NORWICH – Spec. Military Policeman Joshua J. Palmer said that to be back spending time with family and friends in his home state, after completing a second tour in Iraq, is a wonderful feeling.
Palmer, 24, a Sidney-native and father of two who now lives in Ft. Benning, Ga., with his wife Victoria, gathered with loved ones and community members on Saturday night at the Chenango County Farm Bureau headquarters in Norwich to receive a citation from the New York state legislature, in honor of his dedicated military service. The award was given in-absentia by Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, who was unable to attend the ceremony sponsored by the farm bureau.
“It’s a lot to adjust to,” said Palmer, who arrived back in United States Dec. 11, referring to being away from the fighting. “One of the more difficult things to adjust to is the traffic laws,” he said laughingly. “The best thing is not having to worry about getting hurt.”
The Army policeman has received numerous awards since enlisting in August 2000, including the Army Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the War on Terror Expeditionary and Service medals.
Josh’s parents, John Palmer of Jefferson and Mary Palmer of Sidney, said they’re overjoyed and relieved their son is home safe.
“It’s just such a relief,” John said, “that he’s home, and safe, and in one piece.”
“I couldn’t wait for him to get up here,” said Mary. “I’m just not ready for him to leave.”
Palmer will be in Delaware County for the next two weeks visiting family and friends with his 18-month-old daughter Jana. His wife Victoria, who is also in the Army, and six month-old daughter Justice, remain in Ft. Benning. Prior to coming home earlier this month, the 2000 Sidney High School graduate was stationed in Najaf, Iraq, where he had been training Iraqi police forces.
When asked about the current status of the war from a soldier’s perspective, Palmer said morale is still high and that progress is being made.
“It’s getting better,” he said. “It’s getting better all the time.”
After his two-week stay in the Southern Tier, Palmer said he will go back to full-time duty in Georgia, acknowledging there is a chance he could be sent back to complete a third stint in Iraq.
Both John and Mary said they couldn’t be more proud of their son’s accomplishments – although they are not surprised by them.
“Josh has always been a very focused person,” said Mary. “We’re so proud of the difference he’s made in so many people’s lives.”
What does surprise Palmer’s father is how fast his son has achieved success.
“I think it’s amazing what he’s accomplished,” said John. “He has a wife, two young children, a great career, and he’s spent two tours in Iraq defending our nation – it’s hard to believe that someone that young could accomplish that much.”
In Crouch’s absence, the citation was awarded by City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano and Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers.
“It was an honor to be asked to do this for Joshua Palmer and his family,” said Vickers, a Vietnam Veteran and Vice Commander for the American Legion’s 6th District. “We are making sure these veterans get a welcome home.”
Maiurano also gave Palmer a key to the City of Norwich, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Quartermaster Ron Palmer gave him a membership to that organization.
Palmer enlisted in August 2000 and was deployed to Iraq in November 2003, with stops in Virginia and Germany in between. He was redeployed to Iraq in December of 2005, arriving home earlier this month.