Joshua Madden laid to rest

Sgt. Joshua Barrett Madden, 21, of Minden, was laid to rest Saturday, December 16, 2006 with full military honors.

Sgt. Madden, who was assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division 25th WOLFHOUNDS, died December 6 along with four of his fellow Task Force Lightning Soldiers. The soldiers, who were conducting combat operations in Hawija, Iraq, were killed when the Humvee they were traveling in exploded, the result of a roadside bomb.

A salute to patriots of all military branches, performed by The Minden Community Chorus, the Minden High School Crimson Chorus and Dr. Dan Gibb, began the 2 p.m. service, which was held at First Baptist Church.

The Presentation of the Colors, by the American Legion Honor Guard, followed.

The body of Sgt. Madden was escorted by pallbearers Aaron Goletz, David Madden, Kevin Madden, Caden Madden Benamati, Eric Goletz and Bob Bevill.

Honorary pallbearers were Michael Barrett Madden, Josh Madden's namesake, Manyon Bordelon, Robert Goletz, Bruce Lee, Chase Perot, Vincent Rice, Thomas Richardson, Whit Smock and Kelvin Wyrick.

During his opening prayer, Bro. Charles Penuell thanked God for Josh's gift of life, a gift that he gave to all, including those across the nation who will never know him. He offered thanks for the countless lives that have been given, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, which allows Americans to enjoy the blessings of liberty.

In speaking of Sgt. Madden, Bro. Bill Ichter said the soldier loved completely.

"He died doing what he loved - serving the United States, defending his country, his home, his family,” Ichter said. “Because of the sacrifice of this son, and that of our almost 3,000 others who served in Iraq, we are able to assemble here in this place without fearing hate-filled terrorists attempting to disturb our life in this country."

Kathy York, a representative of Mothers of Military Service Men and Women, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, offered condolences and presented Jerry and Cindy Madden with a Gold Star Flag.

"The Blue Star stands for hope and pride — the Gold Star for sacrifice and the cause of liberty and freedom," said York. "As parents of sons and daughters serving in the military, we want you to know that we are thankful and extremely proud of your son for his dedication, willingness and the love he showed for his country."

Eulogies extolling the integrity, honor and heart of Josh Madden were offered by Bill Young, Rose Rosanelli, Tom Logan and Mike Webb.
"Men like Josh, and I say men, not a boy, have a special place in my heart," said Bill Young. "Men like Josh stand between us and civilization's abyss. Men like Josh keep us away from mankind's worse degradation. Men like Josh allow us to come to a place like this — a house of worship — where we are not afraid of some fanatic with a rag wrapped around his head and an AK-47 bursting through the doors to take our lives just because we are Americans and/or Christians. It is only proper that we conduct these services in a sober manner, a serious manner, but I think Josh would have wanted every one of us to leave this place today with a smile on our face, laughter in our voices and joy in our hearts because a price for these has been paid."

Tom Logan, former pastor at Lakeview United Methodist Church, recalled getting to know the Maddens and their children during his appointment in the 1990s. He also read a letter written by Josh's mother, Cindy Madden.

In her letter, Josh's mother said her son lived life to the fullest and lived the American dream. She described him as "all boy," having "a smidgen of mischief, a cup of kindness and a genuine tenderness for children."

"He would want me to say to you that he was not the model soldier. He was just one of many soldiers. He was not perfect. He was just one spoke in the wheel," said the letter written by Cindy Madden. "He would not have wanted this attention paid to anything he did because he didn't feel that his part was special — it was just his part. Maybe the lesson from his death, his destiny, was to die a common soldier’s death and touch the hearts of people who have forgotten what all service men and women are doing for this country.

"Maybe we were to remember what we have forgotten about love, family, country and our God. Maybe we were to see that there is so much good in the country and that it is worth dying for. Maybe we were to realize, as we gather to enjoy the freedoms we have, that there are men and women out there keeping the wolves from the door and that is getting harder and harder to do," the letter continued. "Next time you see the news of soldiers killed in action in Iraq, think of Josh. Attach his face to the unknown face of each of those 11 soldiers. Remember how they suffered with us as we struggled with the news of his death, the decision we had to make about his remains, the promise we kept to meet him when he came home and the anguish we all feel today as we lay him to rest — remember. He was just a common soldier who did what most of us wouldn't do — he laid down his life for all of us."

A slide show presentation, featuring Sgt. Madden, followed the eulogies. The showing was accompanied by Toby Keith's "American Soldier." The conclusion of the presentation was met by a rousing, standing ovation.

Brigadier General William Wolf, deputy commanding general at Ft. Rucker, Ala., read The Soldier's Creed and presented the Madden family with medals awarded posthumously to Sgt. Madden, which included the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

From the Press Herald

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