Joe is the Commandant of the Marine Corps League, Griswold Mountain Detachment 1121. Joe was born in Spokane, Washington on November 9, 1963 and raised in Idaho. In August 12, 1981 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went to boot camp in Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Ca. and became a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Joe spent 8 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and was promoted to the rank of Corporal (E-4). He spent time assigned to the following units; 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1 FSSG, Camp Pendleton, Ca, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Ca, Marine Wing Support Group 17 (Camp Hansen), Okinawa Japan.

Joe was deployed to Beirut, Lebanon in 1983. He was also deployed to support Team Spirit in 1986-1987. Team Spirit was a joint military training exercise of the United States Forces Korea and the Military of South Korea held between 1974-1993. This was a diplomatic effort to encourage the Government of North Korea to disable the North Korean nuclear weapons program.
Joe received numerous awards while on active duty to include; Navy Achievement Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, Good Conduct Medal- Bronze Star, Korean Defense Medal, Sea Service Deployment, Overseas Ribbon, Letters of Appreciation, and Meritorious Mast.

Joe left active duty and became a Correctional Officer at the California Department of Corrections in Chowchilla, Ca. Joe retired from the California Department of Corrections.

Joe spends many hours volunteering in his community with the Military Funeral Honors, Toys for Toys, Avenue of the Flags, and the Marine Corps Ball just to name a few. Joe is married to Annette Wilson and lives in Oakhurst, Ca. He has two children. His son, Forrest, is on active duty in the United States marine Corps and is a Gunnery Sergeant. His daughter, Heather is a medical assistant, at Kiser Permanent. He enjoys fishing, camping, hunting, and spending time with his wife and fur babies.