JOSEPH BADDICK

Author and General Huggins

Central Pa. Chapter, 82nd Association

My wife, Sheila, and I recently took a road trip to North Carolina. We stopped to visit with my Brother and his family for a few days and had a wonderful time. Then we headed off to Fort Bragg, N.C. to attend All American Week. While we were there we did three book signings and met some really nice people. We went to the Division Review and watched excitedly as four sky divers parachuted down, one with a huge American flag and another with a POW/MIA flag. It’s an awesome site seeing the entire 82nd Abn. Division out on the parade field. From there we went to the Memorial Ceremony to honor the fallen troopers of the Division. It pulls at your heart strings watching each family lay a yellow rose at the base of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial.

We also attended the 82nd Association Social and were treated to the beautiful sounds of the 82nd Abn. Chorus. While there, I had a chance to speak with Major General James L. Huggins, commander of the 82nd Abn. Division.

We left for home on Sunday and stopped at Arlington National Cemetery to pay our respects to A.J. and all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We always look forward to seeing Arlington and meeting new families who are just going down that road of pain and sorrow. I try to offer them hope and comfort from someone who has been there before them.

Thank you for looking at my website, and keep checking in as I will try to keep it updated.

My next booksigning will be on May 16th at the Veteran’s Expo, in the Barn at Flying Hills Village Center, from 9:00am until 2:00pm. It will be hosted by Rep. Mark Gillen.

Then, I will be attending this year’s World War II Weekend at Reading’s Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. The dates are June 7th, 8th, and 9th. Look for me in the hanger where I will debut my new book, “All American Hearts.” The introduction for the book is written by Lt. Colonel Oliver North, USMC (Ret.) Proceeds from the book will benefit our nation’s Wounded Warriors.

When Joe isn’t working his part time job as a driver for the Miller-Keystone Blood Center, he spends much of his time golfing, making wine, playing with his grandchildren and volunteering his time. Joe is involved with the restoration of the Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s P-61 Black Widow Nightfighter, recoved many years ago from a mountain top in New Guinea.

T.A.P.S., Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors,  is a group the author is closely involved with. As a Peer Mentor, Joe is contacted by TAPS to make contact with other fathers who have recently lost a loved one in the military.

Joe is a life member in the 82nd Airborne Association, the 504th Paracute Infantry Association, and the 82nd Airborne Division Museum. He is a member of the National Rifle Association, the American Legion Post 0934, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, and the Reading Liederkranz.

The author and his wife, Sheila, live in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

I’d like to officially announce the launch of my brand-new website, www.JosephBaddick.com. I’ll be using this domain to post information, discuss events, and write short articles. Stay tuned for updates!