A Decatur, Alabama Army Staff Sergeant was killed during a bomb explosion in an open market in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Joshua Rath was only six months from the completion of his one year tour in Afghanistan. This 22 year old is a hero and all who value the contribution he has made will mourn his death. We wish the best to his family and friends and have them in our thoughts at this moment of grief.

Phil Ellis

www.divesports.com

UPDATE:  January 10, 2009 -  The slightly more detailed article expanding on the circumstances surrounding this sad event was posted on the www.whnt.com on January 10.  The text of that article is shown below.

January 10, 2008

Venton Blandin, WHNT Reporter
Email: venton.blandin@whnt.com

The number of those killed serving our country in uniform grows almost every day. One of the latest to make that grim number go up is that of a Decatur man– Army Staff Sergeant Josh Rath. WHNT NewsChannel 19 sat down with the soldier’s family.

Hundreds of pictures. One face. A life gone.

“Now our family will never be complete again,” said the soldier’s mother, Darlene Rath.

Missing from the family is Army Staff Sergeant Josh Rath.

A bomb killed the infantryman two days ago as he patrolled an open market in Afghanistan. The 22 year old left behind the familiar surroundings of Decatur for the Army in 2004. His life came full circle as Army officers arrived at the soldier’s home telling the family their Josh was no longer alive.

“They said they were sorry that they had to inform me that my son was killed,” added Darlene Rath.

Details were limited, but something stood out to the sniper’s mom.

“I was like what time? 7:17, that was…..17 was Josh’s favorite number. It was his birthday,” added Darlene Rath.

Overcome with emotions, Darlene found a positive.

“I said I’m going to take comfort in that 17. 717, he could have said any number to me, but I’m hanging on to every bit of hope I have,” added Darlene Rath.

Staff Sergeant Rath’s father Leroy believes faith is holding his family together. It’s guided them with the loss of his mother, father, brother, and uncle.

Losing his first son…

“This is a whole new level of pain,” said the soldier’s father, Leroy Rath.

Nothing could guide Leroy through the interview. His family became a rock to lean on. All were pulled into hundreds of photos of their favorite soldier.

“This is your graduation. I probably never sent you the pictures I know,” added Darlene Rath.

These photos paint a clear picture of what Josh’s life was like around those he loved. Now, everyone in the pictures are left with memories.

Kim Taylor dated Josh Rath for five years.

“My heart sinks. At first, every time I heard his voice, I would light up. I was so love in with him. The more you heard it, the better you felt. Now, it’s just starting to slowly sink in,” said Kim Taylor, the soldier’s fiance.

They were set to marry once Rath returned from deployment.

Staff Sergeant Josh Rath will return home for the final time in the next few days. He would have turned 23 on January 17

UPDATE: January 13, 2009 - We have just learned some additional details on the funeral arrangements for Staff Sgt. Joshua Rath.  In local news reports, Sgt. Rath’s father has confirmed that the body of this fallen soldier has arrived at Dover Air Force Base.  Family members will fly to Philadelphia on Thursday and will make the drive to meet his son’s body at Dover Air Force base.   They will accompany the body to Huntsville, Alabama on Friday.  The family has planned two viewings to honor Sgt. Rath, the first being on Saturday from 5-8 PM and the second on Sunday from 3-8 PM.  Both will be at the Roseland Memorial Funeral Home in Decatur, Alabama.  The funeral for Sgt. Rath will be on Monday January 19, 2009 at Calvery Assembly of God.  The service will be held at 11AM.