Joe James joined the U.S. army at seventeen, and immediately went to basic training the summer after he graduated high school.

Joe was eager to leave home and make a life for himself through the military.

He joined before 9/11 and was ready to protect and defend his country at all costs.

Joe had four deployments, the first in Afghanistan and the following three in Iraq.

He was blessed to make it through the first three deployments unscathed, but his luck would not hold out with his fourth and final deployment.

Joe volunteered for everything during his service.  He kept his mouth shut and his eyes and ears open.  Joe rose the military ladder from the bottom to an E7.

Joe remembers feeling very uneasy about the mission that caused his traumatic injuries.  

This premonition proved true as Joe was injured by an explosion that took both his legs.

Joe is an amazing, courageous, patriotic soul.  He came through an extremely difficult time as what he describes as the worst thing and one of the best things that ever happened to him.

You can find Joe at

https://www.facebook.com/joejames18

 Memories of Honor Website

Wearable Gratitude Website