3/21/2019

Sergeant Joseph P. Collette, an 89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, assigned to 62nd Ordnance Company (EOD), 242nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), died March 21, 2019, as a result of wounds he sustained while engaged in combat operations in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan.

SGT Collette was born in Lancaster, Ohio on August 17, 1989. He enlisted in the United States Army on November 8, 2010, as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.

After completing Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, SGT Collette was assigned to 749th EOD Company located at Fort Carson, Colorado, as an EOD Technician. In October 2013, SGT Collette was assigned to the 62nd EOD Company, Fort Carson, Colorado. While assigned to the 62nd EOD Company, SGT Collette held the EOD Team Member and EOD Team Sergeant Positions.

In December 2018, SGT Collette deployed to Afghanistan with the 62nd EOD Company as an EOD Technician in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. SGT Collette’s military education consists of the Basic Leaders Course, EOD School, and Combatives Level 1.

SGT Collette’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two clasps, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with One Campaign Star, the Global War On Terrorism Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, the Senior EOD Badge, and the Excellence In Competition Rifleman Badge.

SGT Collette is survived by his mother Theresa, his father Joseph, his son Cody, his daughter Blair, and his wife Caela and her children.