Photo By 2nd Lt. Bridget Pittman-Blackwell | North Carolina Army National Guard Sgt. Corey A. Joe, a flight operations sergeant...... read more read more
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For Sgt. Corey A. Joe, service means answering the call in two uniforms. As a North Carolina National Guard Soldier and firefighter, Joe has found that the skills, discipline, and teamwork developed in one profession often strengthen his performance in the other.
As the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Joe sees the importance of his dual roles. For Joe, that legacy serves as a reminder of why he continues to serve North Carolina in both uniforms.
343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department died during the September 11th attacks. Firefighters entered the World Trade Center towers to rescue people, even as the buildings were burning and collapsing.
“I remember watching the towers fall in class as a young kid,” said Joe. “They made the ultimate sacrifice, and the legacy they left is unforgettable.”
Born and raised in Raleigh, Joe, 30, joined the North Carolina National Guard in September 2018. He serves as a Flight Operations Sergeant with the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade and has supported multiple State Active Duty missions.
“I’ve always liked the discipline and professionalism the military provided,” said Joe. “I went to military school in high school and enjoyed the structure I was given. Joining the military was inevitable.”
Outside the guard, Joe serves as a first-class firefighter, driver, and pump operator in Wake County. The two careers provide different environments but share a common purpose: serving others.
“They both go hand in hand with a few differences,” said Joe. “I take things I’ve learned from the military and apply them to the fire service and vice versa. The opportunity to serve in both entities has been a blessing.”
The skills required in both fields often overlap, particularly when it comes to communication, focus, and problem-solving during high-pressure situations. These skills are essential for making quick decisions and responding effectively in emergency situations.
“Communication from aviation has helped [me] with radio confidence in the fire service,” said Joe. “The will to stay focused and problem-solve [during] stressful situations...I take to flight operations.”
| Date Taken: | 07.30.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.21.2026 04:53 |
| Story ID: | 572456 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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