A memorial to one of our posters: Josh Harmon

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this is the last allnurses.com post from josh harmon, usa. he was killed in action in august 2007. his father's tribute follows this post. we at allnurses want to extend our condolences to his friends and family.

how long after a new nurse graduate commissions before they will deploy? also, with med/surg experience only where would one likely deploy? i am very curious about where i might deploy, (anticipate graduating in june).

finally, if you do not mind answering, how many times have you deployed and were you able to get the "full" two years off in between them?

well i am a combat medic from what i see of the nurses it is not as common for them to deploy to iraq as much as germanyor kuwait. we have one army nurse here at a level2. but we have a lot of physician assistants and a couple mds. but they do come to iraq just not very many big hospitals all over fr a nurse to work at. for the deployment time every unit is different but the majority of most infantry unit that have medical battalions attached with them will rotate just like the infantry just like i do. one year on one year off. ahh! after you graduate i am not positive how long until you deploy but from what i have heard i am pretty sure they will at least put you in a hospital for a year or so. it is rare in the army but some units go 6 months. my first deployment almost done with one 12month tour and we will be back it looks like 10-11 months before we redeploy. ahh! i hope some of this helps... but being a nurse on deployment really you are not put in any danger like us line guys are that are with the infantry and level 1. you will sit in a clinic and a lot of clinics in iraq are kinda quiet and slow which is good(means people are not getting hurt) i hope any of this helped sorry for he rambling i am really exhausted lol later ~ josh

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thanks to all of you who took the time to help my son joshua. joshua was killed in action on august 22, 2007 in a blackhawk helicopter crash. joshua was wonderful young man. i have been trying to thank anyone who took the time to be kind to my son. he had changed his ambition from nursing to medical school. ten days before joshua lost his life, the army had approved his request to enter in to biology courses.

cpl joshua s. harmon: 2nd battalion, 35th infantry regiment, 3rd infantry brigade combat team, 25th infantry division, schofield barracks, hawaii. 35th ranger sniper patrol - recon: 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

http://www.myspace.com/rich_harmon for pictures of joshua

some thoughts about joshua's from major robert oh, md battalion surgeon for 2-35 infantry:

i want everyone to know that he was one of the best medics that i've had a chance to work with in my 9 years of being a physician. he not only was wicked intelligent, he had a thirst and passion for medicine i don't see often. not only that, he was the most compassionate and caring medic in the whole platoon. he deeply cared about his troops, his "scout" platoon. it was truly an honor to have known johnnie (that was his nickname in the platoon). i will never forget him.

the "scouts" are a specialized group of soldiers, the elite of an infantry battalion that has numerous skills and talents. they are often on dangerous missions in new terrain and territory that needs some reconnaissance and surveillance. basically, the scout platoon is sort of the infantry battalion version of a special forces platoon.

the days afterward were heavy. we finally got all the names of the dead. we, the medical platoon, especially mourned the death of cpl "johnnie" harmon. he was such a unique and loveable kid. he was full of joy and love. while he was a little quirky and strange, that was a quality that endeared him to you. he was one of those guys who made friends with everyone. everyone loved harmon. he was one of the rare individuals who i've heard many people call "his best friend." that is a rare quality and i've honestly have to say, i've never met anyone like him. not only was he an intelligent medic, he had a passion for medicine and was filled with compassion and care for his soldiers that were second-to-none.

thank you once again.

rich harmon

cleveland, ohio

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Mr. Harmon- we are so terribly sorry for your loss. What a genuinely wonderful young man Joshua seemed to be. You must be so incredibly proud of your son, and all he has accomplished in his short time here on Earth. Prayers to you and your family.

Please feel free to share Josh's story with us.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Josh. Fair winds and following seas.

You are not forgotten.

Day is done, gone the sun

From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky

All is well, safely rest

God is nigh.

Elvish

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

Mr. Harmon, please accept my condolences. I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your son's story with us.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Mr Harmon - Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Your son is a true hero.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Wow, I'm so sorry about your loss of your wonderful son. :( God Bless you and your family.

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mr. harmon, please accept my heartfelt sorrow.

josh shall remain alive in the heart and soul of many.

wishing you much peace, today and always.

leslie

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I'm sorry for the loss of your son, and the loss our country has in the loss in your son. He sounds like a wonderful man! Many prayers to you and your family, as well as his commrades still serving.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I am so sorry for your loss. :( Josh sounds like an exceptional young man. Thank you for sharing him with us.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

So very sorry for your loss

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.
amer_flag.gifThank you so much for sharing. Your son is a true hero. So sorry for your loss. Someone so special will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to you and your family.
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