Josh Lancaster

On Wednesday, January 19, 2011 Chris’s and my nephew, Josh Lancaster, was killed in Afghanistan from wounds he received during an insurgent attack on Kandahar Airfield. Josh was 22-years-old and was assigned to the 184th Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group, based at Fort Campbell. The only local television station to pick up on the story was our NBC affiliate, WSFA. Here is the segment they did on Josh. Josh was supposed to come home on February 11^th.

The Army flew Josh’s wife, Melanie, her parents, Josh’s mom, Kim, and one of his uncles to Delaware. The Army took care of all of them and made sure their every need was taken care of. Our tax dollars are well spent.

Josh’s body will be flown to Maxwell AFB and transported to the funeral home. Prior to Josh leaving for Afghanistan he made specific requests in case anything did happen. The family is determined to see each of those requested filled.

Millbrook, Alabama is his hometown and has a population of just over 16,000. They are donating the civic center for meal afterwards. Also Millbrook has basically said if you need anything let us know.

Maxwell AFB houses the Air University. Additionally, at nearby Gunter we have the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. The Headquarters Standard Systems Group (SSG), where my dad worked. The total military related population in the metro Montgomery area is over 32,000.

Current estimates for people attending the funeral/wake is at approximately 700. That number is increasing daily.

The local Coca-Cola bottling plant is going to donate drinks for the meal etc. Budweiser is making signs. The motorcycle group “The Patriot Gaurd” will be on hand. (In case anyone wants to demonstrate). The American Legion is doing something also.

Also, there is a group of 3 or 4 people taking names for various other donations for the gathering at the civic center. If you would like to help, please contact Cheryl here.