Hillsboro residents have always been proud of the many members of a younger generation who have finished school, left town in search of higher goals, and eventually achieved not only success but the admiration of those “back home” who remember well their earlier years among us.
The Sentry-Enterprise always appreciates updates on our former neighbors, especially from family members. Jim Joseph, has filled that bill for years, keeping us informed about his daughter’s remarkable military career.
Major Angela Joseph-Gaffke is currently stationed outside Hanscom Air Force Base in Concord, Ma. Officially, she is Executive Officer for Delta Company, 3-85th Mountain Infantry Division. Warrior Transition Battalion, Community Based Warrior Transition Unit- Massachusetts, currently stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base in Concord, Ma.
Being from Hillsboro, however, we can still call her “Angie.”
Her mission is to provide quality medical and administrative support to all “wounded warriors” in support of Operation Iraq Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
That’s all we really need to know to assure our continuing pride and support for a hometown hero who is definitely serving her country in a key role.
Her unit provides medical care and support for those who became ill or injured during their service, but are able to live at home in the states of Maine, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.
They assist an average of 270-300 wounded warriors a week!
Recently, you might say they put in some unexpected overtime after the Boston bombing incident.
Some of their Soldiers in Transition (SITs) who are amputees came to Boston and helped support the mentorship program right after the marathon tragedy.
The volunteers would go to the hospitals where victims were located and provide them with hope and counsel, showing those who lost limbs that there was life after such a horrific event.
That was only one of the services performed for those patients who were suffering both physically and mentally.
In Angie’s unit, called a “cadre,” there were doctors, nurses, social workers, platoon sergeants, administrative staff and more, up to 50 people working as a team to help people in great need.
“It was a group of trained and qualified personnel capable of forming, training, and leading an expanding organization,” Angie reported. “They are amazing people. “Many, like myself, have served in the military for years in peace time and in war. Some have actually been “wounded warriors” themselves. Others are civilian professionals who want to make a difference and have come to work with the Warrior Transition Battalion.
“We enjoy working with each other, Morale is high, and I really feel honored to be working with them.
“The tasks needed to take care of the soldiers are very time and resource intensive, but the mission is very honorable, rewarding, and important for everyone who has served our great country.”
