Written by Spc. Paul Holston, USF-I Public Affairs
Thursday, June 30, 2011 08:49
BAGHDAD -- Retired Pvt. Joshua Joseph, a former infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and native of Indianapolis, Ind., sustained injuries while on mission Nov. 19, 2005, during his tour in Mosul, Iraq.
Hoping to make peace with his past memories, Joseph decided to participate in Operation Proper Exit, which provides the opportunity for former service members to return to the battlefield to find the closure they seek in order to help with their healing process.
Joseph received the Silver Star during his actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, saving the lives of his fellow Soldiers who were severely wounded.
"Like any person who's been through hard times or something tragic, you have your good days and your bad days," Joseph said. "In my head, I thought this would be a good way to see how things are now here in Iraq. It gives you a chance to come back and get the chance to leave on your own terms. I didn't get a chance to do that last time."
It has been about five months since Joseph has seen his fiancée, Sgt. Felicya L. Adams, a public affairs sergeant for the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
Adams had the opportunity to reunite with Joseph June 26, after finding out that he would be one of eight wounded warriors heading to Iraq as part of Operation Proper Exit X.
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