LEWIS, JOEL

Joel W. Lewis was born on December 2, 1978 in Ontario Canada and lived in many places including Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, and Washington State. While he may be Canada by birth, he was awarded US citizenship posthumously. He is best described as 6’5″ gentle giant of a man. He had a wonderful smile that would light up a room. He would make friends with strangers in five minutes and have them smiling and laughing with him. 

He was a competitive “adrenaline junkie” who loved to skydive, tinker with computers, play chess and ice hockey. He loved animals, especially cats and had five! He had a great sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes and goof around. The guys in his unit all commented on the fact he greatly improved morale when he joined their group. One of the guys called him “Louie” as in Louie Anderson, the comedian. Another fellow soldier told Joels parents “your son made me laugh during the worst times imaginable and that’s something I’ll never forget.” 

Joel loved to live life to the fullest. He was always the one planning trips to the beach, snowboarding and anything else he could think of that was fun. He wanted to get out there and enjoy all life had to offer. He was best friends with his little brother, Justin. They were like two peas in a pod and could always be found just hanging out or seeking another adventure. Joel was always the one trying the new adventures; the free spirit who didn’t want to be tied down to a desk job when he got out of the service.  

One of the happiest days of his life was when Joel told his mother that he had been accepted into the army. Upon completion of his training, SGT Lewis was assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at Ft Lewis, WA. He was part of the Stryker Brigade which is an 8-wheeled armored personnel carrier, capable of carrying up to a squad of 9 personnel.  

SGT Lewis was on his first deployment to Iraq when he was killed on May 6, 2007 along with five other US Army soldiers and a freelance news photographer from Russia. Their Stryker vehicle was hit with an explosively formed penetrator (EFP); ultimately, resulting in the worst direct hit to a Stryker leading up to that fateful day. SGT Lewis had postponed his marriage to his fiancé Julie Smith until his expected return in October of 2007. 

Joel is dearly loved and missed by his family, who will honor and cherish his memory for as long as they will live. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SGT Joel W. Lewis for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.