Joshua Amos Pete, a visual communication major at Northern Arizona University, died Nov. 16, 2009. He was 23.
Born on April 26, 1986, in Chinle to Amos H. and Deborah Michelle (Smith) Pete, Mr. Pete attended Christensen Elementary School and Mount Elden Middle School and graduated with honors from Coconino High School in 2004.
After graduating from high school he wanted to serve his tribe, his community and his country. Mr. Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army attending basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga. He also was stationed at Fort Polk, La., where he deployed and served a tour in Afghanistan with the 4th Brigade,
10th Mountain Division.
He served as a fire team leader where he and his unit conducted numerous combat operations. He earned the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Metal, Global War on Terrorism Service Metal, Humanitarian Service Metal, Expert Infantry Badge and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged from the Army in May 2008.
Mr. Pete is survived by his parents, Amos H. and Deborah Michelle (Smith) Pete of Flagstaff; a sister, Clarissa; maternal grandmother, Shirley M. Smith, and many relatives and close friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Federated Community Church, 400 W. Aspen Ave. in Flagstaff. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Section of the Citizens Cemetery, 1300 S. San Francisco St. Condolences can be sent directly to the family or to Condolences@Lozanos-FlagstaffMortuary.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Lozano’s Flagstaff Mortuary.