These powerful words below were posted on Facebook by Josh Minton on February 18, 2018.
Today I took off the uniform for the last time of my Army Career. Though I never imagining it ending the way it did or nearly as soon as it did I have come to peace with it all. I’ll forever cherish the memories of the good times we had whether it’d be from the Rugby Fields at West Point, blossoming town of Lawton, Oklahoma, the 5, yes 5 months at Ranger School, my time in both Bamberg and Grafenwoehr, Germany and the 9 months in Afghanistan. I’d do anything to have friends I’ve lost back whether it’d be from combat or this dreadful disease known as Cancer. I’ve had plenty of lows from a broken engagement from my fiancé to having a girlfriend committing suicide the day after we separated. I’ve had plenty of highs as well to include being an integral part of the success of a new and upcoming treatment from the trial drug I was on for 1.5 years that is now leading into another cutting edge treatment starting in March. I’ve witness some of the most touching love stories through some of the toughest situations. With a lot of your help I’ve been able to raise close to $20,000 in 3 years for various organizations that have either had a great affect on me personally or has helped fellow patients in more ways than I can count. I’ve lost a lot of my physical prowess but not my determination as I’ve completed 2 consecutive years of 60 mile ruck marches from Harper’s Ferry to Arlington National Cemetery to ensure brothers and sisters in arms that have been lost but will never be forgotten. I’ve completed a 1/2 marathon and a 24 hour bicycle marathon. I’m also about to go on my 2nd consecutive bicycle ride from Baltimore to Key West for the Ulman Cancer Fund. I’ve been able to partake in the President initiative “Cancer moonshot summit” as well as speaking to cancer research conventions and been highlighted in at least a half dozen different articles. It’s all been a very humbling just shy of 8 years since taking my oath of office from West Point May 22nd, 2010. Thank you for everyone that has taken part of my journey and know you all had a huge part in the person I’ve become today, a person that I think is a much better, understanding and compassionate person.For those wondering what’s all in the picture, my DD214 which signifies the honorable discharge from the Army, the picture frame is a farewell gift from a few members of the young adult cancer group sponsored by the Ulman Cancer Fund that meets regularly every 2 weeks, my official retirement flag folded in its formal/traditional triangular shape, letters from the Chief of Staff, Secretary of and Sergeant Major of the Army thanking me for my service and lastly my MSM(final award/retirement award) for my time in the Army. And also a letter from the Commander in Chief of the Armed Services, President Trump.