MERIDIAN, MS, U.S.A.
U.S. ARMY
WARRANT OFFICER 1
09/03/2011, MERIDIAN, MS, U.S.A.
Joel P. Hocker, 24, born on November 21, 1986, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2011, in Meridian, MS, from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident.
“He never met a life he didn’t touch.”
Joel was someone who understood his mission and worked hard to achieve his goals.
At the age of 2, he knew that he was going to fly. His room became filled with all sorts of airplanes. Astronomy and aerospace were his life. At Sierra Vista Middle school Joel joined the Huachuca Astronomy Club. Lots and lots of nights were spent looking up at distant galaxies, nebulas and stars. Joel wanted to be among the stars. “Star Wars” the movie, the figures, the star ships were part of his life. He knew he was destined to be a pilot.
As a freshman at Buena High School, Joel joined the Civil Air Patrol, Sierra Vista Composite Squadron 107. In 2002 he joined the Tucson Composite Squadron 105, where he became a cadet colonel, Spaatz Award #1671. From colonel in the CAP cadet program, he transitioned as a captain in the Civil Air Patrol. His goal was to fly aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. He attended the University of Arizona. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program.
On January 12, 2011, Joel graduated Warrant Officer Candidate School as a U.S. Army Warrant Officer 1.
Joel is survived by family, friends and brothers in arms.
Our heavens have been made eternally brighter, now that you have returned home. Thank you God, for sharing him with us.
“I have loved the stars too truly to be fearful of the night.” The Old Astronomer (1868) by Sarah Williams