United States Army Sergeant • Line of Duty Death: September 4, 2007

United States Army Sergeant Joel Lee Murray passed away on September 4, 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.

Murray was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Salina, Kansas. From a young age, he was deeply interested in history and the solar system, developing a broad knowledge of both subjects, which his father loved to brag about. Murray was always proud of his family’s patriotism; his grandfather was a WWII veteran and his father was a Vietnam veteran who received a purple heart. After his military service, his father worked at the shooting range and later trained Murray how to shoot. Spending time at the range became a hobby and beloved pastime for them. Murray met his wife, Maricel, while he was stationed in South Korea. She was an overseas contract worker.

Inspired by his grandfather and father, Murray decided to enlist in the US Army in February of 2002 without his parents’ knowledge. He loved being in the military, serving his country and being an Infantryman. Murray had goals to become an officer, finish his career in the military and travel the world after retirement. Throughout his honorable service, he received many notable achievements including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and many others. On September 4, 2007, while deployed in Iraq, Murray was tragically killed due to an IED explosion.

Maricel currently lives in Kansas with her son, Jerry. Maricel currently works at a daycare and spends her free time with her son watching movies, bowling, and playing pool. In the future, she hopes to take classes to earn her Bachelors degree. She is active in the Filipino American Association in Junction City and a member of St. Xavier Community Church. She looks forward to seeing Jerry, who is pre-med, become a great doctor someday and see his achievements throughout his career. Maricel considers the support from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation a gift from God and she is forever grateful. Finally, she would like others to know that her husband was a great man, a good provider for their family and had a heart of gold. Jerry honors his father’s legacy by excelling in his studies.

United States Army Sergeant Joel Lee Murray is survived by his wife, Maricel, his son, Jerry, and his mother, Ann. He is predeceased by his father, Ken.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Murray family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.