I didn't know Joe and I wasn't in his unit. However, I was an Army officer working with Iraqi Security Forces in Mahmudiyah, Iraq from 2009 until 2010. I was actually patrolling in the same area Joe was on that day, but I didn't hear of the incident until I got back to my base. And I have only recently learned that Joe departed that day. I'm not sure who will read this, but I just wanted to let his family know that they're in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Phil
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's” (KJV).
–Romans 14:8