Joshua Youmans
Sergeant, United States Army
February 2, 1980 – March 1, 2006
Age – 26
Flushing, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, Saginaw, MI
Died March 1, 2006, at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio of injuries sustained November 21, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Habbeniyah, Iraq
United States Army National Guard Sergeant Joshua “Josh” Youmans was born on February 2, 1980, in Flint, MI, but grew up in Vassar, Millington, and Flushing, MI. Josh enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends, playing cards, and telling funny stories. He loved heavy metal music, Metallica, and Detroit’s own, Kid Rock. Josh dropped out of high school but eventually went back to graduate from Flushing Alternative Education High School in June 2001. He later attended Baker College, where he was studying to become a Corrections Officer and eventually a Police Officer.
Josh enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in August 2003 and attended basic training at Ft. Benning, GA, where he became an Infantryman. Josh began his service in the Michigan National Guard in 2004 as an enlisted soldier. He was a member of the 125th Infantry, Bravo Company based out of Saginaw, MI. In February 2005, he deployed with his unit to Camp Shelby, MS, and then on to Iraq.
Josh’s Humvee hit an IED on November 21, 2005. One soldier was killed instantly while the four others who were critically injured were transported to Fort Sam Houston’s Brooke Army Medical Center where he received numerous surgeries and treatments for his insurmountable injuries. One by one each soldier succumbed to their wounds including Josh on March 1, 2006.
He was remembered by fellow soldiers with the following words.
SGT Youmans,
I think of you and the guys everyday. I wish we could have done more for you brother. Your sacrifice for this country and fellow members of TF Panther will never be forgotten.
MAJ Joe Meadors Lexington, Ky Josh (yahoo)
Not a day passes where I don’t think about you and the other’s we have lost. You in particular though, you slept in the next bunk down from me. I’ll never forget your explosive laughter in the middle of the night, during a dead silence. And of course I’ll always remember your coffee. I took the Coffee cup you gave me, re-wrote your nickname “Yahoo” on it, cleaned it up real good and we now keep it next to “Steely dan” the coffee maker for you. I miss you man. God bless you, God bless your family and let them and everyone else who had the privilege and honor of knowing you remember you forever.
Your friend
James MacGregor, or as you called me “Big Mac”
To Josh’s family. Josh was a great man as you all know, his family was never out of his thoughts and the pride he took in them was evident every time he spoke of them. He gave the ultimate sacrifice that we all know we may have to give someday too. I only hope that I can live my life the way he did, and have as much pride as Josh showed in what he did. He was a giver and never questioned what his job was. He did what needed to be done and then some. I am proud to say that I worked alongside a man of such caliber. He and his family will always have my utmost respect. Josh you will always live on in our memories. Peace be with you brother.
SGT Tim Roberts