Sgt. Josh Madden laid to rest with full military honors
Sgt. Joshua Barrett Madden, 21, of Minden, was laid to rest Saturday, December 16, 2006 with full military honors.
Sgt. Madden, who was assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division 25th WOLFHOUNDS, died December 6 along with four of his fellow Task Force Lightning Soldiers. The soldiers, who were conducting combat operations in Hawija, Iraq, were killed when the Humvee they were traveling in exploded, the result of a roadside bomb.
A salute to patriots of all military branches, performed by The Minden Community Chorus, the Minden High School Crimson Chorus and Dr. Dan Gibb, began the 2 p.m. service, which was held at First Baptist Church.
The Presentation of the Colors, by the American Legion Honor Guard, followed.
The body of Sgt. Madden was escorted by pallbearers Aaron Goletz, David Madden, Kevin Madden, Caden Madden Benamati, Eric Goletz and Bob Bevill.
Honorary pallbearers were Michael Barrett Madden, Josh Madden's namesake, Manyon Bordelon, Robert Goletz, Bruce Lee, Chase Perot, Vincent Rice, Thomas Richardson, Whit Smock and Kelvin Wyrick.
During his opening prayer, Bro. Charles Penuell thanked God for Josh's gift of life, a gift that he gave to all, including those across the nation who will never know him. He offered thanks for the countless lives that have been given, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, which allows Americans to enjoy the blessings of liberty.
In speaking of Sgt. Madden, Bro. Bill Ichter said the soldier loved completely.
"He died doing what he loved - serving the United States, defending his country, his home, his family,” Ichter said. “Because of the sacrifice of this son, and that of our almost 3,000 others who served in Iraq, we are able to assemble here in this place without fearing hate-filled terrorists attempting to disturb our life in this country."
Kathy York, a representative of Mothers of Military Service Men and Women, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, offered condolences and presented Jerry and Cindy Madden with a Gold Star Flag.
"The Blue Star stands for hope and pride — the Gold Star for sacrifice and the cause of liberty and freedom," said York. "As parents of sons and daughters serving in the military, we want you to know that we are thankful and extremely proud of your son for his dedication, willingness and the love he showed for his country."
Eulogies extolling the integrity, honor and heart of Josh Madden were offered by Bill Young, Rose Rosanelli, Tom Logan and Mike Webb.
"Men like Josh, and I say men, not a boy, have a special place in my heart," said Bill Young. "Men like Josh stand between us and civilization's abyss. Men like Josh keep us away from mankind's worse degradation. Men like Josh allow us to come to a place like this — a house of worship — where we are not afraid of some fanatic with a rag wrapped around his head and an AK-47 bursting through the doors to take our lives just because we are Americans and/or Christians. It is only proper that we conduct these services in a sober manner, a serious manner, but I think Josh would have wanted every one of us to leave this place today with a smile on our face, laughter in our voices and joy in our hearts because a price for these has been paid."
Tom Logan, former pastor at Lakeview United Methodist Church, recalled getting to know the Maddens and their children during his appointment in the 1990s. He also read a letter written by Josh's mother, Cindy Madden.
In her letter, Josh's mother said her son lived life to the fullest and lived the American dream. She described him as "all boy," having "a smidgen of mischief, a cup of kindness and a genuine tenderness for children."
"He would want me to say to you that he was not the model soldier. He was just one of many soldiers. He was not perfect. He was just one spoke in the wheel," said the letter written by Cindy Madden. "He would not have wanted this attention paid to anything he did because he didn't feel that his part was special — it was just his part. Maybe the lesson from his death, his destiny, was to die a common soldier’s death and touch the hearts of people who have forgotten what all service men and women are doing for this country.
"Maybe we were to remember what we have forgotten about love, family, country and our God. Maybe we were to see that there is so much good in the country and that it is worth dying for. Maybe we were to realize, as we gather to enjoy the freedoms we have, that there are men and women out there keeping the wolves from the door and that is getting harder and harder to do," the letter continued. "Next time you see the news of soldiers killed in action in Iraq, think of Josh. Attach his face to the unknown face of each of those 11 soldiers. Remember how they suffered with us as we struggled with the news of his death, the decision we had to make about his remains, the promise we kept to meet him when he came home and the anguish we all feel today as we lay him to rest — remember. He was just a common soldier who did what most of us wouldn't do — he laid down his life for all of us."
A slide show presentation, featuring Sgt. Madden, followed the eulogies. The showing was accompanied by Toby Keith's "American Soldier." The conclusion of the presentation was met by a rousing, standing ovation.
Brigadier General William Wolf, deputy commanding general at Ft. Rucker, Ala., read The Soldier's Creed and presented the Madden family with medals awarded posthumously to Sgt. Madden, which included the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Nancy St. Germaine read a personal letter to Sgt. Madden's son, Jaxon Madden, in which she described her memories of his father. She encouraged others to share their stories so that Jaxon will know his father.
Bro. Charles Penuell followed, reciting a letter written by Sgt. Madden to his son, Jaxon, upon his birth. The following is Sgt. Madden's letter in its entirety:
"Dearest Son,
Hello Jaxon. My name is Joshua Barrett Madden. I am your father. I know you are far too young to read, but I wouldn't want you to feel left out. I'm writing from a far away place from where you are right now in this world — I am on the exact opposite side. I wish every day and every night that I was home with you and your mother.
“Try to understand, your father made a commitment. In the process of starting one's life, one must make a foundation. To build my foundation, I chose the military.
“I'm a soldier now and I have been for almost three and a half years. Out of those three, only one year was spent in America. The rest have been dedicated to conflict in the middle east. I have seen much in my young life, different countries and races of people. I have done more with myself then most people I know, enough to make this old war dog want to slow down a bit.
“Right now Jax, I am 21-years-old and I have to admit, I had planned to have a family when I was older and more mature, but after seeing the horrors of this world and how short life really is, let's just say it elevated my thinking.
“The pieces all came together when I came home on leave from Iraq in July of 2004. Your mother, as she still is today, was so beautiful and full of life and I pray one day that you feel what I feel, that you see someone as I see your mother. Be prepared for it son, when a girl looks at you and you feel like the sun just shown one cloudy day. Your heart beats so hard you actually feel faint. I pray you find someone who haunts your dreams as your mother does mine.
“People have asked me, 'So why do you do what you do?' and I cannot answer for they'll never understand. Let's just say your mother gave me a new reason on September 1, 2006. You, my boy. I'd cross hell and high water for you and your mother. Believe me son, family is worth everything. All that I am and have become is now devoted to our family. I learned this from your grandfather, the greatest influence of life and wisdom a boy like me could have.
“Well, look at that. Looks like your ol' dad forgot — I can send more than one letter. I love you son. Be good to your mother. She's come a long way for you, trust me. Be good Jaxon.
“Your father,
Specialist Madden, Joshua B. US Army"
“That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Bro. Charles Penuell offered the closing prayer and the service concluded with "Battle Hymn of the Republic," performed by Cassie Smith.
Additional musical selections included "Oh, Danny Boy," performed by Ramona Morris, accompanied by Sharon Krouse; and "I Can Only Imagine," performed by Mike Webb.
Sgt. Madden was laid to rest at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute by members of the Ft. Polk Honor Guard.
Sgt. Madden was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge - 2nd Award, the Overseas Ribbon, The Army Service Ribbon, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal - 2nd Award, The Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, The Iraq Campaign Medal - 2nd Award, The National Defense Service Medal, The Army Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
He is survived by his wife, Dani Smock of Athens; a son, his pride and joy, Jaxon Levi Madden, 3 months old; his parents, Jerry and Cindy Madden; one sister, Jennifer Madden Benamati and husband Scott and their children Caden Madden Benamati, Baily, Ashlyn, Gabriel and Jacob Benamati; two brothers, David C. Madden and wife Megan and Kevin Madden; his grandparents, Simon and Dot Madden; two uncles, his namesake, Mike Madden and wife Mitzi and their son Ryan and Thomas A. Richardson and wife Linda; two aunts, Mary Bevill and husband Bob and Sue Kinsey and husband Gene; one great-uncle, Frank Merritt; and many cousins and friends.
Sgt. Madden is survived by his best friend and blood brother, Aaron Goletz and fiancée Anna Willis; his second father and mother, Robert and Teresa Goletz and family Robin Goletz, Kristi Goletz Patrick, Natalie Goletz and Eric Goletz of Sibley.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Richardson.
 Press-Herald photo/Daniel Davidson
Brigadier General William Wolf, deputy commanding general at Ft. Rucker, Ala., presents Dani Madden, the widow of Sgt. Joshua Madden, an American flag during graveside services Saturday afternoon at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
 Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army
A memorial service was held on December 13, 2006 for Sgt. Josh Madden and four of his fellow soldiers, all members of the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, at Forward Operating Base McHenry, Hawija, Iraq. Lt. Col. Drew Meyerowich, battalion commander, said the hearts and prayers of the Wolfhounds go out to the families of these incredible soldiers. "The void in our ranks is inconsequential compared to the void that these honorable men have left in the lives of their loved ones, friends and fellow soldiers," said Lt. Col. Meyerowich. "We continue our mission not only because this world must be free of those who only offer pain and destruction, we continue the mission to honor the sacrifice of these fine young men, who died fighting to make this world a better place. Sgt. Jesse Castro, Sgt. Joshua Madden, Cpl. Jason Huffman, Cpl. Yari Mokri and Pfc. Travis Krege will always be missed. They will always be a part of our lives and they will always be Wolfhounds.”
In Memory of Sgt. Joshua B. MaddenMay 24, 1985 — December 6, 2006 The City of Minden raised its 40 x 60-foot special event American flag, used as a backdrop in the above photo, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery during graveside services for Sgt. Joshua B. Madden, held Saturday, December 16, 2006.
Flag photo/Daniel Davidson
 Bill and Judy Bryant take up a position along the funeral procession route of the late Sgt. Joshua B. Madden, displaying an American flag and burning a candle in honor of the fallen soldier.
Press-Herald photo/Daniel Davidson
 Brigadier General William Wolf, deputy commanding general at Ft. Rucker, Ala., presents American flags to Dani Madden, the widow of Sgt. Joshua Madden and Jerry and Cindy Madden, Sgt. Madden’s parents.
Press-Herald photo/Daniel Davidson
The Fallen SoldierDon’t weep for me O’ Land of the free When it was my time to fall ’Twas for my country’s call ’Twas for the land that I loved, That I gave my all And for the land that I loved, I did freely give And in her freedom And her courage I’ll continue to live. c. 1993 Patricia Krull Flags stand at half-staff at Turner’s Pond Memorial where citizens line up to show their respect for Sgt. Joshua B. Madden during the procession to Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Press-Herald photo/Daniel Davidson
 Members of the Ft. Polk Honor Guard stand at attention following a 21-gun salute in honor of the late Sgt. Josh Madden during graveside services, held Saturday afternoon at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Press-Herald photo/Daniel Davidson
 Lt. Col. Drew Meyerowich, battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and Command Sgt. Maj. David Yates, command sergeant major, 2-27, pay their respects during a memorial service for Sgt. Josh Madden and four of his fellow soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment at Forward Operating Base McHenry, Hawija, Iraq, on December 13, 2006.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army
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