1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Public Affairs

Story by Lt. Col. Richard Patterson

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Soldiers from the 614th Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment mourned the loss of one of their own, Spc. Joshua Lee Hazlewood, in a memorial ceremony, July 1.

Soldiers, Sailors and civilians from throughout Camp Arifjan came to the Zone 1 chapel to pay final respects to their fellow Soldier.

1181st Deployment and Distribution Support Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Stephen Rutner, Staff Sgt. Anita Gilliam, detachment sergeant for the 614th ACDD, Sgt. Frank Brondum, Hazlewood's squad leader, and Chaplain (Cpt.) Paul Tolbert, all described Hazlewood as an outstanding Soldier, true friend, and dedicated father to his two young daughters.

Rutner described Hazlewood as a bright young man who joined the military to be part of something bigger than himself. "While other young men his age were living comfortably back home, Josh was enduring subzero temperatures of Fort McCoy (Wisc.) and the scorching heat of Camp Arifjan."

He continued, explaining that he was a young man with a big heart who loved his children very much.

"His two young daughters," said Rutner, "were a source of great pride for Josh. He wanted so much to be able to give his kids everything they desire and to see them accomplish great things in their life."

Gilliam, speaking on behalf of Detachment Commander, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Elliot Velez, who was not able to attend the ceremony, spoke of Hazlewood's outstanding work performance and efficiency as a transportation management coordinator that facilitated him being promoted ahead of his peers. She continued describing Hazlewood as "...a street smart and street tough kid who chose the Army as a means to get away from his rough street life. He was an outstanding Soldier and there was nothing he wouldn't do for any Soldier in our unit."

When Brondum, friend and squad leader, spoke of Hazlewood, he also highlighted the love Josh had for his daughters. He talked about Josh's educational pursuits and indicated that "Josh felt college was a way to better his life and to set a positive example for his two little girls."

Tolbert, the 595th TTG chaplain, focused all in attendance back to the way Hazlewood lived a part of something bigger than himself stating, "We honor a man willing to serve his country and travel to a foreign land to support operations that are bringing the promise of freedom and hope for a brighter tomorrow to millions of people."

At the end of the ceremony, Gilliam stood and called out the final roll call. Three Soldiers answered "here first sergeant!" When she called the final name, "Specialist Joshua Lee Hazlewood!" There was no answer.

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