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Captain Joseph William Schultz

Captain Joseph William Schultz, grandson of Mary Stokes Cort, of Sonoma, died May 29, 2011, in Afghanistan's Wardak Provence, when his Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device. He was 36, the only son of Betsy Reed Schultz of Port Angeles, Wash., a proud mom.

Two other soldiers also died in the blast. The Humvee was the lead vehicle in the convoy, noted Staff Sgt. Jeb Cleveland. That came as no surprise to those who served with him in Afghanistan.

Cap. Schultz would always be in front of his men, whether walking or driving. "He would never ask anyone to take on a task that he would not do himself," said Cleveland, who became choked up while speaking at a memorial service in Port Angeles. "He will not be forgotten."

Cap. Schultz was also admired by his superiors. "Joseph clearly exemplified what all officers like to be to their men," stated Col. Mark Schwartz, adding "he had never seen such passion and admiration for a captain."

After serving in Iraq in the 82nd Airborne, he became a Ranger and in August 2010 was graduated from the 3rd Special Forces Group, Ft. Bragg, N.C. and was proud to be a Green Beret.

He is survived by his mother, grandmother, two aunts and an uncle and several cousins. Schultz was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, on the of June 17, 2011, with his entire family present. He is dearly missed by all of his family and friends.