Cpl. Joshua Harmon
United States Army
Killed In Action August 22, 2007

Joshua Harmon was born November 25, 1986 to Donna Harmon of
Mentor on the Lake and Richard Harmon (Willoughby Hills Fire Chief).

Joshua was a U.S. Army Veteran Specialist E/4 (promoted posthumously to
Corporal), assigned to the 25th Light Infantry Division, (nicknamed
"Tropic Lightning"), 35th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion out of
Honolulu, Hawaii.  He served as a Combat Medic attached to the Scouts Sniper
Platoon and received the Army Medal of Commendation of Valor for
performing extraordinary life-saving measures. Additionally, Joshua was
awarded the Combat Medical Badge.  Joshua was deployed to Iraq on Aug. 5,
2006, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq. When
returning from a mission on Aug. 22, 2007, Joshua Harmon lost his life
when the UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter that was transporting him crashed
in Multaka, outside of Kirkuk.  Thirteen fellow soldiers also lost
their lives as a result of the Black Hawk crash.

Joshua joined the Army in August 2005, and served his country as a
Combat Medic.  He was promoted posthumously to Corporal Aug. 22, 2007,
and was awarded the Bronze Star.  In a recent letter to family and friends
Joshua said, "I just stay focused on my job as platoon medic to make
sure my soldiers are taken care of night and day.  Sometimes it is a
tiring job, but I have found great pride and satisfaction in performing

Joshua married Kristin Rathjen May 10, 2007.  Kristin was the love of
his life and he could not wait to get back into her arms.  Joshua was a
2005 graduate of Mentor High School and an accomplished musician on the
guitar and drums.  He enjoyed many sports, including bowling, soccer,
Kenpo karate, and working on cars.

Joshua loved animals, especially the family dogs, Mercedes and Ginger.
He adored his little black cat, Sheila.  His face lit up every time he
saw Sheila.  Joshua always had a smile and was a very giving and caring
person. He was a good friend, wonderful son, devoted husband, and good
citizen. He had previously worked as a master mechanic at Classic Ford
in Mentor before joining the U.S. Army.

A foundation has been established to keep the memory of Joshua alive and continue his giving ways by awarding scholarships to music, paramedic, and fire science students.   Gifts to the foundation should be addressed as follows:

The Joshua Harmon Fund
c/o The Lakeland Foundation
7700 Clocktower Dr.
Kirtland, OH 44094

Phone: 440-525-7824 - e-mail: lccfoundation@lakelandcc.edu