SGT. JOEL GOMEZ
October 20, 1980 – November 22, 2022
SGT U.S. Army Veteran
The 1st Infantry Division (BRO)
B Company, 1st Battalion, 18th/2nd Infantry Regiment

Joel Gomez, age 42, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, IL. He was born October 20, 1980 in Winfield, IL to Algimiro Gomez & Emilia Guerrero.

From a young age, Joel was a favorite of his family, friends, teachers, co-workers, military personnel, and anyone who met him. He had an enthusiastic and generous personality. Joel excelled in school and sports. He had an unbelievable memory which helped him do very well in school, history being his favorite class. Joel enjoyed football, track, and wrestling. Wrestling being his passion, he wrestled all four years at Wheaton Warrenville South and received many accolades.

After High School, Joel was proud to join the U.S. Army, serving in the historic, THE "BIG RED ONE" (BRO). Joel spent five years serving his country. Within a short time, Joel earned the rank of Sergeant. During his five years of service, Joel enjoyed traveling the world and living in Korea and Germany. While in Germany, he and his friends took advantage of their military leaves by renting high end cars and motorcycles and testing them on the Autobahn.

Unfortunately, on March 17, 2004, while on combat duty during the War in Iraq, a tragic accident ended Joel's career in the U.S. Army. Doing what Joel was trained to do, he and his comrades were chasing the enemy when his Bradley vehicle toppled over a cliff. Miraculously, Joel survived. However, his injuries left him a quadriplegic.

Being a quadriplegic did not define Joel nor was his identity. By talking to him you would never know he was injured. Constantly smiling, constantly engaging, constantly joking, he had no interest in feeling bad about his situation in life. In fact, Joel made it clear if he could go back to the US ARMY and serve again, he would return immediately.

Joel's caretaker, nurses, doctors, friends, family, and Platoon, were all beneficiaries of his positive fun- loving personality. His love and constant concern for his family and Veterans was foremost in Joel's life. His actions showed his love for them.

Joel's brothers and sisters of the US MILITARY have and will continue to benefit from his life. Joel's problem-solving efforts have changed significant Veteran health and housing policies for Veterans. No Mission to Difficult, No Sacrifice to Great; DUTY FIRST!

Joel served this country with perseverance and honor and did not give up the fight to his last breath, a VANGUARD trait.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Noemi (Jose Mora) Sanchez and his brother Ruben (Angel) Gomez. Also survived by his niece and nephews: Sonia Sanchez, Julio Sanchez and David Gomez, great-nieces: Arianna Sanchez, Egypt Beverly Hollins, and Allure Italy Hollins.

A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Monday, November 28, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a eulogy to begin at 5:30 p.m. and funeral prayer service at 6 p.m. Relatives & friends are invited back to the funeral home on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, for a final viewing from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421 on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to:

West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans

Christian Children's Fund

Wheelchair Foundation

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital