Joseph P. Micks
Specialist, United States Army
October 18, 1983 – July 8, 2006
Age – 22
Rapid River, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
54th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, Warner Barracks, Bamberg, Germany
Died when an improvised explosive device detonated near his mine protected vehicle during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq
Joe was born October 18, 1983, in Tacoma, WA, the son of Kenneth and Amy (Brunette) Micks. He was a 2002 Rapid River High School graduate and was dually enrolled at the Bay de Noc Community College during his senior year at Rapid River. He went on to attend Baker College in Owasso, MI before enlisting in the United States Army National Guard. Joe eventually became a full active duty soldier and was stationed in Germany with the United States Army Engineering Battalion.
Shortly before his deployment to Iraq, in November of 2005, Joe married the former Ramona Mindt, in Germany. He was just months away from finishing his tour in Iraq and had plans to rejoin his wife in Germany.
Joe is remembered as being a very intelligent, generous, kind- hearted young man who had a strong willingness to help others. He achieved high academic honors in high school, tutored fellow students and was a member and alter server at the St. Charles Church in Rapid River.
Joe was a member of the local Boy Scouts organization where he gained high honors as an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed playing golf, playing and managing basketball and collecting baseball cards and sports memorabilia. Joe will be deeply missed by family and friends and always remembered for his selfless sacrifices made to his country.
He was remembered by fellow soldiers and friends as follows.
Joe and I graduated together in the same year (’02). We attended a very small school, so, of course, everybody knows everybody. Joe was one of a kind, and I think all of our other classmates would agree. He was a very quick witted individual, that knew how to get a reaction out of people (in a good way). Everybody knew Joe. And whether you liked him or not, he could always make you laugh. The world will not be as a happy of a place without him.
It is hard to believe this is real. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. You WILL be missed, Joe.
Terry Eskofski
“Hey Brother, its Brown. you were never suppose to die at such a young age…. Your death will live with me for the rest of my life. I miss you buddy.
ENGINEERS LEAD THE WAY”
SPC BROWN, US. ARMY ENGINEERS (Former Squad Member) of WASHINGTON, DCAuburn Hills, MI
September 13, 2006
Joe, I was your commander in 2004. Your death hurt me deeply. I remember you fondly as an animated and valued soldier. You will be sorely missed. I had a name tape made with your name on it and it is sewn on my bag I carry with me every day. I was told once by a Sergeants Major that if you mention the name of someone who has passed at least twice a year they are never forgotten. Whenever someone asks who Micks was I mention the contribution you made to the Outlaws, the Army, and our Country. Say hi to Kubasak and Andrews, fellow Outlaws who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Let Us Never Forget
CPT Silas Bowman, former Outlaw 6