“Every saint has a past and every sinner has a past”- Oscar Wilde

Hello there, my name is Josh. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My hopes are that we will get to know each other quite well. You may have to forgive me as I am usually more the strong, silent, compassionate listener. So, bear with me as I break out from my usual routine.

I am seeking a pen pal. Preferably a woman aged 18-40. Someone who is fun, loving and active. Not afraid of 2nd chances, who likes movies, music and travel. Loves to talk, write, or visit. Into new experiences, the adventurous type. Must have a good sense of humor. Understanding, patient and accepting of other’s faults. Open minded and willing to overcome barriers of incarceration.

Looking back on the culmination of my life one word I would use to describe me is: Service. Throughout my life I served the lord at Sunday mass as a young adult I enlisted into the United States arm and served as a machine gun operator. As a son and father, I served my family to brighten their futures as a health care professional. I served my patients with high quality care. Unfortunately, now I am serving time in prison, but this time would be better spent serving as your confidant.

Some history about me. I was born and raised in Illinois. Coming from a huge functional Catholic family I still had a bit of a wild side. With a taste for liquor, skateboarding, and getting into trouble. Numerous infractions of the law may or may not have been committed. Just the life of an average rocker. Following a successful high school career, I took a year to explore my options, so a few good friends and I decided to road trip to the West Coast. Now that’s a wild story for later. This was the chance I needed to discover who I was. After 3 months of living in the California lifestyle I decided the best route for me was in the service. This way I could refine myself and help others along the way. I joined the United state army.

Leaving the warm beaches of California for the sand well of Fort Benning Georgia. My training molded me into an infantryman or (11B). Shortly after I signed a contract and was off to airborne school. The day I earned my wings was the day of my first marriage.

Upon arrival to my first unit, I was immediately thrown into training for deployment in Afghanistan in 2012. I endured the glistering heat of Kandahar for about a year. I marched countless miles on my team’s machine gunner. My trusty 240L by my side at all times.

There was tragedy during my time overseas, members of my company were wounded or killed. I honor those men to this day; they gave their lives protecting their fellow brother in arms. Without the sacrifice I may never have made it home.

After deployment I received my combat infantryman’s badge, among other military distinctions. Coming home after deployment had its challenges. Yet, not to soon after I reenlisted and was given the rank of sergeant. I continued my service until 2015 when I was honorably discharged from the service. Ready to move on to an institution of higher learning. Deciding I wanted to help heal people I enrolled into the nursing program.

Obtaining a certification, I became a nursing assistant and began working in the health care setting. I was enrolled at the University of Illinois in Chicago with my sights on a bachelor’s degree. At least until the pandemic hit, a prayer for all those lost during that time to Covid-19.

Leading me to my arrest in 2021. I am currently housed at the Illinois River Correctional Center. I have served 4 years to date. Although I am incarcerated, I am hopeful that people will see me for me. Give me a chance to show my better qualities.