Last One to Let You Down

Joe's journey to The Old Guard began in a small Illinois town. Family provided a solid foundation in which to grow and at the same time kept him motivated to go out into the world and find his own way. At 18, he left home for Montana where he would spend the next four years learning to cook in a four-star restaurant, helping to maintain a guest ranch and backpacking for weeks at a time. Eventually, his time in Montana came to an end.

Joe enlisted in the United States Army. Making a good impression with his leadership, he was recruited into The Old Guard. Upon completion of Infantry School and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, he reported to 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) at Fort McNair, Virginia. This active infantry unit also serves as the showpiece of the United States Army. The assignment would be an experience he would remember for a lifetime.

While serving in The Old Guard Joe was involved in Spirit of America, where the history of the Army was shared in cities around the east coast. He participated in over seven hundred funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, seventy-eight retirement ceremonies for senior enlisted, generals and above, five presidential cordons, a presidential inauguration and a presidential funeral procession.

"The last one to let you down" is an unofficial line used by Alpha Company, Full Honors Casket Team. Many former and current members of The Old Guard attempt to share their experiences honoring fallen soldiers. After all, for most, it is a once in a lifetime experience. Joe's story includes humorous observations, good luck, bad luck and everything in between.