Richard Harmon:
CLASS OF 1977
Mentor High SchoolClass of 1977
Mentor, OH
Ridge Junior High SchoolClass of 1974
Mentor, OH
Reynolds Elementary SchoolClass of 1971
Mentor, OH
Valley Vista Elementary SchoolClass of 1971
North royalton, OH
Richard's Story
Hello everyone,
High School was followed by four years in the US. Navy. Upon discharge and after working in various vocations, it was good fortune, which has allowed me to spend the thirty-six years as member of the Fire Service. May of 2016 I retired as Fire Chief for the Willoughby Hills Fire Department.
Currently, (2023) I am on the Board of Directors, for Lake Humane Society, serving as President. I've been with LHS for 13 years.
Life had turned out better than I had ever hoped or dreamed, I was remarried and enjoying my life with the most wonderful son anyone could have hoped for. Then on August 22, 2007, we received the tragic news that we had lost Joshua. The loss of Joshua was debilitating, and it took months for me to become functional. In an effort to ensure that Joshua¿s essence and name would live on forever it was decided to create endowments that captured Joshua¿s passions. (Music, Medicine and Service to others)
Cpl. Joshua S. Harmon was filled with joy and love, and a friend to all. He was a rare individual who many people called their best friend.¿ Highly intelligent and an extraordinary medic, with a passion for medicine, music, service to others and a love for humanity. Maj. Robert Oh. 35 Battalion Surgeon. For his courage under fire and exceptional medical skills, Cpl. Harmon was awarded the Army Commendation with Valor and the Bronze Star.
Joshua came in to this world on November 25, 1986, full of life and with a spirit of adventure. He was always well liked by his teachers and classmates. Joshua enjoyed many sports including basketball, baseball, soccer and football, but roller-skating and roller blades were his favorite.
As a teenager, Joshua developed an inter...Expand for more
est in music, evolving into an accomplished guitarist. Joshua and fellow musicians were doing well, playing local festivals and coffee houses. Joshua¿s intellect and disposition led him to achieve any goal he sought. He always had smile on his face, a joke on the tip of his tongue and a helping hand to assist anyone he could.
Assigned as a combat medic to the 2-35th Ranger Scout Patrol. Joshua¿s keen mind enabled him to be a great medic; his kind heart was reflected in the eyes of destitute people he was always helping and his strong physique and training made him a warrior. Joshua touched the hearts of people wherever he went. His sacrifice though tragic was not in vain. As a solider and a man, Joshua made a difference in the lives of those he knew and worked with. Whether through exceptional medical skills, courage under fire or his gentle soul; Joshua had a kindness that permeated the hearts of those he encountered, leaving them with hope, peace and of course his wonderful smile.
This excerpt is from one the last notes that Joshua had written to our family. He had just described the long hours, the temperature in excess 125 degrees and his motivation that kept him going.
¿I just stay focused as platoon medic to make sure my soldiers are taken care of night and day. Sometimes it is a tiring job, but a job I have found great pride and satisfaction in.¿
Joshua¿s citations and medals:
Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Combat Medic Badge, , The Hawaii Medal of Honor
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