Joseph George Pushkal, 31, of Glen Burnie, Md., formerly of Whiting, Manchester

Thanks Melissa and Tommy.

Mike - Joe's brother

Love you Joe you were my supervisor when I was pregnant and you never understood how I could eat black licorice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but you were so accepting of it. You were a great person and we had some great conversations, some that nobody could ever understand. Being stationed in Germany together and a deployment to Kosovo, I really got to know you. Rest in peace and I cannot wait until we meet again. <3 <3

It's hard to believe that it has been almost a year. I miss you and hope your family is well. God bless you.

Rest in peace my sweet boy. I love you and miss you. You are in my heart always. Until we meet again. Love, mom

Dear Pushkal Family,
I just found out about Joe's passing, and am heartsick to hear it. I was Joe's English teacher at MTHS when he was both a freshman and a senior, and it was wonderful to know him and see him grow into such a kind, funny, thoughtful young man. His energy and joy for life was contagious, and I remember him making us all smile and laugh constantly. I'm so very, very sorry for your loss.

Dear Pushkal Family,

I believe I supported your Joseph when he was deployed to Iraq several years ago. I adopted him and wrote letters and sent packages unil he came home. I was invited to his homecoming party and was able to meet and spend time with Joe and his family.

I am so saddened by his passing and I am sorry that we lost touch several years ago. I was looking for him on Facebook to reconnect and came across this blog. My "GI Joe" will never be forgotten.

My condolences to your family.

Can't believe it has been 4 years...Happy Birthday 455....miss ya <3

Ms C wrote:

Apparently he killed himself. He will be sorely missed.

Oh

I just heard about it, SGT PUSHKAL was great person I met him in Germany, while stationed 2001-2004

I have shed my tears and looked to the sky. We have lost one of our own. He didn't answer when called and the guns begin their salute. I just heard Pushkal, I salute you and as a member of the former B 201st Fsb in Vilseck, Germany. You will be missed and I send condolences to your family. Thank for your service and friendship.

@Michael- i know man...he was an awesome guy! I NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY HE ALWAYS COMPLAINED ABOUT BEING FAT LOL....he was in better shape then i was and i was like below 10% body fat when i was serving with him. hahaha not so much anymore. but i wentto so many places with joe and worked out with him in the gym. i remember walking around austria and looking for dance clubs to go to...he spoke german and i didnt so it helped me out haha. we went to lots of fests and he was a great NCO! i served in kosovo and in iraq with him. he was always smiling! i only wonder one thing because i never thought he would be capable of "suicide"...why? what was goingon and was there a secondary or even a follow up investigation done? seems kinda suspect to me....we all have bad days but he seemed like he was happy and had life by the balls! idk...but best wishes to your fam and RIP JOOE! miss you man!

It will be 5 years April 6, Joe and I still miss you like it was just yesterday. I love you so much my sweet boy and look forward to the day when we will see each other again. I'm taking good care of Tyler. Love, Mom

I smile when I think of your handsome face with those beautiful dimples and am so sad not to be able to see that face in person. However, I do see your face in your beautiful son Tyler. You would be so proud of him! We all miss you so much and love you more. The wonderful memories we all have make us smile. Be proud of the way you lived your life, however short. I'll always love you Joey.

Well, Joe, it is 5 years today. There is a hole in my heart that will never mend. I miss you so much my beautiful boy. I pray each day that you are resting in peace with God in heaven. I still see that amazing smile of yours each and every day. I love you more than words can say. Mom

You were a great friend Push....I will never forget you. You did have a great smile that is missed always. 5 years and I still can't get the fact that you are not here joking around with us. You will never be forgotten 455.....ever