Joe Valdez was a World War II veteran who was laid to rest today, June 6th, which also happens to be the 64th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
Born in 1922, he went to be with his LORD on May 31st, 2008. His tour of duty during World War II found him fighting in North Africa, Italy (Anzio), France (Normandy), and Germany. He saw 275 days of battle, and was twice separated from his unit, having to find his way out of enemy territory on his own (and having letters sent to his family notifying them that he was MIA). Prior to battle, he would read Psalm 91, as a source of strength and comfort.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
- Psalm 91:1-8 ESV
After he returned to the United States, in 1945, he married his fiance and raised a family of two girls and one boy. A dedicated follower of Christ, he brought love and discipline into his family, while instilling in them a strong work ethic.
The woman he married was my father's sister, which made Joe Valdez my uncle.
Requiescat in pace, Uncle.
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