By Eva Usadi
It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Joshua Casteel, 32, of Cedar Rapids, IA. Joshua died on August 25th in New York City, where he was receiving experimental treatment for cancer. He had been diagnosed in November 2011 with Stage IV lung cancer that was also present in his liver, spine and adrenal glands. Joshua believed his illness was a result of his service in Iraq where he was exposed to toxic fumes from burn pits. He had filed a claim for compensation with the Veterans Administration.
Joshua enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves at the age of 17. He received a 4-year ROTC scholarship and an appointment to West Point. He went to boot camp at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri in 1997.
He then served with the Army's 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion as an Arabic translator and U.S. Army interrogator inside the prison at Abu Ghraib from June 2004 to January 2005. It was during that time that he became aware of a conflict between his upbringing as an Evangelical Christian, and his duties as a soldier. Returning home, Joshua became one of the first OEF/OIF warriors to apply for status as a Conscientious Objector. His application was granted and he was honorably discharged from the Army in May of 2005. His story is featured in the award-winning documentary, Soldiers of Conscience.
Joshua was an invited speaker at over 50 worldwide gatherings. In 2006, Joshua appeared on the stage of the Royal Court Theatre for Human Rights Watch’s Cries From the Heart performing a monologue from his play Returns, which premiered at the University of Iowa in February 2007, and then at Columbia College in Chicago. Some of Joshua’s essays on war and Christian ethics have become part of course curricula at Wheaton College and Duke Divinity School. He was also featured in the documentary film, Iraq for Sale. Joshua was an accomplished author who published a book from writings he sent home while deployed, Letters from Abu Ghraib, in 2008. He was active with Warrior Writers and had been a board member of IVAW.
I had the great privilege of speaking with Joshua after he testified in New York City at the Truth Commission hearings at Riverside Church, in 2010.
Joshua was a bright and shining star, with wisdom far beyond his years. I will remember him fondly, as a warrior who fought battles on many fronts, always with grace, eloquence, and great compassion.
Gone too soon. In our hearts forever.
Remembrances to the Casteel family:
285 34th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Funeral services are being arranged. For updates, visit Joshuacasteel.com
