweet! Miss ya buddy! Save me a seat I can't wait to hear ur jokes & catch u up on some new South Park.. Mmm Kay!!! Love ya!
Sfc Vratny
May 30, 2011
GOD BLESS MY BROTHER IN ARMS. YOU ARE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN AND ILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY WHEN YOU LEFT FOR HEAVEN
Mike and Teresa Risley
May 30, 2011
Dear Vandertulip Family. We have so enjoyed getting to know you recently. We feel the love you have for each other and, on this Memorial Day, we want to extend our love and gratitude to you and your precious Josiah for the gift of freedom we Americans enjoy as a result of your sacrifice.
GEORGE DAWSON III
January 25, 2011
GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU KNOWING THAT YOUR SONS SPIRIT LIVES FOREVER IN GODS JOURNAL OF HEROES NO GREATER LOVE THAN TO LAY DOWN HIS HUMAN LIFE
SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE FREE
GEORGE DAWSON III
January 25, 2011
GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU
YOUR SON HAS GIVEN HIS HUMAN LIFE SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE FREE
NO GREATER LOVE CAN A MAN HAVE FOR HIS FELLOW MAN
HIS SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER IN GODS HOUSE OF HEROES YOU WILL BE COMFORTED IN PRAYERS AND DEEDS
THANK YOU FOR RAISIG SUCH A GREAT YOUNG MAN
WHAT A GREAT SMILE !!!!!
Peggy Childers
October 14, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip:
Remembering Josiah on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
October 20, 2009
To the family of Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip:
Josiah gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
September 3, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Asa Vandertulip
June 4, 2009
Thank you all for your kind words. I am Josiah's older sister and wanted you to know that the family appreciates all the messages we still receive. Thank you and God Bless!
Raul
May 24, 2009
Vandertulip Family,
I am a Veteran soldier myself and would like to send your brave son a Soldiers SALUTE. I wish your family peace and unity. Thankyou and GodBless
DANIEL MARTIN
October 15, 2008
WOW...FOUR YEARS AGO REALLY....SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY SOMETIMES. I THINK BACK TO HIGH SCHOOL AND ALL THE GOOD TIMES WITH JOSIAH AND CANT HELP BUT WONDER HOW MANY AMAZING THINGS HE WOULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED BY NOW. HE WILL STAY IN MY HEART AND MIND FOREVER AND I TRUELY LOST A REALLY GOOD FRIEND!
In Memory of Josiah ~ (Debra Estep)
October 14, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Josiah, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
October 12, 2008
To the family of Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip:
Josiah gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
michelle beraud
July 16, 2008
i talked to him every day while he was in iraq... and in korea... then one day i saw his picture on tv... that day will live in my memory forever ... my brother was his roommate in korea they called them the twins... we all called him tulip... and i have not nor will i ever forget my long lost friend
Stacy Godby
May 27, 2008
Thank you, Josiah, for your sacrifice for freedom. May God bless you and your family.
Mike and Shirley Donahue
May 15, 2008
As we think of him, we think of you. http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php
April 19, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Vandertulip!
John Halpin
August 15, 2007
My name is John Halpin and I served with Josiah in South Korea for many months, I've just found out today from one of our old NCO's that he had passed. I've lost many friends in the war, but by far he has been one of the most outgoing, likeable characters I think I have ever met. I'm truly heartbroken to learn of his death at such an early age, but I believe in my heart he was with people who cared about him, while he was doing what he loved. To Josiah's parents go my deepest condolences. If you will contact me I have some pictures of Josiah you might enjoy.
July 31, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
jeremy ALLEN
July 20, 2007
My name is Spc Allen, I served on his funeral detail. I would just liek to say after severing my own tour I apreciate the sacrifice that your family has made for the freedom of others!!!!
July 13, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Vandertulip and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
K McCarthy
January 6, 2007
God bless Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip, and God bless his family. It must be unimaginable to lose a son. His service to his country will not be forgotten.
Rita Bartgis
January 5, 2007
Robert and Family: My prayers are with you all. My son is in the Army - Calvary. He will be going to Iraq in May. Your son is a hero and his bravery will never be forgotten. God Bless you all.
David Glazebrook
December 1, 2006
Josiah was a wonderful young man who served bravely and proudly. I was and am proud to have served with him in Iraq. I think of him often and will never forget him. My deepest sympathy goes to his family.
CPT David Glazebrook
Susan (Vandertulip) Miller
November 3, 2006
Dearest Robert--my heart goes out to you and your wonderful family. I will pray for you and your family and remember you fondly. I know Josiah had to have been a great man and I know you must miss him greatly; but you will see him again. Love to you all
Mary Siqueiros-Adams
October 15, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love-Mary Siqueiros-Adams
Ronald Hartshorn
October 15, 2006
May God watch over you and yours, and may His spirit comfort you.
Steve Forrester
October 15, 2006
Robert, Louise, and Family-
I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today, as every day, as you remember Josiah on this second anniversary of his death, as well as his first meeting with our Lord. I will forever think about you at this time-but, again, knowing this brave soldier is at the right hand of God makes me feel very secure-I know our Lord is proud to have him!!
Garnet Jenkins
October 14, 2006
Remembering this Young Hero, Spc. Josiah H. Vandertulip, on this 2nd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our country, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom.
May Josiah rest in God's Loving Care and know that he will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Grace and Comfort, continue to be with the Vandertulip family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967.
Hoping you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
May the memories of Josiah, live in your heart always.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 25, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Vandertulip family in the loss of Josiah. I did not know Josiah, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Josiah my heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. It has been 18 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Kari Acord
July 17, 2005
Hi everyone,
I don't know for sure if you still check this page, but just in case you do I just wanted to let you all know that I love you guys. Yall were always like a family to me back in the day and I am still thinking of you all. I miss Josiah, everyone and all the great memories we had. I’ll never forget them.
Carolyn (Smith) Hankins
June 1, 2005
Dear Robert, Louise, family and loved ones of Josiah,
Memorial Day 2005 has come and gone, but there has not been a single day that has passed since I read Josiah's obituary that I have not prayed and grieved for your loss. God grant your courageous, noble warrior eternal rest, and may the Lord work His mysteries in easing your pain.
Josiah's sacrifice - your sacrifice - will not be in vain. Our great country will prevail in the war on terror and in the liberation of Iraq owing all to brave, committed young people like your son. He joins the exalted ranks of hero sons and daughters in giving his life for America, and you are parents of one of our very best.
Bless you.
My deepest sympathies, Carolyn Smith Hankins
scott kinder
May 30, 2005
I served with Josiah and knew him very well. I was lucky to call him a good friend. He is missed every day by my wife and I.
Casey McGee
May 20, 2005
I am truly sorry and you will be in my prayers! I just heard the news yesterday. I only knew him as Asa's kid brother but I can say that I knew he would stand out among the rest and really make you proud. God Bless you all!
Justin Spurgeon
May 8, 2005
I would like to offer my condolences to the Vandertulip family. You are all in our prayers. I am so glad I had the opportunity to go to school with Josiah and get to know him.
Robert Price
March 2, 2005
To the parents of Josiah:
I would like to say how sorry i am first off for your loss. I knew him in high school and we left for basic training the same day. I have been here in iraq for 9 months and in my heart and mind he is a true hero. Once again i am deeply sorry for your loss.
Todd & Gwen Packer
November 15, 2004
Louise, Robert, and family,
Gwen and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. We didn't find out until recently and just wanted to let you all know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and God bless.
Matthew Pritchett
November 13, 2004
To all who loved Josiah,
I found out about his death in an airport coming back from leave. It was a terrible shock to me. Vandertulip and I were in the same Basic Training Unit in 2002. His character always stood out. Josiah was always kind and gracious to me, and I will remember him as such. To the Vandertulip family I offer my sincere condolences and gratitude. You are all in my prayers.
Cadet Matthew Pritchett
David Karen Jonathan & Amanda Sitton
November 11, 2004
We are so very sorry to hear of Josiah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love always,
Shawna Lugo
November 10, 2004
I know there is no words or sayings in the world that could make you both feel any better. Josiah was well known in the yahoo military 10 chat room. Everyday all of the usualls would go in there and wait for Josiah to come in and liven up the room, and ever since he was taken from us, it just hasn't been the same. Our thoughts our with you both and with all of your family. We will miss him dearly. He will never be forgotten. Mindl3sselfindulgence will live forever in military 10. Love, Shawna, Gwen, Marla, Jen and everyone else that I didn't mention.
Mary Siqueiros
October 26, 2004
Dear Robert and Louise-
It is with great sadness that I write this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Joshia sounds like he was a young man who had beautiful qalities from both of you. I have seen his picture and I can envision you two so clearly. Again, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Siqueiros-Adams
Mollie (Acree) Murphey
October 26, 2004
Dear Robert & Louise - My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Etzold-Benning
October 25, 2004
Dearest Louise and Robert,
I am so terribly sorry for your lose, a day doesn't go by that I haven't loved and prayed for you-all. I know you-all are so proud of Josiah, he was such a brave and directed young man. With his service to our fine country in Iraq, he has made me feel so safe at home. Though his time on earth and with you-all was so short, I believe that God placed Josiah with you all for a reason-and when his job was done he was called home. I know you and Robert will miss him terribly, (and through the lose of my own father not to long ago I carry him in my heart always), as will you and Robert.
Love,
Jennifer Pickrell
October 24, 2004
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a beautiful young man, and I am so blessed to have had the chance to know him. My love and prayers go out to your family.
Nicole Kincaid
October 22, 2004
Josiah was one of my closet friends and it hurts to know he's there anymore. However I know in my heart that he is in heaven looking down on all of his loved ones. <3
Marty Pollizi
October 22, 2004
I am a friend of Craigs and never met Josiah, but I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you.
It takes a person with quality character and courage to put the well being of others before their own. Josiah did just that.
I am humbled that he did this so that I and my children would have a safe and free place to live.
God bless you and Josiah.
Loretta Butchko
October 22, 2004
My son Lotis played hockey with Josiah on the wolfpack. We were very lucky to have known such a wonderful young man. I am very saddened by your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Ron & Audrey Coats
October 22, 2004
Robert, Louise, and family,
Words cannot express our grief over your loss. We take comfort in knowing that Josiah is with God and that we will see him again someday. Our prayer is that your grief will be lessened by this knowledge as well. We love you all and hope you know that we are here whenever you need us for any reason at all.
Steve Forrester
October 21, 2004
Louise,Robert,and families-
I tried hard all day yesterday to figure out if there was anything in the world that I could say or do that would comfort you in this tragic time in your lives-I asked the Lord to guide me,and,after talking with Robert,I believe that was what the Lord wanted me to do;just call and talk to you. We were best of friends for years,but we then get caught up in this sometimes incomprehensible thing we call life. Many years went by,and on one particular day,I felt this overwhelming desire and need to find the Vandertulip's-I did a little work,and soon we were on the phone,catching up. I feel so lucky and blessed that I found you! Friends are friends-I don't really subscribe to the theory of there being various degrees of friendship-either you are or you're not.We had some great times as we grew up,and now,we grieve. I can only let you know how much I love this beautiful family,and my heart and spirit have been broken by this tragedy. Please know that there is no doubt in my mind that Josiah is with our Lord,still in uniform,guarding those Gates to eternal life,waiting patiently for the day we will join him. I personally look forward to that reunion,because I was not one of the fortunate ones to have had the pleasure of knowing Josiah,and to have shared the passions he had in serving his Lord and his country. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we will meet someday,and I personally am so glad that Josiah is watching over us!
So,my sweet and dear friends-please know the Forrester's are remembering you today,tomorrow,and every day after that-We feel good in the knowledge that your relationship with our Lord is rock solid-ours are not to question why,because there is no definitive answer to that question of why.
So,we love you so much,and you know I am only a phone call away! I ask that you read this and take it to heart,as it surely comes from mine!
Our love,our thoughts,and our prayers will forever be with you,and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Steve Forrester
Lydia,Nikki,Aimee Burris
October 21, 2004
Our prayers are with you. Nikki was a friend of Josiah and we are members of Plymouth park so we knew him from church.We are so sorry.
Pam & Steve Hendrix
October 21, 2004
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Denese (Dodson) Martin
October 21, 2004
My deepest and heart felt sympathy to you and your family in your time of loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
SUSAN MALESKEY
October 21, 2004
MY SON NICK MALESKEY HAS BEEN A FRIEND OF JOSIAH SINCE JR.HIGH SCHOOL. WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE ENJOYED HAVING HIM OVER OUR HOUSE, HE SEEMED JUST PART OF THE FAMILY.MY SON HAS LOST A GOOD FRIEND AND IS VERY SAD.HE WILL ALWAYS BE KNOWN TO US AS A FRIEND AND A HERO TO ALL US THAT KNEW HIM. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
THE MALESKEY FAMILY
SUSAN,RICK AND SONS NICHOLAS AND MICHAEL.
Brown's Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
October 21, 2004
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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