BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE AUTAUGA NEWS
This morning Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley and City Council members recognized the heroism and the loss of a true hero in Army Specialist Joshua T. Lancaster. Joshua was killed in action on Jan. 19, 2011 while serving in Afghanistan. He was from Millbrook and attended Stanhope Elmore High School.
Mayor Kelley proclaimed May 14, 2024, as a day to honor and remember Joshua, Millbrook’s Hometown Hero.
Representing the memory of Joshua and accepting a framed proclamation were his mother, Kim Davis; her husband Eric Davis; and his grandmother Gloria.
In speaking of Memorial Day approaching, Mayor Kelley choked back emotion as he said it is a time to remember all the fallen heroes. “But this one…Joshua was from right here in Millbrook. He was one of us and one of ours.”
On January 19, 2011, Joshua lost his life due to wounds sustained during an insurgent attack on the Kandahar airfield. He was assigned to the 184th Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
He was a Signal Support Systems Specialist assigned to the 723rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company. Throughout his military career and posthumously, Lancaster received honors such as the National Defense Service Medal, the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon among others.
He was only 22 years old and had been looking forward to returning home in early February, where friends and family had planned a welcome home party for him.
His mother Kim said, “I just want people to know how much he is missed.” She says to remember his service, his kindness and everything about him that made people smile.
His character, selflessness, and dedication to his friends left a lasting impact on those who knew him. We honor his memory and express our gratitude for his service to our country.
For more information about Joshua from the Fallen Heroes Project, visit his page at https://www.fallenheroesproject.org/post/joshua-t-lancaster
The City of Millbrook invites everyone to its Memorial Day Service on May 24 from 10-11 a.m. at the Millbrook Memorial Center monument. This is located behind Village Green Park and next to the Civic Center. All are welcome to come and honor someone who lost their life in service to this country.
