By Patty Sheats
VA Medical Center
In Keenesburg, Colorado, Josh Buchholz graduated high school with dreams that extended beyond these mountains. Motivated by a desire to leave the state and avoid college, he enlisted in the Navy taking on the role of a Navy Corpsman during America’s Global War on Terror. His mission was clear: provide lifesaving battlefield medicine. Nicknamed “Doc Buck”, he quickly learned camaraderie among his peers. Josh served 8 years in many locations: starting in Bremerton Navy Hospital, Camp Lejune, then Naval Air Station Fallon in Reno around the time of the filming of Top Gun.
Josh described boot camp as a whirlwind of discipline and humor or in other words: “the funniest place you’re not allowed to laugh at.” These early experiences shaped his resilience and adaptability. He states the biggest lessons he learned was leaving this small town of 1,200 people and learning to work with people from all backgrounds and ideologies.
Josh deployed overseas to Okinawa, Japan, and Pyeongchang South Korea during the winter Olympics in 2018. His proudest moments were when he was recognized with the Fleet Marine Force Warfare Device board after extensive studying; a testament to his dedication. His service taught him discipline, and a different perspective on life, influencing his transition into education. Upon returning to civilian life, he went back to college and pursued a teaching degree, eager to share his lessons learned.
Now, as a teacher, Josh emphasizes understanding and respect for all individuals, reflecting on his military experience and states he is now fighting a new war on the homefront: a war on quality education. Josh expresses the importance of education and strives every day to teach the next generation; instilling in them the values of resilience and compassion, proving that lessons learned in service can shape a brighter future.
Josh’s story may not be one of combat glory, but it resonates with us all because it embodies the quiet strength and resilience found in everyday service. His journey highlights the profound impact of service in the dedication to community and in the transformative power of education. Josh reminds us that true heroism often lies in the commitment to uplift those around us.
Thank you for your service Josh.
