Joseph Riley - U.S. Military Fatality in Afghanistan

Joseph Riley

Spc. Joseph Riley, age 27, of Grove City, Ohio, died on November 24, 2014, in Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from an explosive device.

He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Spc. Riley and another U.S. soldier were killed. Six civilians also died and many were wounded.

Joseph was known as Joey to his family and friends.

He graduated from Grove City High School in 2005. He played football in high school and at Capital University and then decided on a military career. 

Joseph's military comrades are in mourning over the death of their brother. 

Friends describe Joseph as a born leader and a hard worker. He was kind to others and decent all around.  He was uptempo and was known for his welcoming smile. He

Light a candle for Joseph.  Light his way to Heaven.

wanted to make a difference.  He will be forever remembered.

Joseph's family members are devastated by his sudden and tragic death. They are proud of their son. He loved the Army and felt that he was defending freedom.  He was a man of faith and a member of Memorial Baptist Church.  He will be forever mourned.

Joseph is survived by many loving comrades, friends and relatives including his parents, Michelle and Rodney Riley; and two siblings.

Thank you for serving, Joey.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Joseph.

Pray that Joseph is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.