Please allow me to introduce you to an American Hero from our  community.

Sgt. Joseph E. Proctor was raised in New Whiteland, Indiana and graduated from Whiteland Community High School in 1987. After graduation Joey, as he was known by his family and friends, married his high school sweetheart, joined the National Guard and then the Army and served five years in Germany during Desert Storm. Joey completed his military contract and returned to Indiana where he and his wife Beth worked and raised their three children. The events of 9-11 changed the course of Joe Proctor’s life. He re-enlisted in the Army and once again walked into harm’s way to serve and protect the country he loved. On May 3, 2006 just 2 weeks from finishing his tour of duty, Sgt. Proctor courageously stared down the enemy and saved the lives of hundreds of American soldiers. In the process of once again putting others first Sgt. Proctor lost his own life. Here is an accounting that was posted to one of his unit member’s blogs on that fateful day:

“When I arrived on the scene 15 minutes after the blast, a lightly wounded Iraqi approached me and told me “Proctor kill driver. Make truck stop.

The first realization was how incredibly wrong I was in my assessment of the Iraqi’s story. The second realization was how clear it became that Proctor had done what very few men in this world could ever imagine.

A dump truck packed with an estimated 350 lbs. of explosives charged the strong point and breached the wall. Before it could make it to the barracks area when dozens sleep, the driver was shot dead by Sergeant Joe Proctor.

Proctor, without hesitation, opened fire on the truck, which was bearing down on him, killing the driver and bringing the vehicle to a stop. Seconds later the vehicle detonated, killing Sergeant Proctor and Marine Corps Captain (Brian) Letendre instantly.

Sergeant Joseph Proctor need not be made more of in death than he was in life. In a world full of phonies, Proctor told it like it was.

In his absence we mourn him, comforted by the knowledge that he died the way he lived; standing yards taller than his frame, with courage and strength.”

Nick Miccareli

Go here for Proctor Park Details in New Whiteland

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