Pfc. Joseph A. Miracle was remembered last week as a great student, athlete, son, brother, friend and, ultimately, hero.
The 2003 Brandon High School graduate died July 5 from wounds sustained from hostile enemy fire in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
He was 22.
‘He was well-respected by his classmates and teachers,? said BHS Principal Michael Ferguson. ‘I’m sure everyone appreciates what he was trying to do for our country… It’s a huge loss for his family, school alumni, the community and for our country.?
Miracle was born Nov. 6, 1984 in Pontiac to Glenn and Judy Miracle. He grew up in Ortonville, the youngest of seven children.
Oldest sister Jeanette Leshan recalls her brother as ‘very smily,? a ham who didn’t mind being the center of attention. He loved children and became an uncle at a young age, happily babysitting when asked.
An avid churchgoer, Miracle once went with a youth group to Mexico during his spring break to do missionary work, and returned home with nothing but the clothes on his back and a smile, having given all of his luggage away to the poor.
In high school, Miracle was on the varsity baseball team and was a running back and co-captain of the varsity football team his sophomore through senior years. He was voted most valuable player multiple years.
Miracle signed up for the Army in April 2006 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.
‘He missed the physical and team environment of the football team,? Leshan said. ‘He enjoyed motivating others and working as a team toward a goal. He wanted to see other places and learn a specialty.?
His generosity was once again apparent when he gave to Afghani children most of the candy his family had sent him in a care package.
‘He loved the Army,? Leshan said. ‘He said, ‘We can either fight (extremists) over there or we can fight them over here. He was very, very proud of himself. We feel he died a hero doing what he believed in, and we couldn’t be prouder of him.?
Glenn Miracle, Joe’s father, said, ‘I love Joe and will miss his smiling face for the rest of my life. He is my hero.?
Joseph Miracle had been in Afghanistan for just 35 days when he was killed. His fellow soldiers have told his family the reason they got out alive was because of actions Miracle took when they were surprised by 30-40 insurgents.
Miracle will be given several awards posthumously including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and NATO Badge.
He is survived by his parents, Glenn and Judy; siblings, Jeanette (Brian) Leshan of Goodrich, Julie (Matthew) Joneson of Lake Orion, Christine Miracle of Burton, Keith Miracle of Davison, Anne (Jamie) Dalton of South Carolina, and Douglas Miracle of Southfield; grandparents, Roger & Mary Weeks of Arizona; nephews, Nicholas and Trevor Leshan, and nieces, Adrianna and Alana Amormino; and 14-year-old Dalmatian, Sissy. He was preceded in death by his brother, Brian.
A funeral Mass is planned for 11a.m. today at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Waterford. Interment All Saints Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a future scholarship in Joe’s name.