My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army Cpl. Joseph A. VanDreumel,Age 32 of Grand Rapids, MI.
KIA Aug. 14, 2011 in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom
He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade Grafenwoehr, Germany
Joseph VanDreumel, a 32-year old soldier from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was killed by an IED explosion while recovering a military vehicle in the Paktika province of Afghanistan. One other soldier from his unit died in the same explosion.
VanDreumel had long wanted to join the Army and finally did so in January 2010 after he had been laid off from his civilian job. He wanted to take care of his wife and two children, while following in the military footsteps of his father and grandfather.
He trained at Fort Knox, KY before serving in Germany. He deployed with his unit in July 2011. This was VanDreumel’s first deployment. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade based in Grafenwoehr, Germany.
He was posthumously promoted from specialist to corporal. VanDreumel’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), Purple Heart (posthumous), NATO Medal (posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal with one combat star (posthumous), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.
Had an amazing walk today to end the year out. I want to thank everyone for the honks and waves in helping me honor this hero. You all are amazing.
He will not be forgotten.
