Honoring Private First-Class Joseph H. Salaba Jr.
**Army Veteran | Stockton, New York**
Today, we walked 6.06 miles in honor of Army Veteran Private First-Class Joseph H. Salaba Jr., age 82, of Stockton, New York, who passed away on December 26, 2007.
Joe was born on March 6, 1925, in New York City, the son of Joseph and Anna Warnuska Salaba. His parents were Czechoslovakian immigrants who became United States citizens before his birth. Although his mother always spoke English to others, she spoke to Joe in Czechoslovakian, making sure he never forgot his family's heritage.
Growing up in New York City, Joe eventually answered our nation's call and joined the United States Army during World War II. He had a special gift for music, playing both the trumpet and violin in the Army band.
One of the most touching parts of Joe's military service was his role in playing Taps for fallen American soldiers as they returned home from the war. The number of times he performed this solemn tribute was innumerable. He would later share stories about these brave men, how they fought, and how they gave their lives in battle. Those memories stayed with him throughout his life.
Following World War II, Joe became an electrician but never gave up his love of music, continuing to play his trumpet in a local band. He also remained active in his community and the American Legion. From 1963 through 1969, he served as Commander of the Joseph Kovarik Post in Suffolk County, New York.
In 1972, Joe, his wife Hazel, who was also a World War II Veteran, and their two children, Bob and Jim, decided to leave city life behind and move to Stockton, New York. There, they purchased a 102-acre farm where they raised beef cattle, grew their own fruits and vegetables, and spent many years caring for several adults with special needs.
Joe continued working as an electrician, volunteered as a firefighter with the local fire department, and became an important part of his local church.
He loved the Fourth of July, and throughout the year, the American flag proudly flew in his yard. Family and friends remember him as one of the most patriotic people they ever knew.
Joe remained on his beloved homestead even after Hazel passed away in 1997. They are now laid to rest together near the homestead they loved, at Evergreen Cemetery in Sinclairville, New York.
### 🇺🇸 Today's Walk — 6.06 Miles, 112 Honks
We started today's walk by making our way past Holiday Hills Lake before stopping at the Field of Honor at Garrison Park. Standing among approximately 700 American flags flying proudly was an amazing sight and a beautiful reminder of the men and women who have served our country.
From there, we continued toward town, passing by the fire station before making our way to Main Street. We stopped at Veterans Memorial Park, where we took time to read the names of some of our Fallen Heroes displayed on the Memorial Wall.
After paying our respects, we headed back toward home, completing another 6.06 miles in honor of a man who spent his life serving others.
We received **112 honks** along the way. Each honk is a reminder that people are seeing these walks, recognizing our mission, and helping us keep the memories of our Veterans and Fallen Heroes alive.
A special thank-you to our hiking friend Donna for joining us today to honor one of her family members. It meant a lot to have you walk alongside us.
I also want to thank Fallen Hero HT2 Michael Fonseca for joining us and helping us honor Joe today.
Joe spent his life serving his country, honoring those who never made it home, helping his community, caring for others, and proudly displaying the flag of the country he loved.
Today, we took a few more steps to make sure his story continues to be told.
**Army Veteran Private First-Class Joseph H. Salaba Jr., your service, your music, your patriotism, and your memory will live on.**
🇺🇸 **YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!** 🇺🇸
*One Step At A Time. One Hero At A Time.*
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