Joshua Hargis
Josh was an expert K9 Handler within the 75th Ranger Regiment. On his last deployment in Kandahar, tragedy struck.
Joshua Saluting In The Hospital
He Lost Both Legs And Still Continued To Serve
When he was in his late teens, Joshua Hargis knew he had a choice to make. “I wanted to rise above my circumstances and be the best I could, so I set my sights on the U.S. Army.” Josh graduated from the Army’s premier leadership course, Ranger School, and trained to become a K9 Handler. He served four deployments in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
A Night Raid Turned Tragic
During Josh’s last deployment, on October 5th, 2013, tragedy struck while conducting a night raid in Kandahar. Josh's unit entered an area littered with buried bombs. The enemy wore explosive vests concealed underneath their clothing. The circumstances were unimaginable. An explosion amputated both of Josh's legs. "Four members of our team died," he recounted. "Another soldier and I suffered battlefield amputations and countless others suffered severe injuries. And my K9 companion was killed."
His Wife Was Pregnant with Their First Child.
Just one week before, Josh had learned his wife was pregnant with their first child. After his catastrophic injury, had only one goal: To get back to his wife and unborn child.
"She raced to be by my side, fighting for me when I couldn’t."
"There is not another man I would trust with my life."
Even after completing his medical treatment and rehabilitation, Josh wasn't done serving. He returned to the Ranger Regiment K9 training unit before eventually medically retiring. A fellow Ranger who served with Josh the night of the attack told us, “With complete disregard for his own safety, even after his K9 partner Jany had been killed, Josh took off into a live minefield to render aid to another Ranger. That’s the kind of person Josh is. He is the most selfless individual I have ever had the privilege of working with. His tireless work ethic, spirit, soul, and love for his family are truly remarkable. There is not another man like him that I would trust with my life.”
The Humble Warrior
Josh is revered by so many of his fellow service members. "He does not seek gratification for his service." Another Ranger told us. "He has far out-earned more than we can ever give him." Like so many of our severely wounded heroes, seeking a helping hand is not easy. It's our duty to honor their sacrifices as the beneficiaries of their service. "I know that Josh can manage and succeed in any environment, no matter what is thrown at him," his fellow Ranger told us. "However, an accessible home will greatly benefit his wife, Taylor, and his boys and their way of life, as it will help Josh to be more self-sufficient.”
Help Us Build A Home Where Josh Can Thrive
The Gary Sinise Foundation is building Josh and his family a home custom designed to his individual needs that will improve his mobility and independence. This home will allow him to fully participate in life, both as a husband and a father to two young boys.
