Joshua R. Hager Obituary

Josh was my second Platoon Sergeant as a young LT. I immediately noticed his natural leadership traits and his instant connection to his soldiers. His leadership style immediately brought on confidence in the platoon, something that I never saw before. He will always remain a part of my life and the memories I have from serving overseas. I wish Josh was here today. You are always missed.
LT S

You will always be in my heart. The memories I have of Josh are some of the sweetest memories in my entire life. He will live on forever in my heart and soul.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Hager Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Joshua R. Hager US Army Staff Sergeant. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Josh,

Sitting here at work thinking of all the times at Eglin that you drove me nuts! Your memory lives on through all the Rangers you help create and Rangers you influenced while you were with us. Durka Durka Brother! RLTW

Memorial Day was a hard one as usual Josh. You were my brother-in law and I was proud to be your family. You were an awesome husband to my sister and an awesome father to Bayley. I really miss you. My2 daughters also miss their uncle Josh. You made a huge impact on them and they loved the hell out of you!! You are not forgotten and YOU ARE MISSED!!

Josh and Family,
Served with Josh in the 82nd where he was my ammo guy on a machine gun team. Just learned about his passing by reconnecting with service buddies! Josh I miss you still got pictures of us doing our thing! RLTW brother!

In memory and honor of Joshua Hager on this Easter Day 2013. He will forever be remembered now and in generations to come.

I was guest at Daytona on Saturday. Can't think of a better place to be to get past the awful day six years ago. Miss you so much Josh.

Thinking of you Josh and your family. I have very fond memories of you and what a stand up guy you were.

Still thinking about you Josh. It's hard to believe it's been 6 years today. We still carry your memory forward.

Thinking of you Josh and your family. You are a good man. You will forever be in my heart

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager:
Always remembering Joshua. "Some gave all."

oh by the way rangers lead the way

thank you for every thing you said Im so grateful

i miss you dad love your son

Bayley Hager

My heart is broken, I just found out this devastating news. I knew Josh 14 years ago, he was my first love! We lost touch after parting ways and I have always kept him close to my heart and mind. I have tried looking him up over the years just to say hi and to tell him how he had been special in my life. I googled his name last night and found this very sad news. To his family, my deepest heartfelt thoughts about Josh are being sent to you. He was the most geniune, thoughtful, funny, sweet, kind, selfless, positive, loyal individual I have ever known. He will forever be remembered. Josh thank you for your honorable work as a soldier, and your desire to fight for our country and to
better lives.
I can still hear his laugh, see his smile and feel his heart.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager:
Please accept my remembrance of Joshua on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Never Forgotten. You are sorely missed, bud. To all Veterans but especially this one, Thank You.

To the family of SSG Josh Hager,

Josh was one of the best guys that I have ever met. His ability to lead and motivate Soldiers was incredible. He and I (and his Scout Platoon Leader at the time - CPT Tom Sullivan) shared a lot of wonderful, happy times together....as well as some hard times. We all lost a HERO the night that we lost SSG Hager in Ramadi. I don't think there was a more respected and admired Soldier in our entire battalion. You should be proud (as I'm sure you are) to carry on his name.

We all miss you and love you SSG Hager. You make us all proud to be American Soldiers.

MANCHU!!! KEEP UP THE FIRE!!!

On this Memorial Day and upon learning of the heroic story of Staff Sgt. Josh Hager and his service to and the ultimate sacrifice for the land we both love, I wish his parents and family to know that he and special others will never be out of our hearts and minds. May God Bless and continue to comfort his parents and his family as, I a Vietnam Veteran, salute and admire him as a true hero.
Ron Pollard

Thank you... Thank you Josh, and to his Family, thank you for helping make a man that was such a great soldier and leader to his soldiers. Especially today, he is on my thoughts and in my prayers. "Through their Sacrifice, they have truly become immortal. Their spirit will never Die."

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager:
Remembering Joshua on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Its been 3 Years and you are missed even more. God Bless you and thanks for all you did for our country Josh. You were the Best Friend a person could have. KEEP MOVING WITHOUT TRAVELING MY FRIEND.

Thank you Jeff,
I appreciate your kind words.
Kris Hager
Dad

I was not a friend, more of a foe, i would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you did for your country. You are a true hero in every sence of the word. But you were a hero beforethat tragic day. I thank you for loving your family and being a great dad to Bayley. God Bless you .And for all to know Bayley was lucky and fortunate to have as his dad.

My dear son,
I miss you so much. God grant me the wisdom to understand you're passing away so soon. Carson says hi.
Say hi to GranDad, we miss him too.
love you so much,
Dad

At his father's request, I will be most honored to place flowers upon the graves of Josh and his grandfather this Memorial Day. NOT FORGOTTEN.

Joshua,
Thinking and praying for you on the 2nd anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.

To the family of Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager:
Joshua gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,400 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Dear Hager Family: As I was scanning through the U.S. Casuality report, as I often do in the early morning hours, I saw that Staff Sgt. Hager was kia in February of 2007. My most heartfelt sympathies go out to the family in the loss of this American Hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of his family and country. Know that Joshua is now wrapped lovingly in the arms of our Lord and Saviour and that you will one day be with him again. I lost my son, Sgt. Clinton Ahlquist, USMC on February 20, 2007 in Ramadi, Iraq. If you need anything or to talk day or night, I'm here for you. GOD BLESS JOSHUA and GOD BLESS THE HAGER FAMILY....
Always, Barbara Ahlquist
Proud Marine Mom
SEMPER FI

Our family hopes your family finds peace in knowing we think your son is a hero for serving our country in the military. I assure my son born just 9 days after 9/11 will know the sacrifice your family has made. Thank you

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Hager!

He was the best.............. All I need to say. Thanks Joshy!!!!

Joshua,
Thinking and praying for you on the 1st anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Hager and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR SON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I would like to add my lone voice to the chorus who have praised a fallen soldier, Joshua Hager. And to his family who have given the most precious gift. My deepest appreciation to each of you.

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.

To the family of Sgt. Hager, we will not forget your son's sacrifice, and will continue to speak in support of the mission that each of our fallen sacrificed their lives for, and that their comrades continue to fight for. God bless your family, and may you find peace on your journey.

Gold Star Parents
Spc. Matthew J. Holley
KIA - Taji, Iraq
Nov 15, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

The honor and bravery that Joshua Hager possessed as he protected all of us, can never be repaid. Please know that his and your sacrifice transcends time....I thank you on behalf of my family, and our future generations.

God Bless this brave young man.

Dear Mr. Hager,

I am listening to a recording of the Bill Bennett Show and heard your heartfelt conversation with Bill. My heart is filled with gratitude for the life of your son. He lived for something good; to save his son and ours from more 9/11s and to free an oppressed people. G-d bless him and your family. May G-d continue to give you the strength to spread the word about your son's magnificent life.

Sgt. Hager died doing what he felt was the right thing to do -- fight for freedom at all costs. The cost was heavy in this case. He will be remembered by his family who loved him and by many of us who didn't know him but greatly appreciate his duty, valor and high sacrifice.
God bless the family and bring peace to all.

Kris - We at the Church of the Redeemer are devistated by your loss. Please keep in touch. The cross is now mounted on the church and looks great. Dick Robbins

THE MEMORY OF YOUR SON, SGT. HAGER, CAN NEVER DIM. HIS VALOR WILL SURVIVE, NOT ONLY IN THE HEARTS OF HIS FAMILY, BUT IN THE MINDS OF ALL AMERICANS WHO VALUE FREEDOM THROUGH THOSE BRAVE MEN WHO FIGHT FOR IT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SON'S GIFT TO AMERICA.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go with you. We must always remember are heroes and we must always remember are men and women in harms way. My son deploys in June to Iraq. God's blessings now and always

He made the world a safer place to live. Thank you alway.

You will be missed Ranger. Your leadership and determination have been passed on to those you have trained and led. What you taught me will have an impact on me for the rest of my career and life. RLTW.

We have finally felt ready to read from the guest book. We are so grateful for all of you who have written, especially those who knew Joshua personally. Josh was our only grandson, and we loved him so much. We knew how dedicated he was as a soldier, and we knew he wanted to be in Iraq. We just thought percentages would send him home to us. He went to Iraq in October and was killed in February. It was so hard to accept, but we have to remember that he chose to be there. We are thankful to the Military for the way his Memorials were handled. They seem to have done everything right.

We will have to live with our memories now, and we will never forget our wonderful grandson. Zack and Dorine Hager

My heartfelt sympathy to the Hager family in the loss of Joshua. I did not know Joshua, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Joshua you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.

Our Dear Joshua was indeed a man of honor and our family's HERO. To know Josh personally was my privilege and honor, and with that I will carry him within my heart until he and I meet again.

For you Kris, his father, Zack & Dorine, his grandparents and for all the rest, friends and family alike with whom Josh touched, I pray the hope of heaven gives us peace and the tender touch of our Father brings us comfort .

It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair, for at this moment he is in the presence of God. Thank You Joshua!

Proudly Josh's Cousin
Doreen Sauve & Family

Although I am related, I never had a chance to meet this amazing sounding man. I admire his passion, courage, and fortitude to protect peace and freedom for all of us. I am sure that his compassion will continue to touch us all, and bring comfort to his immediate and extended family. Many condolences from the youngest Carpinteria Piltz.

SSG Hager was the platoon sergeant who relieved me in Ramadi at the end of my latest tour in iraq.My troops and I had the pleasure of getting to know SSG Hager and his men and had a smooth hand over of our mission due to the outstanding men who took our place.For me it was hard to leave Ramadi knowing someone else had to take over.However, when you've fought hard for something and have lost brothers doing it, you want the fight taken seriously and for the men who take your place to be like SSG Hager and his men.It was a bad day for my boys and I hearing the news of SSG Hager and his troops. The fight in Ramadi is toughest this war has seen.ssg mo 1/506th

It is with the deepest sadness that I ask the family and friends of SSgt. Joshua Hager to accept the offer of my most sincere and heart felt condolences. I hope that you know that your loss is shared and mourned by millions of Americans. Most of whom you don’t know and in all probability will never meet. We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices made by your patriot.

Freedom is not free; it is paid for by our heroes!

AND

For those who fought for it,
Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know!

I know the pain parents feel when they loose a child. I lost a son 19 years ago. It is a pain that defies description. It is a pain that never goes away. It is a pain that will never end. It is a pain that is all consuming.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

May God Bless and keep you today, tomorrow and forever!

Rest in Peace brave soldier; you did your duty with great honor, dedication, distinction and in the highest traditions of our great country.

Semper Fidelis

To the Hager and Culp families i extend my deepest condolences. I never had the pleasure of meeting Joshua Hager, but i went to highschool with his wife Heather. From the stories i have seen on the news and read - he was a brave soldier, leader and a devoted husband and father. Heather, I have thought about you so many times over the years and I am here if you need anything. All i can offer you and your family is my love and support. My heart goes out to you and your family now and in the days to come.

On behalf of the family, thanks for your kind comments and contacts. Please submit contact info so I can respond. God Bless
Kris Hager, father

RANGER Buddy, I am a better soldier and leader today because of the lessons you taught me and the Standards you enforced. I will remember you and your family in my prayers. You ARE a great man and we will meet again.
RLTW!
your friend,

SSG Hager was my first Team Leader. He scared the crap out of me when i first got to florida. He was a Leader in the truest sense of the word. He got me in line and in shape faster that i thought possible. He was one of the finest NCO's i have ever had the pleasure to serve with. My condolences go out to his wife and children. RANGER!

Josh...we love you and miss you. Thank you for being a part of our lives. You are a true hero. We will treasure our memories of you. I think one of the best memories we have are when we spent a week with you during our pcs move. Rico, you, and I kept saying good night to each other and then you piped up with good night Johnboy. Kinda feel like the Waltons. It isn't every day that you meet a great friend. Who else would talk "army" with an "old" soldier. I know you wanted to put your boots on the ground. You did what you wanted. We are proud of you.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Heather and Bayley. We love you.

Dear family of Joshua. I'm writing you from a small country in heart of Europe called Slovakia (ex Czechoslovakia). We also had troops in Iraq and I was the one of them. We lost 4 our soldiers in this war and I feel like to tell you that men and women as your Joshua doing the best they can to help poor Iraqi people. I would like to tell you that your son is a HERO. We never met but I work with U.S. soldiers and I met so many great persons. No matter nationality we were talking and making friendships. We loved to talk about you - about our families. How much we want to be with you, how much we love you and miss you and you knew this. I pray for your Josh from here. He will be never forgotten and he must live in your hearts. And he will. God Bless you.

Thank you for dedication, service, and representation of the true and real America. You were and are the embodiment of what America stands for. Thank you family, for also serving this country. While you were not physcially in Iraq-without your strength and support your loved one could not have served as selfless and dedicated as he did.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

On behalf of Gold Star Siblings, please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Lois: We are so touched by Josh's words that came to us from your lips. We never knew Josh but we know that you raised a fine man who was a credit to both his uniform and his country. Would that people could understand the mind of a soldier. To recognize the honor and character that it takes to don the uniform in defense of those who chastise the military and neglect the sacrifice that has been made on their behalf so that they may be free to denegrate those that bought that freedom at the expense of their lives. Our country is forever indebted to men like Josh who paid the ultimate price to maintain the freedoms that we take so lightly. Shame on us if we ever forget those who gave us those freedoms at the cost of their lives.

Joshua was a great man, soldier, husband and father- I know you are very proud of him. We are all blessed by his strength and bravery. I will continue to pray for you all- and that God will provide some comfort during this difficult time. I would love to help you out in anyway that I can...please let me know if there is anything I can do. Love, Christy Roling

Josh,
Thank you for being such a great friend to Tom. Thank you for looking after him. I so greatly owe you. My heart and prayers go out to you, Heather, and Bayley. You will be missed by many.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

to the family of josh hager

I had the privilege of serving with him for 3 yrs in Florida. He was a great man and a great leader. He loved his job and his soldiers more than anything and it showed. He will truly be missed.

SSG CAMPBELL FT. CARSON

I've never known this young man but my heart breaks nevertheless. thank you for you sacrifice, Josh.

My husband and I were just horrified to hear of this tragedy. It is so hard to believe that someone so vibrant, outgoing and full of life is no longer with us. Heather and Bailey, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are so heartbroken, but are so proud of Josh and the sacrifice that he made for us. He is a soldier in heaven now and he will always be with you. Even though miles separate us, we are here for you. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.
With sympathy,
Janice, Art, Mikayla, Bronx & Tabby

My heart is heavy as I think of your family in this time of loss, and thankful for Joshua’s courage and sacrifice. You are in my prayers as I ask God to bring you peace and comfort. We will not forget.

To the Hager Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you always. I worked with Josh in A Co. 6th RTB. I've never met anyone so dedicated and caring for Soldiers. His undying commitment to his family, friends, and the Army will always be remembered. I'll never forget the way he could make us laugh while on student patrols and yet be so focused and dedicated to mentoring his students at the same time. He will surely be missed by all who have ever come in contact with him. He just left that kind of impression on everyone.

I WAS STATIONED WITH JOSH AT 6TH RTB WHEN HE WAS A SPC. AND WE WENT TO PLDC TOGETHER AND HAD A GREAT TIME. HE WAS AN EXCELLENT LEADER AND A GREAT FRIEND. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD AND MY PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY

Josh Hager, my first squad leader, and the only other Colorado native in the platoon. There are a lot of fond memories of the man who had more energy than he knew what to do with. From watching him pace around the CP talking about how great it was to be in the Army (after having way too much coffee), to running around playing on our flag football team at Eglin (and having more fun than a little kid). And of course, who can forget, his and ZP's trip "off the reservation" during a cycle break.

Remember the good; he brought joy to the lives of many. May God bless those close to him, and let them remember that his was not a life wasted, but one of value to all who crossed his path.

RLTW

Josh,
From the moment that I saw those beautiful blue eyes, I loved you. You always knew how to put a smile on my face. I will never be able to look at a slip-n-slide without thinking of you and how much fun our families had together. You will always be a part of the Switalski family. And you will truly be missed. I love you Josh!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My Dearest Nephew Josh,
From the first that I met you, I felt that we had a link and liked each other immediately. I remember how you wanted to keep on surfing in that icy water on that cold and cloudy Oxnard day. We were always so proud of you when your Dad told us about all your excellent accomplishments. You will always be with us in our hearts and souls. I know that you will be hangin' out with your step-mom Esther now. Love, Uncle Alan from Carpinteria

i never knew josh but my condolences go out to his family, god be with you all. im a very good friend of cindy vicks and she is the one that told me about josh he sounds like he was a wonderful guy im sorry i never got to know him like everyone else. again my prayers are with his family,amy j. hollenbeck kansas city, missouri

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Hager. This fallen hero's bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Thank you Staff Sft. Hager.

Josh you were always such a sweet happy boy. With the biggest smile. I am so glad that we got to watch you grow and be a small part of your life. I can see you and Nathan playing around having fun. You were so full of living life.
Thank you for loving The United States of America. Thank you for being a part of our lives and the memories you gave us.
Our prayers to your wife,son and mom Lois.
With Love, Jeff,Georgie,Stephanie,Nathan and Stacy

To Josh's family,

I would like to extend my deepest sypathy. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know there are no words to decribe the way you all are feeling. I myself am devastated by what has happened.

It was an honor to serve with him at A Co. 6TH Ranger Training Battalion as Ranger Instructors. He was a very talented and hilarious individual. It was even more of an honor to call him my friend.

Josh you will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Also your family will always be taken care of.

Your Ranger Buddy,
SFC Devine

Rangers Lead The Way

I don't know where to start, but I have to start some where. Josh you will always be missed and loved. We had a good time in Florida, laughing, joking, and just having plain old fun. You were an inspiration to me, you helped me out so many times. For example, when I went to Afghanistan, you help me pack up because you knew that the Air Force couldn't, you even helped me with Airman Leadership School, you were just always there when I needed a helping hand as well as Rebekkah and Sharian. We love you and miss you so much. We know that your spirit is around us looking at us and all I can imagine is you smiling at us.

josh... Im at a loss for words. Willie, Ray, Kevin and I were just talking about you just the other day. We were just reminiscing about the times youd make the best out of a bad situation with your ability to make us laugh. None of us will forget about the eggritos, starbursts and jokes about "HERALD". Nor will we forget about those long nights on the boiling and weaver. Well miss you Ranger Buddy. See you on high ground.

May the Hero rest in peace. He was great soldier and friend. We had great times together at Eglin AFB. May he rest in peace and always be in the hearts of those that knew him and loved him. We all suffer in this loss of life

Josh we loved you and will always miss you.You made me laugh with your funny jokes and always wanting me to make you a pie.I loved our time together on Eglin.Charles and I will miss you.Nancy and Charles

I GREW UP WITH JOSH. HE WAS A SMART, FUNNY AND BRAVELY LOYAL FRIEND. HE SACRIFICED HIS LIFE FOR THE PRINCIPLES HE LIVED FOR EVERY DAY. I LOVE YA MAN, AND YOU WILL ALWAYS WALK WITH ME IN MY HEART AND MEMORIES. I HOPE THAT WE ALL LEARN FROM HIS EXAMPLE TO NOT BE CONTROLLED NY OUR FEARS IN LIFE, AND THAT WE LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER IN PEACE AND WITH LOVE. HE LIVED HIS LIFE TRUE TO HIMSELF AND HIS BELIEFS. A GREAT MAN, A GREAT SOLDIER, A GREAT DAD AND AN AWESOME FRIEND. YOU MEMORY WILL LIVE ON. -RYAN

Always had a smile on his face don’t remember him not laughing
he will be missed.
carlos v.
Ft. Walton Beach

He was a great friend, an awsome leader, and set a high stander in everything he did.

Staff Sgt. joshua R. Hager
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Father we entrust our brother Joshua to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Joshua in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

We are saddened to hear of the loss of another young soldier, a hero. May God embrace and comfort you in this time of deep sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle & Aunt to Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06

To the Family and Friends of Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

thank you for protecting our futures. you will never be forgotten.

rest in peace hero

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am, for the loss of
this Brave Young Colorado Hero, Staff Sgt, Joshua R. Hager,
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly,
and as a sister, who has lost a brother to war,
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain
that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, seems to surface
through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
Ever so softly and slowly, time does heal.

May Joshua Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God
and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.
I pray that the Peace of God will be with the Hager family.
I am the sister, of such a Young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

I sincerely hope that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country Mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A Hero to all of us.

On behalf of all members of the Fort Carson Hounds, I would like to pass on our sincerest condolences.