My Hero, My Son is a celebration of the life and achievements of Sergeant Andrew J. Baddick, an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper who sacrificed himself to save a fellow soldier in Iraq. Narrated by his father Joseph, the account begins with A.J.’s birth, recalls his youth in the Pennsylvania coal region, and continues through his life-defining military service.
Through anecdotes, personal letters, and interviews, we witness an adventurous teen’s transformation into a soldier and an American hero.
About Joseph Baddick
Joseph Baddick served as an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper before working for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for twenty years. Originally from the coal region, he new resides with his wife Sheila in Berks County, PA. He enjoys golf, winemaking, fine dining, traveling, the outdoors, and spending time with his grandchildren.
About A.J. Baddick
Andrew J. Baddick was born on June 30th, 1977 at Coaldale Hospital in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Jim Thorpe High School in 1997. A.J. entered the Army in 1999. He took his Basic Training and Infantry Training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to Ft. Hood, Texas as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle driver. He re-enlisted for six more years and returned to Ft. Benning for Jump School. He was then assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C.
A.J. deployed to Afghanistan in August of 2002, and served six months at Baghram Air Base with Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Upon his return to Ft. Bragg, he was assigned to the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He deployed with them to Iraq in the fall of 2003. Not long after his arrival in Iraq, the incident would occur that would take his life.
Sgt. Andrew J. Baddick is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Soldier’s Medal. A.J. was raised in Jim Thorpe, PA and was an avid kayaker and swimmer. He guided rafting trips down the Lehigh River. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He hunted with guns and the bow and arrow. He belonged to the Jim Thorpe Fire Department, and was a driver for the Ambulance Service.
Joseph Baddick served as an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper before working for the PA Department of Corrections for twenty years. He is the author of My Hero, My Son. 
Joe's son, A.J., also served in the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2003, he sacrificed himself to save a fellow soldier while serving in Iraq. His fascinating story is documented in the book My Hero, My Son.