SGT Joseph P. Collette, age 29, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician assigned to the 62nd Ordnance Company and the 242nd Ordnance battalion died March 21st 2019 as a result of wounds he sustained while trying to save a fellow soldier in Kunduz Province Afghanistan. He was deployed in December 2018 to Afghanistan with the 62nd EOD Company as an EOD technician in support of operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

SGT Collette’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star medal with Valor, the Army Achievement medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service medal, Afghanistan Campaign medal with one campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development ribbon, the Army Service ribbon, Overseas Service ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, Senior EOD badge, and the Excellence in Competition Rifleman badge.

SGT Collette was born on Aug. 17th 1989 in Lancaster Ohio where he had many lifelong friendships and family which includes his mother Teri, Father Joe, Step Mother Cindy, siblings Anthony, Camille and Nick.

SGT Collette was endlessly funny, clever, curious and amazing since the day he was born. He had a passion for cooking and enjoyed paintball, gaming and snowboarding.

SGT Collette had a deep love for his family, the love of his life and new wife Caela, his children, step children as well as his N.Y. family.

He will be deeply and forever missed by all who knew him.