New York, New York
A grandfather, Joseph Behnke was much older than most of the soldiers in his unit. To prepare for Iraq, he ran up and down the beach at Coney Island carrying a backpack filled with sand. "He would always say, 'Son, there's nothing more honorable than dying for your country,'" said his son, Jason Limage, 28. Behnke, 45, of New York, was killed Dec. 4 when he was thrown from his Humvee in Baghdad. His National Guard unit is located in New York's Brooklyn borough. Family members said when Behnke was 13, he tried to join the Army to go to Vietnam but was rejected. He worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Manhattan for 17 years The father of five often wrote home to ask relatives to send food, clothing and other supplies so he could give them to Iraqi children. "He'd speak about the kids, how badly he felt for the children over there," said another son, Joseph Behnke Jr. "The poverty over there really affected him."
Though Joe has been gone for many years, I still have fond memories of him. A wonderful father, family man who proudly spoke of his family. I know Joe from working at the same VA. There he was known as a very decent man with a great work ethic. He would give assistance to anyone who needed help and was beloved by those who worked with him. My condolences to his family. He was a man of rare strength and goodness. He is not forgotten.
Ruth Abrams
March 08, 2023
My best friend as a teenager.Love you Joe.
Dennis Maier
December 27, 2019 | Glen Oaks, NY | Friend
I think of Joe, and his family often. I served with him proudly and I remember our talks about home, family, and kids. He had a heart of gold for sure, and is forever missed, Never Forgotten!
Jeff Coia
December 04, 2018 | Buffalo, NY
Gone But Never Forgotten! xoxo
Kathleen Maier
December 28, 2017 | Bellerose, NY
My condolences to the Behnke family, sorry for your loss.
May 01, 2015
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Behnke Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May...
Charlie Gili
April 05, 2013 | Brooklyn, NY
Thank you Joseph Behnke for serving our country proudly.
May 24, 2012 | MA
Joe, it has been 6 years ago on 4Dec. you gave your life for your nation. you put so much happiness in your follow soldiers and other people lives. Thank you brother. SSG Lord
December 06, 2011
To the family and friends of Cpl. Joseph O. Behnke:
Please accept my remembrance of Joseph on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
December 04, 2011 | Carson City, NV