Joshua D. Brown
Specialist, United States Army
September 30, 1980 – June 3, 2007
Age – 26
Dearborn Heights, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany
Killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near
His vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.
Born in Southfield, Brown graduated from Fairlane Christian School in 1998. He played baseball, basketball and soccer, and participated in target shooting and martial arts.
After high school, Army Pfc. Joshua D. Brown installed hardwood floors but soon moved to Florida and joined the Army. About a year ago, he found himself in Iraq.
He talked on the phone with his father about a week before his death, and said “Don’t worry because God is very faithful.’ That was great to hear him tell me that,” said Wayne Brown of Dearborn Heights. “I was concerned about how he was doing and his spiritual life, and that was reassuring to me.” He went there to help people, to protect the troops being fired on and that is what he did. He was outgoing, very personable,” his father said. “He was a friendly guy, but he was tough too.”
His father-in-law wrote.” Josh knew our daughter, Liz, for about eight years. He would come into Liz’s life from time to time just when she needed his support and encouragement. Josh could get Liz to laugh even when she was going through a very tough time. He always wanted to watch out for her, take care of her, and support her in any way he could. For example, when Josh learned someone Liz needed to talk with was giving her a hard time on the phone, Josh immediately sent her a tape recorder that hooked up to the phone. It calmed the guy down when he was told he was being recorded! Josh always wanted to take care of our Liz. As her dad, that gave me much comfort. Josh considered Scotty (Liz’s son from a previous marriage)to be HIS son, too. (Josh did recognize Scotty’s bio-dad, of course, and said he would not hurt that relationship). Josh told Liz, “After we get married, I hope we have a daughter, because we already have a son.” Josh’s influence w/Scotty was profound. I saw Scotty become respectful, obedient, and happier when he was with Josh. Josh got Scotty to do things he complained about not being able/wanting to do. A great sadness for me is that Josh’s influence on Scotty was cut short. Josh told me his greatest desire was to be faithful to the Lord. Next to that, his greatest desire was to marry our Liz — protect and provide for her and Scotty. Josh said he would not marry w/out my blessing. I gave Josh my full blessing (after many emails from Iraq.) When Josh came home from Iraq to get married, I made a big sign which read: “Welcome Home JOSHUA– Home from Iraq, to get married!” Strangers gather w/us and cheered as Josh appeared. Someone got a “USA! USA!” chant going. Josh was humbled by it all. And, boy, was he GLAD to see Liz!!! Josh’s parents, Wayne and Marian, were there, of course, and were so glad to see him. They are wonderful and raised a wonderful son. I am SO grateful that Josh got to have his dream come true of marrying our Liz. As the FOB (father of the bride), I had joy in helping Liz w/the wedding and reception plans. Even though Josh and Liz were together only I think 10 days as husband and wife, his influence remains, and always will. I have cried my eyes out many times. In fact, I am crying right now. I can’t imagine the extra pain that Josh’s parents have, especially his mother, Marian. I hope that I may provide any comfort to them that I can. Josh promised me that he would always look after our Liz. He has not broken that promise…I am so grateful for the time they had together and for the memories, influence, and love that can never be taken away. An Army saying I read says it well: “All gave some, some gave all.” Josh gave all he could — to his Liz and to their Scotty. I miss you so much, Josh. But I will see you again….Your Dad-in-Law.
John Simpson
July 2, 2007