Local News

Sept. 11 tragedy inspired Raschella to serve his country

BELINGTON -- Josh Raschella has spent the past 18 years in the Army National Guard, after a historic tragedy inspired him to serve his country.

"The biggest reason I joined the military is because of what happened on Sept. 11, 2001," said Raschella. "It motivated me to want to go and serve my country. I felt that I had to do my part."

Raschella, who is a First Sergeant and an Active Guard Reserve, joined the military in 2002 and was sent to basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He then went on to Advanced Individual Training in Fort Lee (Va.) in 2003. Soon after he received his first deployment.

"A few months after I got done with advance training I got the call to deploy to Iraq," he said. "I was in Iraq for a little over a year and I learned just how good we have it in America. I think we take everything for granted sometimes. But there are a lot of people who have it a lot worse than we do."

Shortly after returning home from Iraq, Raschella became the Unit Supply Sergeant at the Elkins Armory in 2006. He also had assignments in Fairmont and Kingwood, and received a second deployment to Kuwait for Operation New Dawn in 2010.

He currently serves the Joint Forces Headquarters and the States Senior Logistics NCO for the West Virginia Army National Guard in Charleston.

His military education includes: Unit Supply Specialist Course, Auto Logistics Specialist Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, and Foundation Instructor Facilitation Course. He is currently enrolled in the Sergeants Major Academy.

"I'll probably stay in until they force me out, because I love what I do and I love doing logistics," he said. "All I know is the military, but after 20 years it's probably going to be time for me to go and give someone else an opportunity."

With Veteran's Day coming up on Wednesday, Raschella was quick to pay tribute to all of those who have served, especially the older military veterans.

"The guys in the past really had it rough and it's because of their sacrifice that we have the things we have today," said Raschella. "I'm thankful everyday for our older veterans, that's for sure. We have it pretty good in the military today because of what they did."

Raschella's leadership positions include: Unit Supply Sergeant, Senior Supply NCO, Battalion S4 NCO, Regional Training Institute Platoon Sergeant, State Senior Logistics NCO and First Sergeant.

His awards and decorations include: The Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (fifth award), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (three), Oversees Service Ribbon, Armed Force Reserve Medal (M-Device, 2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (two stars), Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and the Honorable St, Barbara's Award.

"I wouldn't be where I am, or have the things I do if not for the military," he said. "The military taught me how to be a leader, how to be resilient and how to adapt to change."

Raschella is a 2000 graduate of Philip Barbour High School and is the son of John and Pamela Raschella of Belington. He has been married to his wife Shawntra since 2007 and the couple resides in Belington with their two children, Jaden, 11, and Addison, 7.

"You wouldn't be able to do this job if you didn't have a supportive family, and I have one of those," he said. "I appreciate everything they do for me."