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EDITOR’S NOTE: In a statement issued early this morning, the Defense Department officially identified Fuerst as a casualty. His vehicle, the Pentagon said, “came in contact with enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire during combat operations.”
By Mari Robyn Jones The Tampa Tribune
A local soldier who died in combat this week had only a few more weeks left before he returned home.
Staff Sgt. Joseph F. Fuerst III, 26, of south Tampa, was leading a group of Afghan soldiers on a mission when they came under small arms fire in the area around Panjwayi, Afghanistan. He died on Saturday from his injuries, according to a press release by the Florida Army and Air National Guard.
His unit, which is based in Pinellas Park, is due back in early July. He was assigned to Headquarters, 53rd Separate Infantry Brigade of the Florida National Guard.
Fuerst’s unit deployed to Afghanistan last July to train the Afghanistan National Army. His wife, Tara, a sergeant, also left with the group last year, the press release said.
“There are no words to describe the loss we have experienced,†his family said in a statement today. “…He was one of those rare people in life who truly has a passion for what they do. He had a calling—that calling was to help other people.â€
Friends and family have left messages of grief and loss on Fuerst’s MySpace.com page, which has become an unofficial memorial for the fallen soldier.
Fuerst started his military career in May 1999 and had done a tour in Korea and Kosovo before going to Afghanistan, the press release said.
While in Afghanistan, he received the Bronze Star medal, a Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He also has received various other accolades, including the NATO Medal and the Parachutist Badge, according to the press release.
Fuerst graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 1998 and graduated from Hillsborough Community College with an associate’s degree in criminology. He also graduated from the Police Academy at the college and planned to have a career in law enforcement, the press release said.
“Joseph will be remembered for his bravery, patriotism, his friendship and his love of serving others,†his father, Joseph Fuerst II, said in the release.
I was very saddened to hear about Joseph’s passing. He was in youth group & high school with my youngest daughter. Your family has been on my mind & in my heart during this loss. Nothing can take away your grief but time,tears and memories. May your son enjoy his new heavenly body in peace forever. These words were written to me during a time of loss & they helped and I do hope that they help you Barbara and your family.
Joseph was my second cousin on his mother’s side of the family. He was a wonderful young man who had his priorities in order: God, wife, family, friends and country. He was dedicated to those who knew and loved him. He was a devoted husband, loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. May Tara, his parents, and family feel and know God’s love for them during this time. May they reach to Jesus for strength and knowledge that Joseph has been called home to his Father in heaven. May our cherished memories offer us comfort of being blessed to have Joseph in our lives. Our love and prayers are with you always.
My thoughts and prayers are with this wonderful soldier’s family. My you find the strength to get through this sad time. The angels sang Joseph up to heaven. God Bless.
My heart goes out to this family. I worked for many years with his mother. This was truly a close family and I know how hard this must be. Thank you so much for raising such a wonderful man. God will give you the strength to get through this. My prayers are with your family.
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Posted by Michele & PFC Carlisle, FT.Lee, VA on 06/29 at 09:36 PM
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live the Army Values.
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I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
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