Joseph A. Graves

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Discovery Bay, CA

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Rank: Specialist

Specialist Joseph A. Graves joined the Army at 17. He did his Basic/AIT training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Graves completed his Military Police training, then followed that with a quick stop at Ft. Benning, GA where he earned his wings by jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. He deployed to Iraq in November of 2005 and was killed while on an escort mission when his team was ambushed.

Joey was an intelligent and caring young man. He was a leader in his youth group at church and loved God, his family and his country. Joey had a huge heart and was always an advocate for the underdog. He married his high school sweetheart just weeks before deploying.

Joey was a sophomore on 9/11, and it had a profound effect on him. In his senior year, after being accepted by several colleges, he came home one day and said, “Dad, I want to serve my country.” Joey did not have his life taken by the enemy. Joey willingly sacrificed himself and gave his life for his country. For that he will always be a hero.

Age: 21

Date of Death: July 25, 2006