Joe is my husband, my best friend, my significant other, my confidant...but most of all, he is MY SOLDIER.
He has served 8 years in the US Army and he is the epitome of what I think an officer should be. Mature and insightful beyond his rank, and yet still self conscious and sensitive of his actions, he loves being a soldier and is proud to wear the uniform.
Joe is a modest and quiet person, and he doesn't reveal much about himself unless he's around family and friends. There is so much more to him...his wacky sense of humor, his endearing love for his parents and his dedication to his own family.
As we try to survive this second deployment, I hope you get a glimpse of the man beyond the uniform. Check out the navigation links on the left for tidbits on Joe and his photos. Enjoy his site!
Ciao!
Stephanie
When my family first met Joe, they jokingly nicknamed him "G.I. Joe." He does look like an action figure.
Looking much younger than his actual age (38) due to his physique and Japanese heritage, Joe has a face and presence which people don't forget. Some may think he's cocky and others may find him intimidating at first, but if you stick around long enough, you'll find him to be friendly, approachable and humorous.
He's a no nonsense guy who will tell you his opinion if you ask for it and will argue with facts. He is schedule oriented and very meticulous about details. Yet he's flexible and innovative by nature. He's a hardworker who truly believes in customer service and professional courtesy.
The Army has been a huge influence in Joe's life. His dad, James, served in the Special Forces and did 2 tours in the Vietnam War when Joe was a child. He grew up as a "military brat" on bases from Okinawa to Louisiana and then in Oklahoma where his dad finally retired as a Command Sargeant Major (CSM) after 32 years of service.
Joe has had an array of interesting jobs than most people can count on their hands, but none where's he's been as proud as being a soldier. After earning his Masters in Psychology through the ROTC program, the Army sent him to Officer Basic Course where we first met. His 1st assignment was a postal platoon leader in Korea followed by a NATO position in SHAPE, Belgium. Afterward, he was a Battalion S2/3 and then took command in Brunssum, Netherlands. He returned back to the states and completed Officer Advance Course and CAS3. Now his family is stationed in Germany and he's serving his 2nd deployment back in Iraq.
Parents - Koto and James (Retired in Oklahoma)
Older Brother - David (married to Wendi and has 3 children: Styles, Shandee & Sierra)
Wife - Stephanie (Former Army Captain & now SAHM)
Children - Chance & Cole