Joseph Brian Cemper was born on November 15, 1989 in Omaha, NE to SFC Eugene B. Cemper and Angela Cemper. As a young boy, Joseph played football, soccer, wrestling, and baseball in his hometown, Papillion, NE.

When Joseph was in ninth grade, he started at a new school and in a new state when the family followed his father to Warrensburg, MO. With his contagious big smile and willingness to help others, combined with the fact that he was a standout athlete at Warrensburg High School, Joseph seemed to fit right in!

Following graduation, Joseph began college at the University of Central Missouri where he was a member of the wrestling team. After one year of college, Joseph felt the call to serve his country, like his father and brother, Joshua.

After completing training at Ft. Eustis, VA, Joseph was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. He was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion. Joseph quickly showed his physical and mental toughness and gained the respect of his peers as he completed Air Assault training and the Warrior Leadership course as a Private First Class.

On his birthday, November 15, 2010, Joseph deployed to Afghanistan with the 101st Sustainment Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On March 11, 2011, Joseph was home on leave for the birth of his son, Liam! He was able to spend a few days with his newborn and his finance, Abbie, before returning to Afghanistan ten days later.

While in a meeting on April 16, 2011, a suicide bomber forced his way in and detonated, killing SPC Joseph B. Cemper. He was 21 years old.

SPC Cemper’s awards include: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Joseph is survived by his son, Liam; father, Eugene; mother, Angela; brothers, Joshua and Noah; and sisters, Rachel, Lydia and Leah.